Ostriches, Skating and Silliness

My in-laws used to raise ostriches.  Their pen was sandwiched in between our ancient mobile hone and theirs.  I would watched them each day walk about on their long, gangly legs and then suddenly drop down, spread their wings and do this odd dance.  It was amazing to see this display of wings, feathers and fluidity come from these birds that are otherwise so awkward. 

As I've watched my kids grow and learn over the past 11 years, I have come to name each phase of their lives.  Some phases are named after a particular age-appropriate obsession (dinosaurs, dolls, blankets, etc).  Others reflect a stage or particular extracurricular interest. 

Daniel, on the cusp of turning 12, has entered the ostrich phase.  His limbs are growing so fast that he lopes around the house like an over-sized bird.  His latest obsession is running and jumping up to touch the ceiling (gotta love the popcorn ceiling raining down on the carpet) or the door jam.  Its like a good excuse to stretch those growing limbs to their fullest extent. 

As flexible and double-jointed as ever, its been amazing to watch him curl up into his bed at night and cover all those appendages with his blanket.  How he tucks them in and hunkers down is beyond me. 

And for athletics, well.....I think once he gets control of those long, lean legs and super long arms, he will find his niche.  For now, I think ostrich when I see him run.  Arms flailing about and legs outstretched.  Nothing quite going in the right direction.  But somehow he gets there...

As a mom who is trying her best to live in the present and soak up the "everyday,"  I am amazed at this boy.  He grows and learns and recreates in this body that doesn't quite fit.  Not yet, anyway.  Soon enough, those long limbs will develop muscles and carry him far away from me.  So for now, I'll enjoy the jumping, the stretching, the cuddling and the gangli-ness of it all.  For someday, it will all look just as God has planned.  For now I will enjoy the ostrich phase.  And constantly look for jeans on sale--slim, long.

On another note, we enjoyed an afternoon of ice skating in Great Falls.  The kids were real troopers on that slick surface and didn't even complain when the bruises started showing up.  You should see Taylor's knees.

And the best part of all is the encouragement and love that we gave to each other (while Jason took pictures because his ankle was bothering him)...

Later that night the kids decided they needed to bake.  Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirls were on their mind and silliness in their heart.  With no help from me, they executed this recipe quite well with no eggs or gluten...it must have been the outfits...

Look at that serious face...

Love the bandana, T!  O, yes, and the teamwork.