A Birthday Wish

We like to do a family activity around the day of each of our children's birthdays.

This year (two days before his birthday) we surprised Tate with a trip to Gram and Pop's house since his ever-present and unceasing wish is to live at Grammy and Poppy's house.

We kept the party a secret and when we pulled in the driveway Tate opened his eyes and exclaimed, "This is where we're going?!" He was so happy.

Gram made him a peanut butter cake--pure delight for my little peanut butter boy.

It was a perfect day.

On his birthday he chose to have a French Breakfast Muffin with an orange lego candle for breakfast.

At 10:00 seven little boys came over to our house for Tate's birthday party. Unfortunately, I misplaced my phone right before they all came so I didn't get a single picture. (My hands were quite full once the party started...I'm sure you can imagine...)

We had a pin the flag on the treasure map, pirate stories, and then a treasure hunt that led them to their party favors. We ended the party with pirate treasure cake and ice cream.

 Oh Tate,

I can't imagine my life without you. You are the sweetest little boy I've ever met. You are learning to read so well this year; I'm so proud of you. I love how your teacher thinks you are the sweetest boy and are so good with some of the difficult boys who misbehave and bother people. You are so patient, you cooperate so well in your class, and help everyone to get along.

You amaze me with your endless supply of hugs and kisses and your mischievous antics that still keep me on my toes every day. I wouldn't change a thing about you.

You are perfect--just the way you are.

Thank you for being such a perfect little boy.

I'm so glad you are mine forever and ever!

Love always,
Mommy

You're 6?! Wow, you are growing up so fast! I have loved growing with you this last year and seeing you begin so many new things! You have been so brave as you have embarked on many new adventures!

This past year you played T-ball for the first time and made so much improvement in hitting the ball! You also began school for the first time with kindergarten and you have done so well! You have grown up so much as you have become so much more brave and independent in all your activities. Your reading is also improving so well as you can pick sight words out anywhere, especially as we read scriptures. Mom is right about how accelerated your reading skills improve as you read from the Book of Mormon.

I love you Tate! Happy Birthday!

Love,

Dad

Tater's First Day of School.

It's hard to believe my second little one is in Kindergarten. I don't think I've entirely gotten over the shock. It still seems so unreal that it's just Maylie and me in the mornings now. And I don't even want to think about next year when both boys will be gone all day.

The day dawned bright and early for my little Tater Bug--who is not really a morning person and prefers sleeping in and waking up slow. I crept in to their bedroom and woke him up slowly with a back rub and cuddles. That first morning he woke up quickly--maybe because he was so excited...or nervous. (Now that he's gone to school for two weeks, the newness has worn off and he likes to roll over and go back to sleep; but I am persistent.) I listened to their morning prayers and helped them make their beds and get dressed.

He chose toast for breakfast and of course, as is tradition, he ate from his golden plate that gets used on every special occasion.

After we combed hair and said family prayer, and took our traditional front porch first day of school picture, Tate asked me to kiss the palm of his hand. At first I thought, "What!?" He's so grown up he won't even let me kiss him on the cheek anymore? But I kissed his hand anyway, and he held it up to his cheek and then over his heart. And then I knew.

It was a "Kissing Hand." I had meant to read him that book the night before, but we forgot. And yet, somehow, during one of the times he listened to the story, he had stored away that special information for future use. My heart kind of broke as I watched him walk out to the garage with his hand over his heart and ask Easton to open the car door for him so he wouldn't have to move his hand.

Patrick took the boys to the bus stop and Easton promised to take good care of Tate on the bus and sit with him so he wouldn't be scared. Back at home, Maylie and I got ready in 10 minutes and then Patrick picked us up and we all headed over to the school. We met the boys in the commons area and when they finally raised the gates so they could go to their classrooms, Easton hustled off to his room without so much as a goodbye--he's so grown-up these days. Tate was clutching my hand nervously but was grinning and looked excited.

When we got to his classroom, I helped him find his cubby to hang his backpack and then we found his seat. It was such a tender mercy that his teacher put him on the "orange table." It was a comfort to him that he got to sit at the table with his favorite color. He wouldn't sit down at first; he just wrapped himself around me, begging me not to leave. So I told him I would stay for a few minutes until his teacher told me to go.

