The Great And The Not So Great

We pulled off the big surprise,  and it was fantastic seeing all the family again.   We celebrated birthdays with family, had swim lessons, and saw beautiful Show Low with its carpet of flowers, saw Jason's team play, Natalie's band, "Pumped" our bodies, said good-bye to gray and hello to blonde, climbed Camelback, debated, picked veggies and berries from the garden, and so much more.   The big surprise came when we got home.  We opened the door to an 'off' sort of smell.  I thought it was just our cats letting us know their displeasure of being left alone for that long.  Turns out it was a leak in our bathroom.  We now have a nice hole in our living room ceiling.  Our Cable box quit on us and my car has a flat.  Vacation was nice and now reality has greeted us and I am ready to go back to Arizona.  All of these inconveniences will soon be fixed and forgotten, but the memories that we (kids especially) made will stay in our minds forever.  I had planned on posting pictures and reminiscing, but the real world is beckoning me to snap to it and take care of things.  To those that we saw, thank you for the laughs, love, and priceless memories. I'll post pictures soon.

Four Years and Full of Grace

Malena Quotes:

God ‘decorated’ us.

He is my kisser. (Talking about boyfriends during playtime.)

Mom, get me out of babyland. (Said while Colin was tackling her.)

It’s time to brush the kid’s hair. (Translation: please brush my hair.)

Stop it mom, you aren’t real! (Apparently, my English accent while reading Angelina Ballerina leaves much to be desired.)

Each day she brings laughter and joy into our home. As she turns four, Chris and I continue to be amazed with her ability to defuse any situation with her charm. Her days are spent doing playschool, coloring, making up stories, singing, dancing, and acting. The latter is a new skill she spends her time perfecting. She will be so angry, sad, scared, or some other dramatic emotion. I will go investigate and she will turn around with a huge smile and laugh, “I’m just acting mom. Don’t worry.”

She desires to be just like her big sis until that same big sister imposes her will upon her. Then she will turn stubborn and refuse to do anything that Caity desires. She wants to play with Colin until she realizes that he is just about as strong as her. They are the best of playmates and the worst of playmates.

Being stuck in the middle of the craziness can’t be easy. Not big enough for some activities and too big for others. I worry about her place in the family sometimes, but her middle name is Grace. That couldn’t be more fitting for how our half pint of love, joy, and laughter handles life.

Happy Birthday Gracie-Face!

Just one

I have just showered after putting Colin down for the night and I don't expect my other loved ones home for a while.  Chris, the king of surprises, took the girls to a show for a Daddy date night and I was stuck here with Little Man.  Being stuck meant that we could go on a solo walk, play cars without a story line, sing little kid songs, bath time, and enter bed with a song or three. I must confess that bath time is usually just a quick stop on the way to bed, and  I was amazed at the way Colin could entertain himself with the simplest of toys.  I will spare you the long list of Colin's evening entertainment and sum it by saying that his face right before bed says it all.  I hope I get stuck again soon.

Introducing Rose

Caity or ROSE as she now wants to be called is getting so big.  Self expression is her highest priority, so she will have her own place on this blog to do just that.  She takes pictures all of the time and wants to share them with everyone.  The slide show will periodically change, so keep checking.  In the future be aware that all photos she takes will have a good chance of making it on the blog.    

He's a Boy!

We have begun the journey of a little man.  He now owns cars and action figures.  They look just like the little dolls that the girls have spent hours creating their own versions of reality. Apparently there is a clear difference between the two.  Seriously,  I am having a bitter sweet day watching Colin get his first batch of "BOY" toys. 

It all started when the girls asked to go look at toys and I wandered down the boy aisle in an attempt to veer our way around the crowd by the Barbies.   Colin got so excited when he saw the cars, so I picked one up that made revving noises. He voiced his approval and that was how we all came to the realization that the princes of the Disney Princesses would not be enough to keep him occupied.  

We went to dinner at a friend's house where a boy lives, and Colin was quite at home among the cars and other boy stuff.  I keep saying boy, because I now am a mom of a little boy.  My baby is quickly being knocked away with each tackle he takes from his dad.  I don't remember a distinct moment that the girls stopped being babies.  That could be because the dolls they had just got smaller and more sophisticated.   There was never a swapping moment for their toys.  In fact, they still like some of the same little girls toys.  

We went to Toyland, as Malena calls it.  The girls and I went our usual route and Chris and Colin left for some male bonding moments.  When we all met up, Colin was oohing and clapping at what he had in his hand.  He was such a happy little boy.  He is not a baby anymore. He is our little boy.  Our Little Man.

