My blessings...

So, I have come to the conclusion that the reason my blog is failing is really quite a good reason.  As I have said many many times before, life with 4 kids is insanely busy.  I am pretty sure that there is not a day that goes by that someone doesn't say to me, "I don't know how do you do it".  Well folks, either do I.  You just do it.  And like I said in my last post, sometimes you don't do it very well.  It's those days that I remind myself that there is always tomorrow.  All of the mayhem leaves little time for Dan and I.  I will admit, neither of us are great at taking initiative either.  Therefore, date nights are pretty nonexistent.  Also, the thought of leaving 4 kids that I can barely handle home with a teenager… it just doesn't seem right.  Let's be honest too… when I think of a perfect night it usually entails going to bed early and sleeping the whole night.  I am pretty sure Dan would agree.  Night time is our time.  Or really, the 3 minutes from when I get into bed to the time I fall asleep, is our time.  Spending time out on the computer telling the internet about my day takes second place to talking, uninterrupted, to my husband.  But, tonight Dan is away, so a blogging I will be! 

Tyler James, almost 9 years old

Tyler is a fierce 49ers fan and I am proud of him for that.  He has chosen the team he wants to support and stuck to it despite many reasons not to.  Friends telling him that they don't want to be his friend anymore (I know, really?  Breaks my heart.), bad Seahawks fans shoving signs in his face, and a city that is relentlessly in love with their team that is finally winning.  He preservers though and I can't think of a trait I would want more for my son.  He stands tall, wears his red in the sea of blue and will cheer those 49ers on to the end, whenever that may be.  

When not cheering on the 9ers he can be found on the soccer field, the slopes (where he has found a new love of snowboarding) and soon enough, on the baseball field.  The boy loves sports.  His book of choice is currently the NFL Records book.  He is also a Cub Scout and working hard with Boppa to design his very first pinewood derby race car.

While I know that Tyler is not perfect, he is becoming just the son I could have only hoped to have.  That's not to say he doesn't give me a run for my money, but he is a loving, compassionate and strong guy.  He knows when he has made a mistake and knows just what he needs to do to make it better.  He loves his brothers and really loves his sister.  I am so proud to be his momma.

Alexander, 4.5 years old
 

Or Alex, rather.  Because God forbid you call him Alexander, he will correct you.

Oh Alex, where do I start with you?  Alex is, always has been and I am sure always will be my tough one.  While his steadfastness has seemed to have waned in some areas, it is just as strong in others.  

He is a bright, energetic and inquisitive pre-K'er.  He, unlike Tyler, is the first to tell me all about his day, repeat his new prayers and lead us in melody with his wide array of songs learned at school.  I love it.  He has found a new love… Star Wars Legos.  And no, it's not good enough to just have Tyler's old broken down sets, he has to have his own.  Not sure I can blame him on that one though.  Looking through three huge bins of grey and black legos to find the right piece isn't exactly my idea of fun either.  

Much to my surprise, Alex took his first ski lesson last week.  While the conditions weren't favorable, he took it like a champ and even said he would go back next week.  Just maybe this kid is getting a little easier.  Ha, I say that until I try another swim class and we spend the entire session sitting outside of the pool.  He is, however, eager to begin his T-ball career this spring.  

Last but not least, Alex received his first Kindergarten acceptance letter!  Can hardly believe that my second born is going to be in kindergarten already.  

What I love the most about Alex is his out of the blue "I Love You's".  They are absolutely the best.  He knows exactly when I need one.

Graham "Cracker" 2.5 years old

Hmm, Graham.  I think there is one word that pretty much sums it up for him these days.  Parrot.  He will take anything he hears and repeat it, over, and over, and over again.  My favorite right now is, "What dat for mom?"  He uses it for everything.  Usually it is meant in the context of, what is that/this, but sometimes only your guess is as good as mine.  Boppa had eye surgery the week before Thanksgiving and is pretty much on the mend, but there is not a day that goes by that he doesn't ask "Boppa have owie?".  My second favorite Graham-ism has to be "Dare momma's ospital where you take care of sick babies." This is said every time we pass by Seattle Children's, which is a lot.
He is my little side kick these days.  On days that he is not in school he is my constant running commentary.  He holds me accountable and keep me on my toes.  I love you so much little man.  

Graham's cleft issues are minimal at the moment.  He had his second dental appointment and all things look good.  Much to our surprise he is getting a tooth in the area where his gum was cleft.  It is small and a little misshapen, but this bodes well for his GPP having taken.  Sparing him bone grafting in the future would be such a blessing.  We will continue to follow up with the hospital dentist but will not see our cleft team again for another year and a half.

Evelyn Anne, 9 months


My baby, she is growing up.  Evelyn Anne, I cannot tell you how much joy you have brought into our lives.  Your smile is infectious, your giggle irresistible and the way you quietly demand attention is impressive. Even Nana will agree, there is not a single place we could go that people don't comment on you.  Movement is the word in her book.  You put her down and she is off to get into everything that she is not supposed to.  However, while she is fond of her new found traveling skills, she is definitely not opposed to snuggles and just hanging out.  For this I am thankful.  Her latest and greatest trick his her chatter.  When things get chaotic around here, which they often do, she is not willing to get lost in the sea of boys.  She exerts herself and lets everyone know that she is indeed here too!
She is an amazing gift to our family and there is not a day that goes by that I don't thank God that she is ours.

Ahh, updates done, and it feels so good!