He reluctantly sat down and I stood behind him while the other kids all got situated. One by one the parents started saying their goodbyes and drifting out of the room, while the teacher passed out coloring pages. It was all so soon and so sudden. I wasn't sure if I was ready--and I knew Tate wasn't. I lingered a little longer, hoping other parents would too, but pretty soon I was the last one. So I leaned down to Tate and whispered in his ear that it was time for me to go. He gripped my hand and said, "But my teacher hasn't told the parents to leave yet!!!!" I showed him that all the other parents were gone and I needed to go too, but I would watch him from the window for a few minutes. I told him he would have so much fun and that his teacher would be so nice and I would see him in just a little while. He finally let go of my hand, gave me one last hug and I kissed his head.

Patrick and I watched through the window for a few minutes, and he never looked back. He seemed to be doing just fine. So we chatted with our neighbors as we walked out the door and I had to put on a happy face. But as soon as we parted ways, my eyes filled with tears and the whole reality of it fell upon me like I knew it would. It had happened with Easton on his first day of Kindergarten and I was prepared for the rush of memories that would accompany the sadness this time around. Even so, it wasn't enough to take away the sting...

...I remembered holding Tate for the first time in the hospital that cold, snowy December night and noticing his cute little ears and nose first thing. I remembered seeing him smile for the first time on my cherry wood bed with the patchwork quilt in our little Rexburg cottage. I remember how he had calmed and comforted my heart from the very beginning. And the feeling of sublime peace he brought to our family that winter of 2008-2009. And then the memories flashed past in spurts--just little things like his big blue eyes, his marshmallowy little body. His utter contentedness in every aspect of his life. Watching him explore Gram and Pop's sheds--observing the wonder of it all. His humor, his joy, his silliness, his perfect politeness and sweetness. Truly, there has never been another quite like our little Tater Bug. And I walked in the windy street to the car wondering how five years can seem like the blink of an eye. Oh my little one, how was I ever blessed to be your mother??

The morning passed quickly--but it was so strange with just me and Maylie. The dynamics changed when Easton left and they changed again with Tate's departure. And soon, we were waiting down at the bus stop for our little boy to return. We waited there with the other mothers for over 45 minutes, they were so late. But Maylie faithfully held the small bag of candy corns she had been entrusted with--leaving them unopened as a gift for Tate for being so brave and not even crying a bit. And when the bus finally stopped, I saw him through the window, waving excitedly with the biggest grin on his face.

He skipped over to us and koala-bear hugged me (meaning he wraps his arms and legs around me completely). Maylie gave him his candy corns and of course, as is custom for Tate, he happily offered to share with her and told me all about his day (or at least all about recess) as we walked back home.

All in all, I survived and he thrived. It's different having him all grown-up and gone, but change is part of life, I am accepting this change as good and blessed, even if my heart will always secretly weep for those days long past that will only be relived in my memory.

Dear Tate,
You are amazing and brave and bright and bubbly and sweet and perfect just exactly the way you are. I could not live without you. You are my ocean of peace.

Com grande amor,
Mommy

P.S. I love you...

5 Year Old Birthday

Mr. Tate turned 5 just before 2013 ended.  I looked at a picture of him yesterday from our 2012 family pictures and couldn't believe how much he older he looks now.  He's always seemed to grow up so gradually that I couldn't believe the stark difference.  And I've noticed he's really turned a corner as of late.  Matured and grown-up so quickly, I hardly recognize him.  Or maybe I've just become a better mother to him--learning a few keys to connect to his heart.  As I've been reading through my last year's journals (which is a story for another day), I came across a couple of keys to Tate I learned last year.  #1--Connect with him. Cuddles, hugs, tickles, stories from when I was little, helping him clean, playing with him (even when he seems to be doing just fine playing by himself). And #2--Having Fun with him. Joking, turning things into a game, pretending, imagining, anything to make a job (and life) fun.

I've learned much and together we've traversed much ground.  This year, I believe, is the turning point.