First Week Back

We are officially back to school.  I find it is nice to start extra early.  It wasn't until today that Caity realized other kids aren't back in school.  The gentle reminder that we finish in time to enjoy the nice weather outside while other kids are inside seemed to squash her lamenting.  After much soul searching we also started Malena in Junior Kindergarten. Basically, she is doing the kindergarten curriculum at a much slower pace without the pressure to complete the entire day.  I wasn't expecting her to really do much this week.  I was pleasantly surprised with her eagerness and ability.  Handwriting is probably her least favorite.  That makes complete sense with it being such a fine motor skill and she is only three and a half.  So, I have not been pressing that at all.  I did have to remind myself that the ultimate goal is not to advance her but to satisfy her natural curiosity to learn about the world.    

Caity is now in third grade and picking up right where we left off in May.  There are a few cobwebs that need to be shaken, and her enthusiasm is that of a typical third grader who is realizing that school equals work.  She also had a few moments of raining on Malena's accomplishment with the obligatory sisterly comments.  I know that it must be hard to see someone take to something so easily that it a struggle for yourself.  I believe that this year will be a big character building year for our Rose.

Colin still lives here and naturally complicates our school time.  I had planned on him being happy playing around in the living room with his trucks and such.  I underestimated his desire to be right by his sisters at all times.  He kept climbing up on the bench or chair next to one of them to look at their books.  Sometimes looking meant he would make stray marks on Caity's assignment.  Strapping him to the highchair to color and make faces only lasts so long before he is an even bigger distraction.  He was trying so hard to imitate Malena saying letters and sounds that it often had us all in stitches at the pure cuteness of it all.  His nap time is our golden time for school. That is when the math and reading happen and that seems to work well for now.  I just pray that he continues to nap this well.

My confidence has increased this year, and I am not second guessing myself quite as much.  We are using a decidedly Christian/Catholic program and have been quite pleased thus far.  The beginning of school has been an adjustment for all in this household.  The bed is calling me earlier and the morning disappears before I get to run.  Next week will be better.  I know that Chris will have his energetic and not as emotional wife back soon.  Fingers crossed!

Caity Loves to Perform

We got back her recital DVD and have tried every way I know how to post it.  I guess they protected the DVD from recordings.  I will have to lend it out and pass it around to all the family who care to see it.  I must say that it was a huge improvement over last year's recital that left all of us wondering what they learned all year. 

 She is constantly talking to herself in the mirror and putting on shows.  I wonder from where she gets that trait.  I haven't posted all the videos I promised with the beginning of school being so hectic.  More on that later.  Here is another video of Caity being Caity.  I think she is permanently in a state of acting.  She rarely turns 'it' off and usually only when Mom and Dad have informed her that she needs to come back to reality for a particular moment.  

Commercial Produced By Caity

This is the second installment of the day that Caity got to express herself through the video camera.  This is great example of the girls' relationship with one another.  They adore each other, but Malena will not let big sister rule her world.  Caity can appear to be giving Malena a hug and in actuality be threatening her very being.  That explains the crying after a seemingly loving embrace.  Anyway, I found this video entertaining.  I hope you do too.

Sweet Cha-Little

I gave up control of the video camera to the kids for some fun.  They (Caity mostly) took tons of video.  I have put them into three separate videos for you to enjoy their edited antics.  I have one  that Malena shot, but I will edit out the shots of floors and dolls before I post it.  

We are nearing the end of summer here at our house.  The books and supplies are all organized and ready to go.  We have had such a good time visiting with family and creating wonderful new friendships here in Memphis. 

Colin is now 16 months and a few days old.  He is really trying to communicate in other ways besides his hand signs and grunting.  He is fascinated with hats, balls, and recently trains.  He continues to antagonize and love on his sisters all at the same time.  He has his dad (OK, his mom too.) wrapped around his chubby little pinky.   Life is great.  We are blessed.  Our cups overflow. 

Family Visit #2

WHEW! What a wonderful couple of weeks it has been with family visits. It was chaotic and fantastic with everything going on in our home. After the Martinez side left, we all got busy doing a few house projects to prepare for the arrival of the White family. Mammaw and Papa watched the kids for two nights in a row while Chris and I prepared for singing at a wedding for co-worker of his. That meant that we would have date night two days in a row. The 45 minute ride allowed us to talk at length without interruption. The bonus was getting to sing in public with Chris again. It brought back many wonderful memories of the beginning of our days together. An even greater bonus was the kids got to spend two nights with Mammaw and Papa White playing hide-n-seek, singing, telling stories, and watching movies. I have great pictures to share, and I will post those later. For now, we are all taking in deep breaths as we prepare and rest up for another year of homeschooling in two weeks.

