Koko scored her first 2 points today! Marci goes to all games because normally Colin plays at the same time. I was lucky to witness greatness today!!! Marci is taking care of the other 5 and preparing for Colin's birthday party. Marci made it possible, Koko made the shot!!!
I enjoy my kids. There I said it.
I have fun with my kids, I like to spend time with them, I like to do stuff with them, I like to watch them, I like to listen to them. I think my kids are cool, way cooler then me! Every day brings a new surprise, or outfit, or disaster, it’s all part of the package. We are not perfect, but we love each other and really, what else do you need?
I’m pretty sure Beau will love this picture when he’s a teenager. 
The Girlz…
2010 is over.
What a year!
Remember when we had a baby? Or had to buy a bigger car to fit our whole family? Bye, bye forever minivans. Remember when we went on two trips? And re-did the kitchen? Remember when Joe travelled to Boston, Texas, and Chicago? Remember when Emma got baptized and Annie was blessed the same day?
It was a good year. There were ups and downs, sickness and health. Now it’s over. So fast. I must be getting old because this year seemed so short!
We ended it with a bang, though. Annie had her nine-month-old doctor’s appointment. She had to get shots because we (I) didn’t think about scheduling her six-month appointment until she was eight months old. I told you, this year went by fast…anyway, Minnie is very protective of Annie, and was acting as her bodyguard while she recovered from her shots.
We headed over to Grandma and Grandpa’s house for some more festivities. Ethan and Amy came with the rest of their family and we had a GREAT time! They hooked up the XBOX Kinect and we had a blast playing (and watching others play). I was laughing so hard…the key is to watch the people playing, but don’t watch the screen. They look so funny! Mckay was so tall, he had to kneel down when he played so the camera would pick him up. I think he was still taller then me! We went bowling, did some track and field, did some dancing, some relay courses, and other games. Even the littlest kids were able to play.
Happy New Year Everyone!!
We spent a couple of days last week visiting family…the kids were out of school and Joe had a couple of days off work.
But first,
Tangled.
Next, a visit to cousin Russ. We got to meet Lucas and see the stunning Christmas decorations that adorned the house. The kids were well-behaved (thank goodness) and we had a nice visit. It was so nice, I forgot to get out the camera. Well, we took a picture with our hearts. :)
We headed to Grandma Puppet’s house. The kids call her that because of her impressive collection of puppets and her fantastic puppet shows (plus, they don’t quite grasp the Great-Grandma concept and two Grandma Heuglys are just too confusing). She read a darling story about the Christmas ABC’s. I feel so blessed that my kids get to know two full sets of grandparents and two great-grandmas! Lucky, lucky. 
I love my sisters!
Patience.
Last year, we focused on “Simplify” and I must say, we are much better at simplifying then we were this time last year.
My hope is that I’ll be more patient at this time next year. I always loved the quote,
“Lord, give me patience and I want it NOW!!”
Patience to accomplish my house-organization goals, patience to lose weight, patience with my kids, patience with myself. Frankly, it’s something I need to work on.
I read an article in the paper the other day by Richard and Linda Eyre, well-renowned authors and speakers on parenting. Richard told of….
“the day Linda went to the supermarket by herself for a change. She was walking around the aisles, feeling free, unburdened by even one child in her shopping cart, and her sense of freedom and joy was enhanced even further by the contrast she felt with another mom who was there and trying to cope with a screaming 2-year old in her cart.
Linda heard the mom trying to quiet her "terrible" 2-year-old.
"Now Jennifer, we just need to pick up a few items. It won't take long." She went down the aisle, but Linda (and everyone else in the store) knew exactly where she was because that baby never quit shrieking.
Linda encountered the desperate young mom again at the dairy case, and by now she was hyperventilating a bit and saying, "Now Jennifer, (pant, pant) just a couple more things (pant, pant) and then we will be out in the fresh air and we can breathe."
They both happened to get to the checkout counter at the same time, and Linda caught her arm and said, "I just have to tell you how much I admire the calm way you talk to your child."
The young mom looked a little confused and then said, "Oh, there's something you should know, I'm Jennifer."
:)
I’m sure I’ll often be telling myself, “Marci, just a little more patience.”
A worthy goal to be sure. Happy New Year everyone!
