In Support of Their Siblings

We play and have fun during their activities!  The kids do like to watch each other play sports but let's be honest, at times it can get boring.  I must say that my kids are awesome at just playing and not complaining while we wait for the practices/games to get over!  Here are just a few of the latest pics of them enjoying the sunshine and having some fun as they wait!

Michael and the Orioles

Michael has been LOVING baseball this Spring.  He was drafted to the Orioles this season and the coaches and players are all a great group of people who are truly interested in the development of Michael not only as a baseball player, but as a young man as well.  It is a great fit for Michael and I am so happy that he ended up with the Orioles!

The team is loaded with kids from St. Christopher and all four coaches are parents of kids that we know!  Damien is helping out this year and helps coach at all of the games.  I love seeing the two of them out there together on the field.  It truly makes my heart swell and makes me think of my own Dad and how involved he was in my sporting teams. 

Michael has been playing short stop, second base, and first base this year.  Where he has also been extremely valuable for his team is on the pitching mound.  Michael worked really hard on pitching at pitching clinics and putting in extra time to improve.  I love watching him play but can hardly handle my nerves when he pitches.  It is so nerve racking!!!  But he looks cool, calm, and collected out there and has proved to everyone that watches the games that he can handle the job!

Buddy, I hope you continue to love sports and remember that while it is awesome to win- it should always be something that is fun.  I love seeing you intense one minute, and then smiling the next.  Your smile is so genuine, so contagious, and so adorable.  While you are growing up so fast, I hold on to the fact that you are still my eleven year old little boy.  Have fun out there, Mikey!!!

Spring Soccer for Claire

Claire is absolutely loving playing Spring soccer!   She is playing with the same team as she did in the Fall (same uniforms) and just enjoying being outside with her friends, kicking the ball around, and battling it out on the field on Saturday mornings!  Claire has been improving dramatically every season she has been playing.  I absolutely love watching her play and look forward to seeing her get physical out there!  It is so much fun to watch!

This season, Claire has really developed a lot of great little touches on the ball.  She also figured out how to properly kick the ball and kick it a great distance!  She has been playing middle defense and forward every game.  They need her desperately in the back (because they are playing against mostly fourth graders) but also need her to score goals!  She loves switching positions and doesn't take the job lightly when she is out there!

The thing I love the most is that she actually loves the game.  She wants to be out there, she wants to work hard, she accepts any challenge and has grown to be pretty fearless out there.  One game this season, we only had seven girls for the whole game (they play with 10).  Oh, and it was 97 degrees out!  Claire had four breakaways in a row and she was taken down hard all four times just as she broke free at the half line.  Every time, Claire got up.  These were not little take downs, either.  The defense knew if she broke through, she would score so they took her down.  Not a bad strategy but it sucked for Claire.  The fourth time she was taken down, she fell hard.  She stayed down for a minute and was crying a little, knees bleeding, but I knew she would pull it together and stay on the field.  Claire was MAD when she got up.  You could tell that she had had enough!  It was a free kick just outside the 18 yard box.  Claire insisted on taking the kick and cracked a shot which the keeper was barely able to hit back towards Claire.  Claire followed her shot and kicked it in the goal with a vengeance!  I have never seen her so pumped!  It was a great moment to watch and a moment where I think Claire decided that she wasn't going to take any one's flack anymore!  And, she did it with class which was awesome.

I can't wait for Fall soccer when we get to do this all over again.  Good job Claire!  Way to go!

Claire's Crucifix

Claire brought home an art project that they did in class before Easter.  I wanted so badly to look at the cross with reverence but I just couldn't get past the fact that Jesus' was fashioned out of aluminum foil.  I tried to get in a serious and reflective place while enjoying Claire's work, but I couldn't!  The words Reynolds Wrap and foil just kept screaming at me!  I think she did an amazing job in her sculpting and my giggles had nothing to do with her crafting skills.  It's just, I've never seen anything like this before!  I guess there is a first time for everything!  Which reminds me, I need to go pray and ask God's forgiveness for my ridiculous giggling today.

Her Bags Are Packed

Today, Emily sauntered into the room pulling a Disney princess roller bag behind her.  "Okay, Mom.  I'm all packed for Nonna's house."  We weren't planning on flying today but apparently, Emily was ready to go!  She unzipped her bag and I couldn't believe what she had packed.  She packed what most women want to pack except we know how unpractical it would be.  Oh, Emily.  You are ahead of your time!   In the bag were:  1 pair of underwear, 1 pair of pajamas, and 13 pairs of shoes.  Yep, all packed for Nonna's.

