First beach trip

Yesterday morning Dan surprised us with a spontaneous trip to the beach. We had talked about going, but decided it would be best to wait until summer program was finished. But I love surprises and my loving husband knew this would be good for our family. Preceeding this lovely surprise Eli had slept all the way through the night. That in and of itself was a glorious thing, because that is the first full night of sleep I've gotten in 9 months. Probably more since I remember having trouble sleeping while I was pregnant with him too. *sigh* I felt so rested!

So, we made the trek to Cannon Beach. It was a beautiful day with warm sunshine, blue sky and surprisingly warm ocean water. Both kids had a great time. Selah loved rolling down the sand dune, and Eli was showing off his ability to stand up without holding onto anything. Molly even joined us for our adventure and had a blast. She even made a little friend there who was a little too affectionate. We returned home exhausted, but with sun-kissed skin and full hearts from the memories we made.

Selah's 3rd Birthday!

That is an intense face! The flame actually came back after she blew out the candles. Uncle Nick had bought them, so we thought he bought trick candles.

Cake made by mommy, and decorated by Grandma Patty and Auntie Sonie.

Doctor kit and Bitty Baby from us.

Tennis racket and balls from Uncle Nick.

Uniqua pillow and Backyardigans blanket from Grandma and Grandpa Marion.

Selah was so tired she almost didn't finish opening her presents.

Daddy and Selah playing with dollies.

Last Saturday we had a Backyardigans themed birthday party for our girl, who turned 3!!! It was a wonderful day filled with much love and laughter from friends and family. Selah was given some great gifts that she is enjoying very much. It was extra special, because my dad and grandma were there. My dad and I recently reunited after 7 years of not speaking. God is good!

A couple of days later we went to the zoo, as it seems to be an annual tradition to go around her birthday. It was also $4 Tuesday! Selah said her favorite animals were the hippos.

So, what is Selah up to these days? Selah loves books! She could probably look at books all day long. After receiving even more for her birthday I've decided we need to get her a bookcase all her own. My goodness, the girl completed the Summer reading program for the library in a few days. Selah has a great imagination, and is always making up adventures for us to go on. She is very intelligent and speaks well for her age (I'm not just saying that because I'm her mom either). Selah is so funny! She has great comedic timing! Selah is musical, and can take a tune to a song she already knows and make up new lyrics. Lately she has started earning money (just coins, no dollars) for various things, such as putting away her toys, throwing her garbage away or putting dishes in the sink, and putting her shoes in the closet. She is loving this new found sense of responsibility. She is very kind and loving to her baby brother. Every night she gives him a hug and kiss and says, "I love you stinker!" That is just a little bit about my big 3 year old girl!

My precious daughter,

What a joyous year it has been watching you grow and learn. I am amazed by you! You are beautiful, so funny (hilarious, actually), and very smart. You have a very caring nature about you, and I am thankful for that quality in you. You are a great big sister and bring so many smiles to your brother, as well as to daddy and I. You are a beautiful child of God and a great blessing in our lives. We love you!

Oowees and Kissies,

Mommy

Range of emotions

Today was an emotional day for me. I went from feeling stressed, frustrated, and needing a vacation immediately, to overwhelming pride and joy over my children. My feelings of frustration came as a result of my almost 3 year old daughter being especially defiant and sassy today. Oy! Also, the fact that I had to throw away 2 toys that Molly chewed up. Ugh! I was aware of my less than positive outlook and knew that I needed to chill out, but still couldn't shake it. I would escape for a few seconds at a time and lift up my struggles to the Lord, because I knew the only way to eliminate my less than desirable emotions was to lift them up to Him. I just needed a moment of quiet reflection to myself. Let me emphasize the quiet part. However, that would have to wait until the big boy of the house got home, who had been out of town for work for 3 days by the way. So, what does my wonderful husband do upon his arrival? He whisks Selah and the dog off to the park for one hour (Eli was sleeping). I decided to go out back and do some weeding. That in and of itself is an odd activity for me, as in years past I never enjoyed yard work. However, recently I find it quite peaceful and relaxing. Eli woke up during this time and I got to enjoy some quiet time with him and witness him standing up in the middle of the floor. That's right...standing up...without holding onto anything...at 9 months old! I've thought for a while that he could very well walk before his first birthday, but not this early. The kid is nuts! So far he seems to have a very determined and focused personality. Later in the evening, after the kids were "in bed," we heard Eli start to giggle. We go in to their room to see what was so funny and find Selah tickling him. Hearing Eli giggle is one of the most precious sounds in the world and seeing the two of them interacting with each other is one of the most precious sights to me. It just melted my heart and the worries from the day. Yet again God has used my children's innocence to remind me what really matters and to value this time I have with them as babies.