Caity Turns Eight!

It is absolutely impossible that our 'baby' just turned eight. I can't even begin to express how much I love the 'Boo". She rolls her eyes when we call her that and countless of other things that we do to embarrass her. She recently said that we have a weird family. I guess in her eyes parents, that do the things that we do, are weird. I prefer to think that someday she will see these days as the best days. Chris and I will for sure.

As parents of Caitlyn, we are beyond blessed. Caity is a wonderfully complicated, forever giving, deep down sweet-to-the-core little girl. Excuse me, she isn't a little girl anymore. She is a big girl who teaches us about ourselves, the world, and ensures we know just where she stands on important life issues. She is spectacular big sister who is adored by both of her siblings. Yes, I know It is only her eighth birthday. I also know we will blink and another eight years will pass, and she will be on the heels of her own life adventures. That time will come too soon in my opinion, so for now I want to hold her tight and tell her how much we love her. Happy birthday Boo! We love you!

Family Visit #1

As always , we have so much fun when we have family in town.  This time we were blessed to have six people in town to celebrate (very early) Caity's eighth birthday.  Natalie and Marty were kind to include our house on their way to Kentucky for a gig Wednesday night.  Mamaw and David were able to make it as well.  Malena has a new best friend-- Isabelle  that she is convinced will come to our house 'tomorrow.'   Here are photos from the day at the zoo.  At first none of the animals were cooperating with us and then the seals andy polar bears saved the day with great entertainment.  We love you and miss you already. 

Our June

June has been fantastic despite Chris' insane  travel schedule.  I am so impressed by Chris and his ability to balance his work this month with his favorite role as Dad. Caity has completed her softball season while learning valuable life lessons that seem even harder, as her mom, to let her experience. She had a few great hits and wants to try again next year. Malena fascinates me with her ability to dissolve any tense situation with her humor.  Colin is now fifteen months and learning new things everyday.  He, too, has a great sense of humor even though he is the only one who gets the punchline.  We all laugh despite our ignorance.  I am thrilled that July is here to bring us family visits from both sides of the family, Caity's birthday, and Dad back home where he belongs.  

More Simple Moments

Typical Day Part One

Big Tuesday

WARNING: These next few posts are purely to catch up family with all that is going on in the kids' lives. They may seem mundane to the common viewer, but they are just capturing the everyday joy in my life. They have no real purpose other than to share that joy with you all. It sometimes is the simple things that I love the most.

Chicken Pox

I lost the other stuff.I already blogged about. Basically, we are in the middle of Chicken Pox at our house and I plan to add more to the blog sooner than later. UGHHH! Where did it go?

Anyway, here are some pictures of the kids during happier/healthier times.

Our Mother's Day

We went to the park and Chris got some photos that I wanted to share. I am still trying to get caught up on photos from Nashville and the family visit afterwards. They are being held captive in Chris' computer.

Summer's Coming

Just Another Day

Apparently, I was not getting through my TO-DO list fast enough for Caity. I was in the middle of cooking when she handed me a fake phone. She acquiesced to using a fake phone after her repeated request for my cell phone was denied. After three “BRRRRINGS” I picked-up the Minnie Mouse phone. She asked to speak to the lady who sews. She called for an appointment to fix her ailing princess dolls. She set it up for 1pm which was right after lunch. I admired her creativity and perseverance. Undoubtedly, I would have kept saying that I would get to it later only to put it off for one more day. At 1pm, she came to me right on schedule with three dolls and they were seen promptly and fixed to her satisfaction. Just another day…

I went to the lady doctor for a yearly exam. Malena was most concerned about me and was adamant that the doctor would not check her. I explained that it was just a check up for mommy. Fast forward a few hours at the grocery store. The day’s prior event was still on her mind. I knew this and so did everyone else in the dairy department because of what she said. Malena inquired, “Mommy, how is your bottom feeling? Did the lady fix it? I love your bottom. You like my bottom?” Just another day…

I sometimes have to pick and choose what I am going to share on this blog, because things like this happen just about everyday. It is just another day in my blessed life. Happy Belated Mother’s Day.

I promise I will post pictures soon.