Keeping the Magic Alive

Just look at that little stinker. Riley's new favorite pastime has been sticking her fingers in her nose. Yes, they fit perfectly, but NO, they do NOT belong there. She knows its funny, which is why she keeps doing it. And I have to admit, its hard not to laugh at this adorable little child sticking her fingers in her nose.

I titled this blog "Keeping the Magic Alive" because something horrible has happened at our house. The girls are starting to understand the difference in reality and fantasy. Oh, the horrors! Now if you know me well, you know that I believe that Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, aliens (not the illegal kind either...that was a heartbreaking day in my youth when I figured out that they were talking about people from other countries and not the UFO kind on the news), and just about every other "alleged" legendary creature are completely and utterly real. I do NOT like going outside at night because what if a werewolf is hiding in our woods? What if there really is a Chupacabra? I can tell you that if they do exist, I will probably get eaten or attacked. That's just the way it is.

My favorite thing about school was learning the Greek and Roman myths and about King Arthur and his Camelot. I want it to be real. What amazing stories (and in my opinion, actual fact) of romance and bravery and, of course, dragon slaying. I wanted to live in the time of Arthur and be a Lady and watch the knights go off on their quests for the Holy Grail (also, I am hoping, not a myth). My number one place to visit is Greece. I want to see what's left of ancient Greece and all those wonderful stories.

So...back to the girls. I already mentioned that this was probably Kellen's last year of believing in the Jolly Old Soul. I am just not ready for that. It just doesn't seem like it can be Christmas if you don't believe. And, if she no longer believes will she tell Jenna? I just can't bear the thought. I want to make it last forever.

And, if you think that's bad, Jenna has informed us that she no longer wants to be a mermaid when she grows up. I felt as if someone stabbed me in the heart. Literally. I was in pain. She wants to be an ER doctor instead. She said she may still get her tail, but she's not so sure. I knew this day would come, but I just wasn't ready. Oh, and by the way, the pictures above are not my attempt to "prove" that life outside our solar system exists, they are from our trip to NYC and Mars 2112!

The reality (what a dirty word!) is that they are growing up. It goes by too fast. I have always wanted them to have a magical life and as wonderful as that sounds - that's not how life really is. I am now having to come to grips with the fact that they are getting older and I am going to have to start letting them go. Kellen no longer wants to wear bows in her hair because none of the other 2nd graders are and its babyish. I want them to be responsible, self-sufficient individuals. I want them to be able to make it in the world all on their own, with their own opinions about that world.

So, for this new year, we are going to work on letting the girls be more independent (and for me, a total control freak, that isn't going to be easy). I wrote out a new chore chart for each of them. They both have their morning and bedtime lists of things to do (okay, so the lists tell them what they need to do and is a little OCD on my part, but hey, I'm trying). And as for following those lists and doing all of their chores - they are on their on. No more harping from me. If Kellen goes to school without her glasses, I will NOT be bringing them to her. Maybe she won't forget them next time. If Jenna doesn't wear her gloves to school its her hands that will be cold. I'll be sure to remind them what day is library, so they can be sure to bring back their library books, but that's it, no more putting the books in their backpacks for them.

Now, all that being said, I have not changed. I still think all those "monsters" are out there and don't think for a minute that its bad to believe. I'm still hoping Riley's magic powers ala Harry Potter are still going to show themselves. I just hope that she grows up to be as resourceful and brave and clever as Harry does. I will do my best to still let their imaginations reign and keep every bit of magic alive in their lives. After all, life would be no fun without a little magic in it. To my great luck and in my humble and unbiased opinion, these three little girls are the most magnificent and most wonderful and most magical little girls in the world.