Happy Birthday Talen

I realize that I have not posted in many months, and I promise to catch up soon. This move has really thrown me off my groove, and I am just now trying to circle back around to the person I know myself to be. These big moves always take me a good year to finally feel normal again. The kids are happy, J.D. is making himself useful at work, the home is unpacked and comfortable, and now I can focus on me. This move coincided with my baby starting all day kindergarten, thereby marking the first time in almost 14 years that I have not had a little person home with me all day. I thought this meant FREEDOM to do what ever I wanted...what do I want to do? Pedicures, lunches with friends, gym, long lazy mornings in Starbucks killing time before the kids were home and I was "ON" again. All this had been nice, but I have realized that sometimes too much of a good thing is just too much. What I know now is that I am a home maker, I love to be home. I love preparing new meals and treats that fill the house with a welcoming smell when my boys come home. I love to read and to read to my boys. I love to post on my blog/family journal because I have come to the truth that I am not now and never will be a scrapbooking mom and printing this at the end of every year is how I have chosen to document our little life. I am not a dog person (and this is okay). I am not afraid to tell anyone that asks that my best friend in the whole world is J.D. I love when my boys have a school project that I get to "help" with. I love to read about anatomy. I love to teach Pilates and watch how it can help people. I know that the spirit can move me, and it is not always going to be at church on Sunday. And most importantly I know that attitude is everything, if I think I am going to find joy in my day I will. And so to mark my first post since moving to Chile I celebrate with Talen's Birthday post. Talen you are 11! You love Chess You made the A Team on swim team this year! You still love blue You love Call of Duty, but can still enjoy the Sound Of Music with me. I love hearing from your friends and teachers what a great kid you are...even though I already know this. I hope you never stop wanting to hug me with your whole heart! You look more and more like your dad everyday. You are still the best big brother, Brodie waits everyday for you to get home so he can play with you. My favorite sound is your laughter after I turn the lights out and close the door each night. I hope you always remain close to your brothers. I love you Talen and hope 11 is the best year ever!

Mother's Day Lunch

Brodie's preschool rocked! They were such a great group of teacher's, Brodie really learned allot, and is truly ready for kindergarten. For Mother's Day the teachers at the school made the mom's a yummy lunch and we all had a great time visiting while the kids played in the park. As we left the children gave us these cute bags they had decorated with a card and a gift. Thank you for a great afternoon!

School Project

Talen and his friend worked for a week to complete this California Mission. They were honored by having theirs displayed in the school office window. Talen was so proud!

May the Fourth be with you!

Happy 5th Birthday Brodie! Who knew that when you were born on May 4th (official Star Wars Day) that you would also one day become a true Star Wars Fan... or in your words, "I am a fan of Star Wars". This is really an understatement as I do not think a day goes by that you do not go into great detail about characters, air craft, or specific scenes from a movie to anyone that will listen. Family members, the girls in your carpool, neighbors, or even complete strangers. It is so much fun to watch this part of your personality! You have such an amazing memory for details, a strong sense of right and wrong, and you love to perform. Today it may be Star Wars that inspires you, but I have a feeling that you will apply this sense of passion to many areas of your life. In addition to Star Wars you also love... Ham, hummus, and pickle sandwiches, The It's a Small World ride at Disney Land, Tao Cruz's song Dynamite (yes, second year in a row), Your brothers. Your friends Chase, Jed, and Crue. Craft time at school, Playing dress-up (usually as Darth Vader). Vanilla ice cream with gummy bears and sprinkles Swim Team (your first year). Zombies. And last but not least, BOUNCING (it is more of a hop-skip-bounce, and you start the moment you wake up until your head hits the pillow) We love you!

Officially a teenager!

I think it has taken me so long to write this post because I am still in shock that my Cyrus is 13! It is an odd feeling to have a child that is bigger than you are; to look in their eyes and realize that your importance in their lives has moved from first place to somewhere further down the list. A little piece of my heart cracks a little as I hear sarcasm replace honest emotions. However I also realize that this is a right of passage and I only hope that as you start this journey that I am able to step back, allow mistakes, and take a deep breath because you are a great kid. These are just some of the observations I have made, and some of the reasons I know you are growing into a wonderful young man.

I am no longer able to choose your clothing, you have a very clear vision of the way you want to look.

You realize how attractive the guitar is to the opposite sex and have increased your practice time and enthusiasm for music.

Your desire to work and earn money is strong ( you almost past up a social event to babysit for someone in the ward).

I have noticed that you are a quiet leader, everyone wants to know where Cyrus is so they can be with you. (Including your brothers.)

You are the first to volunteer or take on responsibilities in church or scouts.

When faced with a challenge you never hesitate.

You are the first person to compliment me when I have made a yummy dinner.

You are not afraid to shake it on the dance floor (much to the delight of all the beehive girls!)

You are curious and inventive.

You are kind and thoughtful when dealing with a sometimes crazy and annoying baby brother.

Even though you are a "cool" teenager" I can still hear you and Talen deep in conversation long after I have said goodnight and closed you door.

Happy 13th birthday, I love you!

Make a wish!

I am pretty sure he wished for a Ferrari.