Catch Up - Kids Birthday's and Good Times

Sadly, due to my lack of blogging...I have failed to publicly celebrate Ethan and Ava's birthdays this year. So we are going to quickly recap some of the happenings and just what makes them special to me.

First, Ethan turned 7 this year (in October). He invited 3 friends to come miniature golfing and then had dinner and cake afterwards.

Ethan is such a great kid. I don't think he has it in him to be anything but great. He gets good grades, enjoys school and especially science and reading, LOVES to play with his friends and is learning to be a wonderful big brother. This kid always has favorites. This year they are as follows: Pokemon, Nintendo DS, Poptropica and any other computer game he comes across, Magic Treehouse books, and playing handball and baseball. I want to be able to share the depth of my love for this, my eldest son. But as I think about him, I find my words are completely inadequate. I love his innocence, his sensitivity (though I love this about him, I also dread it...nothing like trying to console a small boy crying over something I can't possibly relate to), his innate desire to please everyone and to make good decisions, his touch of shyness, his love for rules and structure, his ability to focus his energy and accomplish whatever task he has been given, his willingness to take care of himself - get up in the morning, shower, pour himself a bowl of cereal, brush his teeth and prepare his backpack for school. All I have to do is make his lunch and he's out the door. Wow! If only it could always be this way! Ethan, I love you. It's been a great seven years!

And now for Ava. She turned 5 in December and we played hooky from school and work and went to Disneyland for the day (thanks to Aunt Jody for the free passes!). She was a little disappointed not to invite friends but was fortunate to have Jackie and her family meet us there. We had a lot of fun and then continued the celebration on Sunday when Aunt Karley, Aunt Tammy and Erin and Uncle Randy came over for dinner and cake. Having a birthday one week before Christmas sure makes for an overload of gifts but she loved each one and especially the attention she received. The day really was all about her !

Ava is a sweetheart, a cuddly little teddy bear, a kind, loving angel....most of the time. I think we girls are wired with the "drama" gene. If we're a little tired, we behave irrationally. If we're a bit hungry, more craziness. Some days we just can't be consoled and that's when we need some time alone.

This girl is no different. I look forward to many interesting days and moods with her! She loves to have her hair down and free flowing...mainly a tangled mess. Loves comfortable clothing, sweat suits and soft shirts with no tags. Loves to wear jewelry if only for a moment and begs to wear makeup. For her birthday she asked for a curling iron, but in true Ava form, she will rarely let me use it on her hair. She is quick to share and notice when someone else is unhappy. She'll usually do whatever it takes to change that frown to a smile. She loves animals, her kitty here at home and every dog she sees. She's becoming a big help in the kitchen and with some of my cleaning chores and loves to spend time here with me. She loves her gymnastics class and is excited to try soccer on for a change this spring. This beautiful little girl is slowly breaking me down. I'm not the cuddly type. I rarely sit down long enough to truly enjoy anything and I'm not the best at spending that quality time with my kids. I am always busy...but with what? That's a great question and as this little girl works on me, forcing me to pause and to just play, I am learning that it's those moments that are most important. I am learning the just sitting and cuddling can be among the most wonderful activities of my day. I am learning to enjoy the sweet and generous spirit of a beautiful daughter of God. I hope that she continues to work on me and I continue to allow my heart to soften for I know, it is these days and the tender love of a small girl I will miss the most.