Wisdom From a 14 Month Old

Life is a Jungle Gymn - Climb It! We have a monkey in our midst, and he is climbing on everything! Tables, chairs, couches, the computer desk, window sills . . . you name it . . . he's trying to climb it. He has taken express pleasure in climbing onto the living room table and undoing the Star Wars puzzle we have been working on. He also likes to climb up and stand on the stools in the bathrooms. He admires himself in the mirror, sometimes fixing his hair with the combs or brushes laying out, sometimes talks or laughs at himself, sometimes uses James' toothbrush. It all depends on how much time he has in there before we discover him. I have resorted to locking the bathroom doors, which helps, except in James's case. When you gotta go . . . you gotta go! Everything Has a Button - Push the Button! He has learned that everything has a button - push that button - and something amazing happens. Not emotional buttons - that skill comes around the age of 5 or 6). This does include belly buttons, though. Isn't technology great?! He's already technologically savvy. Life is Playing a Song - Dance! Jalen Andrew finds music wherever he goes. There is a rhythm to everything, and he can find it. The dishwasher, the clothes washer, the twitter of birds, the chime of the clock, the click of the keyboard keys, the sound of running bath water. He loves to dance, doing a little bounce with the feet, and a jig with the head, and he finds every opportunity to do so. Besides the everday dance sounds, his favorite dance music is Polynesian. He joins Christine in dancing the hula everyday. If the Universe is Quiet At the Moment - Make Your Own Song! He likes to hum to himself. Sometimes he hums songs that he just heard, but often he makes up his own little ditty. He has a sweet little voice, and such a happy, content face, especially when he's singing. When Life Gives You Lemons - Bite Them Okay, I thought it strange when he started begging me for samples of my daily grapefruit, and I laughed when he said "Ooh!" in surprise, gave a shudder as he swallowed it and then begged for more, but I sat in shock when he bit into a busted open lemon that he found on the ground outside, over and over, and over again. Speaking of biting, he now has 12 teeth. Pencils Are For Writing - When You Find One - Write! Need I really say more? Counter, desk, wall, door, floor, self . . . (Notice the pen in the hand, and the turn of the head, which means he's "hiding") Life Is Fragile - Handle With Prayer! He is so good about folding his arms for prayer at mealtime, and for our family prayer in the evening. He's so into, in fact, that he folds his arms again after every couple of bites, and makes a sound as if to say "Amen." Life is Hard - Bring Your Own Blankie! He still just LOVES his blankies. He seeks them out when he's tired, and refuses to leave his crib when he wakes up, without them. He is most snuggly when he has a blanket in his hands, or next to his face - he still likes to pull them over his face before going off to sleep.

DAY and NIGHT

To quote one of my favorite books Lilly and the Purple Plastic Purse, "Wow! That's about all I can say - is Wow!" James has been on some new medication for the past 2 weeks, and "Wow!" He now sleeps at night instead of roaming the house until midnight. He eats, even at school, when I'm not there to monitor. And even tonight when he complained that he hated tacos, he promptly sat down, and began eating as soon as the prayer was done. And he's easier to reason with now. He can still have a tirade when he's upset, but it doesn't last for hours, and he is able to reason after wards. At school he is no longer harassing the other kids, is proud of his own work, and hasn't been seen doing any jumping jacks outside of p.e. His kindergarten teacher summed up the change the best. "It's like day and night!" It's as if someone flipped a switch, and now he can interact with life and everyone around him. Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life, James!

Baby K.

We got to be foster parents for a day and a half on Sunday and Monday of this week. He was only 2 days old, and he was precious. We knew it was just temporary, but were thrilled to have the chance to hold him and love him for a little while. Jalen Andrew was extremely jealous the first day, and kept climbing onto the other side of my lap whenever I would hold the baby. But on Monday, he was stroking the baby's hair very softly. James was pretty much indifferent to the new little guy, and hardly talked to or touched the baby. Joseph was very affectionate with him, as he practiced being a Daddy. (He asked me just days before, "Do you really think I'll be a good Dad? Ive been practicing [snuggling] with my stuffed animals!") Rebekah and Christine were very helpful in taking care of him, and as should be expected, fought over equal holding rights. I've never taken care of a baby that young before. My youngest baby was 2 weeks old when we got her. The others? 3 months, 1 month, 18 months, and 3 months. It was a sweet experience, one that I hope I get again sometime. It was funny though, how Jalen Andrew was such a baby on Sunday morning, and somehow became a really big boy by Monday evening. Baby K. was SO tiny!!! Tiny toes. Tiny nose. Tiny fingers. Tiny, little voice that makes a tiny, little cry.

Chocolate Kisses

Mmmm - Mmmm, chocolate! Need I say more?

