First Orioles MLB Game, Sock Burning Party, and Special Olympics Naval Academy Games!

Dear Friends and Family,

Well, I'm beat!  I was just telling some friends how I came across a podcast and a book on entitlement. The general titles were The "Me, me, me," Epidemic and "How to Avoid Entitled Behaviors in Your Child... and in You!" Both had fascinating things to say, namely that entitled people think they should have things right now, however, they shouldn't expect some of these things until later in their lives. (For example: expensive technology, luxury cars, model home, nice furniture, perfectly behaved children, gourmet meals and time to cook/eat them, etc.) My biggest entitlement problem? As it turns out, expecting to get a good night's sleep!  The last two weeks have been a mix of wild nights from foot cramps, bad dreams, allergies, and fevers. I think I'm entitled to get great sleep because my kids are no longer babies, but it appears I'm not. I've really had to shake the upset feeling of little hands tapping on my sleeping face, or leaning in super close to whisper, "MOM! My nose has boogers and I can't breath!"

I love those kids so much. (That's my mantra as I stumble out of bed.)

Anyway, the advice has put things into perspective for me, and I appreciate that! Mostly, it's geared toward trying to show you how to be happy in the present and content with what you have. Once I stopped daydreaming of what the future might hold, I looked around and felt impressed by what I do have. This has been a true blessing!

We had a wonderful weekend! On Friday it was Mayo Elementary Night at Camden Yards. It was the kids' first baseball game and they loved it!  We even made it to the 7th inning stretch, which is pretty impressive since the game started at our normal bedtime (7pm)! I taught the kids how to sing "Take Me Out To The Ballgame," and they proudly sang it loud when the time came! Chris ordered hot dogs, cotton candy, and a bag of peanuts so we could get the full experience! Needless to say, the kids loved it! Claire even sat in my lap, trying to learn the rules of the game. To Claire's happy surprise, her teacher got the seats in front of us. I had Claire doing word problems to figure out how many more strikes for an out, how many more balls for a walk, or since there are players on first and second base, how many points will we get if the batter hits a home run? Mrs. Crovo (her teacher) cheerfully turned around, delighted to hear Claire rattling off correct answers.

On Saturday, our friends Kim, Gil and Ava had us over for their annual sock burning party!  We all brought our worn-out socks or socks that were missing their partner to toss in the fire. Kim read a poem that was originally written for the first sock burning party. And the kids all chanted, "burn those socks," as they marched by and tossed a sock on the fire. It was very entertaining!

On Sunday, the kids and I headed over to the Naval Academy to cheer on Nan in her Special Olympics Bocce match.  She won her first match and lost her second, but that still got her a second place ribbon, which made us all very happy!

The Bocce Queen in action!

Nan was especially excited to get a picture with "Bill" the Naval Academy Mascot! (Claire too!)

On Tuesday, my wonderful friend Jessica and her sweet Mom, Millie, invited me to dinner with them. It was so nice to get out for a girls dinner, have girl talk, and sip wine. I had such a great time. 

I'll close with a funny Claire comment and a video of Will reading! 

We were eating dinner and Claire asked, "Mom, do I have to eat all my vegetables?" I said, "No, but if you want ice cream you do." Claire sighed and said, "Oh, I wish my taste buds weren't working right now."

Will picked out Hop on Pop by: Dr. Seuss at the library and just started reading it to me!  I was so impressed. Here's a minute of his reading: https://youtu.be/K9HuqcWtbNg

I hope everyone is having a wonderful week!
Love,
Bethie