There's a Teenager in the House

And he's all mine!  I can clearly remember the day that Joshua was born and I {finally} became a mom.  I've always loved babies and would seek out the littlest one in a crowd.  And now I had my own baby.  I didn't share him well in the first few weeks.  I was convinced he needed me and only me to hold him, love him and dote on him.

Joshua, you have always found the fun in anything.  You have such a pleasant, easy going demeanor and even when things upset you, you quickly get over it and move on.  You have been like that since day one.  You were an easy baby and usually so happy.

Oh how quickly the years have gone by.  You have grown up into such a strong young man.  In honor of this, your first teenage year, I have written down some of the things that make you so uniquely you:

1. You are no longer a morning person.  If I let you, a 10:00 wake up would be the norm.

2. You love Lego.  I appreciate how you build the sets and then use the sets to play with and enjoy.

3. Despite your easy going manner, you have quite a temper. 

4. Since Sarah was born, I have seen a gentle caring side of you.  It's a side that {I think} you save just for her... She has a special place in your heart.

5. You eagerly wait for the snow to melt each spring so you can spend the next six months on your bike.  You'll ride with anyone who is willing and you put many miles on those wheels. 

6. Despite the fact that you are getting bigger, your physical affection towards me hasn't wavered.  You hug me frequently during the day, you love to cuddle in beside me on the couch and even just the other night, you sat on my lap.  You are such a sweet boy!

7. School is not your favorite past time but then again, I don't know how many 13 year olds love it either.  You do like to be at home for school though and we had a great moment of celebrating as you finished your grade 7 math year in April!  

8. I'm still working with you on expanding your taste buds.  A diet that consisted of various cold cereals, pizza, burgers, hotdogs and peanut butter sandwiches would suit you just fine.  Although you like various forms of chicken and beef, most cooked veggies and all seafood is a big no-no for you.  *sigh*

9. Some days are harder than others to live in a house with three sisters.  There's a lot of pink, ponytails, makeup and estrogen in this home and sometimes it drives you crazy!

10. You don't have a huge number of friends but rather a few really close buddies.  You spend time at least once a week with Bryce building with Lego, creating battles and new worlds, biking around and just hanging out.

11. Because of #9, you like to go out with your dad at every chance you can.  Whether it's to the store, Grandpa's shop or just *out*, you'll drop everything to be with him.  

12. You don't like being home alone.  You'd much rather everyone stayed home or everyone goes out together.  You much prefer it when your dad or I are home with you.

13. You are growing and changing at such a fast rate right now.  I can hear your voice get more gravelly, your shoulders are broadening and I love to tease you about the soft little whiskers that are starting to sprout up on your lip.  I pray that this year is one of even more spiritual growth and becoming closer to Jesus.  I pray that you will make decisions that you are proud of and do things that you know are right.  

Have a great day and an even greater year being 13!  I love you so much!

Insecure Days

That is how Sarah has been all week long.  She's clingy, whiny, needy and not sleeping well.  Her remedy: to cry at my legs and hang out beside me at every waking moment.  She's behind me everywhere I turn, she follows me like a little lost puppy and has this insatiable desire to be with me and no one else will do.  I'll admit, it's been exhausting to try and satisfy her need for me in addition to schooling the kids, doing housework and staying on top of the laundry.  I had really noticed those little things pile up the past few days and honestly began to wonder if I would ever catch up.  I was soon reminded of a little quote that has a stanza that says:

The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow
But children grow up as I’ve learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!
I’m rocking my baby and babies don’t keep.

Well, my laundry is {mostly} caught up.  The house is {mainly] tidy.   There is food in the fridge.  We have a roof over our heads.  And for now, I will snuggle a needy, sleeper clad toddler.  

Arianna at 8

May 4, 2004

May 2005

May 4, 2006

May 4, 2007

May 4, 2008

 May 2009

 May 2010

 May 2011

May 4, 2012

Arianna... what can say?  I can't believe you are already eight years old.  What a beautiful, smart and charming young lady you are becoming.  I'm sure I could come up with more but here are EIGHT birthday quick-takes for you!

1. You are my morning  buddy.  I can always count on you to share my early mornings as you cuddle in the crook of my arm while I drink my coffee and you tell me your dreams.  I love the one on one time that we share each morning.

2. Despite you growing up before my very eyes, you are such a *little* girl yet.  You love to play with dolls and Barbies.  Games that involve competition don't interest you at all.

3. You are very good at playing on your own.  You like to be with people but after a while you like to retreat and do something by yourself.

4. Sarah adores you.  She loves that you will play with her and help her do things.

5. You have a soft tender heart.  God has made you to be a considerate person who often thinks of others and their feelings before your own.

6. It may sound silly but you are the best sleeper out of all the kids.  Seldom do you come out of bed once you've been tucked in and you generally fall asleep very fast.  Since we moved your bedroom upstairs, your bad dreams have disappeared... that was a good change for you!  

7. You are becoming more and more helpful around the house.  You are {usually} enjoying the extra tasks that I ask of you, especially when it's something that the bigger kids do.  You like to be responsible for your sister and do a very good job of caring for her!

8.  You have such an easy going spirit.  You go with the flow and don't get too riled up about much.  You do have a temper though and if something rubs you the wrong way, it can flare up.  Quite often you make me laugh... you are so cute!  I love how "in the middle" you are.  Much of you wants to be a big girl and yet you are still just my little one. 

I love you so much my sweet, soft hearted daughter.  I hope this year is full of joy and fun for you!