Christmas

The photos were taken after our Christmas Eve party.

Miah made a delicious dinner. One second the turkey was out of the oven, on the counter in its entirety and the next second, or so it seemed, it was gone. We were all hungry and Miah makes the best turkey dinner. That explains it.

We opened the few presents we had with our family and friends. Some members of the family were missing, but not forgotten. The kids were dressed in their traditional, bought-by-grandma Tricia, Christmas pajamas. They were excited.


Jonas and Miah had made a cross out of wood they had found in the backyard. Jonas painted it and told dad where to put it -at the top of our tree. "Because Jesus was on the cross," Jonas said.

In the middle of the night, I heard someone stirring. It wasn't Santa, but Jonas, discovering a tree with presents, lots of them. "Jonas?" I said. "Mom, Santa came. I was good!" he said.

In the morning, he tried hard to wake Angus, but Angus didn't want to be bothered. He finally got up and the tearing of paper began. These boys were blessed with many presents.

Paloma was happy with her FOUR babies, crib, stroller and especially her puppy.

They played outside all Christmas Day with Miah.

Sunday, 7:45 p.m. after bath photos

My Paloma is a silly girl. She knows when to be funny, when to make goofy faces, how to crack up laughing. When she heard that dad was home, she wanted to get out of the bath. But before I lost her to Miah, we just had to snap a few shots.

While you we're sleeping

The boys and I were comfortably reading on their bed last night. They were both pretty sleepy but Jonas was the sleepiest. In the middle of the story, his eyes finally closed and Angus was the only one listening to me read.

I saw his little hand grab his brothers sleeping hand and held it, fingers entwined.

I looked at him and he looked at me and he said, "I love Jonas."

"I know you do and he loves you too," I said.

He lay there like that for a little longer. His big brother wasn't getting mad at him or getting annoyed with him. He let go of his hand and gave him a hug and whispered, "I love you, Jonas."

Angus is always telling Jonas that he loves him. Jonas hears it so much that he sometimes responds rudely or ignores him. Other times he tells him, "Aww, Mang, I love you too," then they hug.

But this time, Angus enjoyed just holding his hand and telling him he loved him. He didn't need a response back. He didn't need Jonas to tell him he loved him, too. He just loves him and that's that.

Paloma walked in and climbed onto the bed with us. She saw what Angus was doing and joined him in his love-for-big-brother-party. She gave sleeping Jonas kisses and kept saying, "love you, too"

I finally told them that we needed to let big Bo rest and sleep. We finished reading, then Angus fell asleep. I sang a song to my Paloma and then she fell asleep.

My heart was happy and forgot about all the other things I was supposed to do after they were all asleep and then, I fell asleep, right next to my little loves.

Sleepover

We are staying the night at my mom & dad's. It's late and the kids are sleeping, so I get some time with them all to myself. I made them take some photos with me. I don't have enough photos of them. My dad says I do something to the camera because he says he never comes out looking right. My mom says her face is too chubby. I don't care what they say. I'm going to keep taking pictures.

sweet goodnight

I've been sick for over a week. Jonas and I came down with strep throat and it has been horrible. Ugh. The pain is fading thanks to the antibiotics, but now I am hoping this earache goes away soon.

The days have been tough. Three kids at home, all day, with no chance of naps for me. But I got through them. Thank god we are all starting to feel better, we'll except for Miah.

I was feeling down today. Earache, messy house, and whiny children. Every time I cleaned up a mess, another one was waiting for me. Little Paloma is good at making them.

Jonas was giving me a hard time because he wanted to play the wii. He kept asking and asking about it. Finally, he stopped and relaxed. Later, he walked up to me and said, "I'm sorry I was acting so bad. I feel bad for you mom. You're not having a very good day."

I gave him a hug and thanked him for apologizing and acknowledging how bad a day I was having. He can be tough and wild, but he also is such a sweetheart.

The day started to turn around.

Paloma peeled a banana and threw it on the ground. I was about to get frustrated, when I had an idea. "Let's make banana bread."

She helped do everything. She was my banana masher, ingredient pourer, and mixer.

"Need more shuger," she said.

After, she was so happy she kept saying, "I made it, I made it!"

Angus walked into the kitchen and started giving me kisses all over my head.

All of those things made my day so much better.

As they were falling asleep, angus held my hand and Paloma lay next to me. Before he had fallen asleep, Jonas told me he loved me and that I was the best mom.

Sometimes, they make my days tough, but they always make them better.

Thanksgiving 2012

Thanksgiving was a blur, so I am glad we took a few photos. It's neat to see the kids together with their cousins. Wished my brother and his family were there so that ALL the littles would have been together. It will happen, some other get together, I guess.

We had a free-range turkey, all thanks to Patricia. Jonas was hungry and sat at the table until the food was ready. Angus napped, and woke up, just in time to eat. Paloma was being shy, and would not let her grandma's put her down.

Seven years

Dear Jonas,

Today, you turned seven years old. We celebrated your special day with family and friends at your favorite restaurant.

About a week ago you had asked me if we could go to Peter Piper Pizza for your birthday dinner. I thought sure why not and told you I would talk to dad about going. But a few days later, we were out on the weekend and you asked dad, "Can we go to Oregano's for my birthday dinner?" Miah said yes.

It surprised me that you had changed your mind about where you wanted to go. I know how much you love the games and the craziness that is Peter piper pizza. But I thought, cool, I love Oregano's too. Better choice.

All day today you were so excited about dinner. You kept asking us who was going to be there, were you going to get any presents, and if you could please get a pizza cookie for dessert.

After school, I asked if you got to open the wrapped book I sent?

"Did the teacher read it to the class?"

"No, she didn't read it, she said I could read it."

I can see you reading that book to the class. Typical Jonas!

Angus had made you cupcakes for your birthday while you were in school and decorated them himself. He knew you were going to love them.

Finally it was time to go.

While at the restaurant you were so happy. You had your grandmas and grandpas there, which made this day extra special.

You were so polite and patient when receiving gifts, talking to the waiters, and while waiting for dessert.

You sat in the center because you were the birthday boy. You looked so proud, so grown.

I can see what one year has done. When you were six, I know you would not have wanted to sit at a boring old restaurant, but this year, this day, was different.

You wanted to hear stories about you when you were younger. You kept looking around at us, with a grin on your face. You were also being goofy and silly, laughing with your buddy Kendrick and Angy, too, but you just seemed a little different. Maybe a little more mature. You seemed one year older. I can see it. I see what time is doing. How it's unfolding you each passing year.

I know that this the way it is supposed to be. I know that this is what is supposed to happen. I feel proud because I can see what a beautiful person you are right now and what a beautiful person you are going to be.

We have our tough times, like when you and I disagree. When you are mad at me for being a parent and adding limitations. When you say I'm mean. But we work it out. I understand how you feel and you understand where Im coming from as a parent. Sometimes it takes a while, but you understand.

When you blew out your candles, you wished out loud.

"I wish for lots of fun stuff!"

On the way home, you were tired but smiling. "What a great birthday dinner," you announced.

Dad and I both agreed.

I love you my seven year old!
Mom

Sunday: 3:19 p.m.

Paloma's favorite movie is on, Finding Nemo. We are in the boys room while they play a fishing game in the living room.
All is good in this house when Paloma watches Nemo.