Rejoicing in the little moments

When it comes to my children's social abilities I want my children to be friendly, outgoing, to make friends easily and to be liked by all. However, when you realize that your child struggles a great deal in social situations it's really difficult to accept that. I wish that others could see the Selah we know and love. She is so intelligent, funny, and has such a sweet and caring nature about her. But when Selah has the opportunity to engage in conversation with someone that is not the girl we see. She is no longer talkative and funny, she is shy, timid, and sometimes scared. Something happened this last weekend where I realized we were embarking on a journey that would take much time and patience. Not only would Selah be learning, but me as well. We were in her first ballet class and the teacher had just arrived. The teacher had asked all of the kids to sit on the blue mat to sing a welcome song, and my girl became hysterical. What was it like for her in that moment? Did she feel overwhelmed by the attention? I attempted to calm her down and encourage her to participate, while other parents gawked and the teacher glared at us. I walked out of there with her in my arms and tears in my eyes. From this helpless feeling I have learned that my daughter needs me to encourage her, to praise her when she does really well in social situations. Rejoice in the little moments! To be embarrassed or frustrated only hinders her growth as well as mine. I'm not a perfect mom, and I don't have perfect children, but I am proud of them and love them for who they are. I am ready to walk with my daughter hand in hand on this journey of self-discovery and growth.

Who would have thought...

Tomatoes

Zucchini

We also have cucumbers and carrots growing in our garden.

I have never been known for my green thumb. I have never had a plant been given to me and it live more than a month or two. Yard work was something I despised doing, because as a result of doing so my allergies would act up. So, what possessed me to start a garden, you might ask? I have no idea! However, things actually began to grow, and I don't mean weeds, but actual vegetable bearing plants. It's fantastic! So far we have had zucchini two ways--fried zucchini and zucchini in our spaghetti sauce. We have also enjoyed carrots. Who would have thought that I could grow a garden?

On a side note, I have some advice for those that shop at Macy's. I recently went shopping with my mom before her and my dad's trip to Hawaii. I was not planning on buying anything that day. I was simply a shopping companion for my mom. That all changed in the purse section at Macy's. We were on the hunt for the perfect travel bag that was small enough, yet functional, for my mom to take on the trip. I spotted a bag that fit the description located on the bottom shelf. I bent over to grab it, and stood back up.....RIIIIIIPPPPP!!! I had hooked my athletic capri pants on a hook directly behind me. Suddenly the quest for a travel bag became a quest to buy Sonja pants...FAST! I was surrounded by old lady apparel or athletic gear. So, I dashed around with my hand on my rear-end to cover the huge hole. Next problem...there was nothing in my size. Except one pair of Nike capri pants that were $50. $50...who pays such a price! I was desperate, so I decided to try them on. I also found out that I had cut myself pretty badly on that hook and was bleeding. Ugh! So, I bought those $50 pants, which I never spend that much, and we went home. Preceding our exit I told the clerk my tail and her response was, "Oh that's too bad." I didn't even get a discount for their poor lay out of the merchandise. I didn't think of that at the time, but my mom mentioned it to the gal which did not elicit a response. Anyways, long story short don't bend over in the tight aisles of Macy's. Okay, that was pretty lame advice, but it is a funny story. I did walk away with the most comfortable pants I've ever owned, but had to pay a pretty price for them.

Well friends, see you soon!

Good Golly Miss. Molly!

We have a puppy! She is a yellow/cream colored Labrador retriever with a very mellow and affectionate personality. The kids both seem fond of her. Eli giggles when he gets to touch her, and Selah is exhibiting the same caring quality she shows with her brother.

By the way, her name is Molly.

Latest...

Preciosa!

First sprinkler run of the season.

Eli "the alligator wrestler"

Silly kids!

Here is a rundown on my peeps (a.k.a. Selah, Eli and Dan)...

Eli is crawling...everywhere!, saying 'mama', and pulling himself up on the coffee table.

Selah is a jumping and climbing monkey, feeling 100% better, one month away from turning 3 years old, and has already began asking her daddy for a doggy. Haha! Hmm...who put that in her head?! ;)

Dan has a goal of doing a 40 mile bike trip this summer. He is working his way up, and so far completed a 25 mile ride earlier in the week.

Sonja is keeping busy with summer program and feeling a little discouraged by the lack of encouragement and abundance of criticism. So, please feel free to throw encouraging comments my way any time.