Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

We have been so fortunate that for the past several years- Damien has hit his sales quota.  Once he does this, we qualify for his company's club trip!  The first year, we went to Costa Rica and it was amazing.  It was our first 'real' trip away from the kids.  The following year, the trip was in Barbados.  I was pregnant with Emily so Damien took his friend, Keith on the adventure!  Last year, the trip was in Jamaica and it was absolutely heavenly.  This year, we were thrilled to learn that we would be going to Playa del Carmen in Mexico (40 miles from Cancun, Mexico).

The thing I love the most about these trips is that it is all done and planned for you.  They let you know when you need to arrive at the destination and then the vaction is set in motion.  The first thing we need to do when we find out we qualified for the trip is find someone who is willing to watch our kids.  Not an easy task!  Luckily for me, Gina and Natalie offered to watch them before I had to formally ask them!  Gina said she would watch them on one condition . . . that I sleep train Emily and get her in the crib.  So, on January 1st, I started sleep training and by the time I left for the trip- she was a crib sleeper.  Not a 'sleep through the night' crib sleeper but at least she was a 'sleep all night in the crib with Mommy calming you a few times every night' crib sleeper.  You can't win them all!

Natalie flew down a few days early, spent the first few with Gina in San Francisco, and then came down to stay with us and prepare to be a 'Mother of Four' for six days!  The plan was that Natalie would watch them during the day and then Gina would help her out after her work day ended.  On past trips, I have dreaded leaving the kids.  While I knew that I was going to miss them this time- I wasn't as apprehensive to leave.  I knew they were in good hands, I knew that we were going to be okay and that we would be better parents when we got back.  It is been a crazy year and Damien and I were really looking forward to having some time to ourselves!

After saying our goodbyes, Damien and I immediately relaxed as we took the hour long car ride up to SFO.  We took the red eye to Dallas and landed there at 5:30 a.m. central time.  We then had to wait until 8:30 a.m. to take the flight to the Cancun airport!  We were tired but knew that in a matter in a few hours- we would be on the beach relaxing!  We landed safely and then followed the signs for Damien's company where we met a nice man who shuttled us to our hotel.

We stayed at the Grand Velas, Riviera Maya.  As we approached the resort, we were impressed by the facade out front.  We then continued in the shuttle down lush paths and eventually made it to the lobby where we were greeted by our first names and handed a tropical drink.  Vacation . . . here we are!  We could tell immediately that this hotel was going to surpass any and every expectation we had.  We were intoduced to our personal butler (we had to giggle at this) and told to call her with any questions or to let her know if we needed anything.  She then showed us to our room which was out of this world.  The hotel room was easily bigger than our first apartment.  It had a wall of windows which let us have a full panoramic view of the ocean.  Then she showed us the ridiculous bathroom and main room that we would be staying in.  The balcony had a queen size lounger and get this . . . our own private pool!  It was crazy.  The wet bar was stocked with food and drinks and she told us that we should call if we needed a refill of anything (this hotel was all inclusive and cost us nothing).  So, naturally Damien called her later in the afternoon and told her we could use a few more Snickers and Peanut M&Ms.  When we came back to the room later in the day, there were about eight Snickers, M&Ms, and Twix waiting for him. 

We headed down to the ocean and wanted to check out the hotel before the majority of his work friends showed up.  We ended up eating lunch at buffet restaurant that had a lot of really ecclectic, yet delicious choices.  As we ate and looked out on the gorgeous view- we watched a pelican fly overhead and then take a nose dive straight into the water to catch a fish.  I have never seen that before.  It was really cool and this was moment #1 I had wished the kids were with us.  (Note:  That moment of wanting the kids there lasted .5 seconds before I woke up and snapped out of it!)

That night, after a long day in the pool with friends, we had a welcome dinner.  It was nice to see everyone and catch up.  A lot of us have kids so it is great to see how they are all doing year after year.  Dinner was fabulous and it continued until late in the evening.  But we couldn't end there!  We had to check out the karaoke bar!  There was a lot of pressure riding on tonight.  Last year in Jamaica, Damien knocked everyone's socks off with his own rendition of No Woman No Cry.  What could he pull off this year?  Would he disappoint?  We would have to wait and see!  It's important to know that fate followed Damien into the karoake bar because right as we walked in- Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline started playing.  No one was holding the microphone so he just walked in and grabbed the mike and off he went!  Damien is actually quite amazing at impersonating Neil.  He met everyone's expectations and then some.  I had to laugh to myself as I watched him work crowd and saw them answer Bum Bum Bum.

