Peace Out 2016!

I'm finally getting around to blogging about our Christmas. We are currently enjoying the last day of our 17 day break from school and work. It has been very relaxing and it's surprising how quickly I forgot about all the luxuries included in staying at home. Such as, completing all of our laundry in one day and getting all the beds made in the morning! Woohoo! It's been glorious. I really have been able to get the house organized and attend to a lot of other nuisance chores during the break, which sounds boring but overall eases my sanity. The sane version of myself is much more pleasant, for everyone. And I have so much enjoyed all the extra snuggle time with my babies in the morning. We have spent many days just lounging around the house, any boredom easily cured by a tickle fight. We ventured to the movie theater and spent time with friends, including a play date with one of Lyla's favorite classmates. We also enjoyed our annual Gingerbread House tradition with Charli & Hali. Oh, and Max put in some hours (um 1/2 hour) at his new job. Hehe! I'll have to elaborate on that in a separate post.

I feel like our routine with school has kept us so busy over the last few months, this break has given us the chance to slow down and just enjoy each other. I think that's exactly what the holidays are all about for most of us, anyway. However, as Christmas neared closer and closer, I felt myself pushing away this undeniable feeling of sadness. I adore my little family so much and I'm truly grateful for the time we have been able to spend together, but the quiet holidays always make me miss everyone in Idaho a whole bunch. I miss the experience of BIG family gatherings. I honestly love bouncing around on Christmas to various family members houses. I keep reminding myself that life always comes back around full circle and I know eventually we will enjoy a Christmas in Idaho again... I just have to be patient. And patience is not my strong suit. Ha. In the meantime, I have been trying to appreciate all the aspects of small and quiet holidays. I think it's important to soak up every season of life we experience, or at least give it a good effort. Haha! It's tough for me sometimes, but life could always be tougher.

Okay. Anyway, I wanted to share our Christmas morning. Christmas day could possibly be my most favorite day of the year to be a parent. As cliche as it sounds, it is seriously magical. The best day ever. I freaking love being Santa Claus. Max woke first and was not in the most pleasant mood. Keep in mind, he is only three so a lot of this Christmas business doesn't click for him quite yet. He mostly follows Lyla's lead and/or level of enthusiasm. As always, he made his way into our bed by morning and I exclaimed, "Max, it's Christmas!" His grumpy response, "No it's not. It didn't even snow." I giggled to myself, then reminded him about Santa and finally he remembered. I got out of bed to grab Max some fresh clothes, because of course, Christmas morning he had to pee himself. As I was rushing to his room, he made it clear that he wanted to wake up Lyla. "Don't wake her up Mom. I'm going to do it." We got him all situated in dry clothes and then he bolted out of my room. So much for cute Christmas jammies on Christmas morning, right? Oh well. I watched as he ran into the living room to check their stockings, he gasped, then immediately ran to Lyla's room. I could hear him say, "Lyla Lyla, It's Christmastime. Your dolly!!!" They both darted out into the living room faster than you could imagine. Kirk set up the iPad to record their entrance, but the house was still so dark you can't see the image very well. However, you can definitely hear the little pitter patter of their feet running across the house and I loved that just as well.

We opened presents and by the time we finished the living room was complete madness. I'm always slightly disgusted by how spoiled our entire family is between all the gifts that get shipped from our loved ones in Idaho. But we are lucky they love us so much! We remained busy the rest of the day, playing with new toys and games. Lyla's main gift from Santa was an American Girl doll. And Max asked for a Batman Transformer. Apparently Lyla also asked for a black kitten, but Santa didn't get that memo --- and I'm not so sure he would have fulfilled that request anyhow. Ha! Regardless, the kiddos were very pleased with all their new treasures and we had such a fun morning. We enjoyed french toast for breakfast and set up our new Alexa speaker from Grandma Paula. I only mention this gift because I was cracking up when Lyla asked Alexa to get her a glass of water. She was so impressed with all of Alexa's other abilities, I guess she figured a glass of water shouldn't be too difficult for her to manage. Spoiler: Alexa was unable to fulfill Lyla's request, but luckily Lyla was born with these amazing things called legs.

