squeaky sneaker pitter patter

can i tell you just how much 

i love the sound of squeaky sneakers 

and bouncing basketballs?

i do.

it gets me everrrrry time.

it brings me back to high school.

to those moments,

when i would open the door to the school, 

and while wiping the sand, snow and dirt off my boots,

my heart would start to pitter, patter in rhythm 

to the sound of bouncing basketballs 

and squeaky sneakers coming from the gym.

for the love the game, yes.

but also because,

20 years ago this january,

while seniors in high school, 

the heart of this 5'2'' captain of the girls varsity team

began to pitter patter for the 6'2'' captain of the boys varsity team.

and now, 20 years later

it's still the same.

it just looks a wee different...

parents instead of players.
bleachers instead of box outs.
fans instead of free throws.

coaches instead of captains.

but lovers and lovers of the game all the same!

a few more merry bits

a few defoyd/payne family christmas bits.

i'm not sure who had more fun.

the cousins, or all us big kids?

i think big kids for sure.

right "weskey"?

we will rock you

the kiddos are all tucked way.

an early night, after being out way too late on new year's eve.

the tree is gone and the twinkly lights are down.

at least a week earlier than most years.

chore charts and new calendars are printed and primed for action.

i often dwell in the christmas slow until my birthday or mlk.

not this year.

for it seems that the crazy chill that blows outdoors has 

creeped into the cracks, attitudes and behaviors of the little residents here at 7 ohlson circle.

parenting kindness, gratitude, respect and honesty was our toll this winter break.

oh was it our toll.

we need this new year to reset some expectations.

to encourage, simplify and warm back up to what kindness,  

gratefulness,  gentleness, patience and self-control looks like.

oh and that we the loving & adoring parents are in charge.

that we are the lead singers in this rock band.

and that when we rock, they rock.

so, let's rock 2018.

calling all parents to sing aloud with us 

(microphones, air guitars and head banging required)

"we will, we will rock you!"

"we will, we will rock you!

happy new year friends!