Christmas 2010

2010: A Milestone Year

This was a milestone year, of sorts. For the last 10 years, I have been the one who mows our yard. This is the year I have broken free of the shackles of this duty. Cal, our glorious middle child, started to mow our yard and each week I can think of no better way I could spend that $10. Each time he completes the chore, he walks up to me and stretches out his hand. As I pull out my wallet and search for the wages well earned, I reflect on the last 11 years and how we got to this point.

When we were new parents, I remember the excitement and anticipation each new child brought to our lives. We projected illusions of grandeur on our kids when they are born. Would they be the next great scientist, perhaps another Einstein? Or would they be a capitan of industry like Iaccoca? As those dollar bills fall into Cal's hand, I am reminded that part of the process of learning how to become a parent is acceptance. You stop the projection of what you want your kids to become and accept the reality of who they are. Who knows what the future will hold for them. But I do know that the future is less and less about me, and more and more about them. All I hope is that they are prepared to embrace that future and make of it what they will. For now, I accept the fact that I no longer have to mow my yard and that has made me happy.

Now, the family update....

Margaret, the oldest child, is now fourteen and in eighth grade at Grapevine Middle School. She is active in girls scouts and knitting. Last summer, she went on a week long Girl Scout trip to Savannah Georgia, which was probably the highlight for the year. She also likes to read, but I am seeing some warning signs and am wondering if I should be concerned. Recently, I took her to the library and she assembled the usual stack of books, the top of which was titled “Criminals and Assassins.” Every book in the stack was about unsolved true crimes and other nefarious activities. She assures me that none of these are “how to” books and she has been reading books like these for the last few months. I guess I should be thankful for the fact she is a prolific reader. 

Our middle child, Cal, is in fifth grade and in his last year at Dove elementary. Cal has been very active in Cub scouts. He is a Webelo II rank with his sights set on earning all 20 of the activity badges that are available. His favorite badges involve firearms and knives. [That is yet another warning sign.] For the second straight year, he is in the fall play at school, where he plays the role of Santa Claus. He is very excited about that.

Charlie, our youngest, is now a seven year old in second grade at Dove Elementary. Charlie has grown a lot this last year. The list of achievements is too great to mention them all. Some highlights are that he has started to read books on his own, he now rides his bicycle without training wheels, and he completed his second season of soccer, where he is improving and seems to like it. He is also very excited that his first season of basketball starts in a few weeks.

Laura continues to teach two days a week at the Saint Francis preschool program. One day focuses on early music development and the other is for developing gross motor skills. Last spring, she was the environmental committee chair at Dove elementary. This school year, she is the PTA secretary. All of these things keep her busy. Lastly, this fall, she completed her first 5K running race. That was a good accomplishment.

As for myself, not much has changed. I still work for a robotics company based in California. I have worked from home for the last 3 years. It is working out well. For anyone interested, the company is Adept Technology (www.adept.com).  I also did a sprint triathlon in May. I had hoped to do more, but the rigors of life did not allow. Perhaps fortunes will turn next year, and I will get to do more. We will see.

In September, we added a new member to our family. We are the proud owners of a dog named Mickey. For those who know dog breeds, he is a Malti-Poo-Chihuahua-Dachshund mix. The kids love him and things are working out well.

Have a peaceful holiday season.                    Cyle, Laura, Margaret, Cal, Charlie and Micky