Later in the afternoon we headed over to Charli & Jeremy's for a delicious meal and more gift opening chaos. Hali received a new trampoline for Christmas and the kids are obsessed with it. I felt tired just watching them. However, it really did the trick to drain their batteries, particularly Max. That boy is an energizer bunny all day long. We had a fun day and I'm grateful to Charli & Jeremy for always inviting us over for Christmas. I think it's obvious I am very devoted to my role as Santa, so my enthusiasm for cooking on Christmas has really been lacking the past few years. Sooo if it weren't for the awesome Stout family, we most likely would have ate..........boxed mac and cheese. Phew! I'm glad we dodged that bullet and were treated to amazing-melt-in-your-mouth ham instead. Plus, I can always count on them for one Christmas Day adventure, and being at their house helps with that irritating "lack of togetherness on Christmas" feeling that's been floating around for me this season. I know, you're sick of me whining. Perhaps I should call the waaaambulance. Is that joke still cool? Idk.

SO! TOMORROW is my baby girl's birthday. Did I mention she is going to be FIVE??!?! Someone pinch me. I know I'm going to be blogging about all that, so I returned to Slackerville to get this Christmas post wrapped up. As for wrapping it up, I don't have many complaints about 2016. It was decent. We are all still here, breathing and whatnot. I am feeling even more hopeful and optimistic about what's to come for 2017. I can still remember a time when I thought the year 2017 seemed so far out of reach, yet here we are. It is the future! I'm looking forward to more adventure, laughter, and LOVE.

Please enjoy these photos that I sloppily attached to this post............................you can mail your complaints to Slackerville, USA.

That one time Lyla wanted "just onion rings" for dinner.
BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR. HAHAHA

I asked them to yell "SANTA"

BLESS THIS MESS?

Sorry Tay Tay, I have a new personal make-up artist now. 

Beginning of Something New

I started work on Monday and it's been a busy week for our family. I put on makeup five days in a row, which I can almost guarantee hasn't happened in at least three years. Although the kiddos won't start school until next Wednesday, we are still working on adjusting to our new schedule and routine. I'm so grateful for all my helpers this week who were available to tend Lyla & Max. [Thanks!] I was also able to bring them with me to work for two of the days. They were able to meet their teachers and explore the school, which I think will ultimately help them feel more comfortable and less overwhelmed on their first day. 

We have spent a lot of energy preparing for this upcoming change in our lives. There was one task on my list that kept falling to last priority and that was getting Lyla's hair cut --- for the first time ever. This idea originated when I asked Lyla several months ago if she wanted to get her hair cut and her answer was a definite no. She was very apprehensive about it. I decided it didn't matter and just let it go. Well, several weeks later she randomly brought it up again and stated she was ready to get her hair cut. I, admittedly, brushed off her request because by that point, I reverted back to not wanting to get it done...ever. There was absolutely no logic in this decision, it was simply the fact that cutting her hair meant any traces of baby hair would be completely eliminated. And obviously the world would end if that happened.

Yes, I realize it's just a hair cut. This refusal is basically the same as keeping your child in diapers simply because you don't want them to use the toilet for the first time ever, buuuut my heart was still rejecting the idea. I'm clearly in denial about her growing up. Max gets his hair cut on a regular basis, so believe me I am also asking my brain how any of this makes sense. 

Anyway, we had a game plan on Friday including a hair cut for Max when Lyla, once again, requested a hair cut for herself as well. I stared wistfully at her stringy locks, thinking about how my once bald baby transformed into a little girl with chlorine dyed ends, and finally agreed to her persistent desire. She was quite pleased with this decision and could not stop staring in the mirror during the hair cut. Her admiration for herself was entertaining for myself as well as the stylist, and it turns out the world kept spinning once the hair cut concluded. We decided to cut minimal amount as possible, while still evening up the ends and, I must say, the change definitely improved the overall quality of her hair. Lyla proudly stated afterward that she most definitely looks the same age as her cousin, Hali. Hali is twelve. My four year old thinks she is twelve.

