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.

Pumpkins and a farm

On Saturday we visited a pumpkin farm with Drea and family. We had a good time feeding the animals, finding and decorating pumpkins and bouncing.

Paloma was afraid of the animals and just watched them from her stroller. She was happy to see her cousin Scarlett and baby Sawyer. We all were happy to see them, actually.

Angus didn't want to get out of the stroller at first, but soon warmed up after he saw the bouncy house. He didn't decorate his pumpkin until we got home.

Jonas was doing everything and enjoying it all. He was quite savvy in finding some free food for the goats and cows.

And we even came home with a baby chick.

Who does that, anyway?

In Heaven

"What do you think Nana is doing in heaven right now?" Jonas asked.

We were in the kitchen, I was washing dishes or making dinner or something.

"I don't know what she's doing right now. What do you think she's doing?" I asked.

"I think she's getting ready for bed and she's talking to her mom right now."

"Aww, that sounds nice. Yeah, maybe that's what she's doing."

This moment

I stepped outside to find Paloma watching the little chick we bought yesterday.

She was trying to get it out of the cage. And she was naked.

Missing tooth

Jonas had a stubborn tooth that didn't want to come out. It was getting in the way of his new tooth. He had to get it pulled out by a dentist.

He didn't even make a fuss about it. Miah sat with him as the dentist talked him through it, and he was so good.

He left the tooth fairy a little note with his tooth. She left seven dollars under his pillow. He was happy.

What to do?

So, the house is quiet, because Paloma is napping, the boys are with my parents, and miah is working.

I've been sitting here, trying to figure out what to do with this rare quiet time. I've realized that I am so used to the noise and chaos that three children bring to this little house, that I don't know what to do.

Should I just sit and be or should I clean the messes in each room? Don't know.

It sure is nice, though.

Jake

Jeremiah spotted a turtle a couple of weeks back, walking, slowly,  on the street.  We brought it home with us so that it would not get run over.  

The kids loved him.  

They fed him, held him, Paloma yelled at him ("no, no, thtay," she'd say as it walked toward her) and hugged him.  We put signs up in the neighborhood and hoped that no one would call us.

Someone called.  

Jake went back home last night.  The kids were bummed about it.  They were sad to see him go.  But they handled it pretty well.  Jonas was the saddest, said he cried at school because he knew Jake had to go.  We explained that we would be sad if we lost a pet and would be happy if he was returned to us.  This helped him understand.

Thanks, Jake, for showing us how cool dessert tortoises are.

Angus: 3 1/2 years old

Dear Angus,

You are such a sweet little boy, but also very tough.

You are in the middle, in between a Jonas and a Paloma. That is tough stuff.

You are my little rock. The one I can count on to get out of a tantrum after a few minutes and be lovey. The other two are not so easy after a fit.

You are the best sleeper so far. You wake and ask for cereal all the time.

You love your brother and miss him while he is in school. Jonas loves you too, but right now he just doesn't know how cool little brothers are...yet.

You are sometimes mean to your little sister, but I guess that is how things go. We are working on it, trying to teach you to be a little gentler and to not get so mad.

You ask a lot of questions all the time. A lot of good and interesting and thoughtful questions. You listen well and catch stuff people are saying in conversations, the radio, or songs that are playing and you ask me about it.

The other day, I was having a rough day cause I've had a lot of those these past few weeks and you looked at me and said, "You give us everything."  I hugged and kissed you.  It was THE sweetest.

You tell me you love me all the time. If you see me having a bad day, you tell me I'm a good mom, or "you nice, mom."

I love you, son! You nice, too.

Mom