Let It Go....car karaoke

So, like most girls, Molly loves Frozen. BUT, she does not like me recording her, even though she sings ALL the time.

This weekend I was in Palm Springs at a conference, and found this on the iPad mini.
Apparently, she recorded herself while we were driving and I had NO idea until yesterday.
The expressions, the yawns…the fact that it surprised me while I was away…I love it all.

every year..its the same….

Every year, I think…

this seems crazy...he can't be turning ____ (insert age here).

This year is no exception.

Tomorrow, our "baby boy" has another birthday.

And I am thinking…He can't be turning 11.

He amazes me with his wise words, he always has.

His latest wisdom came in an apology note I made him write to his teachers,

after he and a friend got into an ugly argument.

He said…

"I think I learned my lesson…some challenges are like broken mirrors.

It's better to ask for help than to risk hurting yourself trying to fix it alone".

In some ways, I can't believe he is only 11.

Thank you, Jack, for surprising us everyday.

For being our first baby.

For being Molly's big brother.

winter

Our kids experienced another real winter a few weeks ago,

when we traveled to Ohio to visit with Ken's mom. 

The weather has been brutal back there, and while we were

happy to visit and experience the snow…

this was not something I'd want to deal with everyday.

For those of you that even read this anymore, we would appreciate prayers

for Ken's mom. She has fought a tough battle with cancer and made a courageous decision to

stop her treatments, that were very hard on her physically.

It's just a matter of time at this point, but we would appreciate prayers for the whole family.

Ice, Ice Baby...

Kids surprised us by choosing ice skating classes from the 

city catalog. Go figure.

They both did an awesome job!

six

Six years ago, I went to bed feeling anxious and nervous.

I was going to be induced to deliver our baby girl…

It feels like yesterday.

Dear Molly,

At 6 years old, you are still one of the silliest kiddos I've ever known.

You love to do homework, bother your brother, and you love to eat BBQ ribs.

Your favorite restaurant is the Lazy Dog Cafe, you love all the big rides at Disneyland,

and you make friends wherever you go.

You are learning how to read and I am told you are a very good listener in your classroom.

You have very good manners.

You like to paint, ride your scooter, and watch whatever shows Jack is watching.

You are the only one who will drink a green smoothie with me.

This year, you requested a birthday party with your daycare friends, and they spoiled you.

You will celebrate at school with popsicles.

 You love to keep track of things on your own calendar, you love crossing off the days.

You love to buy lunch at school…mini cheeseburgers and mac and cheese are your favorite days.

I get to be your teacher on most mornings for ELD and on Wednesdays in the computer lab.

You love to help me choose a game for all the kids to play.

                                                 

 Your love for animals has not changed, you continue to love animals with all your being.

You were in shock when we placed YOUR REAL bunny in your hands.

 You have a funky sense of style and often put together some interesting outfits.

You wear them with confidence.

You like to be the ringleader at Sunday dinner, declaring "joke night" rules.

Sometimes your jokes make NO sense.

You still like princesses, Jasmine and now Merida are your favorites.

You love to have "beat down" and "tickle fight" sessions with Daddy.

You still don't like to wear any accessories in your hair.

But you rock the crazy knee high socks.

You tried ballet, and had fun, but it maybe wasn't your "thing".

This week, you will start ice skating lessons with Jack.

You can name all the Skylander characters, and have a mental list of which ones you "need" and which ones you already have.

You still really want a Furby.

You love to help Papa fill the bird feeder every week.

You love to help Nana do crafts and set the table.

 You requested a bunny themed party this year.

We decorated your cupcakes together and you told everyone at your party they could eat 

"everything on them but not the ears".

 I can't imagine you being 6…or 7…or 8…

but, I bet the next year will be so much fun!

 Happy Birthday, baby girl!

We love you!