Daily Activities and a Busy Life

Well we made it through August and into September. It is still blazing hot here in Phoenix (105 every day). It is time for the endless summer, I loath this time of the year. Everywhere else in the country is cooling down, the leaves are changing colors, there is a brisk crispness to the air, and fall colors are making an appearance. But not in Mesa. We are still spending most of our time in the air conditioned house or swimming in the pool. Thankfully the nights are cooling down and I am sure relief is on the horizon.

September is the month of birthdays in our family. Grandpa John turns 90, Elizabeth turns 4. Grandpa Tim, Grandma Sandy, Aunt Kailey, and of course my love Brandon. So many birthdays it is never ending. Plus Christian turns one at the beginning of next month so right now we are in celebration mode. Last week we celebrated Elizabeth's birthday with a family party and cupcakes for her preschool class. She didn't mind not having a big birthday bash and I was just fine with that!

We have been so busy with other things I really didn't have time to plan a big party. Right now the kids are both in karate and soccer. Elizabeth is also doing dance classes once a week. They have been doing karate for about 3 months now and loving it. They tested for their orange belts last week, both passing and moving up to the next level where they get to break boards and punch/kick targets. It is very exciting. I have seen such an improvement in Jackson especially. His attention span has increased, he is more confident in himself and he has gained a more respectful attitude towards me as well as others. I am so happy to see him enjoying himself. Lizzy likes it too and she has changed her attitude as well but she is a bit more reserved.

Actually it is really funny because I always thought Lizzy would be my athlete. She walked at such a young age and is so firey. But after watching her at karate and in soccer I am beginning to realize she doesn't have a competitive bone in her body. She is just happy to be with the other kids and wants everyone to do well. It is really sweet. I was trying to encourage her to get after the ball in soccer and she came over to me and said, "mom, it doesn't matter who scores or who wins. All that matters is that we have fun." What do you say to that sweet little 4 year old? I just smiled and told her she was right.

Christian has been walking for about a month now. He is really fast, toddling through the house, crawling into the doggies crate, climbing on all the couches and up the stairs, and pretty much into everything. He is curious and feisty. And when he smiles he smiles with his whole body. I can't believe he is almost 1. My baby is not a little baby anymore. And he doesn't look like a little baby anymore. He has these little curls on the sides of his head that are so irresistible. I just want to kiss his cheeks all day. His face is so beautiful and sweet that strangers always think he is a girl. A beautiful baby boy who loves me and adores his dad and siblings. He always wants to be in the middle of what the other two kids are doing. They are very patient with him and loving towards him. I am so lucky to have such wonderful, loving children.

Lately I have really been working and focusing on not yelling at them. It has been such a blessing in my life. I have made it a whole week without losing my temper and I have noticed that our entire family is more loving and patient and peaceful with each other. I know that the Lord is helping me with this and it is making me into a better mother. I feel so much more joy in my days and seem to have more time to get the things done that I need to, even if it means taking more time to serve my children. I am so blessed to be able to stay at home with them and be there for them at such a crucial time in their lives. They grow up so fast and I don't want to miss a signal minute.