An early start.

Already counting to seven.

This is what I woke up to... Table set, sliced strawberries and bananas with cereal and yogurt. Dog out and all the lights in the house on. "Look, I did it all by myself!" Sounds like my job as a parent is done.

She also earned this legoman. She's been working on this challenge since October.

I love that Abe loves Sushi.

For Biolet.

Family Home Evening was the night before Vi's birthday. Mary has been begging me to teach her how to sew, I had no idea she and Abe would have the patience to make something. But they did! It turned out beautiful. This is what they "made" Vi when we turned our activity/lesson into an actual sewing lesson.

Mary helped lay out the fabric.

And sew.

And iron.

Abe stuffed, 

and stuffed your pillow. (Lots of concentration here.)

Mary cut the batting. Abe is still stuffing.

Mary learned to thread a needle,

successfully!

They each took turns stitching the pillow closed.

(by hand)

For a girl who already loves baby dolls, Happy Birthday!
We love you Vi!

Mummies and Grinches

Can you guess how to play this game? Because I can't.

Abe's rules:

We got to run away from the mummies and the grinches if they come closer.

We pretend they will eat us, so we have to run.

If you run into or touch the wall then you are dead.

If a mummy catches you then you are dead.

If a grinch touches you then you are dead. 

Mummies are badder than grinches because if they see you then you are dead.

Everyone is a mummy or grinch.

I wasn't "alive" for more than two minutes all morning.  

Like Abe said, "You need to practice."

Logic

Forts tend to use all available pieces of furniture, blankets and pillows in our house. The result is an overwhelming mess. As I sent Mary and Abe in to clean up, Mary tried to persuade Abe to help:
"Let's clean up and play at the same time. It will be SO fun!"
"Ok. I'll play and you clean up."

Overheard just a few minutes later, "Abe, I don't really think this is working."

1 Year ago

It's Maeser's birthday. Wow. It is amazing how quickly a child becomes a part of everything you do.

Happy Birthday Maeser.

A Run

Most days I don't get out to run because of sheer discipline  Most days it is because I see my friends running and I think, "Man, now I've got to get a run in." I know, competitive. Not the best motivator, and not the best thing for a relationship.

But, I did go for a run last week. A long one. I almost turned back to the house when I realized I'd grabbed the ipod with General Conference on it instead of my music. But, if I turned back, I wouldn't have time for a long run, and then my friend next door would have out run me. Like I said, maybe not the best kind of motivation.

As I ran, I was thankful for the mistake, and soon realized it was fortunate. It was a great run. Not because of the miles logged or the cool weather. It was uplifting, inspiring and motivating. I felt some promptings and gentle reminders.

Thanks for running Nicole. Can't wait to get my next run in after I see you pounding the street.

Growing up.

I was talking to my sister-in-law about the baby. She has a daughter that is one week younger than Maeser and has been walking for 4 months. Seriously.
Sarah is great at observing her children, recognizing routines and milestones. She noticed that her baby is more upset and frustrated right before she figures something out, like crawling or walking.
She asked me if Maeser was uncharacteristically grumpy. Of course, he is. Has been for a month. Who wouldn't be when the other little person you play with leaves you in the dust.
But, I think we've turned a corner. He's walking! Just three steps and a stumble. And when I mention it to someone he immediately falls down, not to steady yet. But he is Happy! All smiles. He cheers for himself every time he gets up, and his cheering unsteadies him. I'd say he's quite proud of himself.

Prayers

Abe's attitude towards mealtime prayers is less than enthusiastic. He is usually starving and complains that his dinner is being delayed. So when he offers to say the prayer I try to praise and encourage him.

I had to laugh when this afternoon he said "I'll say it!"

It was short and sweet:
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the food. Please help us not to die when we eat it.
In the name...

Family Pictures

Most people use real pictures of their family on their Christmas card. This year we didn't. Not to say we didn't have any to use, but when it came down to it my choices were these:
1- Great family picture on the beach. Problem, we're in our bathing suits. (More importantly, I was in my bathing suit. Didn't really want that pinned up for the holiday season.)
2- First family photo with Maeser. In the hospital. Post labor about 15 minutes. Yeah, not a fan of that one either.


I was thrilled when a friend offered to draw a picture of us. It was great, she even got the dog. And our cards looked amazing. See below.

But then, post holidays, Abby got a shot. I was so happy to see it. You would never guess it was 5 below from children's expressions. Is it ok to use a family picture that was taken 3 days after Christmas for next year's card?

Thanks Abby.

Phone Dump

Mary and Abe are both pros! They can ride bikes without training wheels. Abe learned after crash, after crash, after crash. Mary, more cautious, learned a few weeks later with no more than 4 tumbles. I am so proud of them. The first month I ran up and down the street in 95+ and 100% humidity with the stroller to help them turn around and start again, and again, and again and I'll add again one more time. But now they can both ride, turn around and start themselves. Life is bliss! 

Santa made a visit to school, in Thailand he leaves Rudolph home and brings his baby elephant. Very impressive.

Abe and Eliot are still best of friends, and I am so thankful for this little girl. I should post more about their adventures.

Another picture of Mary on Abe's bike. Abe got a new bike for his birthday and passed his old bike on to Mary. I know, doesn't make sense, but her birthday is tomorrow... When they go out to ride they have to trade bikes after a few laps because they both hate riding the small slow bike. Honestly I doubt it pedals faster than Maeser crawls.

Maeser is probably my most beautiful baby. His eyes are amazing. I can't believe he is so huge.

Can you see how much they adore him?

I've had several bad mommy moments with these two. I was making cookies in the kitchen and came in to find them locked in the dog crate. And that black eye Eliot had last month was my fault.

Thanksgiving and Loy Krathong were basically in the same week. Love holidays, love traditions. This picture should be titled #inthepic.

We try to get out of the city. There is a beach about 3 hours away with an amazing house. I opted for staying at the beach house while everyone else took a boat ride to Monkey Island. I think they loved the boat. And the monkeys were awesome till they charged the beach and nibbled on the intruders.

Abe doesn't have a neck, in this picture. Ice cream can stunt your growth like that.

Happy baby!

Wow, have all the holidays passed? We bought a pumpkin for Halloween. Imported. Ran to the store as soon as they were put out on the shelf, I was so excited to see two left. Not as excited as Abe. It was definitely worth the (mom don't read) $30. Yes, some traditions are worth keeping, even for an arm and a leg.

Halloween isn't celebrated at the Bangkok based British school they attend. They were some of the few who dressed up for the occasion. Mary had ballet at school that day, so she was a ballerina. And Abe wore a cape, transforming him into Captain Bad America.

Have I mentioned how much I love their school. I love that they love it too!

Good morning! This little guy cracks me up.

No, he isn't pooping. He just has great expressions. 

Way back this summer Sarah took some amazing pictures of the kids. Thanks Sarah.

Abe is now 4, independent and fearless.

Mary is a heartbreaker. She comes home from school will hundreds of little notes and love letters from friends. She loves to write and have pen pals. And she is reading! 

Someone recently told me Mary's hair was a little overpowering. So true, but then every time I try to talk her into cutting it or donating it I feel a little guilty. Her friend recently cut and donated her hair to Locks of Love. I showed her a video online and some pictures of girls with cancer, I know bad idea. But she had compassion and said she'd cut her hair and give it away... to Maeser, because he doesn't have any.

She is a sweetheart and the most amazing little girl.

This should probably cap my month of Thanksgiving. I feel so grateful for my family and the experiences we have.