The Lime - Tally Mark 96 - Part 2

-Thinks Dominos has the best pizza and ranks Little Caesars #2
-Wears something Warriors related every.single.day
-Has to ride his bike to get the mail with me (even though it's directly across the street from our house)
-Is a huge "Dude Perfect" fan
-Loves to attempt tricks like the DP guys
-Attempts to do his homework in front of the TV but gets way too distracted
-Has to try and reach the net on any basketball hoop he sees in public
-Will probably be taller than me by the end of the year
-Has to put deodorant on every day (not because he needs it, just because he wants to)
-Is trying to learn how to tie a necktie
-Worries if he forgets to wear a hat to school
-Is our official garbage taker outer
-Loves to have dance parties
-Still has and loves Luficer, the pink cat, even though her back is covered in patches
-Wears shorts 90% of the time, no matter the weather.  If it's cold, he wears long socks
-Races to be the first kid in Primary each week
-Has won the hearts of our family for the last 8 fabulous years

The Lime - Tally Mark 96 - Part 1

Dear Freddy,

What in the world is happening?! I was looking through old pictures a few nights ago and it seems like you were just born, and just went potty on the toilet for the first time, and just started baseball, and just started school, and now we're here. You're officially 8 years old and I'm in shock!

We were driving to Target the other day and I said, "Just think...in 8 years, you'll be driving!" To which you replied, "I could drive now. I'm really good at my video games." Time is zipping by on its own, no need to rush it :)

You try hard, most of the time, to be a tough kid who appears to be older than 8. You adjust your voice so it sounds a little deeper. You attempt to act rough, tough, and "cool". You don't seem to be into things kids your age are into. But then you ask me to carry you to bed at night. Or you ask to snuggle with everyone on the couch. Or you get nervous doing something on your own. And I realize you do still need me and I love it! You aren't afraid or embarrassed to hold my hand in public, you still believe 110% in the magic of Santa, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter Bunny. In fact, Daddy and I let some things slip after Christmas and you questioned us. Particularly why the box for Doodlebug's present was in our closet. When I told you Santa left the gift in the package and I thought it'd be too hard for Doodlebug to open it so I took it out and hid the box in my closet, you were totally satisfied with that answer. And it filled my heart with gratitude that I hadn't ruined the magic for you and you are still so innocent to believe.

Speaking of your brother, it's becoming harder and harder for you two to get along. Christmas vacation was brutal for everyone and the bruises on both your bodies, from wrestling and hitting each other, are proof :P Yet you were his biggest cheerleader the first week he started potty training. And you love teaching him how to play basketball and baseball. I love when I overhear you talking sweet and gentle to him, as I know that's your true character. You're a teacher, leader, and protector, especially when it comes to Doodlebug.

This past year was a fun one for you! Disneyland, trips to San Francisco, teeth falling out of your head like it's going out of style, visits with grandparents, the mud run, lots of baseball, tons of laughter, and so many afternoons spent playing with friends. You're one lucky kid that one of your best friends lives down the street AND is in your class at school. You've always treasured your friendships and this one with Cohen is no different. You're a great example to him and share your story of praying in front of him often (Cohen stayed for dinner one night and The Lime said the prayer). Santi is also one of your good friends, which I find funny because the last two years of school you guys haven't always gotten along. I think you realized you're very similar, have a lot of the same interests, and are able to put that first born mentality behind you guys (most of the time).

You've taken a greater interest in cooking this last year, beyond your "concoctions".  I'll catch you sneaking into the kitchen while I'm making dinner and stirring something on the stove.  Or trying to chop or measure something.

Speaking of food, you are your father's son.  You beg to go to La Piñata when we visit the Bay Area.  And if I'm being honest, you wish for it often when we're at home.

You are not the picky eater you once were and you're willing to try at least one bite of most things.  You usually end up liking it and have done a great job expanding your pallet.  Now if we could just convince you to order the spread on your In N Out burgers :)

You've continued your perfect score on spelling tests streak, even when you started the week out struggling with the words. You get excited when you answer your math problems correctly. You even know how to make slideshows on Google (which I didn't even know how to do). You're gathering new information constantly and sometimes think you know more than me and Daddy. We have to remind you we've been around just a smidge longer than you and know just a smidge more. Nevertheless, you are a smart cookie!

Use that knowledge for good! Especially since you'll be baptized in a week and Satan is going to work extra hard to get you to make naughty choices. You've always strived to do what's right and I hope you can rely on what Daddy and I have taught you, what you've learned at church, and the good examples of those around you. Continue doing what you're doing and you'll be one successful dude in all aspects of your life.

I love you to pieces!

Mommy

Expressing Gratitude - Day 28

Today was our first day back to real life after "vacation" and I'm not grateful for that (not having to be on a strict schedule and not making lunches has been a dream!). We kept The Lime home from school yesterday and LaVor took the day off so we could spend one more day with Grammy & Papa.

So today felt like Monday all.day.long! So much so, we were eating dinner and I realized it was Tuesday and mutual was taking place right that very second. Whoops!