Bright and early the next morning, all of the members from his company gathered beachside for a a Friendly Decathalon.  I don't know about you, but I don't think of decathalon and think 'friendly'.  Luckily our nine person squad was comprised of mostly type-A personalitlies so we were all on the same page!  We were the purple team, aptly named Te-Kill-Ya (a creative take on Tequila).  The games consisted of fun, fairly non-atheltic categories so everyone could compete on the same level.  You got points based on creative team name, team song, balancing on one foot wearing a flipper, whistling, passing water with cupped hands and transfering it into a cup, long jump, employee name recognition, tug-of-war, bolero, and the limbo.  We had an absolute blast!  The day was gorgeous and we were in the soft, flour-like sand.  What was not to love?  I am happy to report (and pretty proud, too) that I won the limbo contest!  Yes, me!  I wouldn't have bet my win on anything in the world.  Typically, I suck at limbo so imagine my surprise when all of the core work I did before I came here paid off!  Damien and I were in the top five out of 100 people and I almost died when I cleared the lowest bar.  Next to childbirth- definitely one of my more proud moments!  After ten fun events, our team won by one point!  We each got trophies and an envelope with $50 US dollars in it (which worked out well for us since we were brainiacs and forgot to get US dollars before we left the country)!

The next morning, Damien and I had to be in the lobby at 8:00 a.m. to catch our shuttle to the Xtreme Kingdom.  Here, we would zip line and ride on a shot-over boat.  We were excited to try zip lining in another country.  We zip lined in Costa Rica and it was amazing.  We knew that this wouldn't compare but it was going to be fun nonetheless.  Turns out- we had a great time!  We were right to know that this wouldn't even come close to Costa Rica- but it was thrilling and a good time.  The guides were entertaining and at one point had me screaming and clinging on to one of them when he 'pointed' to a snake.  Turns out there wasn't one.  Damien thought this was hilarious!  After the zip lining, we went on the shot over boat.  I am not even sure how to describe it!  This boat has three rows for passengers and is stocked with 500 horsepower engine.  Think really fast!  It flew down these small canals at such high speeds and came within inches of hitting rocks, the shore, and the lushness that surrounded us.  Once in a while, the driver would make a circle above his head motioning to us that we were going to do a 360 degree spin.  And spin we did!  He would gun it and then let off the gas and flip the boat around!  Needless to say- I was screaming!  Damien thought it was fun but let's just say that he might of gotten a little seasick on the thirty minute ride!

The last day we were there was a total free day.  We enjoyed ordering up breakfast to our room where we dined outside and just tried to take it all in.  How lucky are we?  How blessed are we that we are able to be alone, without distraction to listen to life's thoughts?  As we sat in our robes eating our delicious breakfast, we reflected on our journey as a couple, as parents, and just as people.  I am so lucky to have met Damien and shared so much of my life with him.

After breakfast, we decided to take a cab into town.  I always love to go shopping on these trips not only to shop- but see what life is like off the resort.  Playa del Carmen is amazing!  The shopping was spectacular and there was a lot culture to take in.  I couldn't resist buying Emily a flamenco dress.  I know, I'm ridiculous.  We were able to get the kids some really cool little trinkets and I even found some pottery for me!  After we returned to the resort, we spent the remainder of the day at the pool and then headed down to the beach to lay in one of the cabanas.  Sun on me, no sun on Damien.  The cabana is our friend!  The waiters came and served us fresh guacamole, chips, tacos, and caesar salad.  After our snack, we waded into the warm ocean and thought to ourselves, This is the life.

Later that evening was the company's awards dinner.  I do love this part of the trip.  It's a great excuse to get dressed up and be treated to some fine dining!  It's also gratifying to see Damien recognized for his hard work during the awards presentation.  We had a wonderful dinner, had a great time with Damien's co-workers and spouses, danced the night away, and made it home in time for me to order another midnight club sandwich.  You have to live it up, right?

On our last morning, we woke up to rain.  Every other morning we were there- I raised the huge curtains to see sun and the beautiful blue ocean.   Thank goodness we had such amazing weather during our stay.  Our shuttle to the airport was scheduled to leave at 10:30 a.m. and the rain only motivated me to get back home.  We had a wonderful stay in Mexico.  We loved the hotel, the Mexican people were amazingly friendly and helpful, the weather was spectacular, and I was happy there were not a lot of creepy crawlies (always a fear of mine when we travel to warm, humid, climates).  After spending so much time with Damien this week, I am again reminded how lucky I am to have found him.  He feels lucky, too. 

