Phabulous Phoenix

We just returned from a fabulous vacation to Phoenix and SoCal. I believe it should be mandated that all Chicagoans make a pilgrimage to a warm destination in mid-February. It was heavenly to waltz around town in capris and light fleece jackets for the week. A wonderful respite from the boots, snowpants, coats, gloves and hats that we doned again today upon our return to the tundra of the midwest.

While in Phoenix we visited the kid's favorite aunt and uncle, Bekah & Matt (sorry to the other aunts and uncles who may be reading this...if you lived by us for four years you could possibly de-throne Bekah & Matt, but it would be a tough competition). Their new house in Phoenix is beautiful, and the kids fell in love all over again with their cousin baby Jax.

Morgan had a gymnastics meet (thus the impetus for the Phoenix vacation) where she took 3rd place in vault. My dad surprised us by flying into Phoenix for the day to see Morgan compete.

True to form, Ethan couldn't stand to keep himself away from danger. While wading in Matt & Bekah's pool he got a little overconfident, stepped off the bottom step and required a rescue. He did a pretty good job of keeping his mouth above the water while I fished him out. Thankfully I was right there watching and he was fine, just a little scared.

Bekah was a wonderful tour guide around Phoenix. We visited the very cool Phoenix Zoo, a fun train park in Scottsdale, and did some hiking on the beautiful desert trails. I also got to go to breakfast and catch-up with my old friend, Janice, who I used to work with back in my Franklin Covey days.

What Time Is It? Party Time!

Morgan's 9th Birthday Party was a hit. She chose a High School Musical theme and said it was her favorite birthday ever (sorry Bekah, the Harry Potter party you planned has been relegated to 2nd place). This shouldn't have been a surprise, because Morgan planned the whole thing herself. She handed me her guest list and activities list a few weeks back and wah-la the planning was complete. All I had to do was take her shopping to buy the decorations and favors. Morgan even kept track of the time and told everyone when it was time to change activities. Morgan has a great group of friends. We are so lucky to be surrounded by great kids with wonderful parents and families.

9 Years Ago Today...

Today is Morgan's 9th birthday (and cousin Jax's 1st birthday too--Happy B-day Jax). I've been filled with emotion today realizing that today is not only Morgan's birthday, but the aniversary of the day I became a mom. I took this job nine years ago today, and while it is often exhausting, I'm so grateful to have such a rewarding and meaningful job (even though it's often hard to stay focused on the rewarding and meaningful part when the daily chores and errands demand so much attention). Just nine years ago Morgan was a tiny newborn infant in my arms. I had no clue what kind of kid she'd be--or even what she'd really look like. And now I look at her in amazement thinking, "how did I get so lucky to raise you?" At conferences her teachers give me so much credit for the wonderful kid she is, but the secret is that it's just how she came. She's intelligent, driven, self-motivated, goal-orriented, faithful, kind, athletic, responsible, respectful, creative, artistic, funny, energetic, happy, stylish, beautiful...and the list goes on. She's made motherhood so rewarding for me, and made me feel like I'm really good at it--even when I know so much of it is just her. She makes me look good. She makes being a mom the best job in the world.

I was ready to have a panic attack today when it occured to me that this 9-year old birthday represents the mid-point of the years Morgan will spend living at home. Nine years from now we'll be saying goodbye as she heads off to college. The last nine years sped by so quickly, I can only imagine how soon her 18th birthday will arrive--especially as her life gets busier and revolves less around me and more around friends and activites. I can't believe we are halfway "done" and that we only "get" her home with us for 9 more years. It is really starting to set in that kids grow up way to quickly. Everyone always says to enjoy it while it lasts, the meaning of that statement is really begining to sink in.

I love you Mor Mor. Happy Birthday!

Pantyliners in Pull-Ups

Yesterday I was helping Ethan take off his Pull-Up and was surprised to discover a pantyliner (inside the Pull-Up). He smiled proudly, "I got one of those too mom!". I quickly scanned the bathroom for tampon wrappers...just in case :-)

Isaac came running in the office this morning, "Mom you gotta see this". It was the commercial for the "Package Shark" http://www.packageshark.com/ . From my boy who loves tape and tools his enthusiasim for such a handy device doesn't surprise me. He'd take a Package Shark over a new toy any day.

Morgan is thrilled with her new balance beam. Her birthday present arrived early and I gave in and let her play with it. I might add that I have landed a cartwheel on the beam. The kids keep asking me to perform my stunt for their friends who are equally shocked and amazed (and maybe a little bit disturbed).

In all the excitement around the new beam, Ethan has taken to wearing Morgan's leotards. He changes into them every chance he gets. Here's a photo of him in his leo "surfing" on a board laid across a wheeled shopping cart. As always, he's most content when danger is involved!

Gymnastics Meet Photos

Here are some photos from Morgan's most recent meet. One of the dad's took pictures with his professional camera with huge zoom lens. He was nice enough to share them, and so I finally have some great photos from the meets. It's hilarious to see Morgan's tounge out in every shot. She sticks it out whenever she's concentrating. She doesn't even realize she is doing it. Morgan had a great meet taking 2nd place in vault and 4th place All Around in her age group. Way to go Morgan!

Arm Farts...oh my!

I dare you to say "arm fart" without giggling or at least cracking a smile. I can't. My 8-year-old niece, Elise, came to visit over Christmas break and taught Morgan how to arm fart. Morgan quickly set to work teaching her brothers her newly learned skill. So, here are my beautiful kids (and husband) in all their arm farting glory (around the dinner table no less). Aren't they adorable? I couldn't be more proud :-)!



Press play above to view the video!

Christmas Day 2007