But hey! At least we're really one day ahead and the week will go by faster! That's something to be thankful for, right?

Expressing Gratitude - Day 27

Today was the day! We finally got to see Coco before Grammy & Papa had to head back home.

What a darling movie! And the reclining seats were an added bonus.

We have had the best time with LaVor's parents visiting. From going to breakfast, looking at Christmas lights, playing at the arcade, going Christmas shopping, playing at the park, and just hanging out, it's all been a blast.

We're so grateful they took the time to visit us and make our boys (and LaVor and me) feel so loved. We wish we lived closer but are looking forward to seeing them again soon for The Lime's baptism!

Expressing Gratitude - Day 26

We've been so busy and have had a wonderful time doing all that fun stuff! But I'm pooped!

From the first day I started my job until this last Wednesday, everyone warned me about Thanksgiving. One man even told me to imagine the worst day of my life and multiply it by 10. Needless to say, I was pretty dang nervous as to what I was getting myself into.

But then I showed up to work on Thanksgiving, put my papers together, and delivered them only to realize that all the people who were telling me how hard it was had never given birth. I would much rather deliver two hundred 5 pound papers than push a baby out without an epidural.

It did make for a long work night/morning and I wasn't able to get a nap in on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. So today was the day and it felt good!

I'm also thankful for a husband who cooks while I sleep so I wake up to an amazing wienerschnitzel & roasted potato dinner.

Expressing Gratitude - Day 25

I've been looking forward to this day since the last time we went to San Francisco!

LaVor and I were discussing where we should take family pictures this year and he suggested we go somewhere (other than across the street). "Like San Francisco," he said.

I got right on it and started researching good spots to take pictures. I came across Buena Vista Park which just so happens to be up the street from Memphis Minnie's, our favorite BBQ spot that we also wanted to visit. Over the next few weeks, I tried to put together a semi-acceptable wardrobe and prayed the weather would work in our favor. Last night, I charged my camera, got the tripod all set, and showed LaVor what everyone would be wearing. "It's too much," he said of my shirt. I showed him another outfit and he said it wasn't enough. Since it was 10:00 and I had no other options, I ended up choosing the too much outfit.

We woke up bright and early this morning and were on the road by 9:00. We were estimated to arrive around 11:30 which meant we'd be right on time to lunch at MM. We always have such a good time there and can't get enough of their food!

With extra full bellies, we drove up Haight Street and found THE perfect spot to snap some pictures. Except, I forgot the screw that attaches the piece to my camera that inserts into the tripod. Sooooo, LaVor's dad was our photographer. Bless his heart! I'm SO grateful they were with us or else I would have been a wreck.

Look at that view!

And this one!

Good golly, I love San Francisco.

We wrapped things up and drove to the Mission so LaVor could go to his knife shop and I could finally poke my head in Tartine. LaVor found a prime spot and we both accomplished our tasks, mine being a little sweeter, and we were off to our next destination.

I've never been to the Legion of Honor but it's apparently a very popular spot. And the park rangers are jerks there. So we continued north to the Presidio.

Unfortunately, Doodlebug fell asleep and was just a tad crabby when we found a parking spot. He wanted nothing to do with getting out of the car, let alone taking more pictures, and complained of his tummy hurting. He's a pretty regular boy but hadn't pooped in a day so I knew he just needed to relieve some pressure. And that he did.

Magically, his little personality changed and he was more energetic than I wanted him to be :)

Needless to say, everyone was "done" by this point so we tried to capture what we could and called it a day.

The boys really wanted to go to the beach so we skipped on over to Crissy Field to catch the sunset.

Doodlebug was thrilled to interact with the dogs and kick the sand.

And The Lime was grumpy we wouldn't let him get in the water.

We needed to get on the road but wanted to make one more stop to see the Christmas tree in Union Square. We braved the 30+ minute drive to go 3 miles (and understood why we don't ever go there!) only to arrive and have The Lime complain of starvation when 10 minutes earlier I asked if anyone was hungry and he said no. It got to the point where he thought he was going to pass out so LaVor snagged him a Jamba Juice and that didn't seem to hit the spot :P The apples I had with me, all along, did the trick.

At least we got to get a picture with the tree!

I love this city and feel so blessed we live close enough that we can visit it often. I'm thankful for all the memories I created here while going to school and that our family had created. I'm grateful for its beauty, character, joy it brings me, and the people who make it so special.

It was the perfect spot for our pictures this year and I'm thankful LaVor suggested it.

Expressing Gratitude - Day 24

Lots of factors played into us not going to the Bay Area today for Black Friday. Which meant it was the first time in over 20 years that I wouldn't be spending the day with one of my sisters or my mom! My heart was a little sad today but I'm grateful my sisters got to meet up and do the traditional IKEA visit. And that I got to go out with my family and still experience that Black Friday craziness, even though I didn't buy anything (I usually never do).

We stopped in to Boot Barn so LaVor could look for a shirt for family pictures. Doodlebug and The Lime were trying on everything they could and pretending to be cowboys.

I sure love their creative minds and that they don't mind riding pink horsies.