We had the most warm, loving welcome EVER from our kids later that evening.  After a long day of travel (with my NEED to see them growing) we were bombarded with hugs from our little kiddos.  Emily, who I feared might punish me for leaving her, ran towards me (wild hair and all) and gave me the best hug and kiss I could've asked for.  She kept looking at me and saying, 'Mom, hoop?'  (Emily says this because when I go and coach Claire, I tell her I'll be right back.  So now she associates basketball with me leaving.)  I was happy to look at her and tell her I was going to stay with her forever.  Matthew, Michael, and Claire were right behind her and made us feel so loved.  Our trip to Mexico was a dream, but coming back to our kids was our dream come true.  Yes, it is hard raising four kids but it is the most important thing to us in our lives.  We came back rested, rejuvinated, and ready to handle whatever came our way.

My sisters and Natalie's friend, Claire?  They were done.  D-O-N-E.  Five days with my kids was about as much as they could handle.  I kept hearing them say to me, 'I don't know how you do this everyday!'  They said the three older kids were great, but little Emilini was a terrible sleeper.  And we all know what sleep deprivation can do to you!  I appreciate their efforts so much and I know that they wanted to do this for me, so that I could get away for a little bit.  I love them even more for realizing how badly I needed this and sacrificing their sanity in the process!  Thank you, thank you. 

Life resumed to it's mad pace in the morning and when the going got tough- I closed my eyes and remembered the peaceful and tranquil moments in Mexico.  Adios, Mexico.  We will surely see you again.  Until then- I am going to smooch and hold my babies.

SCU Bronco Game

When I coached Claire's team last year, I kept thinking 'I must take them all to watch a SCU Women's Basketball Game!'  Somehow, keeping up with the big kids, raising a six month old baby and coaching were too much for me to organize this event!  Basically- I was spread so thin last year that you probably could've seen straight through me! Well, not this year! 

When Claire's basketball season started this year and I resumed my coaching responsibilities- I started planning ahead for a SCU game where I could take my players.  I knew that this was an opportunity for them to see strong women who might somehow empower these little second graders to dream BIG!  In the end- I decided to invite all the girls in the two second grade classes as St. Christopher School.  I was so pleased to see that so many of Claire's friends and their families wanted to go!  In the end- we brought a group of 67 people to watch the SCU Women take on USF! 

I had organized beforehand an opportunity for the girls to see the Women's Locker Room.  Not the stinky showers but the room where a lot of the magic happens.  When we got there, I introduced everyone to one of the Assistant Coaches named Marissa White.  She was wonderful and showed the girls their very cool locker room.  The players names illuminated above their locker and all of my girls gathered for a pep talk from the coaches on the leather couches.  The girls sat there, jaws dropped, and loved every minute of this 'behind the scenes' access.  It was a spectacular moment for me as I literally watched this moment change the girls thinking.  The head coach came in and talked to them and explained that getting a full ride to college for basketball takes a lot of hard work.  Coach Mountain emphasized that you need to also have good grades in addition to athletic ability.  The girls ate up everything these coaches said and loved it!

The game was awesome!  All the second grade girls sat in the front row and screamed at the top of their lungs for the majority of the forty minutes.  Claire felt so special . . . I could just tell.  Afterwards, she told me how proud she was to have a Mommy who played college basketball.  She also loves that the girls on the SCU team know her! When the SCU starters are called out before the game- they each throw a ball to someone in the audience.  Claire's favorite player on the team is Meagan Fulps.  When Meagan was called out- she ran over and handed Claire an autographed ball.  Claire was in awe and her friends thought it was so cool!  Everyone had a great day today and I will make sure, no matter if I am coaching or not, that I arrange this opportunity for these girls every year.  As long as they want to go- I will make it happen.

Matthew's Class Party

Matthew had never had a school birthday party so he was really curious to see how things were going to go!  Matthew's preschool, Ballard Montessori, does such a sweet little birthday routine.  They light a candle (which symbolizes the Sun) and then put little signs with the months of the year around it in a circle.  Then, the birthday child gets to hand out as many flowers as he is old to that many classmates.  Matthew handed a flower to four of his friends and they began singing, The Earth goes round the sun the sun, the Earth goes round the sun.  It takes 12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days.  

