Expectations vs. Reality

We have all experienced times where our expectations and reality didn't match. Usually it is when a situation or person doesn't live up to what we thought it would be, and we are disappointed. It's a part of life and we've all accepted that. But sometimes, we are pleasantly surprised, even having wonderful moments in the most unxpected places.

Weeks ago I bought tickets for the four of us to go see the Hannah Montana movie this morning. I have been griping about it ever since. Not in an "I will groan because it is not cool, but secretly I am excited" kind of way - in a genuinely "I would rather eat my own eyeballs than go through with this" kind of way. But I had resigned myself to sitting through it because I knew the kids would love it, and that's what parents do. I know my mom sat through her fair share of Chipmunks and My Little Pony and goodness knows what else.

So off we went this morning. We stood in line, were issued 3-D glasses (I rolled my eyes at that idea too) and when the teenager behind the glass said "enjoy the show" I responded with "Oh yeah, I am sure I will have the time of my life" in a voice dripping with not only sarcasm but genuine contempt.

There we were, surrounded by mothers dressed up like rockers from the 80s (I kid you not - bedazzled purses, big hair and belts, the whole package) and their mini-Montanas, complete with sparkles and wigs and lots and lots of merchandise beraing the likeness of the Part Time Pop Star herself. And then, it started. I settled in for the ride.

About ten minutes into the show, my mean heart was melted. As I watched my little girl be-bopping in her seat, singing along and genuinely caught up in the joy of the experience, I found her enthusiasm contagious. An hour and a half later, Miley Cyrus belted out the theme song I have heard so often, and I sat watching Anyka bounce along on Chad's lap, completely entranced. She doesn't care that the whole thing is a mass-marketing mania created by Disney and Wal-Mart to make tons of money. She doesn't care that her lack of depth perception makes the 3-D film inaccessible to her. All she knows is that she loves, loves, LOVES the music, the dancing, and the hoopla that accompanies the whole presentation.

I realized that I am, in fact, old. I am not the "cool mom" that I always thought I would be. I am just like every other parent, a generation away from all the things their kids love best. I am every bit as guilty of being irritated at High School Musical the fortieth time it is played in a weekend. But I love my kids, and seeing them happy makes even the Hannah Montana movie a worthwhile experience.

Hooray for Cultural Awareness!

http://www.pepsiusa.com/bobshouse/

This almost makes me want to give up Coke for Pepsi! (Almost). Based on a very well known Deaf joke, this commercial is set to air - in silence - on SUPER BOWL SUNDAY! This is a very enlightened action by Pepsi and I am so excited to support their initiative!

New Year, New Experiences....and Some Old Ones

Life in the Miller Clan seems ever-changing, but in reality it is just same-old same-old. For example - Anyka is turning five, and it's a new accomplishement every day in reading or counting or life skills. She is leaving preschool to be home schooled by her stepmother, Stephanie. Yet we still struggle with listening and eating, she still wears 2T-3T clothes, and she still has surgery on a regular basis just to keep us on our toes. The next round, on January 24, will involve her teeth, and her eyes may not be far off. But hey - we're making it! Despite normal step-family stress, we are living la vida loca and loving every minute of it.

I have a kid in the DOUBLE DIGITS?

I cannot believe Jessalyn is 10 today. Seems like not that long since she was born! That means she has known Chad half her life, has been a big sister half her life, has had a brother 10% of her life...and that I am officially a DECADE older! Good grief. She got a RipStik (deathtrap) and electronic banking Monopoly and, the piece de resistance - a Wii! I am spectacularly bad at it, but she is pretty good. Let the games begin!

Signing Time! Series Two a Huge Hit!

Anyka and Jessalyn watchd all sever episodes of the Signing Time! Series two - and the results are all positive! Anyka loves the Happy Birthday one and days of the week. They both are working hard to learn all the new signs and are enjoying the increased challenge. The new format took some getting used to, with the Practive Time and other bits in the middle, but they still enjoyed themselves. The rest of Christmas was a hit, with Jessalyn getting som DS games and Heelys (those sneakers with wheels in them) and Anyka getting a High School Musical barbie of Sharpay (against my will) that rapidly became her favorite thing ever.

Waiting for Signing Time!

Anyka doesn't know it yet,but her Christmas Present has already arrived - the first 3 volumes of Series TWO of Signing Time! You have no idea how hard it is for me not to preview them - the last couple of years they have had new DVDs out right at the holidays and I have always peeked. But this year I am resolved. of course, being active on the forum (http://www.signingtime.com/forums/) and the weekly chat (http://www.signingtime.com/chatroom/) has only served to taunt me endlessly about the fun that awaits when she finally gets them and has free reign to play them...but wait I must. Have any of you ever wanted to play with your kids' toys before they get them for a present?