And now onto Tater's Celebration:

Saturday morning (the day before his birthday), we went to Frozen at the most quaint little theater you can imagine.  I kind of wished I could make a movie or write a story about it.  (I had a whole plot with characters going on in my head as I waited for my little ones to use the restroom).  The movie was darling, and the whole day was fabulous.

Then when Sunday dawned bright and early for Tate, the house was decorated and presents were wrapped--all waiting for our big boy to awake.

After church, I finished up his fire truck cake which he had requested, and then Nana and Papa, Coco and Jason, and Grandma and Grandpa all came to celebrate with us.

Mommy's Tribute:

Dear Tater Bug,

You have grown up so fast, I can hardly believe it.  I am so proud of you for learning so many things this year--like how to ride a two-wheeler, how to make toast, and the letters of the alphabet.  You are the most loving, caring, forgiving boy I know.  And how you are always always happy is truly a gift from Heavenly Father.  You are at times a little sunburst of energy, and at other times a cuddly, snuggly, quiet, and peaceful wave of the sea.  I love how you ebb and flow just like the ocean tides.

I love having you home with me, and I always miss you when you're at preschool (even though you're just three houses down the road).  I'm not sure how I'll ever let you go to kindergarten next year--it hurts my heart to think about it.  But until then I will cherish every sweet moment I have to spend all day with you.

I love your inquisitiveness Tate.  You ask me at least 50 thought-provoking questions a day, most of which I don't have the answers to or have ever even thought about before. (Like today when you asked me if ants ate the bad bugs that try to eat caterpillars). You observe everything around you with such focused detail.  I love this about you.

You are such a good big brother to Maylie and a little brother to Easton.  And even though you are quite the tease, I love how you fit right in to your middle child role.

Your testimony has grown so much over the past year.  You can bear your testimony in Family Home Evening all by yourself now and I love to hear your conviction about how you will never use "smokers" (cigarettes) or drugs, and never drink coffee, "caffee" (caffeine), or "uncahol" (alcohol).  You also have followed so well in your brother's footsteps to not watch movies or read books that have people who are immodest.  You are the best Tate!  You are a valiant, strong, true son of your Heavenly Father and I am so privileged to be your mother and your friend.

I love you Tate, (my little ocean), with all my heart.
Love always,

Mommy



Daddy's Tribute:

This past year has been one of growth for you Tate! You showed great courage when I had to take you to the Emergency Room to stitch up your head after you fell off the couch! The doctor had to give you some shots and you were so brave and even pleasant while we were there. After the hospital visit, you didn't even want to go home and rest, you wanted to still go to church!

You started pre-school this year and have learned so much! Mommy keeps working with you on your letters and when I quiz you, you always know each letter I ask you! Thank you for working so hard at learning and for being so excited for being able to read! You are going to be a great student and reader in Kindergarten next year!!

Mom and Dad still enjoy all your very special hugs that you always so willing give to cheer us all up or sometimes just because. Thank you for sharing your special gift of the spirit of healing with all of us. This gift will always be something you can draw upon to help others throughout your life. 

Your testimony and knowledge of the gospel has also grown this past year. Mom and I can ask you many gospel questions and you know the answer, sometimes even before Easton can answer! Good job and never stop learning and developing your testimony Tate!

I love you so much and look forward to another year ahead with you and all the adventures we will go on and experience together!!

Love, 

Dad

November Flew.

It really did.  And I can't believe I didn't really write much here.  I'll always be a writer, but it seems like I wear so many other hats that there are times when sitting down and writing here is not the first on my to-do list.

After the day when Easton found a mouse scurrying up the stairs, Patrick became more open to getting another cat.  There have been two new houses built near us and I think the unsettling coupled with the season just made our home look like a cozy place to bed down for the winter.  But they picked the wrong house.

We set traps for a few days and thought we had him cornered upstairs, but turns out we didn't.  So one morning when Tate was at preschool, me and Maylie headed off to the humane society to find our perfect cat.  I'd studied them all online the night before and had a few favorites picked out, but when we got there it was definitely a hard decision.  It was tempting to pick up one of the cute little kittens, but we had decided to get one that was older so they would already be fixed and have their shots, be less wild, and more apt to hunt mice.  So we picked out the sweetest little kitty who didn't mind when Maylie squealed excitedly in her ears or rubbed her ears or fur the wrong way.

