Anniversary

I have posted 192 posts in four years. I have not been as current as I would like. I have lagged this year. I am grateful for social media as I use it for my quick thoughts. It is my memory bank. I return to it later and journal here. Hey, at least I am showing up. I warn you not to expect much in terms of your baby books. Those are bare bones.

Anyway, when I started this for you boys I didn't know what life it would take. I am proud of the stories in here. I randomly click through and get midday laughs or a late night cry. In these posts is a treasure trove of memories. I was creating a gift for you, but now I see it is a gift to me.

Many people tell me to enjoy these days. It goes by so quickly. I will want it back and miss these crazy times. ETC. You know what? I may not be able to physically return to this place in time, but I revisit it vividly here. When I read through this blog it allows me to return to those far away days. In my words I return to the place, time, smell and surroundings as if I were back in time. I am blessed to have recorded this time in our lives together. I am realizing it does go by fast-- way to fast.

Parents say they will not forget the milestones or what at the time seems like a large event. However, these "large" events eventually are over shadowed by larger (more current) milestones and events. Eventually, what we  thought we would not forget we do. I know this because of the stories I have recorded here. I reread and it takes me back. I am reminded of what I have forgotten.

I am so grateful to have created this. I cannot be disappointed that I have been relaxed the better part of the year, for it is the keeper of us. I look forward to the pages in our life, which are unwritten; and a time when I can return to this place and relive those pages. I love you boys arms are extended and I am circling my chair. I love your guts. I love your faces. This is is for us.

Happy 4th anniversary to our story.

Trucks Are For Girls?

Kaden's PM Conversaton...

 (We are driving down Thiessen, which is under a paving project and we are stoped along side many tractors and dump trucks.)
M: Look out your window boys. Do you see all of those machines? Holy pineapple. What do you think each does?
K: Wow, Mama. That is neat. What is that dump truck gonna do?
M: I have no idea. You just have to watch.
K: Whoa, baby. Huh. No. Wait. Stop! THAT'S A GIRL DRIVNG THAT BIG TRUCK, Mama!
M: See, girls can do anything that boys can do. We can drive truck even big ones.
K: Well, Mom I don't think Dada is going to let you drive his.
M: Kade, I choose not to drive Dad's truck. I make that choice.
K: No. Dad says you can't drive it. I hear him say it. It is Dada's not yours. Sorry about your luck Mama.

Kaden The Glamourous

Kade you really enjoy dress up. You talk more on the "phone" than any girl I have ever known. You are a silly and carefree little guy. You are constantly using your imagination. You bring me laughter, belly laughter, each day.

Never Lost

Kadens am conversation:

As we were on our way to swim I got lost. I was rasied in Oregon City, but I can no longer remember how to get to landmark locations! I am starting to get lost in my own hometown.

M: I am lost. Holy bananas. Where am i?
K: Mama, you are not lost! You are right here!
M: Oh kade. I know. I can't find....(he interupts).
K: I won't ever loose you. I will keep my eyes open.

Tada Tata

Kaden pm conversation:
M: Tata gave you and ashton these adventure bags. You can put your treasures in them. like feathers, acorns and rocks when we are out and about.
K: (He has the strap across his body and as he takes it off he says w a smile): It smells like Tata.
M: Does Tata smell good or bad?
Kade: She smells good! He says theis with a gigantic familiar and comforted smile.

You two boys have such a special bond with Auntie Lynda. It makes me beam. I am glad to have her as a source of comfort, love and laughter in our lives. In these short years we have shared countless adventures with her. She is our go to fun girl. You have grown relationships unique to yourselves with her. I love seeing how you look at her. My heart is warmed to know you ask about her almost daily. In your world she is magic. And if history repeats itself she always will be. She still is to me.

Buh-Bye Crib

Ashton's 1st night in his toddler bed. 30 mins down and he has not made a peep!


Ashton's 1st nap in bed went well. He went down at 1245 and I had to wake him a little after 5. Granted, he was passed out on the floor with his pillow, but he never came out or called out for me. Tonight 730 bedtime and he went in without issue. Yay! Proud of the "baby".

Sweet Talker

Kade afternoon conversation:
K: Mama, why do you have those moles?
M: They make me beautiful.
K: Well, they are working. Can you turn up my movie, please?

 Ah, thanks, buddy. I would have turned up the volume without the sweet talk. But I will accept it when ya give it.

Dying

Mid day Kaden conversation...
K: Mama, are we going to die?
N: Kade, we will all go to Heaven, but not for a long-long time.
K: Like when I am old?
N: Like when you are super duper old. You do not have to worry, Mister You are going to live a long life.
NOTHING GETS BY HIM
K: Well, Mama, Jesus wasn't old. Oh. Hey, Mama. When did you get those earings?

 OH. KADE. YOU ALWAYS CHALLENGE ME TO THINK FAST, BUT BE TRUE.

Independant Spirit

Oh, Ashton. You love your brother and want to do what he is doing. Alligator tears when Ashton and I left Kaden at school. Ashton SO SO SO wanted to stay at "stool". Big tears down his face, "Mama, me stay. You go. Go away, Mama!" Soon enough you will be entering school, my baby. And this is a day Mama is NOT ready for. Your independance and confidence is natural to you, so forgive me for wanting you to stay little.