History is but Yesterday Remembered

Regardless of political opinions or affiliations . . . Yesterday was historic, as Barak Obama became the 44th President of the United States of America. And although the world has been quoting Martin Luther King Jr.'s I Have a Dream speech, a part of which is "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character," what truly makes yesterday historic is not necessarily the character but, yes, the color of the skin. I have waited for this day since I was in junior high, when I first really learned about segregation, about politics, and about people who still felt stuck in a white system. Though the color of my skin happens to be white, I have felt in a small measure the hurt and injustice that our brothers and sisters have felt. Having a multi-racial family, it causes me to look at the world through different eyes. Though yesterday does not erase racism, it is a start, a step towards hope, love, and brotherly kindness. It was one small step for the man, but one giant leap for mankind. I too have a dream. I dream that one day the color of the skin in an election won't even matter, for we have now crossed over that bridge. _____________________________________________________ As we discussed the inauguration last night at dinner, the older 3 children were all giving their insights and opinions, when James piped up and asked, "Does this mean we have to wear white jackets to church now?" What? "You know, since Pres. Monson (he confused the president of our church with Pres. Obama) lives in the White house now, do we all have to wear white to church?" Hmmmm . . . So maybe the whole process was a little confusing for a brand new 6 year old, but all the talk at school about the new president must have impressed his sweet mind, for he offered the family prayer last night, and without any prompting asked help from above for the President to lead us. That is my prayer too - that President Obama will lead us as a nation in a righteous way, as did our founding fathers. May freedom ring! I HAVE A DREAM . . .

James Is 6 Today

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JAMES! Here are the Top 6 Things I Love About James . . . #6 He is Really Smart. He could spell his siblings' names when he was 4. He can do double digit math - adding and subtracting in kindergarten. And, he can follow Lego Instructions! #5 The Way He Listens to Music. It moves him, and anyone can tell that by looking at his face. He stops when he hears music, and just listens, and listens, often replicating the music on the piano at a later time. #4 The Way He Listens to Stories I Tell (not necessarily the ones I read). There is something magical about the way he listens when I lay next to him in bed telling him a story - maybe it's because he is rarely that still and attentive- but whatever the reason he is so enthralled that it makes my story telling better. Seriously, I don't think I've ever told stories as an engaging and suspenseful as I do when I tell them to James. #3 His Profound Insight of Eternal Things. Sometimes, with all the fury of activity and noise that he's got going on, one can really wonder if anything is sinking in at all, and then, in one of those rare, but lovely, moments he will say something so profound about Heavenly Father or about why things are the way they are here on earth, that it almost causes me to stumble backwards. I am grateful for his insight. #2 The Way He Hugs and Kisses. It's not often that he really wants to hug or kiss any of us - most of the time I get a good-night hug and kiss from him, but not always. When HE feels loving and want's to show affection, however, he gives the most genuine hugs and the softest, sweetest kisses. I love it when he opens presents from his family members on his birthday or at Christmas; he immediately thanks them, and then leaves the gift to seek out the giver, and give them a hug and a kiss. #1 Who He is! My Son! Life with him has been no picnic, at least not most of the time. And yet I love him deeply for who he is (quirks and all). I am so glad that I get to be his Mom. I am so relieved that I can take care of his needs, and that he can learn and grow physically, emotionally, and spiritually here. I am so glad that James is my son! Happy Birthday, James Boy. Love, Mom ___________________________________________________________________________________ We celebrated his birthday yesterday on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, since the kids had the day off from school. He had some friends over from church, and also his brother Jacob came. He had a good time, although a little overwhelmed by it, at times. We had to coax him away from his lego's to come to his own party. The concept was still a little foreign to him. We played some games with beanbags - bean bag toss, and a balancing game with bean bags on the head. We had a treasure hunt for his cupcakes, an obstacle course, bowling, and Birthday Bingo. It's always amazing to me, just how much fun the kids have with the simple games. James was thrilled with his presents too, and kept exclaiming, "Holy moley!" His funniest comment was to a new toy that he had never seen before "Oh, yes! This was my third favorite thing I wanted!" And then when he opened Rebekah's present last night, he exclaimed, "Oh, thank you! I've been wanting this for a whole hour!" It was hard on Joseph to watch James get so many cool things to play with, but James tried to be as kind and accomodating as he could, by letting Joseph build some of his lego creations, and they played together for a long time. James was really thrilled that Jacob could come. Although they don't see each other that often, that bond of brotherhood is still there. He kept asking if Jonathon and Ashley could come too. He still remembers them. I hope he always will!

LOOKing Good, Joseph!

Joseph can't go anywhere in public without somebody commenting on how beautiful his eyes are. Well, if he thought it was bad with just 2 eyes . . . he's really in for it . . . because he's even more handsome with 4. Joseph has been having a hard time seeing the screen for the overhead projector at school. We went to Dr. Leber on Tuesday to have his eyes checked. We found out that he is near-sighted with 20/60 vision. We didn't expect to get his new glasses until next week, but were surprised today when they called and told us to come pick them up. He's seeing the whole world in a new way, and is constantly saying, "Wow. That used to be blurry, now I can see it really clearly." From street signs, to the t.v., to trees and mountains some distance away.

