2011

I thought I would do a little recap of 2011, more for my own benefit, than for anything. It is amazing how much I forget of what our day to day life looks like as we move from one stage to another. I am realizing how different life is now from just a couple of years ago! No more diapers to change, no drooling, toothless smiles looking up at me, and gradually less and less total chaos! We have moved on from the stage of "keeping the baby alive" to "training hearts and attitudes". And not to discourage those of you who are still in the baby stage and looking forward to things "getting easier", but I have to admit that I think this stage is way harder! Maybe not physically- as I do get more sleep now than I used to, but most certainly emotionally and spiritually- as I'm seeing how much my parenting needs to begin with my own walk with the Lord. My kids are far from perfect, but their parents are also! Anyhow, here's a little to remember about each one during the last year.

Lincoln- My Super Hero! Lincoln truly has proven this last year that he has some supernatural powers working for him (our great Lord!). Lincoln began 2011 with a vocabulary that could be counted on my hands. Every word came out with great effort and was never combined with another word. But now, my little guy is a talking machine! He literally talks my ear off all day long!!!! There are still moments where he gets frustrated- where a thought is faster in his head than he is able to process and spit out. But those moments are getting less and less, and he works through the frustration and never gives up until the thought is out! He is even singing some songs, which shows that the words can come out without delays in between. We thank our great God for walking with us through this, and for allowing my son to be able to voice his many, many, many thoughts! A couple of weeks ago, while waiting for the girls in the school pick up line, he had been talking nonstop for at least 30 minutes, when I finally said, "Lincoln can you just be quiet for a minute? Mommy needs to think!" To which he replied "Why you ask me to be quiet Mom? Jesus give me my words and I need to say them." I can't really argue with that! He loves super hero stuff, and still enjoys anything Cars related. He loves to dance, to annoy his sisters and to challenge me with questions far too deep for a 3 year old. "Mom, how Jesus be born in manger if He made everything?"

2011 marks the year Rylin began to read. She loved her small preschool class which taught her so much, and she was super excited to begin Kindergarten and go to "Kacia's school". She is a little firecracker, who loves to be in charge. She has a huge personality contained in a tiny little body! She is super social, loves to try new things, and is a great encourager. She still is not the best sleeper or eater, but we have learned that maybe these are things she will not 'outgrow'. She is busy, and must keep her hands always doing something. She loves games, puzzles, cooking, and basically anything that is an activity that must be done with others- not alone. She loves sports, had 2 great soccer seasons this year, and excelled in cross country. But make no mistake- she is a girly girl! She lives in dresses, and loves to have her hair curled and styled and 'needs' accessories with her outfits. (This morning, as I was waking up, she was planning her outfit for her eye appointment this afternoon!) She is strong, determined, a natural leader, has a contagious laugh, and is one of the happiest people I have ever met!

 Kacia. What to say about this young lady who is growing up waaaaay too fast? Somehow there seems to be a big change between a 2nd grader, and a maturing 3rd grader! She is no longer a little kid! She is a silly, funny, girl who continues to develop a very 'odd' sense of humor! She, unlike Rylin, loves alone time! She is a bookworm, and makes reading an expensive habit with the speed in which she finishes a book! She is very independent and loves opportunities to show this- summer camp, sleep overs, etc. She does not like attention, but allows herself to truly be herself with her friends. She is a very loyal friend, and is an excellent "big sister"- very protective over her siblings. She is creative, loves writing stories, and making crafts, friendship bracelets, crocheting scarves, etc. She has also developed a love for watching FoodNetwork, and has recently decided she would like to be a chef- as long as she doesn't have to eat anything she doesn't like :) This girl challenges me because of our similarities, and yet blows me away with her compassion, empathy, and concern for others. She has a memory that both amazes me and scares me!

Kevin and I celebrated 12 years of marriage this past year. He continues to be both my best friend and greatest partner in all of life. We are in this together, and I couldn't imagine walking through it with another. With each passing year it seems that marriage just keeps getting better!! Kevin continues to work very hard for us, and God continues to bless his faithful work, as he has now entered his 7th year in real estate. He also enjoyed playing on a couple of men's baseball teams this year, which I have to admit are a little more exciting to watch than softball. He has also taken his passion for flyfishing indoors, learning how to build his own flyrods, which I must say are impressive. He also continues to "de-stress" on the golf course, and is enjoying bringing the kids (one at a time) out on the course with him. We have also made a decision to pursue something that has only been a "thought" for the last few years. I may (or may not) be returning to school. It has been 10 years since I graduated college, and honestly, I never had plans of returning- until the last 6 months. After doing a lot of discussing, praying and research, we have decided that it is 'now or never'. I need 3 science classes to meet the prerequisites for the nursing program. And we have decided to go for it... until God closes a door or changes our hearts. I am currently waitlisted for 2 classes, and greatly hope to get into one for this next semester, but only God knows and time will tell. I have to say I am both excited and scared out of my mind to be a student again, I'll keep you 'posted' on things....