The hair cut experience is not the only back to school first we've experienced lately. The preparations have also included school clothes shopping, which I never knew could be such a tedious task. I've entered new territory here. I have always been 100% on board with giving my kids the freedom to express themselves, but the problem with school clothes is my children do not have one single practical train of thought in their precious little minds. The negotiations get tough when Lyla holds up something resembling an 80's prom dress and I have to express to her something along the lines of, "Seriously? You won't even be able to sit down in that thing." Then there is Max, on the opposite end of the spectrum, who can't make a decision to save his life. I'm usually exhausted by the time we finally come to an agreement on something as simple as a t-shirt. So. I learned the hard way that it's much easier to go shopping without children. They are much more appreciative this way, as they are always happy when anyone arrives back home with anything at all for them. I will still encourage them to dress themselves as they choose, just within the range of their own closets. Controlled freedom. Ha! I'm hopeful the understanding of appropriate school attire will make more sense next year. Then again, I remember having arguments with my mom about clothing well into high school --- from style preference to demands over brand names, yikes --- so maybe that's just something that will never change. The lyrics from Tangled just started playing in my brain."...mother knows best, listen to your mumsy."

We've been focusing on making other changes prior to school starting, including the struggle with Max confusing pretend superhero games with a real life boxing match. I think I am slightly resentful of Kirk for the day he ever introduced the "BOOM" game to Max, but I'm also guilty for promoting such play. My favorite line from Max is just as we're getting ready to "fight" and I ask "Do you want a piece of me?" and as he scowls, he says "No! I want the whole thing!" He's hilarious. However, I really don't want Max being the kid who body slams his peers for no reason, soooo we've been diligently reminding him that playing "BOOM" is a family game and should only be played with willing participants. Kirk has been trying to convince Max that anytime he gets the urge to "BOOM" someone, he should just tickle them instead. And while it's too soon to tell if this technique is working, it's been funny to watch. Time will tell and I pray Max isn't the school bully. I'm hopeful his sweet side will outweigh the Hulk that lives within. 

They are going to learn so much this next year and I want to do everything we can to ensure it is smooth of a journey as possible. It's hard to believe such a monumental chapter is coming to a close for us. In a lot of ways life will remain the same, but it will also be so very different. It's bittersweet for me. Life is good. 

Hello From The Other Side

Hello my old and forgotten blog. My grandpa joked that this website is most likely going to get shut down for neglect and I think he is right! I guess between moving and our trip to Idaho, keeping up with the blog updates fell to the bottom of the priority list. But here I am.

We rallied the troops at the beginning of the month to help us get moved into the new house. After mysteriously losing the keys to the moving truck, we somehow still managed to finish the move in one day. One very long day, but still one day nonetheless. We are so appreciative of everyone who came to help. We are lucky to have such great family & friends. It was my first time moving with children, which added another element of fun to the circus. Lyla was nine months old last time we moved, so that doesn't count. The biggest obstacle was trying to keep the overall move mess organized, while still keeping up with the inevitable everyday kid mess. But we did it. And thanks again if you helped out, whether that be lending your muscles or entertaining Lyla and Max.

The new house is wonderful and we already had our first visitor, Madison! It was her first visit to Texas during her adult life and, although she was surprised by the humidity, her only complaint was her visit being cut too short. She is the sweetest and I enjoyed spending time with her. She promises to be back for round two next year and I'm really happy about these annual traditions we have going with our Idaho family. I'm hoping to keep it going for years to come. I can still remember getting on an airplane to visit my aunt and cousins when they were just babies, so it's been fun for me to experience the roles reversed.

The new house was just beginning to feel like home when it was time for our trip to Idaho to begin. I packed our suitcase like an idiot. Forgot practically everything, probably because I was so focused on unpacking the house. Luckily Idaho has stores and stuff. I was able to get all the essentials unpacked and put away before we headed out, but I'm looking forward to getting back to cozy it up even more. However, I'm curious how Lyla and Max will react when we get back. It's possible they completely forgot we even moved. Haha! I know there is one part of Texas they have not forgotten and that is their Daddy. We are all missing that guy like crazy!

Anyway, Kailipalooza 2016 is in full force. Yes, I guess that is a thing. No, I did not make it up. We are having a blast and I'll catch up the blog on more details about our trip once it's over. Idaho Falls has turned into a time capsule of sorts for me. I've had nothing but memories flooding through my brain as I drive among the streets I used to call home. It's very strange to me that I no longer make new memories in this place and all I can do is remember everything that once was. It's like visiting a past life or something --- okay, not exactly, but you get the idea. Hi old life. Hi old family. Hi old friends. Hi old school. Hi old work. And then I leave all the old stuff here again until next time. Weird.

Okay bye. Be back soon!

PS. This is how I feel after 14 days in Idaho... get me out of here!!!!

