Peter's New Job

Over the past few weeks, our neighbors have been working on an extensive landscaping project.  Everyday, their yard has been filled with trucks and tractors and front end loaders and pretty much every other type of machinery you can imagine.

Peter has been mesmerized by all the activity.  For several days in a row, he woke up in the morning, dressed quickly, and ran outside to watch the progress.  As far as I know, he never said much, but he sat quietly in our yard and watch them intently for hours - YES, HOURS.

On hot, sunny days, Peter was out there.  On cool, cloudy days, Peter was out there.  But it was a sad, sad day on the morning when Peter opened the door and saw this.  It was then he knew, his work there was done.

(I'm still trying to figure out if our neighbors owe us money for his work as their overseer, or if we owe them money for being our amazing babysitters.)

Ode to Abby

We live in a great neighborhood.  I could make a long and elaborate list detailing all the things I love about where we live.  I love the mature trees,  and the winding street.  But more important than either of those things, is that I love the people who live in my neighborhood.  I love the great neighbors who are my friends and I love the children they are raising who are friends with my kids.

Abby is particularly lucky in the friend department.  There are so many darling girls her age who live around here.  They are kind, creative, smart and fun girls and I am so grateful that my daughter is surrounded by them.

Today, Abby came home from school bubbling with her usual enthusiasm.

"How was your day?" I asked.

"Great!" she replied.  "Becca wrote me a song.  Do you want to hear it?"

"Sure." was my response.  Then Abby explained that it was to the tune, "Utah, This is the Place." It's a song I am unfamiliar with, but apparently,  at least at our school, the kids learn it in 4th grade.  So, after a brief introduction, Abby started singing the song written for her by her friend.

Abby, wearing leggings and skirts,
Abby, wearing vans everyday,
She's the lead in the play,
Singing solos each day.
This is the girl.

Abby, voice strong til the end,
Abby, loves to play with a friend.
Loves to sew, loves to cook,
Loves to jump in a book.
This is the girl.

Abby, helping friends everyday,
Abby, she is leading the way,
She's the lead in the play
Singing solos each day,
This is the girl.

She was the dog in Annie
And an Oompa-Loompa too.
This year she is Jojo ooooooohhhh,

Abby, she's a lead in the play.
Loves to cook, loves to sew,
Wears her hair in a bow,
This is the girl.

Abby, Abby, Abby,
She is the GIRL!

By: Rebecca

When Abby finished singing the song for me, I had a strange mix of emotions.  First of all, I was amazed at how clever and cute Becca is, but more than that, I felt profound gratitude.  As a mother, I felt so grateful that my daughter has a friend who recognizes so much good in her and encourages and celebrates  it  - even in a song.  All girls (and women) should be so lucky.

This funny, cute  - and clever song written for Abby, has given me a big dose of gratitude today.  I am grateful for my Abby, who is all the things the songs says.  I am grateful to live in this great neighborhood and I am grateful for dear friends who look for and celebrate the good.  Hopefully, I can take a lesson from Becca, and be better at doing the same.