February 26th, Madeline turned 8!!! Such a big birthday in our house. She had a fun party at Chucke Cheeses', but being a lame mom, I forgot the camera. Here are a few pics from the iphone.
I really struggled with what to get her for her birthday this year. She is certainly a "tween". She is bored with toys, not into boys and just as confused as to what she wanted. Then I had my inspiration. Mary Poppins' just happened to be opening the week after her birthday. Bam, girls day out!!!!
Her next big day wont' be until March 27th, but she is very excited for her baptism.
My first two have big brilliant blue eyes. My last two, taking their fathers side, have these rich brownies. I don't know if it's birth order or what, but these dark eyed kiddos take a similar outlook on life. They both are charmers, quirky and both are out to let their view be heard. Elijah has his own fashion sense and likes to express himself through his attire. Weather it be rockin' his graphic T's or his super fast "lellow" shoes, he sees something in the store and knows it's for him. He never lets his hoodie go to waste, he always has it pulled up with his hands him the pockets, only adding to his mystic. He has several admirers already, not at the preschool, but at the high school. The Mia Maids and Laurels have been totally taken in by his confidence and his ruthless flirtations. And the Auty Body. Don't let her height fool you. She struts around this house like the queen, and thanks to her adoring syblings, she fully expects to be treated like one. She too has her own accessories. She will rarely be seen without her binki strapped on and her blanket (must be pink and satin) close at hand. She and I are in a hair war, I say hair must be done, she thinks wild and messy work best for her mojo. Autumn will dump me at the drop of a hat to get some cuddling from grand parents or Uncle Dave and Aunt Kendra. She is a tease, independent and a girl with a plan.
My older two are not as smooth with their social game. Even when they were younger, they were shy and most comfortable at home. Maybe there is a connection between the brown eyed gene and the "Too Cool---Trend Setter" gene. In any case, I know one thing for sure. Each of my kids are so opposite of the others and I have to be always on my toes to try and understand their ways.
Since I first had learn about food and learn to stay healthy, I have been slowly and steadily changing the way I eat. I go whole grain, fresh and little to no processed foods. As I mentioned before, fast food may as well have a skull and cross bones on it for all I'm concerned. I have been growing a strong testimony of the word of wisdom and how it has warned us of the "food dangers" of our day, just as much as the scriptures warn us of other traps, set to rob our agency.
I have been asked to talk at an enrichment on easy ways to lead a healthy life, and I have been struggling with how to present my ideas without sounding like Debbie Downer "WHAAAA...WHAAAAAA!!!!" Then I thought back to my, somewhat bizarre childhood, where lessons were taught through musicals and watching Andy Griffith, and I remembered one of the greatest moments in television history.
Lucy is trying to do a TV commercial and doesn't know the product contains 23% alcohol.
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The 1950's marks the time when people started to trust corporations to make their food and to put convenience over health. I'm sure at first those TV dinners and twinkies tasted bad compared to homemade food, but over time, our taste buds have been trained to crave the extra sugar, fat, hormones, anti-biotics, chemically altered "stuff" and preservatives the corporations use to make a profit.
Thanks Lucy for demonstrating my point and for reminding me that TV, like our food supply was much healthier when my mom was growing up, than it is for my kids.
Jaxen turned 10 on tues, and it has been a week of celebration! Despite my alluring suggestions to many other restaurants, the birthday boy chose McDonalds for his dinner. ( I really have grown to disdain all fast food, but McDonalds is the the ultimate gross out for me) I swallowed my pride, and a little bit of a salad and sat and marveled at how old he seemed.
Last year at this time, I wrote about how much I was struggling with how to parent Jaxen. I had more questions than answers, and most of all, I truly felt that I was loosing my connection with him. I vowed to do better, and I am so relieved to report that this year has been an amazing one for us. I found some answers, I tried new approaches, I faced some fears, and came out the other end a better mom. He has soared in school, gained confidence and taught me so much about how to let go and learn from these kids in my home.
Jaxen is a deep thinker, and sensitive to the spirit. His prayers can bring tears to my eyes and his ability to call me out when I've ventured into "crazy mom" leave me humbled. (and him in his room for a while) As much as I love having babies, this stage is so exciting as they start to hone in on what their talents and interests are. He's loving basketball, indoor soccer and gearing up for another summer of swimming. He is also showing interest in creative writing and art, showing that he has influences from both sides of the family.
His party is tomorrow---a bunch of 10 year old boys-----please send me strength!!!!
Oh, what a day! We started off sad to end our trip and ended up so glad to be home. It was a week of perfection. We needed to get away, re-group, rest, and spend some time just being a couple again. This quaint town of Akumal was so safe, so low key and just what we needed. Every day was calm, everything was peaceful.
Jason and I are not good relaxers. We have literally been running since we got married. We thought that finishing resisdency would bring us relaxation, but instead we moved, had a baby, moved my mom in and started work on the basement. For the first time, in WAY TOO LONG, we let it all go, left the kiddos with their very kind grandparents, and we just relaxed.
Coming home was bitter sweet. The kids were very brave while we were gone and got good reports, but Elijah and Autumn seemed to let down their bravery as soon as they saw us. Elijah just seemed sad and wanted to be held, and little Autumn just starred into my eyes and pressed her forehead into mine. I hadn't felt sad the whole week, but these two broke my heart a bit. I couldn't prepare them very well, and I think that, especially Autumn, must have been confused in her little mind. So tonight, I am so happy to be home, happy to be doing the routine and very, very happy to be mom again.
Hi kids, (and our other friends who read the blog) Dad and I are having a great vacation and have lots of stories to tell you when we get home. In two days we have had a few adventures and a lot of time to relax and rest on the beach. The ocean is just a few feet from our casita, so we have had fun snorkeling and kyaking when we need a break from our relaxing.
We went to COBA, one of the few places they still let you climb the Mayan ruins. I have to admit that I got a little nervous at the top, but the view was worth the trek up.
Here is the house where we are staying and the view from our window. It seems almost unreal that places like this exist----and even more unreal that we don't choose to live here full time. I really think that I was made for the beach life.
As much fun as we are having, we find ourselves planning how we can come back and bring you guys next time. Now that we have staked the place out, we will know the best places to bring you guys. We love and miss you!!! Be good and keep earning those kid dollars!!!
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