Kind Sensibility

Tonight while at Toysrus a boy was using a gift card to make a purchase. To his upset he would not receive cash for the remainding balance. I was next in line and asked him the card's balance. I paid him the $1.32 and used the card for my purchase. What I viewed as an act of sensibility unraveled a story:

His Mom explained her son planned to use the cash back to buy a bday balloon for his baby sister. I thought this was super sweet and well worth the swap. She continued with such strength as she shared her daughter, his sister, was in Heaven. Tomorrow will be the first birthday since her passing. He wants to send her a wish and is adament to use his money. Thus the upset from the gift card.

 I held back the uncomfortable feeling in my throat and smiled. I gave a look at him and my thoughts instantly turned to our own tender heart, Kaden. I walked over to this little boy crouched down and told him the cashier was "mistaken" as there was actually $6 on the card. I gave him $5. He is now able to send 6 balloons tomorrow... one for each of her years. I will never in all of my life forget his expression. I stood up and walked away without pause before the tears fell.

I was following the Golden Rule, which I learned in the 4th grade (Thanks, Ms. J!) May I practice it more often. May we ALL practice it more often. Doing so offers many-many possibilities.

1st Day of School

Amazing... 4s class drop off went so well. Kaden you were off and running. As I look at the familiar classmates I can see how much difference summer break makes. They are calmer and taller. My how you have grown. Everyone is noticing your sprouting. Last year, I stayed and it was a hard goodbye. Today, it was old habit. I cannot believe the difference.

No tears this year, for either of us!

I left within moments of dropping you off. I thought you would need me, so we left Ashton at the Church's. How wrong I was. The boy who stands at my side was off exploring and jumping into play without reservation. I was proud. I can see you have grown more confident. You are gaining a better understanding of the world. You look to me for assurance, but not for approval, but more to show me you are aware. Being a witness to this change has given me relief. I knew you would bloom. You have grown. This year is going to be so much fun creating and strengthening friendships. Learning new ideas and forming your own thoughts.

 

Let the fun of preschool begin!

Argh, Kade is Four

Today Kade turns four. What does this mean? It means a celebration a day that is surrounded by all things YOU. Here is a look at your day...

 

 

 

A little treasure for our BIG 4 year old to wake to.... Gifts sent from a few people for your to open coins to be found for your penny bank. Cinni rolls for brithday breakfast with a candle.

 

 

Streamers over bedroom door and birthday signs down the hall.

 

 

All you wanted to do was go to Oaks Park and ride the BIG BOY rides that are not open on toddler day.

 

 

The spider was the number one ride on your list. You were so excited to be measured and 4. We tried to explain it isn't your age, but how tall you are. Id didn't matter. You got on and loved it.

 

 

 

You wanted to ride the Ferris Wheel with the cage. Each cage than goes in circles- upside down as the wheel goes around. Dad and I agreed we didn't want you on it. You were not happy. You wanted to ride it so badly. You settled on the traditional Ferris Wheel with Dad. You can see his head in the photo.

 

 

Ashton you were so disappointed not to ride with Bubby and Daddy. You cried the entire time. Dad just was not comfortable having you both up there at the same time. Gg is scared to death of this ride. Take her fast and high she is fine...

 

 

You two do love the motorcycles. I wonder where this was sparked. You are off to get gas.

 

 

 

GG brought you a gift to open!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your very own Go Diego Go costume! You put it on immediately. You wore it the entire day. You wore it to bed and also asked if you could wear it to school the next day. (No, I am not that cool.)

 

 

 

When planning your day you asked for a strawberry cake. Mom delivers. We also chose to grill lunch at the park.

 

 

"Habby birthay, Bubby." He then kissed you.

 

 

GG kicked Team Rardin to the curb on this race.

 

 

 

 

All you wanted to do was the track. I explained all summer that was not included in the day. Daddy decided to surprise you at the very end of day. You two waited in line for 30 minutes. You waited just as you should and had such a great time. You told me it was your favorite thing all day.

 

 

You received several birthday honks as all the cars windows are decorated for you. "Honk for turning 4 TODAY! The Birthday Express is taking off to turning 4!..." When you saw the car in the morning you had such a big smile. You wanted to know what everything read.

 

 

 

It doesn't take long and you are both o.u.t.

 

 

Closing the birthday with family movie night and some popcorn. We were all

cuddled up in bed. The Lorax is the featured film.

 

 

 

Happy happy my sweet Mister Man. It was all things your 4th birthday should be.

 

 

 

WE love you and had the BEST day. Oh, you are a SUPER photographer. This was taken by you!

Student Impressions

A gift is to have a teacher make a life long impression. A blessing is for a student to make this same impression on a teacher. I was just sought out (not via a social network, but the old fashion way!) by a high school teacher's wife! She could not find me, so he tried and succeeded. I am just thrilled. We lost touch in 2006. They are such a gift; and I am as grateful (if not more) for them today as I was 18 years ago.

You never know who will make an impression or who you will impress upon. Those who leave the imprint may never know they did, nor why. I hope in your academics you connect with a teacher early. You will not know it, but it will (it will!) change your life.