Band Weekend

This is a big weekend for our family. Robby has been taking guitar lessons for several months, and this Saturday he has his first performance. He is a bundle of excited and nervous energy right now, fretting about every detail and worried that he will make a mistake on stage. I would worry if his smiling and giddy demeanor were not also present to counter his nerves. 

Unfortunately, performances in January are always risky. The weather is supposed to be unfavorable, which means that his little cheering section will be impacted. It is going to be hard for my Mom and sister to travel to Virginia to watch him. Thankfully we have Skype and plan to live stream his performance. They may not be there in person, but they will be able to experience his band virtually. 

Initially only assigned to perform one song, Robby's dedication and increasing skill level has led to him playing a total of six songs.  Each week he has come home, floating on Cloud 9 and eager to fill me in on every single detail. Weeks when he is assigned to a new song he is especially animated.  

He has worked hard, has never missed a band meeting and has practiced religiously. I'm so proud of him. Although I know he is nervous, I also realize that he is going to do a great job. I can't wait to hear him play with his band! 

Best Day Ever

For the past few weeks, Timmy has gleefully declared "today is the best day ever" when he wakes up. His little feet don't even touch the ground before he has decided that it is going to be an amazing day. He is happy and excited to embrace every opportunity he is sure the new day holds. I want to be like Timmy!

My little Timmy has every reason to be unhappy, yet his optimistic spirit continues to shine bright. I love his enthusiasm and his belief that everything is wonderful. He keeps me grounded and reminds me that happiness is simply more fun than being stressed and anxious.

I have been focusing on self-care over the past few weeks. While I'm not yet at Timmy's level for unabashed joy, I have been noticing some improvements in both my mood and outlook. Between the meditation and my gratitude journal, I am learning to pause and enjoy the moments.

I have a long way to go, but for the first time in over a year I feel like I'm on the right path.

Taking it Easy

I was delighted when both boys awoke yesterday feeling better. I was so worried that Robby was going to be sick for his band performances. Thankfully, the malaise from Monday was fleeting. Soon after they woke Timmy was zooming around the dining room on his roller skates while Robby busied himself with his VR and guitar.

Despite feeling better, I tried to keep both boys as calm and quiet as possible. The weather cooperated with my plan, providing us with a cool and rainy day. It wasn't hard to convince Timmy to stay inside to play when he saw the dreary sky.  

Usually I would take Timmy to an indoor playground on days with yucky weather, encouraging him to play and expel energy. Unfortunately he can't be around other kids right now, so I am forced to turn my living room into a playground. Between the roller skates, his push bike and Hot Wheels, my living room is bustling with activity.

I will be so happy when flu season is over and I can take Timmy into public spaces without fear!

Day Off

Yesterday was quiet. Neither boy was feeling fantastic, so they spent the day quietly working on school assignments (Robby) or playing with toys (Timmy.) I hate that they weren't feeling well, but I rather enjoyed a day without the need to do anything of importance.  

While they were busy quietly working on their own activities, I was able to knock out some projects and clean the house. When that was done, I actually took time to relax. I became sucked into The Crown on Netflix and was happy to watch another episode in the middle of the afternoon. I know I'm behind the eight ball on discovering the series, but I always seem to be a step behind popular culture. 

I'm hoping that the boys are feeling better and that yesterday was just a blip. Robby has his band performances this weekend and I hate to think that he might be sick. He has been working so hard and is excited to showcase his new skills on stage. Fingers crossed yesterday was just a little health hiccup and not the precursor to more significant issues.

Riding Buddies

We were graced with amazing weather over the weekend. Our temperatures flirted with the 70s , making it feel like Spring in the middle of January. The sure-to-be brief respite from the cold was a welcome relief. My limb quickly began to feel like normal, allowing me to take full advantage of the unseasonable temperatures.

I spent a great deal of time outside, playing with the boys and working in the yard. Timmy and I rode our bikes for hours up and down our little street. Robby and I were able to steal away for a longer ride, meandering through the neighborhood for nearly an hour. It was invigorating to feel the sunshine on my face and the wind in my hair.

Robby received an electric bike for Christmas. Even at the time of purchase, I recognized that his present was probably a gift for me as much as it was for him. With Robby receiving an electric bike I was insuring countless hours with an eager riding buddy.

I adore riding bikes with both boys, but going on riding adventures with Robby is special. In all honesty, I appreciate being able to just pedal rather than constantly stopping to set a ghost trap to fight imaginary apparitions. (Timmy is still all in when it comes to Ghostbusters.) 

Unfortunately, the weather will soon turn and we will again be bundled up inside. I'm so glad that we had a small taste of spring and the adventures to come. After Christmas I tend to become depressed, and being able to play outside all weekend was exactly what I needed to right my own ship.