My baby turned 8!

I'm a little behind the 8 ball on this one (since his actual birthday was 2/11.) Most likely it's a denial thing. When Kian's Birthday rolls around every year I get a little anxious. . . this can't be happening, he can't be getting this old!

I long for the days of sticky hands, chubby cheeks and the words "mama I pick you up, pick you up." O.K, maybe I don't want the sticky hands, but I defiantly want the mixing up of pronouns and squeezable cheeks!

Kian has turned into such an amazing kiddo. Each and everyday is a gift with him. While at times, he can be trying and so determined, he is also the most genuine and empathetic 8 year old I know. He's there for the hurt bird on the side of the road, the handicap lady in the grocery store and he's here for all of us, offering a joke or funny gestures when we've had a 'bad' day. He amazes me. Just when I think I have him pegged, he goes and changes on me again! He is inquisitive and witty yet reserved and observant. He is definitely going places!!

This year Kian has filled our house, walls and shelves with hundreds of art projects, drawings, and Lego creations. He's turning out to be quite the photographer as well. He spends as many hours as Landin will give him playing football/hockey/lacrosse/basketball/baseball. At school he is doing fabulous. He enjoys recess (of course), language arts, science, P.E., and according to his teacher and report card; TALKING LOUDLY! No surprises there. He's also following in his brothers footsteps, as he devours book after book all week long. Ahhh . . . the silence that books can bring. Priceless!

Here's to another great year, baby! We love you so much!!

All too fast

Do you ever feel like time is going by way too fast? So much so that you can barely get a grip and digest all that is happening/changing/growing. In the last few months I have joined forces with millions of other Americans on Facebook, or should I call it Crackbook because so many of us have become addicted to this small space in cyber world. Either way, I have been brought back to yesteryear with so many of my fellow classmates and old school friends. Some of them I haven't seen or heard about in 10-15-20 years!

It's so strange to think all that time has passed by. It only feels like a few years ago that I was playing manhunt until curfew, going to see bands every weekend or getting dropped off at the mall to watch "Rainman" only to find out it was rated 'R' (luckily our music teacher was in line so she vouched for us to get in.)

That same time is quickly passing by with my kiddos. One minute they are cuing, babbling, then questioning everything, and now we're having real actul conversations. The same kind I remember having with some of my 'old' friends. Life can be so ironic.

A example of how Kian is growing up and staying young, all in the same day. . .

old...
Last week Mike was trying to complete his statistics homework. He was getting a little frustrated because he was having some difficulty figuring out a problem. Kian came up behind him and said "daddy, I get corrections on my work everyday, it's O.K. Just fix your corrections and learn from your mistakes" If only adulthood could be so easy.

young...
Earlier that same morning Kian and I were snuggling in my bed. I leaned in and gave him a big kiss on the cheek. Then I said "I love snuggling you and giving you kisses, it's the best feeling in the world, isn't it" He replied oh so honestly. . . "yeah it's pretty good but riding roller coasters is a little better."

While Kian is busy making us laugh and trying to decide if he should stay little or get big, Landin keeps us young, hip, and true to ourselves. "Mom can I use your lap top, I need to download T.I's song to my ipod." While all types of music are an important part of Landin's world, so is conversation. We have talked for hours about political leaders, world leaders, Buddhism and yoga, energy conservation, NFL schedules/scores for the last 5-10 years (that boy can remember statistics like no one!) and even the psychology of dogs! He is so wise beyond his years. We have conversations on topics that I wouldn't even be able to have with some adult people I know. One night, a couple of years ago, after a long day he looked me straight in the eye and said "mommy, I think I was George Washington is a past life." And I said you know what Landin, that wouldn't surprise me if you were."

I am so blessed to have these 2 boys in my life. They are amazing kids. They may remind me that I'm getting older, but more importantly they show me how to stay young!