A Proud Moment: My Son's 1st Imaginary Friend

I typically gag inwardly anytime I read a Christmas letter or talk with a mom that blatantly extols the wonders of her perfect children. My kids are just as awesome as any others, I just like to keep most of their accomplishments "in house" if you know what I mean. Don't get me wrong I will sit you down to let you know just how much I love my children and how blessed they make me feel, I just hope I don't venture too far into the field of "brag-adocia".

With that being said, my oldest son is a rock star. I am so super pumped! He told me the most amazing thing today: he has an imaginary friend!!!! Can you believe it?!!

He was sitting at the lunch table eating a burrito and he looks up at me and says,
"Momma, do you see that rabbit?"

"Where, son?" I ask.

"Right there!" he says as he points to a spot on the floor.

"Oh, that rabbit. Yes, I see him," I respond.

"She is named Buzz. She is lellow," He tells me.

He then went on to introduce his imaginary rabbit to our dog, Red. I didn't have the heart to tell him, but Red is a viscous rabbit killer and impressed my husband this summer by bringing him the head of a snowshoe hare.

Here is a picture of Buzz:


I will keep you posted if she survives the week. Maybe Buzz and Pawna can hang out sometime.

The Dark Side...

If it weren't for sunsets like this one and the family walk we had today, I think I might run for the border.

I am not one apt to complain, but I have to admit this is my first "winter of (occasional) discontent". This discontent is due largely to the fact that this is the longest amount of time I have ever been out of the state of Texas. Our last visit was the fall of '08. It has been more than a year since a dove met its demise at the end of my shotgun, or a "Oaxaca Tacqueria" burrito has crossed my lips, or my favorite Tony Llama boots graced the sweltering hot asphalt of Abilene, Texas...or Anywhere, Texas! Yes, folks I am ho0000mesick.

Due to the wind blowing mach 10 for the last few weeks most of our nice, ski-able, snow machinable, and sled-able snow has blown away. When the wind has done its work you are left with roads and parking lots of glare ice and the general feel of the dark side of the moon. Thankfully the darkness is slowly ebbing away and 4-5 minutes of increased sunlight is gifted to us each day.

Today the temperature broke into the 20s, the wind laid down, and the sun shone brilliantly. About 11:45am, Leif was beginning to remind me of a pan of jiffy pop right as it nears the moment of explosion. If it weren't for our bi-weekly trips to the gym and community volleyball (one of us plays while the other chases the kids up and down the halls of our local elementary school) one night a week, I would be right there with him.

I called Jeff and asked if he could come home early for lunch and take a family walk with us. I didn't think I could singularly handle pushing the stroller and Leif on his bike, while trying to stay upright on the ice. At the mention of a walk, Leif was determined to take his bike. I told him it might not go on the ice, but he said,

"It will if I peddle it."

At that, I had to let him try. After bundling myself and the kids up in 40 layers we took off.





Leif actually did ride his bike...quite well...as long as he stayed on the "crunchy" parts. Occasionally we would look up and he would be stuck in a slick rut, peddling madly away. We didn't rush to rescue him, as I figured this was a good way for him to burn off some that "Jiffy Pop" energy.








After a nice walk in the sunshine we returned home to warm robes, hot chocolate, soup and sandwiches for lunch. I cleaned the kitchen and put the boys down for a nap (they actually slept from having worn off some of their energy) with a better attitude. It is amazing what a little Vitamin D and a reminder from your 3 year old: "you can even ride a bike on glare ice if you peddle hard enough" can do for one's attitude.

The Baby

I know, I know, some of you may not want to hear a mom go on and on about their child. So, if you are one of those people: stop reading.

I am in love with this kid. Nate has to be one of the coolest kids on the planet, and I love a lot of kids. Spending time with him is like warm brie on a cracker, or the perfect cup of soup after a cold afternoon working outdoors. He is such a comforter and a blessing to our family. His goofy grin is enough to make the Grinch crack a smile.

He is beginning to get a real personality. As previously mentioned, the kid loves to chow down. He can eat. If I am a little slow in preparing his food (or even in between bites) he lets me know of his displeasure by slamming his hands down on his tray and sounding off. When I turn to him and let him know that is not appropriate and to chill out, he cocks his head to the side and grins.

One of my favorite things to watch is how much he adores his daddy and brother. He can sit and stare at Leif in sheer wonderment. You can see the love and adoration in his eyes. It is as if he is saying, "Wow, you are so cool!" He especially gets this look when he watches Leif and his daddy wrestle.

"Thank you, God for these boys. They are yours...what an awesome God you are for letting us raise them these fleeting years."

Ten Years of Pure Awesomeness!

For those of you that have seen Kung Fu Panda, the words of Po perfectly describe the last ten years of our marriage.


Home-made Anniversary Cake

Yes, yesterday was our ten year anniversary. I am so blessed to be married to a guy that leads me and our family on many adventures of awesomeness. Even during the challenging times, I love being married to Jeff. I wouldn't want any one else and I am so glad he chose me.

The last ten years feel as if they have flown by. I know the years have passed when I look out at wintry Alaska (we started off in tropical Puerto Rico!), think back on our time in Abilene, and notice my two beautiful boys. (I actually do more than just 'notice' them as they are usually demanding my attention). I am blessed however, to be able to still say how much I love and adore my husband. I look forward to the coming years and adventures together. My favorite person to live life with is still, Jeff. I just hope that in 50 years we have as much spunk as this fun couple.

We celebrated our anniversary by eating a delicious rib-eye dinner and homemade strawberry cake with our friends, Danny and Gail. We then watched the game that "shall-not-be-named". (Our prayers go out to the McCoys...UT's efforts were admirable and inspiring).


Sharing a conciliatory kiss after a bitter defeat...