Visit To The Art Museum

Addie has had an interest in photography for sometime now. Whether with her camera or my cell phone, she is always looking for the right subject and then the right angle for a picture. This past week Addie and Aunt Jan got to take a trip to the Cincinnati Art Museum. Below are some of the great shots Addie took of her favorite pieces.

Trip to Charlotte

Addie, Mark, and I went to visit Amy, Brian, Guthrie, and Sammy this weekend. It was great to spend some time with the Sanders family in sunny North Carolina. We went to a couple of parks, did some hiking, and visited the Discovery Place Museum (a VERY cool place to visit if you are ever in Charlotte!!) Addie and the boys had a great time playing together, and she is already wondering when we will get to go back!

Snow Days

This is how Addie emerged from her bedroom this morning (having known the night before that school was cancelled due to SNOW)

Playing catch-up

I often get harassed because I am not good at updating Addie's blog site. We often catch ourselves in "we should put this on the blog" conversations, but our follow-through is lacking to say the least! Below are several pictures from events we considered writing about, ENJOY!

Easter egg hunting with her 2 favorite boys.... and Amy and Brian

(at least Amy and Brian were looking at the camera!)

A trip to the AirForce Museum, don't think Addie walked the entire

day between Mark and Mom carrying her. Her favorite part was seeing

the monkey that was shot up into space (CREEPY!!)

Thumbs up - telling Mark and Mom that she is ready to

be pulled faster on East Fork Lake

A couple of shots from her recent photo shoot at Aunt Laynie and

Uncle Scott's farm (and Grandma/Grandpa's house)

thank you to Jenn for taking the photos!!!

Trip to a Red's game this summer. After asking for 2 years she finally

got to go to the Reds Museum and see the display for Edd Roush,

Hall of Fame Baseball player from our family

Enjoying the big kitchen, making Christmas

cookies with Aunt Leslie and Mom

decorating and eating the cookies is HARD WORK!

This week was the annual Fairfax Elementary Christmas Concert. The entire school (K-4) gets on stage and does a program with complete with choreography, speaking parts, solos, and the occasional child falling down the risers! Although Addie is constantly singing when at home or in the car, she doesn't like to perform on stage. This year she volunteered for a speaking part so she didn't have to do a solo. At the last minute 2 children had to drop out of the performance and her music teacher asked her to take their parts. She didn't tell anyone that she would be singing, but she got up there and sang loud, clear, in tune, and with the music! I am so proud of her!

(she's the one at the microphone closest to the camera)

Pumpkin Surgery

Tonight Nurse Addie did surgery on our pumpkin. She started out by removing all of the internal organs - Addie identified the spine, heart, spleen, lungs, and all FIVE brains.

Addie then did plastic surgery on its face, carefully transferring her plans from paper to the pumpkin.

The final procedure was carried out via Drimmel Tool and knife.

It was a success!!

Does She Really Have To Be Eight?!

Adelaide Rose Reese, a.k.a Addie, turns eight years old this coming Sunday. Given the fact that everyone is probably sick and tired of viewing the video of Brian and Addie - my last blog - I thought I'd post something recounting the last year for her.

Year seven was a challenging for both of us. Raising Addie has never been dull, given the fact that she's always been about 10 years ahead of herself. She argues, yells, and whines when she doesn't get her way... but she says "I love you" more often. I can still occasionally hug and kiss her in public, although not when dropping her off at school anymore.

Addie has started to ask/tell me not to do certain things in public so I don't embarrass her, but to my embarrassment still has very public moments of "Mommyitis". She is a study in contradictions because while she works hard to fit in with older kids and adults, she is just as ready to revert back to a young child wanting to sit in Mom's lap at the restaurant. I love those moments so much more now then I used to because I realize they will probably completely disappear very soon.

I about fell on the ground laughing when the photographer took the picture to the left, telling me "she seems so sweet and innocent". Addie's quick wit and ability to use sarcasm often has everyone around her in stitches, but can just as quickly go the other direction. She is still learning what the boundaries between hilarious and in heaps of trouble are. She has a mind of her own, and while we don't always agree, I continue to be proud of the fact that she is willing and able to express herself and stand behind her opinions/ feelings/ wants. As a parent it is very difficult to raise - let's be honest here - a stubborn child; but I would rather she continues to hold her own, then to have her bending to the whims of others.

One thing she has a firm grasp on is compassion for others. The other day we were discussing what she wanted for her birthday, and she told me that if she received the same thing from 2 people it was OK because then she could give one of the gifts to her "sister" Heidi. When I offered that we could return the duplicate item and buy something else, she declined saying that Heidi would probably really like the gift instead. What else is there to say after that?

Addie was in the second grade this past year. It was the first year that she received real grades (versus the S/E "grades"), which proved to be a frustration to both of us. Reversing numbers and letters continues to be a stumbling block for her, although the school keeps telling us there is nothing to worry about. By the end of the year she was so tired from battling that she pretty much gave up. We have spent this summer working with Aunt Jan and Stella, which will hopefully make third grade much less difficult.

