C4 Turns 15

My Baby's 15!!!  I can't believe I've been a mom for 15 years.  I can't believe he's 15!  Actually, 15 isn't what is hardest to digest.  What is difficult to grasp is that his next birthday is [gulp] 16!  

His big day landed smack in the middle of midterms week.  The down side was he had to take 2 exams and then come home to study for a bit, but the up side was 11am dismissal!  We took him to Outback for dinner before church.

Trevor was so, so, sooooo excited to give C his card.  He thought is was a really good one, worthy of tears.  He kept saying, "I hope he cries!  I know he's gonna cry!"  While we were being seated, I discreetly told C4 that it would mean a lot to Trevor if he could muster a fake tear or two when opening Trev's card.  Trevor handed it to him, "I just know you're gonna cry, C.  I just know it!"

His party was traditional...the same 6 buds sleeping (or not sleeping, I should say) over Sunday into MLK Day.  I have a group picture of these boys every year from the last 4 or 5 years, but failed to get one this year as some arrived late on Sunday and some slept til their mom walked in the door on Monday!  I was bummed, but the the party was a success nonetheless.  They require very little: pizza, cake, soda, and that's about it.  They are solid Christian church friends that have hung together since toddler class.

Here I was showing them the picture from one year ago.  Everyone had grown, and they laughed that Justin was wearing the same shirt!

My heart is so full of love for this sweet dude.  I think he's amazing in every way and I love time with him.  He's interesting, witty, considerate, engaging, smart, loyal, and just a great kid!

He's extremely athletic and musical.  He has surprised us with his seamless transition to school.  He is well-liked by many, but keeps a few close friends.  He is a leader among his peers and we are often told by teachers and coaches how delightful he is to have.

He loves watching shows and movies.  He also loves floor hockey games after dinner.  He can also often be found being older-sibling-mean to Madison, but very sweet to the younger ones.  My heart melts when I see him put his protective arm around Trevor, or whisper sweet nothings into Renna's ear.

He's simply a wonderful son.  I couldn't be more proud of him and I'm so grateful that *somehow* God saw fit to surprise us with his life.  He is a gift!

An excerpt from his birthday interview...see if you can't get a sense of his wit:

What was your favorite gift you received throughout the year?
"My cellular device."

What's the last thing you were sad about?
"Having to sit through Spanish and wanting to go to bed."

What makes you happy?
"Playing with my brothers and sisters."

Are you scared of anything?
"Yes.  I can't think of anything, but I know I'm scared of stuff."

What do you want to be when you grow up?
"An adult."

Who's the last person you kissed?
"Mom."

What is something you dislike about yourself?
"Can't say I'm short now, so... nothing."

What is something you do well?
"Beat Trevor up.  Just kidding.  Play hockey."

What is something that really bugs you?
"Little siblings."

What makes you feel sad?
"Sad things."

What is the best advice you've ever received?
"Try hard in school."

What makes a happy family?
"Happy people in the family."

I wish I never...
"...I don't have any major regrets."

I'm happiest when...
"...I'm with my friends."

What makes a good friend?
"Someone who is trustworthy and friendly."

What makes you laugh?
"Jokes and friends and Trevor."

Which room is your favorite?
"My bedroom."

What's your favorite...
...ice cream: Peanut butter cup; anything with chocolate and peanut butter or Oreo   *   movie: The Dark Knight   *   thing to eat: chicken cordon bleu, tacos, bacon cheeseburgers, french fries  *   thing to drink: chocolate milk or Mountain Dew  *   candy: Peanut M&M's   *   show: Arrow   *   color: dark purple   artist: FUN.   *   holiday: Christmas

What's your favorite memory from this past year?
"The Hartford Project."

What are your hopes and plans for this year?
"Finish Freshman year and go to The Hartford Project again."

Hair Donation IV

My beautiful Maddy-Girl cut her hair again.  It had grown longer than ever.  Though she's very good at keeping it and styling it, it was becoming just too much hair to deal with.

This is the 4th time Maddy has donated her hair.  This time we went with Pantene because their minimum is 8 inches and they do not charge for the wigs they produce.  (Jan. 8th)

 She wanted to keep it long enough to still put up easily for dance.

 Success!  It's beautiful and looks and feels so healthy.  I think she looks so much older!