I think the mouse was a blessing in disguise though, because the Lord knew it was the only way we'd get a cat.  And He knew that little Tater really needed a cat.  The white cats we had disappeared last summer, and Tate has been somewhat difficult ever since our first kitty, Cougar died.  So we decided this little cat would be mostly his, and he would have responsibility for it.  He loved her so much and named her Flashlight.  For a while, I didn't think she'd like him very much because she ran away from both Maylie and Tate, but as time progressed she warmed right up to Tate.  And for the last few days I've seen Tate carrying around his little Flashlight and he told me she really likes him because he's gentle with her.  And just as I'd hoped it would, it has nearly eliminated completely the constant hugging and squeezing of his little sister.  As for the mouse, the cat did catch it one morning, (but then lost it again when she tried to play with it).  So Patrick set up traps in the basement, and we've caught three mice so far.  So even though Patrick says he's 3 and the cat is 0, we still haven't regretted our decision because she needed to be Tate's.

Now onto other notable November memories:

Easton began reading the Book of Mormon all by himself.

I found him on his bed one evening all quietly reading.  And it really brought little tears to my eyes.  I was eight before I started to undertake such a project, and this little boy did it with no prodding or pushing--it was just his very own desire.

I'm so proud of my sweet six-year-old.

One night we had a Portuguese meal and the smell of the bread just brought me back to all of those delicious croissants I ate in Portugal.

We also did a countdown to Thanksgiving...our 10 days of Thankfulness came from this cute idea found here.

We did a darling service activity with the Beehives where we each brought a plate of treats and then we put together at least 12 plates to take around to anyone in the ward the girls thought needed a little treat.  They each did their own plate and decorated their own Thank-you card and then we delivered them.  It was a late night but I sure love my girls.

Maylie's been enjoying playtime with her little neighbor friend on Thursdays while Tate is at preschool.  They're a month apart in age and the best of friends.

I've also loved shopping with Miss May.  It's so easy to slip to the store when Tate and Easton are at school.  Maylie lights up every person she sees with a smile, a giggle, and a grin, and usually a hello as well.  She's quite the little star I've always known she would be.

And her most favorite thing to do is flop over the cart and hang upside down while I'm pushing her through the store or parking lot.  It must be kind of thrilling, kind of like a ride at Lagoon or something.

We missed Nana and Papa when they were in Hawaii, but they came to visit a few days after they got home, and brought us souvenirs--shirts and hats for the boys, shirts for me and Patrick (and a bracelet for me too), and a doll for Maylie whom she affectionately named "Sugar."

Papa read them a story from Hawaii as well.

We visited Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus one frosty night at our town's Jubilee of Trees.

Maylie wasn't too sure she liked sitting on their laps:

Tate loved it! (And shyly told Santa he wanted a train for Christmas):

And Easton was pretty embarrassed. (But he also told Santa what he wanted as well)

 The boys have been doing artwork every night as usual, and I've been reading a wonderful book all about how we each come to earth to express the gifts (artwork) that only we can create.  I'll have to write more about it at another time.

Little Princess just loves to be like Mommy.  She climbs up in my closet and pulls down all of my perfume bottles and bedecks herself with my necklaces and bracelets.  She brings me my earrings so I'll "put them on her." (I just drape them over her ears)



And amidst other things, my Fall project this year has been creating my children a playroom.  I'm getting closer to completion--I just can't wait!!  Here is the only picture I've snapped so far:



And last but not least, Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving was hard this year.  Me and Maylie were sick and although I was so excited to enter this season with the two best holidays of the year, the adversary has thrown a lot of opposition my way.  But we were able to see Gram and Pop and Nana and Papa.  It was a nice relaxing day and the sun was shining.  I'm not sure I could have asked for a better day.  It was a delicious dinner Mae and Pai.  Thank you so much for the wonderful day!

{The boys spent most of the day wrapped around Patrick's legs so he would drag them around the floor.}

 I've learned much this November.  I'm so grateful for every day that I get to wake up and experience.  The Lord is so good to us and perfectly tailors our life experiences (both the good and the bad) for our overall good.  This I know to be true

And maybe tomorrow I'll post about our Christmas decorating...