Saturday, March 26, 2011

Basketball




We have been living basketball the past couple of months. I must say that Gigi is a trooper. I would have tired of this schedule a month ago but she loves the game. She is on her second league. The first one was thrilling. Her team won the final tournament. Now, they are playing different teams and don't always win... maybe once. Everyone likes to win but there is an important lesson in this current league. It doesn't matter if you win or lose. It is how you played the game. (I didn't make that up myself ;)
She also takes my abuse after each game. I can't help myself... I have to know every single detail about her game and what was going through her mind while she was playing. Then I have this terrible habit of building her up on her strong points of the game but I can't leave it at that... I must (this is uncontrollable) tell her how she should improve her next game. Then at night while I am trying to fall asleep in bed and going through my parenting skills or lack of (depending on the day and normally feeling guilty) I always tell myself that the next game I will say nothing but positive comments.
She is a maniac in defense. I mean this kid goes at it with her heart during each and every game. There is always an injury that is real and then there is usually a faker injury that comes when she is tired and frustrated. Her goal was to get through this past game without the faker injury. She did it! It was so sweet... during her rest period I went where no parent is allowed. I snuck up behind the coach (who happens to be her Dad) and told her how great she was doing and I was proud of how she didn't let the faker get to her. She grinned and gave me sweaty hug. I don't want to forget that moment.
Softball is starting. I hope and pray that I can keep my trap shut.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Free?!?

"Gigi promises to be nice and play with me for two days for a sour skittle for free! Do not forget."

This is the exact nature of Gigi and Greta's relationship... Greta loves her big sis and wants her to play with her all the time. It makes me smile that she is trading Skittles for love.
Greta frequently trades services or candy for some undivided Big Sister time and Gigi has usually put some type of escape clause into the agreement.
Gigi: "Greta if you do my chores I will play dress-up with you."
Greta: (Picture Greta quickly cleaning the bathroom sink and excitedly running to Gigi) "Okay Gigi, I did your chore. Now we can go play."
Gigi: "Not now Greta. I'm busy."
Greta: (in her whiniest voice) " Buuut you prooooomissssed!"
Gigi: "But I didn't say when I would play dress-up." (and exits the scene.)
At this point I usually sneak Greta a hug and a cookie.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Greta's Joy Art Journal

Greta's art journal

She really does love fruit this much.

Our afternoon together was all about mixed media art for our journals.


Here is my page.



Greta is fascinated by my art journal and the entire process. She will sit and watch me draw, paint, glue, and paint some more for as long as I will let her... as she chats the entire time (which drives me c.r.a.z.y because I like to go into a zone).
So, I got her an art journal with a purpose. Her art journal is only for things that bring her joy. Greta loves a lot and feels deeply... she can plunge into a funk that will last for a week. Art is her escape so I wanted her to have a place to put her joy so she could find it when she needed it the most.
Today we had a few hours with just the two of us so we decided to do what we love most... shop and paint. It was a great time and we only cried once!