"Bigness", my Maisy-ism

Five is hard....It was with Carson. It is with Maison. I can't imagine it with Knox. There is no more denying the "bigness" at 5. She is not a toddler. She will be starting school. She is a big girl. She is still my girl, but not a baby.

When I think about Maisy and her 5 years, I pray they have been as happy for her as they have for me. She brings a spark of joy into everything she does. She has always been a terrible sleeper because I think she just hates to miss anything. She loves being the center of attention. She does everything, good or bad, at full throttle. If it is good, it is really, really good. But, if it is bad, it is really, really bad. She is so different from Carson, that at first, I underestimated her. Now, I am beginning to get an idea of who she is.

Maison is strong, fun, happy, wise, and independent. She has grown from a fussy, chubby baby, into a vibrant, sassy, beautiful (in my mind) little girl. In between was a precious toddler that constantly made me laugh. She has always seemed older than she is, and that continues to be the case, since presently everything is judged against the teenager status. One thing I have loved about Maisy from the beginning is that she always wakes up so happy. She is so excited for the day and what it holds for her. I pray that excitement for life never leaves her. She brings such enthusiasm into everything she does. She is one in a million!

The 5 things I love most about Maisy right now are:

1. She truly thinks everything is about her. This can be cute, or very frustrating, but is very descriptive of who she is right now.

2. Maisy-isms (Fever Remote-thermometer, Easter horns-bunny ears, Skating ring-skating rink, jeams-jeans, Best day ever)

3. Every night she says the same thing before bed. "Mommy, will you come check on me and if I am still awake will you lay with me? Even if I am asleep?"

4. I love listening to her play, by herself, with me, or with friends. She is very insightful, bossy, and "teenager".

5. Her singing and dancing are hilarious, especially if she has dressed herself and she is watching her reflection in the tv.

I am working on a movie to celebrate Maisy's 5th birthday. She loves music and looking at herself, so I thought she would really like a little movie all about her. I found this one I made when she was two. I just cried and cried. I miss my baby girl! It truly goes too fast!

The Other Side of Sports...The Pinewood Derby

It is amazing what motherhood will get you to do. Never in my life, or a million lifetimes for that matter, did I ever picture myself sporting a Boy Scout uniform. The days when I giggled about clothing choices of others are over. I was much more stylish then, than I am now. However, even in my most desperate, purely functional moments, the Boy Scout uniform has never been even a little bit okay. I do realize there are many people that wear the uniform with pride, and I appreciate that. It symbolizes a wonderful organization providing excellent experiences for boys. The underlying principles are designed to develop the entire boy, mind, spirit, heart, and soul. I get it. I don't get the outfit. Fine for boys, but not for the stay-at-home mom already struggling with her self image. Jeremy too voiced his shock the first time he saw me "in uniform". After cackling till breathless, he snapped numerous pictures with his cell phone. With all that in mind, I reluctantly post the picture above. Please focus on the proud Scout holding his trophy for Best Car Design. We might have had one of the slowest cars, but somehow got voted one of the best looking. I guess that is what happens when your mom is your Boy Scout leader. Oh well...we tried!

The Season Ends

Carson and his Buddy, Braden

Basketball was so fun this year. With every sport and every season, I am impressed with how much the kids improve. This season was no exception. It was a really good experience for Carson, and we had fun watching. They won every game, until the last one. They lost a hear-breaker 6-8. Jeremy and I were wanting a win so badly, but it was obvious that it really didn't matter to the boys. It made me wonder when the whole winning and losing thing kicks in. Maybe since it wasn't a tournament and they had won so many...I don't know. I didn't like the loss though.

Carson plays really hard and enjoys the sport. He scored multiple baskets almost every game. His height, even on an older team, is still an advantage. We are hoping he gains some weight and grows into his feet before next year. He could be a real forward then!

Carson, thanks for some great Saturday morning entertainment. We are really proud of your hustle and good listening. Just remember, look up the floor when you dribble, use the backboard, and don't lose your man. You are the makings of a little MJ, CJ!

Little Smarty Pants

Knox is such a funny kid. We are still waiting on him to express his profound thoughts verbally, but right now are satisfied with grunts and the copycat rhythms of his ramblings. He LOVES to be read to and looks at books all the time. He also loves the computer, cell phone, camera, Wii, and all things technological. He is very savvy in that way! He throws major fits, head on the floor screaming fits, if you are on the computer and he can't sit on your lap. Sitting on your lap is fine, but try typing with an extra set of toddler hands in the mix. This clip was taken shortly after 3 of those fits, when I finally gave in and let him type. I just re-enrolled in school to finish my Specialist degree and I have had a really hard time getting all the online issues resolved, so you can sense the frustration in my voice. He is a great little listener though, that is the only thing keeping me from freaking out about his talking. He understands everything we say! From now on, I work while he sleeps. Oh...how I love my little E-Trade Baby!

If you ever get a random nonsensical text from me, that is Knox too, communicating in his own language.

Good-Bye 2010...Hello 2011!

I have named 2010 the year of "Finding Home". While the phrase carried many meanings over the months, the main purpose of the year was finding "home", in the sense of a house, as well as a sacred place for our family to grow together. There were many doubts over the year where "home" would be found, but today we remain in St. Louis...happily, I think. We continue to work on the structure of our home, finishing up odds and ends that got overlooked during the "moving phase" this summer. A patio, finished basement, and new fireplace are our current projects, which will keep us busy for some time. The most important part of making this place our home, have been the people and memories to fill it. We have started developing friendships and activities to make us part of the community. I feel fortunate we have been surrounded by such a great neighborhood, and welcoming neighbors. School, sports, and church are the main outlets for social events. We are meeting great people through our kids, which is fun. To celebrate this new commitment to home, we had a huge Christmas party at our house. I am grateful for all the gifts, tangible and not, in our life.

So, all in all, 2010 brought us home. It is a good place to be.

Favorite Memories from 2010:

Knox-Mommy's last day of work...

Maisy-Learning to water ski, but she learned to snow ski too. She is not a fan of cold weather.

Carson-Going to Table Rock Lake and swimming in the lake. (This is funny, because we had to almost throw him in the first time.)

Alison-Valentine's Day Surprise...I pulled off a great surprise, and truly treasure any time I get alone with my husband. Sometimes I forget how much I enjoy his company.

Jeremy-Office of the Year Award

New Year Resolutions:

Knox-Give up the bottle

Maisy-Cut back on sugar intake.

Carson-Eat a variety of foods.

Alison-Prepare healthy, yummy meals that makes everyone happy.

Jeremy-Lose 15 lbs.