Week 3

Tuesday, Jan. 14th
Ninny and Papa stopped by with birthday hugs and a gift for C.

Rocco wanted me to take a picture of him throwing the tissue paper balls!  It took a few tries, but I got it!

Homemade French baguettes.  An experiment that ended well.

Wednesday, Jan. 15th
Happy Birthday to two of my favorite people!!!  C4's 15th and Lisa's 30-something.

The day started off normally with family devotions.  I love this time of day!

Renna was being particularly still.  Usually it's a dance party on the coffee table for our song time.  She also has a super pleasant nose pick for half the video, but Rocco was very proud of his slow motion at the end.

I went down to have a quick visit with the birthday girl.  She is a gift to me.

Andrea texted this picture to C4 with birthday wishes.  So sweet in their matching jams.

It reminded me of this one, my current favorite of the girls.

Friday, Jan. 17th
I had a house full of kids, just like I like it.  Isaac spent a couple nights while his parents were away and Madison had Kayla over.  Kayla's little brother came, too, to hang with Nathanael.  Only 8 kids (plus Asher) since Rocco was with my dad.  Everyone got along perfectly.  They played outside almost the entire afternoon.

Rocco went with Dad and Kiki and Aiden.  They went to bless people at the nursing home and then on a mini adventure to Singpiration.

Later in the evening, we went to East Catholic's girls' basketball game where C4 was killin' the cowbell  in the pep band. (You can't see him in the picture.)

The rest is just a slew of pictures of a certain little girl I just cannot get enough of.  (Fresh boo-boo included :( )

This girl from the visiting team scored her 1,000th point about half way through the game.  AmAzInG!!!  Also amazing to me, because I live under a rock, was the fact that this very young, very beautiful girl already has at least three tatoos.

Saturday, Jan. 18th

We went to a dinner party across the street in honor of Bob for his birthday.  What a lovely evening with some wonderful people, celebrating with some of our closest friends.

Harlem Shake...missing my babies!

I was ao happy to get these videos while sitting in an airport so far from home.  Madison was in charge of the kids for part of the day.  They thought I'd enjoy seeing them via video.  So FUN!

Week 2

Monday, Jan. 6th

Wednesday, Jan. 8th

Thursday, Jan. 9th
Nathanael was doing his morning chores, excited to see our new vacuum.  The old one had been dying a slow death over the past couple months.  The new one caused quite a stir with the kids this morning.  You know how exciting vacuums are!

Nathanael inspecting it said, "Why is it called 'Rocket'?"
Me: What should it be called?
Nathanael: I don't know.  Maybe....
Rocco piped in:  Duys!  Duys!  I know!  We should tall it "Orange Mommy's Vacuum!!!!"

Our family participated in the church's 2 week fast.  We enjoyed fresh bread, rolls, and homemade soups every night.

Friday, Jan. 10th

I got home from picking up C4 from school.  Nathanael had his hood on and a sheepish grin.  "Mom, I need you to buzz my hair."
Me:  Why?
Fan: I got Silly Putty in my hair.
Me: What?!?!  How did you get Silly Putty in your hair?
Fan: I was fooling around and....
Me (thinking I'm dealing with a dime-sized piece of putty):  Well, I don't need to buzz it, Baby.  I'll just use a fine-tooth comb and work it out.

Fan, now grinning from ear to ear, pulled down his hood to reveal an entire egg's worth of putty matted into his hair.

Me (dumbfounded):  What the heck?!?  How.how did this happen??

Actually I was thrilled to buzz him!  He doesn't take care of his hair well enough for me to like it long.

Saturday, Jan. 11th
HaPpY bIrThDaY, Colombo!!!
Colombo and Karen filled our shoes so we could go to the City with Bob and Jules to celebrate with a show and dinner.

If you haven't seen Once, you must!  It's amazing and wonderful and unlike any other Broadway show.  The music is amazing with the 14 cast members playing their own music.  It's out-of-the-box with beautiful songs between spoken, geniusly-written dialogue. It was so clever and I found myself humming the songs after hearing them only 'once.'

For the NYC 'sight of the day', I give you this.  Only in New York! :)

Sunday, Jan. 12th
Daddy happily filled the boys' request for a 'fruit lunch'.

Soup Du'Jour