Matthew Plays Soccer!

Matthew is more patient than I could ever dream one of my children to be.  He generally has the best intentions in most everything he does and he just means to do well for everyone around him.  Bottom line- he is one amazing kid.

Matthew willingly goes everywhere I tell him we need to go.  "Matthew, please get in the car- we need to take Michael to soccer practice."  "Matthew, please get in the car so we can go get Claire from Girl Scouts."  I could go on and on but I think you get the picture.  He just goes with the flow and doesn't cause a fuss.

In terms of Matthew having activities of his own outside of school, we told him that he could start to play sports once he was in Kindergarten.  An amazing opportunity fell in my lap for Matthew this spring.  One of the Moms of a boy who will be in Matthew's Kindergarten class next year told me about a team of boys that were going to get together on Thursday nights to just practice soccer.  No games, no registration, no financial obligation.  Just show up along with ten other boys who will be in Matthew's class and let Coach Pat teach the boys some soccer skills!

Matthew was beyond excited when I told him about the opportunity to be on a 'soccer team'.  We went and got him new soccer shoes, new shin guards, and a new soccer ball and made a big deal about it.  The first practice, he was a little nervous because he didn't know any of the boys.  But it didn't matter because Matthew was all business.  He has been to enough soccer practices to know that he needed to pay attention and work on his skills!

Both Damien and I were so impressed with him.  Matthew was so aggressive and beyond that- Matthew was just so happy.  Finally, a sport for Matthew.  We have already signed him up for Fall soccer where he will get his first uniform and be able to play with the same team full of his future classmates.  Life is looking up for our little guy and I know that this experience is going to give Matthew a great boost of confidence as he gears up to enter Kindergarten!  Go Matthew, Go!!!

A Before School Snapshot

Not an exciting picture, but this is what it's like on a school morning after the kids have gotten dressed, eaten breakfast, brushed their teeth and done their hair.  Once done, they sit comatose until I tell them it is time to get in the car for carpool.  I know that before I know it, I will miss these monotonous mornings.

Michael's Celebrates with the SJ Earthquakes!

Finally, the last event in Michael's birthday season!  Tonight, Michael and four friends celebrated Michael's eleventh year while watching the San Jose Earthquakes!  Michael loves soccer so this was the perfect way for him to start his new year!  Michael invited his friends Zach, Byron, Anthony, and Ben to his party. 

We started the night by going to Smoke Eaters (formerly Cluck U. Chicken) for some good birthday grub before the game.  I seriously couldn't believe how many hot wings the boys ate!  It is apparent by the sauce that is all over their faces that they loved it!

Then we went over to the Santa Clara University's campus where the Earthquakes are temporarily playing at Buckshaw Stadium until their stadium is built.  It was a gorgeous night for soccer.  The temperature was in the 90s today so the night was perfect. 

Before the game, the kids were able to go down the giant inflatable slides, practice kicking the soccer ball into a small goal, get tattoos, their faces painted, and check out a lot of cool vendors before we found our seats for the game.  All of the kids were having a blast and I know that Michael felt pretty cool that he was able to give his friends the opportunity to watch the Earthquakes play.

We sat right on the half line, just two rows up.  We were so close that the boys really felt into the game.  At one point, they all agreed that they wanted to be professional soccer players when they grow up.  I left at half time with Emily and Claire so that I could get Emily to bed.  The game didn't start until 7:30 p.m. so I knew that if I pushed it- she would be a mess the next day. 

The Earthquakes won and the rest of the group came home with huge smiles!  The highlight for them . . . was telling me how many swear words they heard from the people sitting around them at the game.  That is 4th grade boys for you!  We had planned an overnight for them that evening.  All was going great, until one of the boys had an allergic reaction to our cat.  Yes, I had to call his parents at 10:45 p.m. and tell them that he was wheezing.  By 11:00 p.m. his Dad came to pick him up and I urged (okay, threatened) the rest of the boys to go to sleep. 

All in all, it was an awesome birthday party for Michael.  Surrounded by his good friends, Michael had a fantastic night.  Happy Birthday, Buddy!

A Great Daddy

Damien continues to amaze me with his dedication, patience, and absolute love for our children.  Not only are my kids lucky to have him as their Dad, I am so lucky to have him as my husband. 