While this song is being sung, Matthew was holding a globe and circled the sun.  Once he finished, the first child who received a flower puts in a vase and the teacher asks Matthew what he did when he turned one.  This is where I helped out a bit and said some of the significant things that happened to Matthew that year.  They repeat this process until he eventually had four flowers in the vase and he soaked up every birthday minute of it!  Matthew's favorite part was when his best friend Luke put the flower in the vase.  They both looked at each other and tried not to laugh!  It was classic!

Matthew helped me make cupcakes for the class.  He wanted Toy Story cupcake liners, confetti cupcakes, and orange frosting.  The birthday boy got just what he wanted.  It was a really sweet day in his class.  For the first time in his life, Matthew felt the love and admiration from his classmates on his special day.  I can't believe how quickly he is growing up.  Looking at him today made me want to push the pause button and just breathe it all in.  His teacher, Miss Naheed, is so wonderful and told Matthew how special he was.  She really does love him.  Happy Birthday, again, to my Matthew!

Matthew's "Peter Pan" Birthday

There was a lot of build up for Matthew's birthday this year.  For the past few years, I really haven't done much creatively for him.  I mean, I have put some special touches on things but I haven't given him what I gave Michael and Claire when they were his age.  I know a lot of this has to do with the fact that I have double the kids I had when Michael and Claire were young but I knew that this year, I was going to go all out for him!

I asked Matthew a while back what theme he wanted for his birthday.  He thought for a second and then said, "Ya.  I want a Peter Pan birthday party."  I was surprised because to my knowledge- he really didn't care for Peter Pan!  But let me tell you from this point forward, he was obsessed with Peter Pan and everything to do with it! 

We were able to schedule his party on his actual birthday which is always a bonus.  When I was out shopping for some decorations I happened upon a Peter Pan costume that was Matthew's size!  Done and done!  When he saw it- he just about died!  He wore it so much before his party that I was afraid he might rip it or ruin it before his birthday.  It made us laugh non-stop to see him in the Peter Pan costume.  It just works on him. 

On his birthday morning, we surprised him with a new basketball hoop, some Mario Brothers mini guys, and some other fun goodies.  Claire even made him a card which I didn't even know about.  It warmed my heart.  Then we started prepping for a party straight from Neverland!  Matthew told Damien that he hoped that Captain Hook would come to his party and sword fight with him.  So basically, that was an invitation for me to find a costume and outfit Damien as Mr. Hook himself.   The plan was in place I knew that I would look forward all day to the moment Matthew realized Captain Hook was there ready to fight!

Matthew's friends and family arrived and we all were having a great time.  The kids all just ran around and played while the adults gathered around the room and chatted.  For lunch, Matthew thought it would be fun if we had food that was named after things in Peter Pan.  So, per Matthew's request, we had Peter Pan Pineapple and Ham Pizza, Captain Hook's Coconut Prawns, Smee's Sausage Sandwiches, Mermaid Lagoon Macaroni and Cheese, and Fairy Fruit Skewers.  It was a lot of food but it definitely catered to everyone's tastes.

Soon after lunch was over, we all went into the family room to hear some instruction about the games we were going to play.  When all of the sudden, Matthew heard someone outside!  Matthew stepped closer to the door and couldn't believe what he saw.  CAPTAIN HOOK!  It was awesome!  Better than I could've dreamed it to be.  Peter Pan and Hook battled and it was intense (at least from Peter Pan's perspective)!  Damien played the part so well and had so many of us cracking up!  The kids loved Hook's appearance and it was a perfect way to start a few games.  We had each child open up their very own treasure map and find their way to the hidden treasure.  Along the way, they needed to walk the plank, dig for gold coins, and make a basket in a hoop (totally unrelated to the pirate thing but we needed another task) before they ended up with Captain Hook for a good old fashioned sword fight.  It was really fun to watch the kids get into it.  It is important to note that Emily was completely afraid of Captain Hook.  When all the kids had run outside, I explained to her that it was actually Daddy.  She took a long time to believe me and it was so funny to watch here try and process that this scary pirate was actually her Dad!

We ended the day with cake and Matthew stole the show when he danced to his 'Happy Birthday' song.  He blew out the candles, made a wish, and off he went into his fifth year of life.  Happy Birthday to my amazing son, Matthew!  We all love you so very much!

