Mama's Little Soccer Player

This fall we enrolled Peyla in the youth soccer league to let her explore the world of team sports. She really enjoyed being a "soccer player" and did pretty well! She took her role as a teammate very seriously, always the first kid to get back on the field (no exaggeration), won the Sportsmanship medal and even scored a few goals this season. The best part of it all was watching her try something new and find her courage on the field! It was a fun few months, sitting on the sidelines!

 

Her first game, anxious to meet the coach!

Testing out the soccer cleats...

Jersey on...ready to practice!

Dribbling...

Practice goal! Score!

 That face!

 Finishing up the last game of the season.

 She's patiently waiting her turn to receive a medal.

Peyla Dahn! Soccer Player!

Decorating for Christmas!

It's that time of year again and the Dahn household was more than ready to decorate for Christmas! Even though it was almost 90 degrees that weekend, Brendon got up in the attic and made his plan for the decorations this year. We even added a few "friends"! The girls are at such a fun age to enjoy the lights and be great little helpers. They spent the evening (after the unveiling) running through the yard singing "daddy is the best daddy ever! we love our lights!"

 

Taking inventory...

organizing into piles...

Ali is a very serious helper!

Now check every bulb kiddies! lol

One of our new additions this year...Ali's beloved snow monster!

He's tall!

What's a snow monster without Rudolph?? He had to come home with us too.

This progression cracks me up. They were watching daddy drag stuff down from the attic.

Ramblings of an Un-Runner, Part I

So I've decided to run a half marathon...and I'm fully aware that "un-runner" is not technically a word. But it's what I am, a runner who really isn't. I know this blog is most often used for updates and stories of my girls, but this little personal journey I have taken seems to deserve some space too. Because when I do my training runs, there are countless random thoughts in my head that swirl about. I thought maybe writing them (typing?) down would give them a home. And somewhere for me to reflect upon after January 18th.

Why am I running? I ask myself that almost every time I lace my shoes. The short answer is for two reasons: for me and for those who cannot. All my life I've been a little inept in the athletic realm. I was the girl who sucked at tennis. And golf. And basketball (except for that one "Hail Mary" shot). I suppose I could have done better if I had found the grit to follow through. I was the girl who made every excuse not to dress out for PE. I'd get A's in most subjects and always be in danger of failing Phys Ed. Who fails Phys Ed?? To run a marathon (OK...half), is such a far-reaching physical goal for me that it almost makes it more attractive. Because from day one, I knew I could do it. There isn't anything I really feel like I *can't* do, it's just more that I *won't*. This goal was enticing because it was like an FU to the doubter in me. The little voice that likes to toy with me every now and again, talking me out of dreaming. Running became my way of slapping it in the face.

Which really takes me to the second, more important reason...for those who cannot. For Ronan Thompson. For Ty Louis Campbell. For Diem Brown. Google them...their stories of hope and bravery will change your perspective on life. For my grandfather Al. For my stepmother Diane. For the children who died at Sandy Hook. For the women and children being ravaged in every corner of this world, simply for being female. For the children that I have known through Crisis Nursery and the FCRB, who could probably run circles around me with their strength and resilience. These are all people who float in and out of my thoughts as my feet hit the pavement. I think of their stories and running 13 miles seems like a walk in the park. I would be shameless to quit now.

I might share some stories from "the road" as I update the blog. I will try to keep the rambling to a minimum. And I will probably share a musical reference with each entry...because really, music is the soundtrack to life! Every song I listen to as I run makes me feel something...determination, reflection, nostalgia, healing, sadness, joy...it's all there.

My first song that I start every run with (especially early morning runs):

https://soundcloud.com/andros-rodriguez/florence-the-machine-shake-it

Halloween 2014

With countless activities in the valley and with friends, the month of October flew by. But we sure enjoyed our Halloween with the girls! Any chance to decorate the house and act silly, the Dahn family is IN! 

 

 The pumpkin and owl make a reappearance, with daddy's little helper.

 

 Of course Peyla was her beloved Elsa this year. When I asked her why she loves Elsa...she says earnestly, "because she's blue and she's maaaaagical". A recipe for true love I suppose! Getting Ali to commit to a costume was much more challenging. Her personal choices ranged from: the Snow Monster (from Frozen), the big bad wolf, a purple witch, Ursula the Sea Witch, Pooh Bear (it's been done), a crocodile and finally the winner...Snow White. Whew! She made my head spin planning her costume.

Nothing like sharing the love on Halloween!

Daddy's Rodeo- 2014

Every year, Brendon's work hosts a "Tractor Truck Rodeo" that allows his employees to compete for prizes and hosts their families for a day of fun. Brendon's not too fond of the event but nevertheless, he and his team put on a nice show for the employees! Plus, the girls get to partake in face-painting, balloons and Frigard fun time!

 

 The makings of a blue dragon!

 Snow cones are an instant hit!

 Ali is finally willing to sit down and chooses "purple fire". lol

 Patient girls waiting their turns...

Score! Pooh bear was there too!

An Update!

I didn't realize how long it's been since I've posted, until I went through some of my picture files. Two months!! Yikes! Life happens to quickly and intensely, it's all I can do to hold on for the ride. Here are some random recaps that I found...

 

 Who says 2 is too young to drive? Ok...the car was in park.

 Picking out the most challenging puzzle!

 It's my little witch! (October, obviously)

 After attending swim school for four months, the girls finally saved enough "coins" for the treasure box! Ali is counting them out behind the desk with Coach Zack.

 

Peyla graduated swim class by achieving the Level 5- Starfish class. She worked so hard all summer and she grew leaps and bounds in her self-confidence and willingness to push herself further. She was the only youngster in this class for 5-6 year olds. So proud of her bravery!

 One last 2014 splash pad excursion!

 This is about as much water as Ali will tolerate. lol!

 Peyla found this truck in the Lowe's parking lot and insisted on a picture with it. "This needs to be daddy's truck!" she exclaimed.

 Ali in Wonderland!

 My tiny ballerina! She enjoyed her dance class (mostly signed up to keep her/I busy once and week)!

 Baby feet in ballet slippers...swoon!

 Peyla's country box for World Peace Day at her school. We chose South Africa and she had a wonderful time coloring her own flag and learning about Nelson Mandela. Even better was when she learned that her own name is inspired by SA!

 

Words cannot say how much I love Peyla's school. Not only do they recognize World Peace Day (it's their largest event), but they welcomed Ali in the songs and parade.

 Who needs Aurora? I've got my own Sleeping Beauty!

 Showing off their awesome boots (and sisterly love) made by my dear friend Amy. 

Any day that we get to paint is a great day!