Jeep 2.0

One of our favorite family activities is heading out on a ride. We usually get in some rides on the weekends, but summers is when we go the most. We upgraded to a newer model, and I can't believe the difference! Everyone has been out, and we're actually hoping to go out tomorrow. If not, summer is right around the corner and I know we will have lots of memories made with the new jeep (and no, it's not a jeep, but that's what the kids have always called it...name has stuck).

Different is hard

Dear Jackson,

When daddy is not home at bedtime, I let you and Addison fall asleep in my bed all together. It's our own special routine to make things special when he's not home. We usually read or sometimes I'll let you watch a show. Last night, daddy had a meeting so we all agreed to finish the movie we were watching in my room. Everyone brushed teeth and got moving, but then when we got in to bed you started to have a mini-meltdown. You wanted to read a story, but you really wanted to finish the movie and due to the time, I told you we only had time for one of them. You continued with how you really wanted to do both and mini-meltdown continued. I made the comment that every time we try to do something different when daddy is gone, this happens. You then said, "different is no good." After that, you made a frustrated sound and then said, "different it just hard for me." (You were referring to the changes in our routine as the different.) I grinned from ear to ear because for you to recognize that changes in routine are a challenge for you is HUGE!!!! Earlier in the week, you also told your teacher that you were getting annoyed by others, and having a hard time with the noise in the classroom during an activity.

I am so proud of you love for how articulate and aware of yourself you are becoming. One of the greatest gifts your dad and I can give you is the ability to self-advocate for what you need. And as you understand yourself, and see that how you think and who you are is truly an asset to everyone. This is a skill you will be able to take into your days as a scientist when you find all of your discoveries! Understanding yourself is one of the hardest things!!!

But love, hearing you say these things is complete reassurance to me that everything we are doing and working on is helping. I know sometimes I get frustrated, but I'm learning too. You are teaching me every day, and I am so blessed to be your mom!!!

Love,
Mom

Golf with Grandpa

A few weeks ago, Dave and I celebrated our 12th anniversary. Jackson and Addison got to spend the night with Grandma and Grandpa B, and then Sunday afternoon, Grandpa B took them to the golf course to practice their short game. Even thought it was crazy windy, they had a blast!!

It's done...almost!!!

Dave has been working feverishly hard to get the pool/backyard project finished for everyone's sanity! We now have real ear plugs, so it's complete game on for the kids...although they are finding that the water is still on the cold end of comfortable. As soon as we have a heater, I'm all about the spa. The pool will take me a little while longer. But I love that the kids love it!!! And I know that it's going to make the summer so much more fun. We will be able to go outside, without the fuss and hop in the pool. What's not to love??

Addison definitely loves to be in the water the most right now. I know that as it becomes a part of our "routine" Jackson will love it as much as she does. It cracks me up as they swim because they both do it so differently. Addison swims closed mouth and much more gracefully than Jackson, and yet, she swallows SOO much more water than he does. I still have yet to figure that out. 

Jackson's swimming face...

Addison's swimming face....

I am definitely loving the pool. I love everything about it, including the patio Dave designed. It's been wonderful to sit out there after the kiddos go to sleep and have some adult time...yes, we still need adult time. But just the whole practicality of everything has both Dave and I looking at each other and wondering why we didn't plan our backyard this way to begin with. Oh well, we know now!!!

And finally, Charlie has a dog run. She also cannot jump over the backyard!!! WOOHOO!

Spring Break, 2014

Spring break this year had big ideas. I was thinking about all kinds of places we could visit, and all the places we could do. Turns out, we were all pretty wiped, and staying home was all that sounded good. We stayed home and relaxed, which ended up working out because Jackson ended up with a fever for over half of break. So we watched a lot of movies and just hung out. Sometimes we just need to rejuvenate...which is exactly what we did. The fair was this week, and the kiddos did Zumba with a group from school with the kids dance studio. They loved it and were awesome!!!  (Gotta love motrin...this was mid-fever).

On Saturday, we had a family day and saw the movie Mr. Peabody and Sherman (which we all loved). We also got to have lunch with Dave's sister Dianna and her family! It was a truly good time which was awesome! We'll see them again when Nick graduates from college in May...something we are all looking forward too!!!

All in all, this was a rejuvenation...but I did have some complaints. It was just about a year ago that we had Jackson's tonsils and adenoids out, and his first set of ear tubes in. He's back to not feeling well. Mom's frustrated...but we'll get it figured out!!! ENT is looking at a variety of food allergies...so we'll see.

Letter to my Addison

Dear Addison,

     You are 6 years old. Yes, that's right. You are six. In so many ways, this does not seem possible. Yet, in so many ways, I know that it's true. We were talking the other day about independence, and I mentioned how independent you are. You told me you were not (and you were quite adamant), but sweet pea, you are. You are independent to a tee. You have always wanted to do things your way, and in your own time. When you were born, you would not nurse. I was beside myself because this was one thing about having a new baby that I knew....I mean totally knew. And yet, you were not going to do it until you were ready. And once you were ready, it was no holds bar...but man....waiting for you to be ready, even then was hard. You are a child who has her own mind, and is going to use it all the time.

     I love, absolutely love, to watch you Addison. You love to play and learn. You are definitely growing into your own thoughts because you are quite good at articulating them now. You and Jackson get along most of the time, but you definitely have your moments. Yesterday morning was one of those, and I was so impressed that you were using "I statements" to describe your feelings and what you didn't like about what he was doing. In fact, I asked you to go back and finish, and you did. Proud mom moment, because this is what I do at work, and there are times when I feel like I fail you and Jackson at home because I don't always have the patience to work through things like I should...but you did! Having the skills to articulate how situations are making you feel is huge, and you are doing it now!!!

     Addison, you love school. I mean, LOVE it! You are learning so much, and have come so far. You are reading simple books and you were the first to progress to the next level of math for your class. You are adding and subtracting, and telling time and counting money. You are learning things about our US history and about art that you absolutely love. But one of the most exciting things for me is your love of music and the foundation you are getting there. You are encouraged to work out your differences with your friends, and your teachers support you. Addison, it is extremely exciting to see you grow.

     We were talking about dance registration for next year, and you got very sad when we were talking about making a choice. You LOVE dance, and we love that you love it. Plus, you are good at it. Addison, you are good at all sports, you are coordinated and athletic. You will always be one of those kiddos who just "get" this part of life (you get that from daddy), but we still have to work on those boundaries...otherwise you would do it ALL!!! 

     Addison, your passion for life and sensitivity are amazing. You wake up happy in the morning, and go to bed happy. You just have that disposition. You play hard, work hard and feel hard. That passion could take you to be the president of the US if you wanted. In the meantime, we are happy and proud to support you and be witness to your learning and growing. You are a gift Addison to everyone you meet. And I am truly honored that God chose me to be your mom.

     I see so much of myself in you that sometimes it scares me. I am to a point where I definitely know my strengths and weaknesses! Hopefully I can help you grow into yourself and continue to mold you into the strong woman you are on the path to becoming. You have a faith that will carry you through thick and thin, and by relying on God, you will be unstoppable. I pray for the strength to stand beside you and support you in all that you set out to do. 

     Addison, I cannot wait for your life to continue to unfold. But, love bug, you are 6. You've lost two teeth, and love to swim. Let's keep it "kid" focused for as long as we can, because being a kid is the best thing on earth!!! I love you Addison, and I know daddy does too. We are excited by your laughter and tickled by your achievements. Keep on growing and learning love because life only gets better!!!!

Love,

Mom