Matthew Turns Four

I know that every good mother has a soft spot in their heart for their kids.  This is so true of my Matthew.  The part of my heart that he occupies is always warm, smiley,and happy.  The reason for this?  Matthew brings me such immense joy.  He makes me happy in a way that I will never be able to completely put it into words.  I will just say that Matthew is more than incredible.

All of that being said . . . Can you believe that this little guy just turned FOUR today?  I can't believe it!  Something about his sweet face, his patient demeanor, something about his way just doesn't make me think he could possibly be four.  But he is!  Watch out world! 

Matthew is still a really great kiddo.  He never has been what I would consider a 'hard kid'.  He didn't sleep much as a baby (for which I take the blame) but generally- he has always just gone with the flow.  Lately, he has been pushing more of the limits that I set for him.  He has started to be a bit sassy and is trying to gain more control over the things he does.  One thing I am SO thankful for is that Matthew still takes a nap every day.  He never questions it- he just goes to sleep and gives me some time to decompress when both he and his sister are sleeping.

Matthew is really into video games these days.  He loves Lego Indiana Jones and Lego Batman.  He also loves to rock out on Rock Band and knows Eye of the Tiger.  It is hilarious to see him sing it!  I think every third word is correct but he sings the melody perfect.  I do set limits for him on the XBox Kinect but it is hard to keep him away when it is time for Michael and Claire to play!  Matthew still occasionally plays with his Legos but they have taken a back seat since Christmas.  He still loves to wear different hats around the house and role play.  The other night at dinner, he wore his pilot hat and for the whole dinner- we pretended we were on a flight to New York!  He also has taken to speaking a lot of 'toilet talk'.  For instance- the other night I asked him to tell me the title of a story Damien had just told him.  He looked me straight in the eye and said, "Jack and the Poop Stop."  (Jack and the Beanstalk) 

Matthew's four year old check up at the doctor went great!  Dr. Safir said he is doing a great job and he needed no shots which was a great bonus!  He now weighs 42 lbs. and is 41 1/2 inches tall.  His percentages finally slowed  from the 90s and he is now around the 75% in both.  I noticed he slimmed down a bit from his chubby babyish self!  All in all- Matthew is doing great in all that he does.  He is a fantastic son, a wonderful brother, a fun loving friend and just a great little guy.  I am so proud of him and can't wait to see what the future holds for him.

In previous years, I have given the kids quizzes.  I love reading their responses years later.  Here are Matthew's answers in all of his four year old glory:
Favorite Food: Meatloaf
Favorite Drink: Coke
Favorite Color: Lellow (yellow) and Blue and Green
Favorite TV Show: Scooby Doo
Favorite Movie: March of the Wooden Soldiers
Favorite Vacation: Legoland
Favorite Candy: Licorice
Favorite Ice Cream: Vanilla
Favorite Disney Character: Buzz Lightyear
Favorite Book: Curious George
Favorite Song:  We Got the Beat
Favorite thing about Dad: When he says, "I can play with him!"
Favorite thing about Mom:  When she tickles and chases me!
Favorite thing about Michael:  When we play 'Matthew Mean' together (Matthew chases Michael).
Favorite thing about Claire: When she helps me get cereal and get my jammies on.
Favorite thing about Emily:  When she shares with me!
Favorite thing to say: Oh yeah, baby!
Favorite thing about school: I like snack time the most.
Cheeseburger or Nuggets: Chicken nuggets dipped in BBQ sauce.
French fries or salad:  Salad because I love lettuce and ranch!
If you could go one place in the world, where would you go: To the park

Cub Scouts & Pinewood Derby

This year Michael joined Cub Scouts for the first time.  I think it was a good choice for him.  There a lot of kids from his school in his Pack and they are really good kids.  It's a really great crowd for Michael to run in.  Not only does he get to hang out with his friends at their meetings, but he gets to do a lot of really fun activities, too!  This weekend, Damien and Michael competed in their first ever Pinewood Derby.  Damien and Michael went to a wood shop and were able to shape a car out a block of wood.  Michael thought this was awesome!  They were given a kit which would help them put on the wheels but Michael was responsible for naming and painting his car.

