Tennis & UVA Basketball

Today has to go down as a one of my favorite days in Charlottesville history. Even though we found out today that our car is pretty well totaled with repairs it needs (so so sad to have to say goodbye to that car that was a gift from a violin student in exchange for lesson - even though it's an old 2001 Buick, it's fancy with leather heated seats, but especially fun memories etc etc etc) - we got to go to a little birthday party of Mason's little friend Max (well done Nicole G on that party!!!), and (thanks Elizabeth H for volunteering to take all of us in your car), and within a span of about 5 minutes, after just briefly mentioning that our car was in the shop, two other WONDERFUL friends there offered their second cars for us to use while between our transition to buying a new car, and I just thought - wow - we are SO blessed to be associated with such extraordinarily kind people here in Charlottesville. They really are like family, and we love them. This place is a little piece of heaven for us - and honestly, we would stay here forever with these people - if we could just bring our families here too.

We finished the day with a little tennis, and UVA basketball watching with our dear friends the Awerkamps (love them) at the UVA Alumni hall with free pizza, and raffle where Ryan won a basketball signed by the coach of UVA. Go Ry! So funny to bring our kids along playing tennis. Stanley couldn't keep himself off the court - that kid and balls. When Nate pulled him off, he just laid on the court and sobbed. It was just like last week when we finally pulled him away from the softball field - he just kept saying "'i wa ba" (i want a ball). His little friend Claire came to the rescue. I am awed at the sympathy I find in these little children sometimes for each other. It's so sweet and innate and encouraged and taught by their wonderful parents I'm certain. Since our car is in the shop we took our bikes and our little bike trailer which was fun. Stan and Mason giggled after every little bump. It was so cute!

This last week I was really struggling as a Mom - because sometimes my boys (especially Mason) just likes to ignore me. So I asked friends their advice. I have found that looking in the eyes, touching gently, and being consistent with consequences/rewards is doing wonders. I guess I just need to communicate more clearly - by being closer, and touching, and explaining more. It takes a little more effort and attention - but it's amazing how far it goes. Things are on the up, so thank you all for the wonderful and much needed advice!

Nate caught this pic today while I was playing with Jeni A. He has been my tennis coach the last 5 1/2 years - he's really the best coach. He would make an amazing Professor someday I think- he's so good at explaining, and he's also very patient and of course skilled. Thanks, sweetie!!! I am really starting to love this sport that I hope we play well into old age.

Where is a ball that I can hit!?

sweet Claire's compassionate and loving response!!! Oh I love that Claire.

sparks were flying on that tennis court today

he loves me  :)...especially when I play tennis with him. Kind of like when I watch him play the piano - it kinda gets my heart going.

close eye on our bikes (not the trailer...oops), and Stan with that balloon

Wahoowa! Go UVA!

That Alumni house is BEAUTIFUL!

Last but not least - these little breakfast bowls we have been loving since I have not been eating a lot of sugar this year (except for holidays, birthdays and traveling). Non-fat greek yogurt, grape nuts, frozen berries, and honey. My boys love it, and so do I! Nate's not crazy about grape-nuts, but when you put them in this cereal, I like the texture it gives - and the fiber. We switch off with this one day, green drink and eggs on another day, oatmeal with fruit on another day, crepes (no sugar added), or toast and green drink, or just whatever we're feeling like). Breakfast is definitely my favorite meal of the day.