Hello to New Chapters: Part 2

We started touring preschools several weeks ago and I quickly learned I was entering a whole new territory I knew nothing about. The idea of Lyla going to Pre-K this fall has been exciting and somewhat sad, because time has passed by oh so quickly. I should clarify, she is not sad about it one bit, her mom and dad are the ones wondering where the time went. We toured several schools and eventually determined what type of atmosphere would be best for Miss Lyla. We were in the midst of finalizing our decision when Olivia mentioned an opportunity at the school where she works. Abercrombie Academy is hiring for an administrative position in their preschool office and the timing of receiving this information seemed oddly convenient. I wasn’t looking for a job, nor was I looking to put Max in school a year earlier than planned, but I decided to explore the opportunity anyway. I put a lot of trust in the natural timing that occurs in life.

The first thing we did was tour the preschool to determine if it would be a good fit. It turns out it is exactly what we had been looking for and it put all of the other tours to shame. We loved it. Then it came time to decide if enrolling Max in school would be a good decision, especially since it goes completely against my mindset when it comes to schooling. I am a stay at home mom, which is a huge blessing in itself and a big reason why we moved to Texas in the first place. I had zero intentions of putting a three year old in school. And I still stand firmly on the opinion that preschool is not necessary to raise a happy, healthy, smart child.

I never attended preschool and I'm normalish. I don't know if it's a difference of social norms in this area or just a generational thing, but there is a lot of pressure to put children in school at three or even two years old. I've been on the receiving end of the look of death when I start chatting with a mom at the park and she learns neither of my kids are in school. I always respond in my best duh tone, "No, my kids are not in school because they are two and four years old." There is no crime in not sending kids to school until Kindergarten, but a lot of parents feel differently on this subject. I did not allow this pressure to contribute to any decision because I think it’s stupid. I just wanted to make blog readers aware of the pressure that exists in case you have been out of the parenting business for a while.

After much research, counsel from family and friends, and pure instinct I decided this would be a good decision for our family. It was a bit of an emotional struggle for me to come to the realization that Maxwell going to school will have more of a positive impact than any negative one I had imagined. As much as Maxwell will be learning at his new school, he will perceive it as nothing more than having fun. It is completely play based and I think that’s important. It is only four hours per day. And definitely not a rigorous schedule of academics, which I had originally envisioned.

I know Maxwell is going to love it. He will thrive in an environment where he can make new friends, have independent experiences, and probably have more fun than he would with me all day. It was a tough pill to swallow when I asked him directly if he would prefer special “Mommy and Max time” or go to school like Lyla. He, of course, replied that he wants to go to school just like Lyla. And even though he is only two years old, we try to consider his desires as much as possible.

I applied for the position and as of August, I will be working part time and both kiddos will start school. It will be such a blessing to be on location while my kids are attending school. I will work the same hours as school is in session, so we will never be burdened with the conflict of coordinating schedules for transportation or holidays. And I get to attend all the fun activities they have going on throughout the year. The world is a scary place and in some ways this is giving me a sense of safety that I feared I would lack in sending my kids to public school. It seems almost too good to be true. We are so grateful for this unexpected opportunity and excited to see what the future brings. If all goes well, Lyla and Max could potentially attend through 5^th grade. Time will tell. 

Hello to New Chapters: Part 1

We are looking forward to some fun this week with Kirk's parents and Cameron visiting. Lyla has not been able to contain her excitement about their arrival. I actually feel bad that she can recognize her Grandma Julie's name in my phone because her daily countdown phone call quickly transformed into an hourly update. She is super patient, like me. Ha. I think both of these kiddos enjoy showing off their skills and talents to a fresh audience. They will do anything to get that spotlight turned up as bright as possible. Lucky for them, the Idaho crowd is easy to impress. I will post more about their visit later this week.

Other than that, Life has slowed way down for us lately. I wouldn't dare to call it boring, but still nothing blog worthy, unless you want to hear me whine about Max being two some more. However, the lack of action is typically a good indicator that change is on its way. It's the calm before the storm. I'm becoming quite familiar with this cycle, as it seems to happen so often. Life experience is funny like that. 

And just as change would have it, we were given the option this month to renew our lease, but after weighing our options we decided it was in our best interest to move. It turns out there is an abundance of availability on the housing market, so that made the decision even easier. We found the most charming home in a lovely neighborhood, located only a short drive from Kirk's second home --- aka 1488 Collision. He is most definitely looking forward to the shorter commute as well as avoiding the freeway traffic. 