He's Manic - I'm Depressed

James and his robot. Oh, if only we were robots, and could switch our emotions and impulsives simply ON or OFF! Back in the summer of 2008 I took James in to see the psychiatrist, asking him whether or not James was bi-polar, as his older brother Jonathon and his birth mother had been diagnosed. What has ensued has been a long road of trying different medicines, while analyzing his behavior, his mood, his sleeping patterns, his willingness to cooperate, etc. I wasn't surprised by that. Sometimes to diagnose, you also have to rule out other disorders; that's done by seeing if the meds. for those disorders help or not. We see an excellent psychiatrist, Dr. Ricardi, and he is amazing for being able to key into the subtleties and mannerisms of the different disorders. We saw him today. And together are ruling out the diagnosis of ADHD, and are trying on for size the diagnosis of Bi-polar. After bawling all the way home, not because of the diagnosis, but because of James' manic behavior in the office (at least it was there, and not in some other setting where I would get lack of understanding and judgemental looks. I get that everywhere else I go with him, but not today. Today was total validation. Nevertheless, the manic episodes leave me drained - although that really doesn't describe it.), I sit here faintly smiling - hope returning once again, that help is on the way - not just for him, but for all of us. I love you James!

The Perfect Day

Yesterday was the perfect day. Well, almost. There was one small comment about me making pizza instead of buying Hungry Howie's Pizza, and during Family Home Evening someone forgot how to be a good sport for a little while, but neither blip in the day lasted too long. My day started out in it's usual way. I did some laundry. I cleaned up the weekend mess around the house. I loaded the dishwasher, and other such mundane things. But what made the day extraordinary was after school. I picked James up, and together, with Jalen Andrew, we did a little driving errand. Jalen Andrew didn't scream in his car seat, and James was in such a good mood, and was talkative, telling me all about his day. When we arrived home, after picking up the older kids from school, they told me about their days and then dispersed. Rebekah took Jalen Andrew outside, and played with him, pushing him around in his little car. Christine disappeared upstairs, without the usual fanfare or blasting of music. And Joseph coached James on how to play soccer in the backyard. Amazing! The weather was gorgeous! We had a high of 71 degrees, with a light breeze blowing. I opened my windows, and cooked dinner as I watched the kids play out back. It was the perfect snapshot in time - Peace in Action.

A New Hat for Every Meal

With toddlers, some things are inevitable . . . Jalen Andrew's favorite foods are tomatoes, grapefruit, pineapple, black beans, and Grape-nuts. Kind of a strange assortment for such a little guy, but he cries and begs for more of those foods, and so far they have agreed with his digestive track. Okay . . . whatever works.

Stepping Back in Time

This summer as part of the summer reading program at the public library, our kids were given a free activity book called What'll We Do? Museum or Zoo. (Myra Millinger is the CEO and President of the Maricopa Partnership for Arts and Culture - the ones who made the book, and used to work with Erik at Flinn). The book lists different culture art places to visit, and has a place for the kids to draw a picture or write something to remind them of what they saw. (Go here www.mpacarts.org/youth.php to download your own copy of the book). Visiting places in the book became our vacation for the summer, as with Erik's blood clots, we were in no condition to travel long distances. We went to the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, The Bead Museum, and the Phoenix Art Museum. Well, this past Saturday we decided to try out a new place, the Arizona Historical Society Museum at Papago Park. This was, by far, our kids favorite museum. If you decide to go, it is free on the first Saturday of each month. It might bother some people that most of the displays where you're supposed to listen to a message, weren't working, but that didn't bother our kids at all. Their favorite part in the whole museum was the wing dedicated to transportation, and that's where we spent most of our time. There was a long car that had been pieced together using three different cars from different time periods. If the museum had only been this car, that would have been enough to entertain my kids. They were able to get in the car and pretend they were driving, and they had a blast hopping in and out of the different time periods. I couldn't resist this shot since Joseph is our year 2000 Arizona baby. Everything was so hands on here, which was a huge draw for the kids. They were able to sit in a real military jeep, and above them, though we didn't take a picture of it, was a real military plane hanging from the ceiling. And then, of course, who can resist a free ride on a stationary horse saddle. . . Or a ride on a tractor? ___________________________________________________________________________________ Caution Hard Hats AHEAD Behind James is a block bridge that James and I made together - trickier than it looks. There were all kinds of activities for the kids to do there, but James loved the blocks and K'nex kind of activities the best. He and Joseph spent quite a bit of time building houses on a grid, using thin pieces of wood for the walls. They had to be the architects and determine what size the rooms of each house would be, and figure out how to keep the roof on top. James had a hard time transitioning away from the building activities; he probably could have stayed there all day.