She learned how to dive, removed the training wheels from her bike, and tried-out for and made a Select soccer team. She is pretty much never without her soccer ball, and I have all but given up trying to stop her from juggling and kicking the ball in the house. She also enjoys running (obviously NOT my child!), raquetball, and tennis. Basically if it is a sport, she's happy to be participating.

Music and theater continue to also be a big part of Addie's life. We went to see The Wizard of Oz, Wicked, Mama Mia, Cirque Jungle Dreams, and had tickets for Grease (Addie was extremely sick so we had to skip it) at the Aronoff Center. We love our "nights on the town", dressing up and starting with dinner at Rock Bottom Brewery on Fountain Square followed by a night at the theater! She is also never without her iPod. Santa delivered a purple Nano this year, and she listens to music consistently enough that I have to recharge the thing at least every other day. The Wicked soundtrack is still her favorite, but Hannah Montana, the Jonas Brothers, and the High School Musical soundtracks are a close second. She continues to listen to the local country music radio station when she goes to bed, hopefully that counteracts the effects of the Disney Channel music somewhat!

Addie,

I love you so much! I am proud of everything you do, and can't wait to see all that you will accomplish in the next year (and beyond!) You are a beautiful girl - both inside and out. I am so happy to be your mom!

The Addie and Brian Show

We always love to listen to Uncle Brian play the piano, but today there was an added treat - Addie decided to accompany him!!




One note: I am not sure that you can hear it on the video, but despite Brian and I both trying to correct her, Addie insists the words are "Fa, a note to follow so"....

Out-of-control Soccer Mom Posting

Spring 2009 soccer started this past weekend. Addie has moved up into the U-10 division, which means direct kicks, offsides calls, a size 4 ball, and 2 more players on the field during games. This season will be interesting because we have 3 official coaches, 1 helper, and a stand-in coach - so many that I spent the first game on the parent's side of the field, which was fine with me because I am actually able to watch Addie and take pictures!


Before going on with this post I want to say that all of the girls on the team work really hard, and they played a great game. We won 2-0, which is never a bad way to start the season, and the first goal was made by a 3rd grader who hasn't played since she was 4 (and does that even count?!)

That being said, I honestly just want to brag about my daughter...

Addie's abilities on the field continue to amaze me. Practicing on her own whenever she can (which includes inside the house whenever I am not paying attention), team practices continue to be somewhat a challenge because she gets so upset when she can't do something perfectly (the first time). It has been this way since she started 4 years ago, and I cannot figure out how to stop her from being so hard on herself. While she would much rather be up front going for the score, she continues to prove that her skills in the goal can't be beat. She ended up playing in the goal the entire game this Saturday, and although I quit counting because every ball shooting toward her is heart stopping for me, had at least 8 saves. And she doesn't simply stand there waiting for the balls to come to her - she is out of the box, going after them. At the beginning of each quarter she asked to be put up front, but when Coach Mark or Claudette asked her to stay in the goal, she squared her shoulders, put her gloves back on, and ran back onto the field.

After each game Coach Mark has the team sit in a circle and gives feedback. Then he has the girls take turns - each one offering a kudos to another player on the team. While it was probably because they had never done this, and the first girl who went said it, but about 8 of the girls said that Addie did a great job in the goal. I was so proud of her because not only was she gracious when she received these compliments, but when it was her turn, she asked Mark if she could do something different, and said that the whole team had done a good job with teamwork. After the circle had broken up Coach Claudette asked Addie if she had any idea how good she was in goal, and Addie's response was a quick shrug of her shoulders before saying, "Nah, I just do what you guys tell me to do."

I know that I am not chasing balls for the next Mia Hamm as she practices her drop-kicks, but it is so much fun to watch Addie do something that she really enjoys, and excels in. I continue to try to steer her to other activities in addition to soccer, because I don't want her to burn out, but for now it is all she wants to do. Who knows what uniforms she may be wearing in the near and not-so-near future!

"Family"

We don't get to choose our relatives, so whether you are the winner of the family lottery or seemingly received the left-overs of a Suvivor cast member's first real meal after being voted off the island... there is absolutely nothing you can do about it. That is why those that you choose to take into your life are that much sweeter, more important, most special. A perfect example is Heidi, Addie's "sister". Heidi is 3 years younger than Addie. She lives across the street with her Grandparents. Addie immediately fell in love with this child who, having been neglected for the first year of her life, was in desperate need of love and interaction. There has been much change in both of their lives since Heidi came four years ago, but their bond continues to be unbreakable. Heidi watches every step Addie makes, trying to be just like her. Addie makes me so proud because she always treats Heidi with love, and is respectful of the fact that she has to be a good role model. So as they sit in our living room this afternoon playing Barbies and singing to Camp Rock, I am thankful for this family member we have chosen to take into our lives.

