An update on our little people...

There has been so much going on lately and there have been so many times that I have caught myself stopping to just watch my children because I am trying harder to be in the moment and just embrace what we have at that time.  What I am noticing is so much about how this kids are changing and shaping.

My boys:
They are playing well together, fighting like brothers should and torturing their sisters since they are not allowed to be in their room.  They are very excited for us to FINALLY finish their room. They are into all sorts of sports and are constantly playing something in the entryway of the house or wanting to get outside to play something.

Caden:  my little man, he is growing so fast and is always wanting to be the man of the house when daddy is traveling.  He likes to "be in charge" and help mommy out but when it comes down to it he wants to not be far from mommy or daddy.  He is doing great in school and is smart, too smart almost.  He makes me proud to be his momma.  He LOVES sports, he just came up to go to bed and re accounted for me the Purdue/Michigan overtime, he is not happy about it and may become a Michigan fan since his team is not playing well this year.  He is currently playing basketball and very much looking forward to baseball season.
He loved our quick trip to Florida, he got to play putt putt, go to the track and swim, he was in heaven.

Cale: oh my Cale, my little dare devil who lives life to the fullest!  He is always playing with cars or monster trucks, or watching them on video.  He is daddy's buddy but momma's boy, he will still give me a kiss when I ask for one and always seems to know when I need a hug.  He can pout like no other - a birdy will one day land on that lip.  He is playing sports with Caden and truly is getting good at many things.  He is a big boy who wants to grow up way to fast, he is my little one. My last one who I will snuggle as long as he lets me.  He can always make you laugh and he knows it.  He is my moppy head baby who melts my heart.

My girls:
Oh my girls, you are independent and fierce little people.  You are playing well together, either dress up, school or whatever you may imagine.  You love that you have your room together and are sleeping awesome in your own bed.  You have minds of your own and make a statement with the outfits you wear.  You both enjoy girl time and will still be daddy's girls at times.

Maggie: Miss Maggie is definitely working on independence and has not met a person she doesn't like.  You keep me on my toes, know more about life than I think and are a sponge for everything.  I enjoyed traveling with you to have one on one time this past week.  I learned a lot.  Your heart is as big as ever, you love and feel like many cannot, which means hurt feelings as well.  You are doing well in school and show a love for reading.  You help others and want to make sure that everyone is taken care of in whatever you do.  You are looking forward to playing softball, it means no more sports with the boys for you.  You are learning that you have choices in what you do and try in your life.  You are your own person and I am proud of you.  You give it your all and give it more than one try once we convince you that you can do anything you put your mind to.

Mallory: My little shadow, a momma's girl for sure.  You watch and see so much.  You amaze me on what I find you re-enacting when you think we are not watching.  You love to take care of babies, especially your baby dolls.  You and Cale are very close, I think closer than Caden and Maggie were at that age.  You love your Mag, Mag aka sissy and will go along with whatever she dreams up.  You do not let me get far without you and as much as I may not need help at times I am working hard on being patient with your help and just cherishing the moments.  You have a big heart and want to take care of everyone.  You can be a daddy's girl but mostly enjoy hanging out with Mommy or your memaws. 

My babies have pulled me through a lot lately, they are amazing little people.  They keep me going and make me want to be a better momma every day.  They are helping me to set my priorities, to learn to say no to the "extras" and to be in the moment.  I am blessed by these four little people.  I am blessed that Matthew will go along with our crazy plans in life and is here on this journey of creating amazing memories. 



My one photo of the 4 of them in Florida



The girls floating - rough life



Twin fun!



Hula Hoop Queen

Mal Mal reading me a book!

These kids are crazy!

Brotherly Love with a High Five!

Well someone LOVES this weather we are having....

Two years ago (January 2012) we took Maggie and put her on skis for the first time, she thought is was cool.   She took a lesson during her time out there but never wanted to get off of the carpets, in fact I think she told us I am NEVER going on a chair lift.  It was scary and something she had no desire to do.


Maggie and Caden in Ski School in January 2012

Jump forward to the next winter, 2012-2013  - daddy really wanted a ski buddy so he asked her if she would want a season pass, well when she learned that she could have pink skis she was in!  We signed her up for Ski Doodles and that gave her and Matt a chance for someone else to teach her but for the two of them to hit the slopes once a week.  She was still not too keen on the chair lifts but the wonderful teachers got her up there and she conquered her fears.  She was hooked. 

Now we were sitting in 2013, do we get her another season pass or is she not going to enjoy this?  She was ready, she had her gear and said she could not wait to get on the slopes.  She was nervous to get on that chair lift but could not wait for her Ski Doodles program to start and to see what she could do.  I thin it is safe to say she amazed herself.  She did not think she could do it but here she is now hitting the big hills. 

Maggie takes on the big hills!

Maggie is enjoying her time with daddy once a week.  She cannot go to that "C" state to see the really big hills.  She would go to the slopes every night if she could.  She down right loves it and this is something that none of her other siblings really care to do so this is hers and only hers.  She amazes me each time.  This video tells a lot of my little six year old who LOVES skiing. 

Oh and that big kid who passed her, yeah that is Spencer the one who Matt and I long ago took skiing along with his two brothers.  That is right 3 kids and 2 adults, one of which who does not ski well!  Now look at them - they are the crazy kids out there and love to encourage Maggie while she is out there.

Maggie, momma is proud of you!  You have conquered your fears and you continue to amaze me each week that you go out there.  Keep doing what you are doing, keep loving what you are doing and ski on or as I learned they say in Colorado, Right On!