A Little Catch-Up on Kate

 

Kate is such a sweet, kind, smart, fun, imaginative girl! She's a joy to have in our home and she brings a peace and gentleness to our life that would be missing without her. While she says she would LOVE to have a sister, she is very content to be the creamy center in a brother Oreo!

She was honored as the "Citizen of the Month" at school in January. Jack and Dad and I got to have breakfast with her, the principal, and a few other good citizens. Love that girl. :)

Peg Doll Necklaces

 

Kate and I got a wild hair and decided to make these fun peg doll necklaces for Valentine's Day. We painted, and painted, and painted, ... and had a really great time! I'm so thankful I have a daughter who loves to create with me. Jack even got in on the action and painted quite a few bodies for us.

A Little Catch-Up on Todd

 

Todd is truly on the cusp of teenage-hood. He's growing up so fast (he's grown 4 or 5 inches since August -- ack!). Middle School has been quite the adventure. He's doing fantastic academically, and starting to find his niche. He has been disappointed by some of his elementary friends and the decisions they've made this year. He and a couple of other kids have had to pull away from some of their best buds because of bad language, dirty talk, and bullying. It's been an eye-opener for both of us. He laments from time to time that he's a big nerd - but I couldn't be more proud of him. If being a nerd means being kind, respectful, smart, and dedicated then I hope he's the biggest nerd in the school!

He's the percussionist in his beginning band, and seems to have found something to be passionate about. It's fun to see him find his own thing!

He has enjoyed ski bus for the last two months. Next Saturday is his last outing with the school -- but he has gotten in some major time on the slopes this year! Best Christmas present ever.

He is also a member of the Technology Team and is super excited about his trip to the State Tech Competition in 2 weeks. He gets to go to Boise for a couple of days and race the CO2 car he's been building since Christmas. All these activities (plus wonderful and active YM and Scouting programs - he's 2 requirements away from his 1st class!) have kept him very busy and are helping him to become a well rounded and interesting person. I'm a lucky mom.

A Little Catch-Up on Jack

 

My baby is definitely growing up. He's so excited for Kindergarten this fall - and has been working hard on learning to read. He's getting there! I've enjoyed him so very, very much! We've been alone together at home for the last 4 years, so I'm really going to miss my right-hand man. I love that he still thinks I'm a rock star. That fades away too quickly (Todd has definitely seen the light -- Mom is a huge nerd!) Today in the car Jack asked "Mom, guess who my most favorite one of the universe is?" I said I didn't know, expecting to hear Thomas the Tank Engine or Speed Racer, when he piped up "You are!" Man, that made my day!!!! I said, "Thanks buddy! You're my most favorite one of the universe too! You're really smart and talented." He made sure to add, "and handsome, too." Yep, that's my boy!

Last weekend Brad took him skiing all by himself for the day. He was one happy kid! They spent all day on the slopes, but he could have lasted several more hours. Brad was completely exhausted (and very happy that their lift passes expired at 4pm. He's taking all three kids tomorrow. Should be a party!

Birthday Girl - Why don't I feel that old?

 

I had a fabulous 37th birthday in January! Brad and the kids spoiled me with breakfast in bed, dinner out, and lots of fun, fun presents. I also had many wonderful birthday wishes via cards, email, and Facebook. Thank you so much to each and every one of you for your thoughtfulness. I am a truly blessed person. Love to you all.

Christmas Morning

 

This was the best Christmas Season I've ever had as an adult. I'm not sure why, but I can conclusively say it was not due to any external changes, rather, I think it was a shift in focus and attitude. I really tried to keep my focus on Christ this Christmas, not by changing any traditions or activities, but by thinking about how those traditions or activities could and should help me remember Him. So, although December was filled with an endless parade of concerts, parties, and performances, I felt a peace and stillness amidst the hustle and bustle. I found that I talked to the kids in greater depth and with more frequency about the symbols of Christmas. It was gratifying and heartening to hear them talk about Santa and then say "Santa is so nice to give us presents to help us remember that Jesus gave us the greatest present!" or "Mom, that's a pretty bow on that package. That makes me think of our family and how we can be tied together forever." In that context a visit from Santa and a tree full of presents became a spiritual experience!

I also did 90% of my Christmas shopping online. I've found that I shop with purpose and thought, rather than impulse, when I'm able to sit and think, check my wish lists, and look at what I've already bought. Being able to sit in my home and shop helped me visualize the purchases in the kids' rooms and decide whether they were really necessary or would end up being a big space/money waster. I'm the worst at the last minute panic of "do I have enough for everyone?", but that didn't happen to me this year! I'm thankful to have had such a joyous holiday season with no 'buyer's remorse' December 26.

Thanks to Mom and Dad making the trip over on Christmas Day to see us, we didn't even have to worry about travel for the whole week before Christmas, or the whole week after! Loved that.

Now, lest you think it was all pine cones and holly berries at the Wilson household, I'll admit that we had our fair share of "I want that" and "Why aren't you ready to go -- we're going to be late!" and "Stop eating so much junk food" -- it's just that those moments didn't seem to bother me as much. Something else was center stage.

Yesterday I took down all the decorations and stored them away in boxes for next year. It's hard to say goodbye to the warmth and cheer of the lights, garlands, trees and stockings -- but today I find that I feel refreshed, decluttered and clean -- ready to start a new year on the right foot!

I hope your holiday season was the same.

Set for Snow

 

Kate, Jack and Todd love to play in the snow, but they don't like to get cold, so they've learned how to get good and bundled up. It makes for long hours of fun outside without the drama of cold fingers and toes. Mom likes. :)