We have made some wonderful memories over the past three years in our current home. It was the beginning of feeling settled in Texas and it's the place Max came home to from the hospital. We have all grown and changed a lot here. And it makes me feel a little sad when I think about how I always had this vision of my kids growing up in the same house their entire childhood and returning to the same house with their own families as adults. But it's just not the life we have created for our family and I'm continually learning that is okay. We can pack up our memories with us and make any place feel like home. The roots will keep growing as long as we are together. That got cheesy real quick, but hey, it's how I feel. 

This will be our first move together as an entire family and I'm really enjoying sharing my anticipation with the kids. They were a bit apprehensive about the idea of moving at first, but once they understood we would bring all most of their toys and treasured belongings to the new house, they were totally on board. I've been driving by the new house almost every single day and Kirk is very displeased that I've exposed our exceedingly receptive children to my creepy behavior. I told him it's only creepy if I slow down as we pass the house, but I maintain my speed like a normal person. Apparently that's still creepy.

We still have a full month before the move, so I haven't gone total packing mode just yet. I have been scanning the house in attempt to devise a packing game plan and I'm beginning to wonder if moving is a smart choice for my sanity. And then I wonder how we ever acquired so much crap? This thought has inspired what I consider phase one of moving, which consists of getting rid of all the junk we don't need to bring to the new house. The cleansing process is seriously satisfying. Bye junk!

It's all very exciting, April will be a busy month for us. 

Odds & Ends

Lyla & Max are continuing to evolve as they learn & gain more independence. Lyla is nearly four years old and I'm already astonished at how much she has changed in such a short time. I wonder what another four years is going to do to me!? I think that's the incredible thing about parenthood, being the one common denominator as these tiny creatures transform from helpless infants into beautiful beings. It is truly a privilege to be a witness as they experience the world around them. They may not remember these early years, but I will forever. 

Anyway, being on the parenting end of this childhood experience, there are some habits that I can't wait to be kicked to the curb, while there are others I bury in the deepest pit of my heart. These are a few of their most recent quirks. I can only hope that I will continue to find humor in any odd behavior that occurs as we journey through their adolescence. If I think they are feisty now, I can only imagine what will happen when those hormones & emotions start brewing. Umm please stay little. 

1. Although Max's language may still sound foreign to some, I can comprehend what he is talking about most of the time. My very favorite phrase he says is "you're welcome!" The way his voice squishes the sounds together is so adorable. He also says "bo" instead of "no" which I find humorous. I will be sad when he eventually corrects himself, just like when Lyla started referring to herself in the proper context. I miss the days when she called herself "me" no matter what. 

2. There is no denying that Lyla has developed the blood of a true Texan. We left a house a few times recently when the temperature had only reached the mid 60's. The instant we walked out the front door Lyla started in on complaining about how it felt so cold. Her exact words were something like, "It feels like Idaho out here!" I think my tongue started bleeding as I refrained from calling her a wimp and instead went inside to get her a jacket. I haven't even broke 30 years old and already starting with the "back in my day..." stories!

3. One of Max's favorite go-to snacks are these chocolate chip protein bars. It's convenient and simple...or so one would think. If that bar happens to break in half or even if a corner falls off --- watch out. I often find myself repairing the snack just to avoid a meltdown and other times I just let him deal with it. I've explained to him countless times that if he wishes to keep the bar in one piece, he must ease up on the Hulk grip. I think to myself, "Oh my hell. It's broken....so what...just eat it!!!" The two year old brain doesn't seem to grasp that logic and it's a situation that can get ugly real quick! It's madness I tell you!

4. Lyla starts a good portion of our conversations these days with, "Mom, can I ask you something?" She will ask that question regardless if she has something to ask me or not. Sometimes after asking this question she will simply respond with "I love you." She is pretty cute. She knows I think it's cute, so she cleverly added this to her bag of tricks for postponing bedtime. 

5. I tend to sing randomly throughout the day, usually just a handful of lyrics that apply to whatever I am doing at the time. It's like I have singing turrets or something. Well. Max disapproves of this habit and has no problem expressing so. If he catches me singing he will grab my entire face and whisper the words "shh. shh. shh." into my ear. All this does is make me want to sing more because I really really love when his little hands grab my face. I hope he doesn't catch on anytime soon!