Big Girl Dance Class

Looked around a lot for the right dance class for this year.  I settled on the Jewish   Community Center, highly recommended by the neighbors.  She takes tap, jazz and ballet in Thursays.  

The first week, I waited in the hall with the other two.  Didn't work so well as we aren't allowed to use the adjacent playground due to after school program rules.  Ellie was NOT happy.  So now I have tovwait in the car.  Would rather each her through the window, but I was the only mom doing so.  Teacher says she's doing great and she loves it. 

We switched to gymnastics there but they have had just one class.  She struggled with the large class size.  I kind of regret not keeping her at the other place. but hopefully it'll work out fine.  Growing up, my girl. 

Car Accident

It's been a month and I can finally discuss this, I think.  Driving home on 481 on a Thursday, after an endocrinologist appointment.  Nearing the ever so familar Clay exit.  Follow my routine of getting into the left lane to get out of the way of cars exiting then entering from 31.  Something happens.   Still not sure what.  I was in the rumble strip.  I corrected. I was suddenly sideways.  So I over corrected.  Seemed like my wheels locked and we were headed toward an underpass wall. So I turned the wheel and we were practically backwards and then flying.   The sound of tires and my kids and the sight of my Vera Bradley diaper bag in front of me was slow and fast.  I now know the true meaning of the cliche life flashed before my eyes.  Except it was four lives.   We rolled and I prayed for my kids.  They never stopped screaming. 

Then we stopped.  We were mostly on the driver's side and I look back to see Abbey's legs squished, certain they must be broken and Ellie's upside down crying and Adam is, too. Somehow my phone is right there I try to slide it open to call for help, but it's wet and I can't.  Suddenly, I hear voices.  I hear Oh My God, the car is full of kids and then I feel panic rise. I fight it.  They need me. I see a man's face over me, talking to me.  They are tipping the car, but I didn't realize that until later.  Abbey unbuckles and scrambles out the back. I love that she did not wait to be rescued.  Now I can unbuckle and I reach up to get Ellie out and I hand her up through the one door.  They get Adam out and then I crawl up and out.  There were so many people.  And then the fireman.  And then the policeman. I was coming off the flu and felt like vomiting.  I was worried about the kids.  Adam let them backboard him but the girls, no way. I called Todd right away or some lady did. I wouldn't leave without him there to watch the kids.  I heard his voice and I let them take me.  They ended putting the girls in car seats with me abd Adam in a different ambulance.  

I was cut up a lot.  The kids were cleared quickly. I had to have CT scans and not move and the most painful thing was my stupid hair clips in my skull.  I had hit my head, but somehow I was alright. 

Not a scratch on Ellie. The other two had a few.  The cop came to see me. He had been kind of brusque in the field but was nicer now.  Probably had to make sure I wasn't drunk or high. No reason. I wasn't even speeding. All the kids came to see me and Bobby came and took them home. 

It was the most horrific incident with the most miraculous outcome.  Todd took care of everything ASAP.  Took me to browse at used cars a few days after and we happened to find this 2013 Volvo.  The kids still talk about, mostly Abbey who, I know, will never forget.  They are both in the know that we could've died.  It's an odd feeling to feel so upset that it happened and so grateful we are fine.  

It's changed how I drive.  Of course, more cautious, but other things, too.  It's not carefree or no big deal.  Because it can be a VERY big deal.  

Lobster Bake at Travis'

Last Sunday we were invited to have a Lobster at Travis' house, Todd's friend.  We didn't realize it was a big party, so we went lol.  Kids had the most fun climbing all over the dirt piles around his newly built house and getting filthy.   Adam made a buddy who also loved dinosaurs and dirt, a rarer thing then you might imagine these days. Ellie had some sorrow about not keeping up with the big kids and Abbey tried to get the attention of his daughter Brooke who is headed toward tween, crying when there wasn't enough room for her and the three older girls in the electric car.  Causing them to bring out the other just for her.  They were sad tears, the kind I rarely hear fom her. 

They all swore they wanted lobster, but in the end it intimidated them.  Abbey kept asking if they were dead lol

We have gotten to kind of know his crowd, especially since his dad works for Todd, so it wasn't super weird but most of them are related.  Got home too late.  Decent night. 

Poor Ellie rella

I bought and sold this without having a purpose I between.  I just loved it.   Ellie refused to put it on for fun pictures.  She has become VERY opinionated about what she wears.  But right before I shipped it out she let me try it on at bedtime the other day, lured by the cute mouse and staying up.  I didn't get the photo I had pictured, but it's still cute.  And it suits her new dramatic life us hard for me when I don't get my way stage.  Sigh.  Growing up.  But I've got her saying I'm your baby mommy.  That's something, right?

Dancing in the Rain

A couple of weeks ago, Ellie and I met Tammy for Indian food.  Ellie oddly enjoys Indian bread and I'm addicted as always.   When it was time to go, it was raining HARD.  We waited for a bit before running to our cars, but Ellie saw fun.  And she was dancing in the rain.  Stomping in the puddle.  Laughing And having the time of her life.  Life doesn't feel like that at almost 40.  But it's fun to watch.  

Yesterday

I took Ellie on errands yesterday.  She was full of tantrums.  She even had one in the library, which she loves. She talked me into the play area anovr the library which are both in Shoppingtown.  She seemed happier after that. 

She didn't even give me a hard tine when we made a quick run to Wegmans after. 

End of Last Year Picnic

I wasn't there but my PTA neighbor sent me this photo if Adam assisting the magician.  You can't tell, but he loved it.  He's also grown out of those clothes since June.  Sigh. 

School Picture Day

We practiced picture faces.  The question is...will Adam stay together long enough for a photo?

Morning Walks

Since school started, Ellie and I have been taking the dogs for a walk.  I have found out how much she hates the sun in her face. 

It's oddly reminiscent of the walks I'd take with Adam in his stroller with Bailey.  The last time I had real time with one kid. 

Growing up fast.   Last year with no school.