Remodeled Brace:)

Anna,

Gosh, this was a few weeks ago, but since then you have:

 had a temp of 102+

a cough that won't quit

......for three weeks.

But, I digress.  Your brace was bugging you.

Blisters, red sores on your feet, etc.

So, your friend Miguel was ready to step in and make a couple adjustments.

Trying out the brace after a few adjustments.... not quite right.

You wear a left hinged AFO.  I can never remember the name, and while neither of us love this thing,

it is a means to an end.  You were teary and upset (probably due to the fever), and negotiated that you

would celebrate your birthday with Miguel by ditching the brace.

It is not likely, but neither of us argued with you.

This brace is so hard sometimes Anna and I am so sorry. 

You are remarkable.  You are strong.  Your spirit is more resilient than anything I have ever seen.

Soccer has been hard lately.  You can't keep up with your friends on the playground sometimes 

and they don't notice.  When you told me this today I welled up with tears.  

This year is the first time kids have been unkind.  One boy makes fun of your brace.

Another girl makes fun of your pencil grips.  Another your wedge.

Heartbreak.  Really.  I am just so sorry you are going through this.

I keep saying this, but we never really understood what your clubfoot would entail. 

We underestimated this.

I thought kids would be kind.  They are not.

I looked back through my photos of you and each and every one (yes, even the first) just makes my soul light up.

The research shows that you are special.  Most children don't have as many surgeries as you. 

Anna, we don't need the research to tell us this.

Kate Forsythe once said:

“May my heart be kind, my mind fierce, and my spirit brave.”

Anna, you are all of these things and I am so lucky you are my example.

We are all so lucky.

xoxo

mom

More fall

Kiddos,

We are loving fall at Casa de Davis.  

I don't even love Halloween, but I do love having a decorated house:)

The white pumpkins are my absolute favorite. 

Nothing like unloading TONS of pumpkins to start our Sunday.

 I realize from this picture that I really need to reframe the painting above my fireplace.

Also, the copper part is crooked, yowza.

Kids, this is a great lesson. 

Something may look great, but when you look at it in a picture, true colors come through.

Next up:

Anna's Daisy investiture

Anna's halloween party

Taylor's costume and dance.

Hudson's non stop talking. You are the funniest guy.

Soccer. Soccer. Soccer.

xoxo

Apple Pie

Kids, 

I made a pie.  From scratch.  No one cares.  Not doing it again.

Oh well.  I tried.

Not doing it again. Ever.

xoxo

mom


Here is the recipe:

I start with a basic pie crust. There's one boxed version--Betty Crocker--that's exactly like the one from scratch you roll out yourself (perfect every time and I used 2 boxes of it for Eileen's pie). I'm not a fan of the one you buy pre-made in the freezer section. I always use 2 kinds of apples: granny smith (the tart green ones because they keep their shape) and fuji or gala for added sweetnes--or all 3 if you feel adventurous. (For Eileen I used granny smith and Fuji--probably 5 of each.) I peel and slice them and toss them with 1/3 to 1/2 cup of normal cane sugar (not brown sugar) until they are well coated. I don't use much sugar at all because the sweetness comes from the apples. Then sprinkle generously with cinnamon (probably a tablespoon) and about a teaspoon of  "apple pie spice" which is a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, etc. My secret weapon is add about a tablespoon of tapioca pellets to the apple mixture. Most people use flour or cornstarch to thicken pie, which makes it lumpy and pasty. Let it sit for 20 minutes and it will absorb all the juices while baking (this is the same stuff used to make tapioca pudding).

Then add the apple mixture to the uncooked pie shell and put small slices of unsalted butter all over the top. Put on a top layer of pie crust, pinch the edges, and cut slits in the top of the shell. I put it in a 425 degree oven for 45 minutes to an hour and I watch for when the edges start to brown and then put foil around them so they don't burn. It's done when the pie crust is done. I like to make large pies so usually it takes an hour to bake.

That's it. It good if can sit for an hour before serving so it sets up a bit. Your house will smell great! 

The Ongoing Battle

Taylor, 

We don't see eye to eye on how to keep your room.  In fact, we couldn't be further apart. 

Some might say you have hoarding tendencies.  (me!)

Others might say you are sentimental.

Sunday, I couldn't take it anymore (this happens about every six weeks).

We cleaned everything.

Moved furniture. (I believe every desk should be by a window).  

Turned your bookcases into bedside tables.

We tried to get rid of that corner shelf, but you sure do love your trinkets, so we moved it, and contained it.

 This shelf is missing a lamp but I love that you can fall asleep looking at the globe!!

 The table between your two beds is currently my favorite. 

We put your "books to read next" stack on top. A couple special trinkets and your alarm.

 Below, a whole bunch of books you have loved, or will whip through pretty quickly!

Your room is actually still in good shape a few days later.
WOO HOO!

Let's keep it up.

xoxo

mom

SFHS 20th Reunion!

Kids,

Daddy graduated from high school 20 years ago!!!!

We had such a great time! Friday night we went to the football game and Saturday was the party! Such fun to travel back in time:)

Flashback Friday

Dear Kiddos,

You three have the most expressive faces.  I absolutely love it.

Anna, that scowl is one way I know you are mine and I am yours.  

You give that look and someone would say, "wow, you look like your mom."

:)

Taylor, you have such a peaceful face.  Your eyes are calm but bright. 

Your smile is knowing and reserved.  

BUBBA!  You were so little here.  Maybe 8 months?  Your hair was so funny.

You are looking at me thinking, "really mom, more pictures?"

You are sweet and kind.  

xoxo

Happy Friday

mom