I know that there were Dad's that worked on their son's cars for weeks.  I also heard that you can buy fancy pinewood derby cars on Ebay.  Really?  Damien wanted to help Michael but make sure that Michael did most of the work.  Keeping this in mind, you can only imagine where the priority of 'painting of car' might fall in our family of six.  Although it was a last minute painting endeavor, Damien and Michael sat outside the night before the Pinewood Derby race sanding and painting Michael's car.  Michael chose to name his car 'The Wave' and painted it accordingly.  He wanted it to be Beach Boys themed.  The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!  The boys even made a last minute trip to Home Depot to get some graphite with the legal hope that the graphite might help 'The Wave' out on race day. 

Well, Michael didn't win the Pinewood Derby.  He placed first and second in a few heats but overall, didn't place in the top three out of the group of thirty kids.  But who cares?  Michael came home so happy that he and his Dad were able to share this experience together.  Now 'The Wave' sits proudly on Michael's shelf and will remind him forever of the priceless time he and his Dad shared.

Miss Captain America?

Who says Captain America is a boy?  Not Emily!  This had us in pure hysterics.

SCU Basketball Alumni Day

I was so excited for this year's alumni day as so many of my former coaches and teammates were going to be there!  It was so amazing seeing everyone.  It has been thirteen years since I graduated but it felt like it was yesterday.  It was crazy to see everyone and to be able to hear the voices of teammates/coaches that played with/coached me for four straight years!  I really wish we all lived closer.  The players and coaches I met while at SCU are some of the best people I have met in my life.  I only hope that they come back again next year!

One of the coolest parts of the day for me was seeing Michael and Claire be the 'Ball Kids' for the game!  It was awesome!  They got to wear and keep these really cool t-shirts and had a front row seat to all of the action!  They even got to wipe some sweat off of the floor!  The Broncos played a great game and almost knocked off a second seeded Saint Mary's!  After the game, we all headed over to the brand new Locatelli Center where we were treated to a post game feast catered by Mondo Burrito.  The current coaches did a great job honoring the former players and coaches.  There was a slide show with pictures from when we had played there and we all walked away with sweet SCU Basketball hooded sweatshirt.  I could barely get my kids out of there after it was over.  They are starting to understand the deep connection Damien and I have to Santa Clara University.  On the way home, we must have heard a hundred times, Can we go to that event next year?  My answer?  Absolutely.

My Two Girls

I can't get over how cute these two are!  Having just written a blog about the past year, I couldn't help but think how lucky Claire is to have a sister.  They are starting to play with each other a lot more and bonding more and more with each passing day.  If I discipline Emily, Emily will go straight to Claire for support.  Claire will ask her why she is upset and then basically reiterate what I had just said (i.e. biting is bad, hitting hurts people, pouring a full cup of milk on the floor might not be the best idea, playing in the toilet is gross, laughing at Mommy when she tells you no won't get you far, pulling things out of the garbage is not what mom meant when she said snack time, pens and pencils are for paper not walls or hardwood, toothbrushes are not used for scrubbing the floor, ripping Michael's homework in half doesn't benefit anyone, etc.). 

Before bed every night, Emily crawls into bed with Clairey.  When I try and take her out, she shouts MO!  (Which in Emily talk means no.)  Emily loves when her sissy is home and just about bursts at the seams when Michael and Claire get home from school.  It makes my life a lot easier when the big kids are home because Emily wants to be with them non-stop!  I thank God that I have two beautiful daughters.  Having grown up in a house full of six women (Dad, you are awesome!) I couldn't image life without girls, and a girl without a sister.  I am blessed and love watching these two cuties together.

Car Wash, Stat!

There comes a time when you realize that your kids are getting older.  Today, that moment rang loud and clear when I got up to drive the kids to school.  While driving carpool, I happened to glance out the rear window and noticed something was scribbled on there.  I couldn't read it but made a mental note to check once I got to the school parking lot.  Our car was filthy from our Tahoe trip but getting it washed wasn't on today's agenda until I read what my darling Michael wrote on the back window.  Yep, the kids are growing up and I am on my way to the car wash immediately!

Happy New Year!!!

What a wonderful year it has been.  A truly wonderful year.  Our family is bigger, older, wiser, and our rhythm is more constant and less sporadic (like last year).  It is so amazing what a difference a year makes.  We learned so much this year, we loved like we have never loved before, and we also lost people we love that we will never forget.  So many different emotions in so many different directions.  2010 . . . you were a busy year!

