Christmas List

I am one of those annoying people that just can't sit still and chillax while watching a movie. We were trying to do that last night but of course my mind was thinking and planning and before you knew it-I had my pen and paper in hand and the lists began to flow.


I quickly realized that aside from one or two things, I had no idea what else Kevin wanted for Christmas.  After asking him what he wanted, he started making his list.  He was taking a really long time and I was a little worried about what his list would look like after he'd been writing for 20+ min. straight.


Well, eventually he handed me this.  His list, with a letter to Santa on the back. (I did not correct his punctuation).


Dear Santa,


     Kenzie is always losing her luvvie.  maybe you could give her a special box That she could put by her bed, and she could keep it in there! Kensie is really sweet and always nice so, please could she have a very special Christmas?


               Kate, (even though I get mad at her some times) is nice and loves to talk to people. Kate is really nice to me and I always feel bad after I do anything to her. Some words to explain Kate are: funy, enthusiastic, gentle, kind, energetic, funny, and knows how to make someone feel better. Kate deserves a very good christmas.


               Kelly is very nice and funny. whenever she does something bad to me she always apologizes and gives me a hug. she makes me laugh, and is one of the best sisters ever. Kelly fits in with other people and was born to be kind. I think that she should have a good christmas.
                                  -Kevin.


He is such a good brother!  I don't think his sisters really know how much he loves them.  Anyway, after I read that my lists just didn't matter anymore.


I love this boy!

Dream Tree

You will have to excuse my attempt at being artistic.  I was laying in bed early the Monday morning of Martin Luther King, Jr. day and I wanted to do some kind of activity as a family before Justin left for his business trip that afternoon.  I was trying to think of something that tied in the holiday that we were honoring that day and I remembered something that the "Friends of Rachel" club at our school are planning to do--make a dream tree.  I thought that was such a great idea, and a way to teach our kids about MLK's "I have a Dream..." speech.  The "Friends of Rachel" club was put together after we had the Rachel's Challenge assembly at our school.  If you haven't heard about Rachel's Challenge you need to check out the link.  Rachel's story will make you cry and it will inspire you to be a better version of yourself.  It's amazing.  Her challenge has 5 parts to it:  1). Eliminate Prejudice in your life; 2) Keep a journal--have dreams for yourself, set goals; 3) Be Aware of the influences in your life--look for positive influences in your life; 4) The little things can do so much--do the little things; 5) Go find 5 people in your lives and tell them how much you appreciate them.

Of course, it was the second part of Rachel's Challenge that inspired the tree.  We talked about goals, and dreams for ourselves.  We all know that a dream or goal not written down is just a wish.  So here are some of our dreams.

I wanted to use green paper for the leaves, but the paper I had was too big.  At first I wanted everyone to just color their leaves green, but then I thougt that just as individual as their dreams are, so their leaves will be.  You can see that some used whatever colors they wanted and Kevin had no desire to color his at all.  Oh well.  I think it still looks great.  When we did this activity it took a few minutes for our kids to grasp the concept, but once they did we quickly ran out of leaves.  I've printed off some more and hope that we will keep adding to our tree as the year goes on.

These are a few of my favorites.  Being nice to people was important to Kate--she did that one twice. :)

Top Five for the Week

1.  Pink....Eye that is.  Kenzie came down with pink eye yesterday.  Thankfully we were able to get her to the pediatrician that evening and today I was able to stay home with her.  She is feeling better and I absolutely loved, loved, loved being home with her today.  It was heaven!

2.  Earlier in the week, during one of the most inconvenient times of the day ever Kevin learned the hard way not to keep flushing the toilet when it is backed up.  I felt bad because I really should have helped him, but at the time I thought that he could handle it and I was trying very hard to clean-up the kitchen from the mess the day before so that I could fix dinner.  Gallons of toilet water later....we cleaned up the bathroom only to discover that water had gone under the bathroom cabinet and was dripping through the ceiling into the kitchen.  It was definitely not my happiest, or well-handled moment of the week.  O.k. maybe of the month.  Note to self--there is nothing higher in priority than helping your son fix a backed-up toilet.  Nothing.