Emily Works Out!

I workout most days at home.  I try and plan whatever activity I am going to do during the little kids' naptime so that I don't disrupt the day.  Sometimes I am able to do this, and other days- I have to workout when they are awake!  Emily has been taking a special interest in all the things I do lately.  Working out is no exception.  She will come in the front room, do whatever I am doing and actually workout for about ten minutes.  It is the cutest thing.  She tries so hard.  Especially when she does push ups.

Today while I was working out, she went in my room, put on some of my athletic clothes and my other running shoes.  She then went and got a ponytail holder and asked Damien to put her hair in a ponytail!  He couldn't believe what she was doing.  She was trying to be me!  Is there any greater compliment?  Please notice she is wearing my 'Yogurt Pants', or yoga pants to the rest of the world.

I love my strong little girl.  Honestly, I can't wait to see what she will do next.  She is a determined, smart, capable, motivated little lady who honestly sees no limits to her abilities.  Emily is certainly one of a kind.  Now drop and give me twenty!

Michael's 11th Birthday Family Parties

We celebrated Michael's birthday in Washington the night before we flew home.  We went to a great Mexican restaurant with my family, my parents, Laura, Monica, Sim, and Court.  It was a perfect dinner for Michael.  We had just watched the end of another of Courtland's baseball games and Michael didn't think Court would join us for dinner.  Oh how his eyes opened wide when Court walked in the door!  He gave Michael a cool titanium baseball necklace that Michael hasn't even dreamed of taking off, yet. 

My parents gave Michael a lot of wonderful gifts, Jill baked him a cake, and everyone surely showered him with love and I know he felt it.  We ended his birthday celebration at my parent's house with a rousing game of homemade Headbands.  It was a perfect end to the trip and a great way to cap off Michael's celebrations up north!

Today, we celebrated Michael's birthday once again with Damien's family!  Michael had suggested that he might like chinese food for this family birthday party.  I got busy with the theme and Michael, Claire and I had a lot of fun with it!  We made both vegetarian and pork egg rolls, sweet chili dipping sauce, fried rice, sweet and sour chicken, honey sesame chicken, and some yummy crab rangoon.  It was a lot of work but a lot of fun, too.  It would have been better had I not sliced the heck out of my right index finger just before the guests arrived.  Party time!

Damien's family was so happy to celebrate with Michael!  They were so helpful in the kitchen as I wasn't able to move my finger.  I think the highlight for Michael was his birthday cake.  I made three circular 8" layers of brownies and filled the layers with chocolate frosting, chopped up Snickers bars, and caramel.  The cake was then frosted with chocolate frosting and decorated with more Snickers.  Michael was SOOOOOO happy!  I love my little chocoholic!

One of the best parts of the party was when Michael opened his gift from Seamus.  They were these sweet green and blue Nike's.  They resembled the kind of shoes Seamus wears so naturally, Michael thought they were awesome!!!  Seamus was so sweet and offered to help Michael put them on . . . that was until they realized that there were two right shoes in the box!  Never fear, Lani had the correct shoes shipped to Michael within two days.  He was beyond overjoyed and I am now more convinced Lani is Supermom.

A special thank you to all of you that celebrated our Michael in any special little way.  He was so touched by everyone's birthday wishes, thoughtful gifts, and presence.  Only one birthday celebration to go!  His friend birthday is next weekend.  Man, his eleventh year is shaping up to be a good one!

Claire's Longhouse

It is a lot of fun to have kids in back to back grades.  Everything that comes home with Michael is relatively new and uncharted territory.  We get a bit of a break the next year with Claire because we know what to expect and have confidence in each project and assignment she gets.  It is so much easier this way.  We've been there, we know what to do!

Claire was so excited about her Longhouse assignment!  She watched Michael from afar last year and you could just see that she was chomping at the bit to get the chance to build her very own longhouse!  Claire chose to model a longhouse that was used by the Iroquois Indians.  Funny, same tribe as Michael chose.  See how this works?  She's a smart girl who watches her brother and then uses that to her advantage!

Claire wanted little help from me with this project.  She did it all, I just guided her.  We had lessons about hot glue gun safety and she wanted to discuss a few ideas with me before she did them.  I also helped her bake the clay that she used to fashion the duck, vegetable baskets, lettuce, and carrots.  But she designed it all and made everything herself!  I was so proud.  She even came up with the idea to make different brush strokes with the sponge brushes.