Never Mess With Momma Bear

I have always heard variations of the saying "Never mess with a momma bear when she is with her cub". I grew up seeing daily examples of this from my mother, and the minute I found out I was pregnant I knew that it was true - I would protect my child from harm no matter what it took. There have been several times I have brought my claws out over the last seven years, but Thanksgiving weekend my mom once again showed me how it is done... and I owe her more thanks than I could ever express.

My sister has a small step up from her sidewalk to the driveway. We were packing up the cars, getting ready to leave for home the next morning. Dad and I were each at our trunks when Mom and Addie came outside. Addie was right in front of Mom as she tripped up the step. Mom propelled herself forward and slammed her body into the front end of my car - all to avoid landing on Addie, and almost certainly landing her in the emergency room. Her arm hit so hard it chipped paint and dented my front side panel so much I couldn't open my door. She could have dislocated her shoulder, broke her collarbone, broke her arm (which thankfully, none of these things happened); but she didn't think twice about it. The only thing she had on her mind was protecting Addie.

Addie spent the rest of the evening going between clinging to my Mom, making sure she was OK, and telling me "I wish I could go back in time and remind Mama about that step!"

I am so happy that Addie has so many people in her life - loving her, protecting her. I know we can't wrap our children up in a bubble and prevent all the world's hurts, but thank you Mom, thank you for expanding the bubble you created around us to my daughter!!

They Grow Up Much Too Fast

Every day I find myself thinking that my baby is growing up much too fast. In everything that Addie does, she continues to show her growing maturity in little (and sometimes large) ways. Her teachers at the before/after school program say that she is always helping the younger children out with homework, arts and crafts, etc. She is always very contentious about following the rules that are set for her – even when she really wants to “buck the system” (like when it comes to getting her homework done). She spends time picking out the right outfit for school each day, contemplating the weather, and what special class she may have, as to not be caught wearing the wrong thing. She’s also got the moral compass going 100% of the time…. A recent quote from my little lady about HSM3 was: “It was a great movie, but there was an inappropriate part for kids my age. Sharpay had a very inappropriate outfit on during one of the numbers.” The outfit in question was a sparkly leotard for a Chorus Line type dance number, but isn’t it nice to know that she’s always on the lookout for things she shouldn’t be exposed to?!

When all is said and done, I miss the fact that there are many days Addie doesn’t want me to kiss her when I drop her off in the morning. And she gets aggravated if I offer to cut her pancakes into bite-size pieces. But then again, I go into her room at night to give her one last kiss, and I see…..

….her sleeping with her legs tucked under her, butt up in the air, blankets kicked off, just like she did when she was a baby. And maybe, just maybe she’s gonna still be my little baby for a few days more!

Bonfire At The Farm

Last night was the Third Annual Fall Bonfire at Laynie and Scott's farm. Addie spent the evening taking hayrides, playing "Ghosts In The Graveyard", riding the Quad, and pigging out on Chili and chips. Her friends, Anna and Abby, helped her run rings around Aunt Lauren and soon-to-be Uncle Gabe.

The farm has the largest tabacco barn in Clermont County, along with several other out buildings and a 200+ year old house. Addie is hanging out in the barn in this picture... all this barn needs is a little bit of straw!

Here's Addie tearing up the trails with Anna and Abby - oh, their Dad Joby too...

Future Professional Soccer Player?

Addie is playing soccer for the 6th season. She is on a team of 6 and 7 year-olds - many who she has played with since she started at 4. This is the first season since she began that I am not coaching - and I am really enjoying being a soccer mom! In the past I have had to depend on others to take pictures, and have only a few from each season. I have upwards of 100 from this season already! The team is 3 wins, 2 losses, 1 tie so far. Addie plays goalie and wing most games, although she thinks she wants to be a fullback (not as much running and not the pressure of being a goalie, I think!)

Addie is, in my humble opinion, a pretty smart soccer player - she and a couple of her teammates have learned to think out plays, they talk to each other during the game, and have seen several goals this season as a result of assists. They make me so proud!

Below are several pictures I took yesterday....

goal kick -

Yellow Goalie ready?

Off to a concert

Addie wanted to share with everyone that she and I are heading to the Carrie Underwood concert at the Kentucky Bank Arena at NKU. It is the first major event at the new arena. Thanks to this blog entry, we're running late now.... Hope "Jesus takes the wheel" and gets us there on time!!

And so it begins....

To kick off my blog, I was looking thru pictures I have taken of Addie recently, but happened to glance over to the couch and couldn't resist snapping a few shots...

Addie and I are dog sitting for Aunt Laynie while she, Scott, and my parents are in Europe. We are exhausted trying to keep up with the four puppies, as you can see they are constantly in motion!



Not to leave the fourth one out....