3.  O.k. that was the bad news--now for something much, much happier.  Earlier in the week, (before she had pink eye), I was able to bring Kenzie to the school where I work, after school was out of course, to meet some of the people that I work with.  Despite the fact that she was only wearing a onesie, (it was one of those cute, puffy sleeve, nice shirt onesies), because that's what she had napped in at the babysitter's--she was a little darling and I loved sharing her with my colleagues.  One teacher who saw her right before we were leaving commented on how cute she was and then said, "Oh Janet, you are so lucky."  And you know what?  I really am!  I am so grateful to be a mom to such beautiful, amazing children.  I often think, "How did I get so lucky?!"  I hope that I can remember that during difficult, stressful times--like when the toilet is over flowing.

4.  One evening this week Kelly shared some of her grapefruit juice with Kenzie.  When I walked into the room Kenzie excitedly told me, "Mom!  Kelly shared some with me!"  Then she turned to Kelly and said, "Oh Kelly, that was so nice!  Tank Too!"  It was so cute and totally made my day.

5.  Kevin made a new friend today.  He was so happy about it and kept talking about his friend and how much they are alike.  He said that he hadn't really played with this boy or really ever talked to him before because he didn't know him.  Then he said, "But then I thought, I'll sit by him today and try to get to know him."  He was pleasantly surprised to find out that they like many of the same things and have the same sense of humor.  He talked about how they played together at recess and have decided to put together an act for the school talent show, (that isn't until the end of the school year).  I think that's a great way to end the school week-by making a new friend.  I'm so proud of you Kevin!

Silver Clouds

My kids are the highlight of my life.  Everyday I get to enjoy special moments with them either individually or collectively.

The other night Kate said, "Remember Mom, silver clouds have golden linings!" It was so funny because she just said it out of the blue.  I'm not sure what made her think of it or where she had heard about clouds and silver linings.  But I love that she was thinking about it and wanted to remind me.

A couple of nights ago Justin, Kevin and I watched, "The Count of Monte Cristo," together--NOT the Peirce Brosnan one, blech.  It has Guy Pearce in it and I forget the main character's name.  Anyway, It is a fabulous movie!  I highly recommend it!  (Well, for kids 9 and up anyway).  It was so fun watching it sitting next to Kevin.  Justin had seen it before so he knew what was coming but Kevin and I had fun anticipating things together.  It seemed like the first time in a long, long time I could just enjoy Kevin for who he is without any distractions from life or his sisters.  It was wonderful.  Definitely a highlight for me.

I was doing the dishes the other day and Kenzie grabbed a rag and started to wipe the dishes that were in the dishwasher to help.  She was so proud to help me, her face beamed!  Then she decided to sit on the dishwasher door.  Of course I told her to get off and stood her up.  She looked at me and furrowed up her little brow and as sternly as she could she said, "Bad Choice!"  As if I had made a bad choice for telling her to get off of the dishwasher door.  I just smiled and laughed a little.  It's so much fun to hear her little voice as she talks more and more each day.  I think my favorite is when she calls out, "Shot Gun!" as we're walking out to the car.

Kelly is growing at a one step forward two steps back kind of pace.  I know she feels the weight of being the oldest child.  It's a burden that no one else can share with her.  I admire her for that.  Plus, I think she realizes that a big transition is right around the corner as her birthday is quickly approaching.  A couple of years ago she couldn't wait to be 16 or even older.  Now, with her childhood quickly slipping away she is holding onto it as tightly as she can.  She finds it much easier to dress up with her younger sisters and pretend she's a bunny or magician than to accept the responsibilities and maturity that comes with being 12.  It's a little difficult for me, who is way too self-disciplined and likes everything completed on time and in an organized way.  I frequently remind myself that she is NOT me and to look for the best within her.  I'm trying to get to know and love Kelly for who she is and encourage her to reach her individual potential.  It's not easy I'm afraid.  But I am learning and loving her more each day.  She is truly trying her best and I really appreciate all that she does for me and her siblings.  Last night she said, "It's really cool having little sisters."  That was music to my ears.

In an effort to watch less t.v. we've been playing games together.  Last week I taught the kids how to play spoons.  Even Kate was able to play all by herself.  We've also enjoyed playing Uno, Sorry, and I taught Kevin and Kate how to play Spaz with Uno cards--a great game I learned how to play when I was about 13 at a youth overnighter.  Coming from a family that regularly played games I have absolutely loved sharing these games with my kids. 

I hope that they will look back on this summer with the same happy feelings that I have; Grateful for the wonderful time we've spent together.

