She's 12!

It is very hard to believe that Sara is turning 12! She is way mature beyond the age of 12, but I can't believe that much time has passed. Just the other day we went to the park and Claire was rocking back and forth on a toy with her hair swinging back and forth. It was a total Sara flashback. It just doesn't seem that long ago that she was rocking on that same horse with the same blond hair bobbing all around her!

Last night we celebrated with a family gathering at our house. As always Sara was thrilled and so thankful of every gift. Either she is an academy award winning actress or she is the most grateful child in the world! I love it! Next weekend she is having a slumber party with 9 girls attending. Wow! I can only imagine the kind of sleep that Jennifer, Mike, and little sister Jude will NOT be getting that night!

Sara: I just know 12 is going to be a great year. I can just feel it! My mom said it was a hard year for her, but it won't be for me.

Me:(Thinking back to my 12th year. One of my WORST years ever!) Yeah. 12 can be challenging. (Thinking back to puberty, Jr. High, braces, friendships crashing and burning. Oh what good times.) But I'm sure it'll be great for you. (Praying my voice sounded optimistic!)

Anyone else have fun 12 year old memories to share? :)

Luke

I just put my precious little man down for nap, so I thought this would be a great time for some baby blogging.

Favorites -

Luke J. is the sweetest, most loving guy. He waves at everyone and even things. When you take him out of the stroller, he waves good-bye to it. Same thing with the grocery cart, the car, his trike, whatever! When someone he knows comes over, he runs to them pointing and lets out a high pitched sound like, "Aaahhh!" He hugs constantly and without prompting. He dances to any song, even commercials on T.V. He has fallen in love with Elmo and his favorite animal is a dog. Both of these need to be in view for him to survive his new breathing treatment with a special mask that doesn't allow for his other big love- the pacifier! Zac and Claire can get frustrated with him when he knocks over their toys or destroys their games, as siblings do. But they too have fallen victim to his smiles and hugs. He is irresistible!

Challenges -

But he also screams like you are trying to kill him at the barber shop. He has numerous medical issues, beginning with large birth weight, jaundice, webbed tongue, asthma (the worst!), non-allergic rhinitis, ear tubes, and now a tube that has moved and has resulted in an ear infection. Oh, and he doesn't get fevers. So you're never sure if he is really sick. As of yesterday he won't pose for a school picture. I dressed him up and plopped him down in front of the camera only to have him lunge toward me, red-faced and screaming. His teacher thought she would have the magic touch and tried without me this morning. Nope. Oh, well. His fabulous smile and winning personality definitely make up for all the challenges!

The latest excitement is his graduation from the top seat in the grocery cart to the cool car with his big sister!

Celebrations

Sara came Friday night to celebrate Zachary's birthday with us. The kids haven't seen her since Eric's birthday on Oct. 1. I was outside with the kids and suddenly Sara is streaking past me to get to her siblings. This is what happened next.


Saturday we ventured on to Laser Island for Zac's birthday. We sent Claire to cousin Allie's house (thanks Aunt Lisa and Uncle Chad) and Butch and RoRo got Luke J.. Best plan ever! The party was crazy, exciting, chaos! Oma made another amazing cake and was able to help manage the mayhem and Eric was incredible, playing with the kids and handing out silly bandz. Zac has some really great friends. I am so proud of him!
We finished the evening at home with the family. It was fabulous!



But, I think my favorite Zac birthday moment was a special email sent from uncle Mark.


The caption was, "Getting big." I know. I peed myself! Oh, and Zac thought it was hilarious!

Z is 7!

A big happy birthday to my first born! Last night Eric and I reminisced about driving to the hospital is supposed labor only to be turned away and how I made him stop for milk and bananas at Stater Brothers. I remember sitting in the car waiting and fogging up the windows while laboring in the car. Sure enough we were back at the hospital only a few hours later. Ouch it hurt!

Yesterday I took treats to Zac's classroom since I had to teach today. This year I volunteer once a week in Room 16 so I get to know the kids a little bit. It is so fun to be in there and to witness him in his element. I know I am blessed to have that opportunity because so many parents can't. They sang a very loud happy birthday to him and only two kids refused my store bought cookies. Yeah. No baking for me. I love Zac's teacher because she too has 3 children and can totally relate to my world and took my cookies with no judgement. She is great!

Today we surprised him with the traditional decorated chair and a pogo stick. I came home from work today and he is already an expert jumper. Thanks grandpa Butch!

He has requested pizza for dinner. Score for me! Saturday is the birthday party at Laser Island. Stay tuned for what is sure to be fun tails from that event!

Happy Happy Birthday Buddy!

Halloween

Last night before we ventured out for candy, Zac and Claire were busy playing. Claire was pretending to give me a pedicure and Zac found every hair accessory available to put in my hair. It was actually quite fun and it was like a mini foot and head massage. When I told them that I felt loved Zac said, "You are loved mommy." Claire said, "We do love you!" and then hugged me.
I later told Eric to help me remember that moment when they are telling me how mean I am in the morning when I won't let them eat candy before school.

Halloween memories-
Claire spiking fever the night before only to find out she has strep throat today.
Luke wearing Zac's Dinosaur costume from when he was 2 since it was too chilly to be Scooby.
Zac telling Claire it is rude to walk through some one's lawn as he walked around it.
Eric's brilliant idea of pulling the kids in a wagon and Luke in the stroller.
Luke walking to a stranger's door reaching out for candy before it is even offered and after I say he doesn't need any.
Zac and Claire saying all of their lines correctly: Trick or Treat? Thank you! and Happy Halloween!

Getting Old - er

Eric and I (especially I) were really excited to get an invite out with friends to visit a local restaurant for their late night Halloween Party. Every year I want to dress up fancy, do the couples outfit, and party. So we did!


Yes. We are a bit geeky.

Caesar and his Roman Empress stayed out until 12:30 a.m. When did that become WAY TOO LATE? I am hurting so incredibly bad today that I can't wait for bedtime. My muscles ache and my eyes are blood shot.
Tonight we walked by a Halloween store and saw that on Monday all costumes go on sale 50% off. We are so there. Hopefully by next year we will be ready to do it again.

Catch Up!

I think it is obvious by my lack of blogging that I am a bit busy. It seems as though every day is a balancing act and I am always playing catch up. I know I am NOT alone so that makes me feel better! So here is my catch up blog.

Claire no longer fears soccer. She scored a record 5 goals in her game today!
She is a super star in her ballet class which doesn't thrill me at all (heavy sarcasm here).

Zac scored 2 goals but when asked he tells people he plays basketball. He started piano lessons and absolutely LOVES it. He actually reads the music and translates it to his fingers. Who knew!? His birthday is rapidly approaching and I just mailed the invites today. I can't wait until he doesn't want to invite every person he knows. Birthdays shouldn't be this stressful and they really shouldn't put you in greater debt! I'm afraid, and have confirmed this after talking with his teacher, that he has inherited my social wit.

Luke has warmed up to preschool but is the most thrilled when we come to pick him up. I know this since he sprints to the door waving madly at all who can see him. He gives the best hugs and is the cutest dancer. He passed all of his milestones at his 18 month doctor appointment. Oh, except for the needs to know 7 words. I asked if barking and neighing count? Not so much.

We went to the Cal Poly Pumpkin patch and endured the crowds and misty weather. We came home a bit dirty but with a great load of pumpkins lovingly picked by each kid.

We dressed the kids for the annual Village Venture in Claremont today for their Halloween parade. Jengo Fet, Southern Belle, and Scooby Doo were a hit!

By the way, Bus (loyal chow mix about 13 years old) is still alive and well. Just wanted to document that. :)