home is where the heart is

One of my main parenting goals is to create and maintain our home as a safe place, a haven, where everyone feels loved and accepted.
I also desire for our kids to be each other's best friends and biggest fans. Our school schedule has helped so much with this. Since Jack is only away at school on Tues/Thurs, the majority of his time is spent with us. This has been huge for us as a family!
There are sweet and unique friendships between each pair of kids. We caught one here.
Jack is a doting big brother to Kate.
Kate is an adoring little sis to Jack.

moving on....

After baseball season was over in October, we worried that Jack wouldn't be able to move on. I mean, he spent so much energy and time following his team, throwing against the bounceback, and taking batting practice from Will and I. What would he do now? Surprisingly he hasn't picked up his glove, bat and ball since October! He totally transferred all his energy toward Spurs basketball...much to his Daddy's joy. He spends hours shooting a day in the front driveway or in the garage if it's too cold. Over Christmas, he basically lived in my parent's new barn that they have transformed into a playspace (with a basketball goal) for the grandkids. During his quiet time each day, he writes in his journal about Spurs games, and future matchups on ESPN. Unfortunately we don't get many of the Spurs games here in Mavs country, but he is satisfied to watch SportsCenter every morning for the hightlights of the night before, and Will has taped many NBA games, classic and current, for him to watch during the day. Here is but a glimpse of his new obsession!

a new year for Jack

For Jack, 2010 was a year of highs and lows. When I asked him what he remembers about last year, he told me about his broken arm, getting his cast off, starting a new school, and the Rangers going to the World Series!
This year he looks forward to going to a Spurs game, turning 7 (!) and watching his beloved Rangers have another winning season.

My dear Jack,
Tonight when we prayed together, it hit me once again how special you are. I have always known this, but others are beginning to see it too. I am so humbled to be your "best Mommy," teacher, and caregiver. You are a ball of energy from sunrise to sunset. Your days are filled with homeschool, baseball/basketball(whichever is in season), piano, swim class, more baseball/basketball, and lots of reading! Last year you grew so much in every area of life. Your body is catching up with your old soul. You remain kindred spirits with your Daddy, a role model to your siblings, and my pride and joy.
I pray that 2011 brings you many Spurs and Rangers victories, personal success and growth, and knowledge of Christ. You are loved, son.

a new year for Josie

What a year for Josie! 2010 saw her turning 5, starting homeschool, learning to hula hoop, and becoming our storyteller. She amazes us all with her ability to retell stories - books, movies, jokes....she retells flawlessly. She is that perfect combo of sugar and spice....so sweet and content to snuggle several times a day, but hilariously creative and outgoing!

My dear Josie,
When I asked you what you remember from 2010, you said simply "everything." That was the perfect answer for a girl who lives each day with such positivity and promise. Each night at dinner when we share our happy and sad thing from the day, you say that you don't have a sad thing. I want to be like you! You inspire me. You are looking forward to starting kindergarten in 2011, hopefully at the same school as Jack. You are on the verge of reading, and your eyes light up when you realize you know a word. This year you are looking forward to playing basketball and soccer, entering a hula contest, and another dance recital. You are loved, sweet girl.

a new year for Kate

I look at Kate in amazement. She has grown up the most of our children in the past year. Just today when I told her she was my baby girl, she tossed her dark hair at me and said, "I not a baby anymore!" She has such opinions, and we pray these will turn into great conviction. She has such potential! 2010 will always be remembered to me as one of the scariest mommy moments, as I held my precious Kate while she had a seizure. We are so thankful for God's protection over her through this and the many tests that all came out clear. We started the year still with many concerns about her speech, and marvel the difference a year has made. She speaks well, almost too much, and works hard at being understood.

My dear Kate,
I see so much of myself in you....stubborn and independent, yet sensitive and affectionate. You are one of a kind, and I look forward to seeing how God grows you up in 2011! I intend to enjoy and hold onto these last moments of babyhood. You turn four this year, and with each day, you lose a bit of your babyish ways. Last year saw you enjoying your days at home, (you love your toys, home, and family) but get so excited to see friends at church and Sonshine Club. This year, I predict new words, new skills, and a new attitude from you. It will be sweet to watch you dance on stage at your recital, learn to swim, and start preschool with me in the fall. You are loved, Kate.

a new year for Sam

2010 was a great year for the baby of the family. He's like our little mascot, and everyone adores him. When he turned one, it's like he realized just how cute he was! He loves to be the center of attention and making us laugh. He is a parrot and repeats everything we say! I find him often on top of tables and desks, getting into anything he can until I can find him. He gets away with much more than I would have ever dreamed....my baby boy. He is a bit of an oxymoron - outgoing, yet clingy.....sweet, yet feisty and independent.....busy, yet totally content to sit and read books. I love this kid so much it hurts!

My dear Sam,
If you could express it, I think you would say that 2010 was full of adventure, but bring it on in 2011! You are always looking for the next thing to attempt - climbing, running, batting, shooting hoops, swimming. I love your "go for it" attitude, but it scares me a bit. You are a bruiser and a talker. Just last week you told me to "push play" when the Veggie Tales movie was on the menu screen. You are 21 months going on four! You still love me best but run for Daddy when he gets home. I love waking up each morning to you saying "mommy, mommy" from your crib. I can't even imagine what this year holds for my precious little boy. You are loved, Sam.

Christmas 2010

Here is one of my favorite pics of the kids from Christmas.
They are waiting on the stairs Christmas morning. We used to do this as kids too....it totally built up the excitement!
We spent the month of December waiting, hoping, and celebrating. It was our best advent season ever as we traced the heritage of Christ each night with devotions and our Jesse Tree. Christmas Day did not disappoint as we celebrated his birth with a birthday cake and gifts!
We were so blessed to get to see both our Kennedy and Davis families too....which included delicious meals, game nights, talent shows, lots of basketball, camping out in the new barn, reading books with grandparents, and parent's nights out!
We don't take for granted what God has given us and thank Him alone for His greatest gift of all - his very own son, Jesus.