My baby is a Teenager!

I can't believe it, but Siena just turned 13! She seemed to be little for so long and then in the past couple of years she has just shot up and became a young woman.
She had a fun birthday party a couple of weekends before. She invited a couple of friends to go get a makeover and manicure at the local beauty college. Luckily, they got some girls that were quite talented and did a great job making the girls happy with their look. I, on the other hand, probably had the sweetest girl there, but her style was a little beyond me. I just told her to have fun with it and she did! I wish I had a picture with my eyes closed so you could see the whole effect.

After the makeover, we went out for pizza and rented a movie. We were all laughing so hard at my having to be seen in public, but it made it more fun. They didn't even try to not be seen with me-- well, maybe they stood a short distance away from me.

At home they decorated candy boxes, ate pizza, and ice cream cake, and watched "Confessions of a Shopoholic". It was a fun night!

Then Siena's birthday was nice with just the family. She liked her presents, but was most excited about joining Facebook.

Spencer is in Preschool!

Spencer started preschool at my friend Beckie's house on Sept. 1st. He was really excited and nervous. We bought him a super hero backpack, but after the first day of school he said he wanted a princess backpack. Well, I told him he would have to wait till next year and then we would see if he needed a new one.

On the way to school he asked me, "Mom, will you come and pick me up because I don't know how to get home by myself?" I assured him I would be there when he was done. I even showed up a little early just to be safe. He had lots of fun and learned a new rhyme for the number one.

Then for the second day of class (he goes on Tues/Thur) he was sick with the flu and couldn't go. He was sad to miss out, but loved that his teacher gave him the worksheets to do at home.

Then today he came home with a flag and a flag pencil. He said he wanted to show Jesus and wanted to know how to show him. I told him to just hold it up and wave it and that Jesus would see, but he said, "No, I think we need to get on a spaceship and take it up in the sky to show him." I just said "hmm" because what else am I going to say to that.

He also told me the other day with his face full of concern that he didn't want to go to a school like Lily and Siena because he wouldn't know what to do or where to go. I, of course, reassured him that I would take him and show him around and that he would have a teacher that would take good care of him. Hopefully, he can put that worry aside for a while since that is still a long time from now.

I love this age because they are learning so much and have so many clever ideas that they work out in their heads.

Spencer's birthday

Spencer turned 4 on the 24th of August. It is amazing how fast he is growing up. I guess that's not too surprising since he was already the size of a toddler when I gave birth to him. We had a swim party for him on the Saturday before. He had a great time jumping off the waterfall with his friends.

Then on Monday we had a family celebration. He had wanted a chocolate race car cake for his birthday (he was very adamant about that), but I made him chocolate cupcakes with race cars on them for his party. So he was still bugging me about having a race car cake for his actual birthday. I found an easy recipe that was made out of a pound cake. He wasn't happy that it wasn't chocolate, but he was pleased to have a race car cake. The funny thing is that he doesn't even really like cake, but he was positive he wanted it. When I asked him if he wanted left-over cake the next day, he finally admitted that all he wanted was the frosting. Next year, I should just get a can of frosting, stick a candle in it, and sing Happy Birthday. Oh, and of course I'd have to add sprinkles.

My Flutist

Siena went to Curry Music Camp at the beginning of the summer and then when she got back she didn't practice her flute until school started again. My fault. I know. I kept telling her she should practice, but then didn't make her. So the day school started, she got back to it and played this beautiful song that made my heart ache and made tears come to my eyes. I don't know why. It is amazing how certain music can touch your soul. It could be, too, that I was impressed with how much she improved while at camp. Imagine if I had gotten her to keep practicing during the summer! Anyway, I loved the music so much I had her come and play it again so that I could record it. The song is called "Ashokan Farewell" composed by Jay Unger. It was used in a PBS documentary on the U.S. Civil War.

Back to School

I've had a smile on my face for two weeks and it's because the kids are back in school. They started on August 3rd, bright and early and full of energy. It's not that I didn't enjoy them this summer, but we were getting stir crazy.

Siena is the big kid on campus as an 8th grader this year.

Lily entered 4th grade and was excited to get back to her busy schedule at school because the summer was not exciting enough for her.

Spencer will start preschool in September, but in the mean time we are working on recognizing his numbers and letters. He loves having work to do, too.

Why I haven't posted very much lately.

During the beginning of the summer when Siena was at one of her camps, I spent a few hours in the early morning on the computer. While I was busy in my own blogging fog, Spencer played on the playstation and asked if he could have a go-gurt for breakfast. By the time I came out of my haze, I realized he was so hungry he had eaten 5 go-gurts. I decided I needed to spend less time on the computer and more time with my children. At least he picked something slightly healthy. Usually, he sneaks marshmallows or cookies when he knows he has the chance. You can tell by his face that it didn't sit too well with his stomach.

15th Anniversary

I can't believe how old we are, but Paul and I have been married 15 years as of August 13th. We are a little worse for wear, but our love remains strong in the fabric of our lives. I couldn't have made it through the tough times without his strength and support, and the good times wouldn't have been as sweet without his laughter and love.
You were meant for me, Paul. I knew it then and I know it now. I love you.