Growing Up is Hard to Do

Just taking a moment to talk to myself here.

I have been going through some personal changes and have been pushing myself to do some things that are really uncomfortable for me.  I realized tonight how often my children are put in that same scenario. They are often learning new things, having new experiences, stretching themselves.  It has given me a new appreciation for the challenge that can be for them.  I am less than patient with them and need to be more compassionate and supportive.

Growing up can just be plain hard.  But worth it in the end.

Fathers Day Calculation

Parker, my oldest, drafted this Fathers Day card.

It is vintage Parker - pragmatic and logical.

My Baby is an Ape

I remember going to the zoo in Albuquerque and the zookeeper told us how the apes loved to be challenged in their eating.  It was to simulate "life in the wild" or something.  They would freeze a long carrot in a bowl of water so the ape had to work hard to find that carrot.  They would place food in high places or at then end of a long tube and they would figure out a way to get the food in their mouth.

It's really not that much different with a 1 year old.

Abby was much happier eating mac n cheese off a giant spatula than I could have ever supposed.

Here are the pics to prove it.

Hangman

I have been getting after Grant for shoving his church clothes in a pile in the corner or the room.  This past Sunday he made his first attempt to hang his clothes.  However, I found them in this condition only balled up in the corner of his closet.  Baby steps!

Cooking with Kate

My niece, Kate, has been my cooking partner this summer!

Two of our favorties so far:  soft pretzels and donuts!

Army Blues

Patrick graduated from Army Boot Camp last week.  

Here he is in his blues with Tyne and Baby Madison.

Patrick received an honorable Service award - very cool.

200 in the platoon and he was selected.

The boys loved the graduation ceremony -

complete with marching band, chanting, and loud orders.

Now Pat is off to OCS.  Should be a fun summer in Georgia!!!!!

How old is she again?

Anna sleeps in until 8:30 or 9:00 regularly.

If you try to wake her she rolls over while pulling the blanket over her head.

One might call her "miss sassy pants." 

Or two might call her that. (if you want to count both brothers)

She likes to put outfits together for herself and Abby.

(and more recently, me)

She is large and in charge, that girl.

And I just love her!

(at Mother's Day Tea)

accessorizing with Katie