Best Gifts

I recently celebrated my 35th Birthday--Wow!  35?!  Are you sure?!

It seems very surreal.  I remember when 35 was really old.  It's funny how your perspective changes with time.

These are the gifts from my children...

Kevin gave me his worry rock so that I can rub it when I get worried.  "That way if you're worried a lot it will really help you!"

Kate gave me her two pennies, "So you can buy yourself some candy!"

Kelly made me this cute angel and wrote me a poem, "My Mother is an Angel."

"My Mother is an angel

She came from heaven above

and now she lives with me on earth

and cares for me with love

"My Mother is an angel

she has a loving heart

she always has cared for me

and in my memories she takes up a big part

"My mother is an angel

she knows what's best for me

and whenever I am sick

she has a remedy."

These really were the best gifts they could have given me.  You could tell that they shared their treasures from their heart.  It was very sweet.  These are the things that I will treasure forever!

Really, what more could a mother ask for?

O.k., I do not want to neglect the wonderful gift that Justin gave to me--a KitchenAid Immersion Blender!  I did forget to take a picture of it--next time.

It really was a wonderful birthday!  Here's to the next 35 years!

Kate's Dream

I was awakened this morning by these two beautiful, smiling, blue-eyed girls.  It really was a wonderful way to wake up.  They were so cute standing my the edge of my bed so happy to see me.  Kate enjoys telling me all about her dreams.  Today's was especially entertaining so I thought that I would share it with you:

Kate said, "Mom, I had a good dream!!  We were at the McKinney Gym, (I teach group fitness at a couple of locations),  and this bad guy came and wanted to kidnap us.  And you (Justin and I), were eating in this fancy restaurant.  And Daddy fought the bad guy with his parkour!!  I told him to do a left side kick and he did!  And I told him to do a right side kick and he did! And he punched them!  Then he grabbed the two bad guys (I'm not sure when there became two guys), by the collars so they couldn't get away and threw them into the beach water and the angry sharks ate them up!  The sharks liked us-they were nice to us-but angry to the bad guys.  And then we lived happily ever after!"

I wonder what tomorrows dream will bring?

Beautiful Day

I had the opportunity to take the kids to the Arboretum.  It was a beautiful day and we had a great time!  This really is one of the best places to visit.

You've got to love Kate and Kenzie's facial expressions in this picture--classic!

This really is such a beautiful place!! 

P.L.O.M. All Gone

Wow.  I had really bad case of P.L.O.M. disease yesterday, (Poor Little Old Me), sorry about that.  When I think about the trials and challenges that so many people are facing these days, I really feel ridiculous for feeling sorry for myself.

I'd like to share one of my favorite scriptures with you.  This one is my new "theme" to carry me through when I feel tempted to be discouraged.

It's from Doctrine and Covenants 78:17-19 and it is revelation given through Joseph Smith, the Prophet from the Lord Jesus Christ.

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you;

"And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along.  The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.

"And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea more."

Among so many things--today I am thankful for my family.  The other night while the little girls were in the bath they were playing and just getting along so well.  Kate said, "Mom, if you didn't have a baby it would not be any fun."  I could tell that was her way of saying that she was thankful for her little sister.  Again, I am thankful for my family.

Sounds of Breakfast

Kate:  "Mom, what movie is a cow's favorite?"
Mom:  I don't know.
Kate:  "Sound of Moo-sic!"

Kevin:  "What kind of motorcyle is a cow's favorite?"
Mom:  I don't know.
Kevin:  "A Cow-asaki!"

Kate:  "Mom, what kind of motorcyle is a pig's favorite?"
Mom:  "I don't know."
Kate:  "A Kawasaki!"

Kate:  "Mom, what kind of bedtime story is a sheep's favorite?"
Mom:  "I don't know."
Kate:  "Baa-baa goo goo!"

There were a few others but it took me a while to really focus on and appreciate the moment.  I wonder how many other things like that I have just tuned out before.  I think I will try to appreciate these great moments more often.  It's these moments that make life and having children so wonderful!

"Reading" to Her Sister

I caught this during a busy morning last week. This is one of Kenzie's favorite books, "The Giant Jam Sandwich." We have read it so often to Kate that she has most of it memorized. So even though she wasn't actually reading, it sure seemed that way. I loved that she wanted to be able to read it to her younger sister. Hopefully it will stay that way when she can actually read!