Update

It's been awhile since I've written about what my kids are up to and saying lately. I can't believe we're already to the end of June -- sheesh, it's FLYING!



Anna has been such a source of joy and help lately. She is an ideal oldest child as she has set the tone of kindness, interactive and imaginative play, and just plain goodness. She is remarkably patient with her younger siblings. She has really become very maternal and during our family vacation with my family there were four 2 yr. oldish boys and she was quite often playing with, holding, cheering up or somehow helping one of them. She also came to me the other day and told me she's been trying really hard not to cry when she gets hurt. It's taken almost 10 years, but I'm so proud of her for making a conscious effort; however, it did make me a little sad too -- she's growing up. We love Anna.



Abby is my daughter. Of all my kids it KILLS her to miss out on any fun. Every time we interrupted the fun on our vacation for bedtime she was in tears. She would be a zombie basically sleep walking she was so exhausted but would still tearfully, angrily try to convince me she didn't need to go to bed. Every time we're in the car listening to music she'll say, "Mom, I know what this song is about." and then proceed to explain to us which is often the first time I've ever thought about the lyrics and/or meaning. Also tonight I was talking to her about how hatred is dangerous and has caused people to do such horrible things (they were asking about Hitler because of a movie we watched for a few minutes) She was thoughtful for a moment and then said, "Mom, what did Yoda mean when he said that fear leads to anger and anger leads to the darkside." You can pretty much learn everything from Star Wars, right? Anyway, that Abby, she's always thinking and that keeps me on my toes. We love Abigail.



On our vacation we had a big tube for the boat to pull. That is exactly the kind of thing Nate talks about doing, wants to do, but just can't quite talk himself into. Fortunately his big time wall-street working uncle offered him $5 and he did it!! I was so proud of him and so happy for him to have conquered an obstacle and while I'm not sure he had fun as much as he gritted his teeth and bore it with sheer determination I think he was proud of himself. Tonight on tv he saw a group of guys singing and dancing. He said to me, "Mom their skin and outfits match." They were all African-American. To him it was like some super level of planning and coordination. We love Nate.



Poor little Ben woke up in the middle of the night last night throwing up. He went through that several times last night and this morning. Each time I held a bucket up to him knowing there was more to come he'd push it away and in a brave weak little voice say "All done!" As if he could will it so. Later this morning he insisted I bring him some toast. I was hesitant not sure if his stomach was quite settled yet. He wouldn't let it go though so I finally brought him a dry piece of toast. He looked at it and then me and said, "Butter!" Lately whenever he needs a little extra attention or love he'll come to me and in a really sad voice say "Mom, Nate push me!" I'll admit that that scenario is somewhat feasible; however, when he's accused that recently he's been nowhere near Nate. Little stink. We love Ben.