I was so happy that I blogged about Michael's Longhouse last year.  I actually revisited the post with Claire to get some ideas and remind ourselves of the shortcuts we learned in doing it the first time.  And who says blogging doesn't pay off?

Michael Turns Eleven

It is hard to write the word eleven when it is in reference to your child's age.  Michael is now officially older in years than he has fingers to count!  When a child is little and you ask them how old they are, it is cute to see them try and manipulate their fingers to show their age.  Well, Michael has graduated from fingers which makes him a pretty big guy!

Claire, Matthew, and Emily could hardly wait for it to be Michael's birthday!  They all had a hand in picking out gifts for him and because it is Spring Break and there is no real structure to our days, Michael's celebration was paramount! 

When thinking about what he wanted for his birthday this year, Michael was really hoping we were going to cave and get him an iTouch.  After realizing how firmly planted we were in the NO department- he moved onto to another gadget.  He begged us to let him get a Kindle.  We couldn't get why he just couldn't read books on the iPad or shocker read paper books.  He just thought it would be cool.  And hey, if it motivates him to read, bonus for us!  The two big kids are devouring the Hunger Games series so Michael was hopeful he would get the Kindle and read the rest of the books on there.  Well, he got it and if his smile wasn't enough to show us how much he loved it, then his giant hug was.

Michael wanted to go out to sushi for his birthday lunch which we all LOVED!  I think that Michael's birthday lunch was certainly enhanced (upstaged) by Claire's blue glittery hair extensions and Matthew's Indiana Jones hat.  Just sayin'.  For dinner Michael wanted me to make artichokes and Sloppy Joe's.  Easy enough!

Instead of a birthday cake, we opted to go to Dairy Queen for some frozen treats!  I talked the older two into ordering my favorite- the Peanut Buster Parfait (selfishly because my mouth was watering and I was trying to eat well) but unfortunately, they weren't big fans.  I think they didn't like the peanuts.  My bad.  I felt bad that Michael's birthday treat didn't meet his expectations.  So, I went against one of my major food rules when I ordered Michael something else.  Usually, if I make dinner or if they order something at a restaurant- that is what they eat.  But because I kind of led him astray with my major craving for the Peanut Buster Parfait, I let him order a Butterfinger Blizzard.  Sue me!  It was the kid's birthday for goodness sake!

We then headed over to Damien's soccer game and were able to watch the last half of the game . . . in the pouring rain.  The kids kept looking at me like I had lost my marbles.  'Is Mom really letting us sit here in the rain and not caring that we are literally soaking wet?  Did she really let us run around for twenty minutes after the game in the ridiculously heavy rain?'  Yes, I did.  And you know what- they laughed hysterically, had a blast, and loved every wet minute of it.  It made it all worth it when on the car ride home- Michael said to me, "Mom, this was seriously the best day of my life!"  And there you have it, folks.  Best day of his eleven years spent reading on his kindle, eating sushi, getting to order a second dessert, and running around in the rain.  Eleven years old?  Sounds about right.

Happy Eleventh Birthday to my Amazing Michael. 

T.T.F.N. Kirkland

We had a great visit in Kirkland.   It was a great way to spend the kids' Spring Break.  The company was phenomenal, the weather incredible, the little side trips enjoyable, and Easter was adorable!  I have no complaints!

One thing I enjoyed this time in particular was the time I was able to spend with my Grandmas.  What amazing women they are.  Seriously.  So strong, so determined, so capable, so amazing in every way.  I really try and be a strong woman who is true to herself.  When I look at my Grandmas, it makes me want to continue to work on being strong, capable, and authentic.

On our last day, I was able to take my kids to see my Nana.  She has moved into a new care facility which suits her so beautifully.  She has her own ground room floor in this beautiful home that looks out on a pretty landscape.  It just feels so good there.

The kids got a total kick out of Nana this visit.  Her medications sometimes affect her memory but this time, she was clear and so incredibly present.  She told the kids how to make a good tuna sandwich, told them about banana malts, talked about how she used to take us to McDonald's every Friday when we were kids, and even sang a few songs with them.  This was a true gift for all of us.  We love her so much and were glad to have been able to see her!

While we are sad to go, we know we will be returning soon.  This trip was really great.  We are all going back home feeling refreshed and ready to enjoy the last few days of Spring Break!  Michael's birthday is in four days so we have that to look forward to, too!  Let the celebrations continue!!