2011

I say it every year - "Man that year seemed to fly by!" and 2010 did.  Here we are, 15 days into 2011 and I still feel like it should be October 2010.   I remember when days would drag by as a kid....now they are over in a poof!

Regardless, 2010 was a GREAT year for our family.  As you have read along with my life here on the blog, you know that we accomplished many goals, have tons of fun times, and made some lasting memories.  Our hope is to do the same in 2011.  With my oldest turning a decade old this Spring, an amazing wedding to be a part of this summer, and our little man learning to talk, it is sure to be a great year!

I am having a hard time accepting that my oldest is turning 10 in 2011.  She was the sweetest little baby that we smothered in love, with her gorgeous blond curls and bright blue eyes.  She was a delight, making everyone, even complete strangers, smile.  And now my sis is growing into such a mature, responsible young woman.  This year she is involved in Student Council, soccer, choir,  and Junior girl scouts.  Sometimes her schedule makes my head spin, but she manages to keep up with all of it - including the complex 4th grade homework - especially the math!  Somedays, I find her teaching me a new skill or two in math.  

She is so good with her baby brother. I often find her slipping into that mothering role with him, even when I haven't asked her to.  She loves to read to him.  I know soon he will be going to her for a story, not me.  

When I asked her what she wanted to accomplish in 2011, she told me that she wanted to finish the Warriors series.  That's it?  Yep - short term goals, she has a mental check list and she is knocking them down one-by-one.   She is starting Crossfire Academy soccer this spring.  She is moving up a level and we are excited about the challenge.  I am proud that she loves the game and wants to improve as well.  And she is going to be a Junior Bridesmaid in her Aunt's wedding this summer - she is so very excited about that. 

As her mom, I struggle with her newly found independence.  I want to still help her pick her outfits out - which she hates.  I want her to need my help with her homework - which she doesn't.  I want her to confide in me - which is getting less and less.  I know I have to let her grow up...why is it so hard to do with your oldest??  She is turning out to be an amazing child with great morales, compassion, and determination.  Part of me can't wait to see what she will accomplish with her life, while the other half wants her to stay the sweet little girl with bouncing yellow curls.  Can't have it both ways....

Brody, my oldest son, makes me laugh.  He was always a funny kid - never on purpose - just would say those funny things that made you want to hug him silly.  As he gets older, I realize he is getting to be more & more like me.  He is brilliant - yes I know every mom says that - but I really think it.  His knowledge amazes me - it's as if he hears something or reads it and it's stuck in his little brain.  The other day, he was spitting out multiplication facts (something his big sis struggled with) as if he was reading them off a piece of paper.  He is constantly throwing facts about animals or natural resources, or Star Wars at me.  And the kid doesn't have to study for his spelling and knocks those words out of the ballpark.  I shake my head at amazement at him.

BUT.  And here is where he takes after me....  He has no common sense.  He keeps lights on, wears his clothes backwards without realizing it, never shuts the door behind him, and forgets his coat at school (especially when it's freezing outside).  And as frustrating as it is, I find it endearing.  Maybe because I relate to it so well....(shush Matt).  Either way, I adore this boy - he is so sweet and loving.  He cares about your feelings and wants to make you proud.  

Brody enjoyed soccer this fall and wants to continue on in the spring. He is really getting it and has tons of speed.  He is also picking up football - asking his dad to play with him in the backyard as much as possible.  He and dad built his second pinecar for Cub Scouts this past weekend - he soaks up all his 'dad time' and loves learning from him.  He really loves to build train sets for his baby brother and still loves to build legos. 

Now when I asked him what he wanted to accomplish in 2011, he thought big - "I want to climb a mountain, own a lizard, and go to Disney World." That is so Brody. I had to bring him down to earth a bit, so he narrowed it  down to "going to Illinois this summer and maybe Six Flags?"  That was better. Either way, this boy makes us smile. 

It is hard not to gush about our sweet 20 month old.  He is at this amazingly fun stage where everything he does makes us love him to pieces.  He entertains us at the dinner table, makes us laugh as he dances to  any music playing (even the phone ringing), and makes us want to kiss him from head to toe just being his sweet little self.  His signing is amazing - he knows many words and can pick up new ones easily. The other day, he immediately "thanked" me after I gave him something.  Proud momma!!  He is picking up words left and right, repeating anything you say - the kids find this hilarious.  He loves to go outside and will bring you his shoes and coat and go stand by the door - poor little guy can't realize that 29 degrees is too cold to go outside and play.  

He loves The Wiggles - calls them the 'giggles' and moves his hands up and down when he wants to watch them - he will even bring you the remote to turn it on for him.  His fascination with trains has skyrocketed over the past month.  His older brother has tons of Thomas and GeoTrax and he just loves to watch them go round & round.  

As much as I love playing with this little man, I have been seeking other outlets for him to play.  He has a few playmates his age that he plays with as much as possible and we have been trying to go to Storytime at the library each week.  He used to run around the whole hour, but now he comes and sits in my lap to listen to the story and sing songs.  This is precious to me as I didn't have the opportunity to do these fun things with the older two.  Yesterday, a sweet friend watched him as I had a few appointments and meetings and I missed him so much - I have bonded with this sweet boy on a whole other level.  

So Bubba's goals for 2011?  To play.  A lot.  To eat.  A lot.  To read books. A lot.  To talk (or learn how). A lot.  To sleep. A lot. (ok, momma threw that one in there!).  No matter what he does, he has our hearts.  He will make us smile and realize over and over how blessed we are to have a 3rd child.

So, 2011 may not hold any amazing and lofty goals for my family.  But it holds many soccer practices, hours of homework, fun times with friends and family, and most importantly, lots of love.  I am looking forward to the busy, fast-paced life that we juggle - I love it - I know that I will miss it when it is gone, so rather that complain about it, I choose to enjoy every second of this ride.  2011 is going to be a fun one!