It is crazy to rewind a year and think about what life was like a year to the day!  Emily was just starting to eat baby food and I remember feeling elated that she would sit long enough on a blanket for me to breathe for a few minutes.  Fast forward a year later and Emily is running, jumping, talking, never stops moving, and is now into everything!  That is our Emily! Emily has picked up as much as she possibly can from her siblings.  She has learned how to live in this world while using the fast-forward function and continues to amaze us as she seems so advanced.  She calls out Punch-Bugs from the car, she climbs the ladder to the bunk bed, can figure out how to break through any child lock, could probably beat most fighters in the UFC, and has a sense of humor that is so ridiculously funny!

Last year, Matthew was just a little guy that followed both Damien and me wherever we went.  Now he is a big boy who goes to school, who no longer wants his Legos or Mondo the Monkey- instead he asks me all day if he can play video games.  This year, Matthew is much more confident and loves performing and dancing for people.  Last year, Matthew was less opinionated and just went with the flow.  Now, Matthew knows what he wants and has grown increasingly picky about things.  I say, Good for him!  That means he is getting older and more independent (which also makes me sad).  One thing I am slowly realizing is that no matter how much I dread my kids getting older, it just happens.  Instead of dwelling on this inevitable occurrence- I am choosing to enjoy them so that when I look back . . . I can say I truly lived in the moment with them.  Matthew provides me with many of these special moments and I am finally able to spend more time with him now that Emily isn't so needy.  He truly is such a love.  I am enjoying him to pieces!

Clairey last year.  Hmmm.  Well, for starters- her hair was really long!  This past summer she wanted a new look, a shorter haircut.  She knew best because it is adorable and suits her so beautifully.  Last year, Claire was still struggling with her swelling tonsils and all of the effects those darned things brought!  Now, she is more clear voiced, better rested, and an overall more confident little girl now that she can actually be understood (since they were removed).  Claire also has come out of her shell this year.  Her personality is hilarious!  She is outgoing, loud, hysterical, loving, sensitive, and just a really, really great person.  She is an amazing sister to her siblings and still carries the title of Little Mommy.  Claire grew to really love sports this year (soccer and basketball) and even asked me to take down her Disney Princesses on her wall (gasp) to make her room basketball themed.  Even though I think it is cool that she is finding a love for sports, I hesitate to take down the princesses because it makes me miss the little girl that wanted them so badly.  Again, I process this change as a 'good change' as Claire is finding her own likes and interests.  I wonder what she will love a year from now?

Michael is amazing.  He was amazing last year too, but this year- he has really taken the role of Big Brother seriously.  He is so protective of his siblings.  He and Emily continue to bond in a way that is unexplainable.  Those two have a connection and it will be fun to watch it flourish as they grow older.  Michael and Matthew are playing together much more now that Matthew is tougher and can handle the physical games that his big nine year old brother creates!  Michael and Claire still are best friends/enemies.  Depends on the minute :)  Michael is smart, creative and has grown even more confident over the past year which makes me so proud.  He has grown a lot (physically and maturity-wise) and I can see him launching towards the 'big kid' territory.  Again, I try and push my sadness away and rejoice in all of his accomplishments and positive strides towards his future.  Michael loves video games, playing soccer in the hallway or backyard, and staying home and relaxing.  He's such a great kiddo!!

Damien and I continue to do well!  We are so happy to be where we are today.  Raising four kids is no easy task.  There were many days during the past year when we would look at each other and say, What are we doing?  There were times where there was so much going on at one time- I couldn't see straight.  Two of the kids would be crying, Emily might have just barfed on the floor, and while I am trying to handle those issues, it would dawn on me that I forgot to pack lunches for the next day.  I just got overwhelmed a lot.  My strategy?  Put my head down and keep moving forward.  I knew that if I surrendered to some of these situations- I would never see the light of day!  The issues and situations that arise in a household of six leads to a lot of chaos.  Damien and I did the best we could to climb out of the trenches and here we are!  Phew!  We are looking forward to a 2011 full of so much fun!  We have a lot of family time to look forward to!  This is of course in addition to lots of baseball, soccer, and basketball games, many fun family events, and lots of laughs to have at home when the six of us are just sitting around enjoying one another.  I am more proud than ever to be where I am today.  Our family is complete.  We are growing.  We are flourishing.  And most importantly . . . we are happy. 

Happy New Year to all of our family and friends who continue to sustain and support us all.  Here's to an amazing 2011!