Brothers and Sisters

I know I've done a post in the past about these two, but they really do amaze me, so I think I need to revisit the subject. I'm not one of those delusional moms who think that their kids are perfect and can't do anything wrong. They each have faults and behavior issues we deal with and work on. And they have those days where they can't stand each other - hitting, bickering, teasing and taunting. But for the most part, they do enjoy each other and when it comes down to it, they have each others backs like nobodies business! Karsten has a huge affection for Ella. If she gets hurt, he actually cries with her; like it hurts him to see her hurt. And Karsten is Ella's favorite person to be with; if he's not around she is constantly asking where he is.

I have a family photo shoot coming up and I wanted them to try on their outfits to see how they looked; then their mean mom made them take some pictures with her camera so I could see the outfits on film. (I'm a little nutso, I know.) But they loved it! They had fun posing with each other, hugging, snuggling, smiling. It was great. And even when I'm breaking up a fight, the worst thing I can do is separate them and put them in their own rooms, apart. They hate that. Once they are back together, the playing continues and I can see the love. I know this friendship probably won't continue through middle school and high school, but I hope they will come together as adults to support and love each as they do today.

Soccer Game Schedule

Here is a schedule of Karsten's upcoming soccer games; we would love it if you could make one. The games start at 9:00 AM and last 45 minutes. I will post the games that are closest to us:

Saturday, April 18th
Game held at Carol Rae Elementary
3777 E. Houston Gilbert, AZ 85234
Houston is south of Baseline, East of Higley Road

Saturday, April 25th
Game held at Carol Rae Elementary
3777 E. Houston Gilbert, AZ 85234
Houston is south of Baseline, East of Higley Road

Saturday, May 9th
Game held at Hale Elementary
1425 N. 23rd Street Mesa, AZ 85213
23rd Street is off Brown Road, between Lindsay and Gilbert Roads, turn North on 23rd Street from Brown

Call me with any questions!

SOCCER!

Karsten has been in a soccer program for a couple of months now. It's a very low key program, so I thought all they were going to do was learn drills and have scrimmage games against each other; I was wrong. Yesterday started the game portion of the season, no more practice, just games. Needless to say, I was a little nervous. It's so weird how freaked out I was, and he wasn't! Karsten loves to run and kick the ball, but he isn't super aggressive and I didn't know how the other team was going to be . . . I should have had more faith! They split Karsten's team and the other team up into two groups so their were two games going on at the same time. Kar was one of 4 for his team playing against the other team. Karsten started off playing goalie - his favorite position; he likes to hide and play in the net. Luckily, his team was awesome and they scored two goals while Karsten was holding down the fort on the other end. They then switched positions. Karsten was on offense and actually scored a GOAL! It was awesome and he was so excited! After halftime, Karsten was back on goalie position and blocked a goal from the other team! So all in all, his team won, he scored one of the goals and blocked a goal. He was so happy and I was so proud. I wanted him to know though, I was happy he won, I was most happy that he tried his best and worked his hardest. What a great day!

Karsten and his team with his coach, warming up . . .


Pondering life . . .


"Yaaaaawwnnn"


Playing goalie=playing in the net


Still in the net . . .


The winning team . . .

Sugar Bowl

All growing up, after any dance performance, school play, dinner at the Grandparents house, we would go to the Sugar Bowl to celebrate. It's located on Scottsdale Road, in Old Town Scottsdale and it's amazing! The restaurant opened in 1958 and has been a favorite for many. My kids have only been there a few times, but I want them to enjoy it as much as I did growing up. The menu is simple, but great! And who doesn't love ordering an ice cream with their lunch?! Today, we were in Scottsdale and I thought it would be fun to have a nice lunch with the munchkins before Karsten's spring break ends this weekend. Karsten enjoyed a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and Ella and I both had the grilled cheese. We ended lunch with an ice cream treat of course. We had a really nice time together and I hope we can spend many more meals at the Sugar Bowl.

My Angels . . . I will remember you forever this way

I just found out that a dear friend of mine's daughter has cancer, and it has spread too much to operate. My heart breaks at this news for my friend, for her daughter, for her daughter's son. I don't know why this has happened. And through my sadness, I go about my nightly routine, putting my little ones to bed. Brush teeth, potty, read two books (one for Karsten and one for Ella), then the next part is a little different for each munchkin. Karsten likes to be covered up by his "magic" quilt (which his great grandma made for him) first, then his doggie duvet cover on top of the quilt. He likes two stuffed animal dinosaurs laying on the pillow next to him and his turtle night light (which displays TONS of stars and moons all over his room in different colors, Karsten prefers blue) at the end of his bed by his toes. Ella snuggles into her white and green dotted duvet cover and demands her "dee dee" (an old and tattered pink silky blanket) which she will sniff and smell while she sucks her thumb. (I know, I know, I need to break her of that habit!) She has a huge Hello Kitty stuffed animal next to her and her ladybug night light by her head (she prefers the stars and moons in the color red). For both of my loves, a kiss and hug good night, "Sweet Dreams" to both and a silent prayer that they will have a peaceful slumber. I know how incredibly lucky I am to have these moments with them - before the decisions they make have so much impact on their lives, each decision is crucial. But I have to constantly remind myself of this, because I am so tired right now, I could scream. And I am so stressed with work and money, my brain and spirit hurt. Then I hear of my dear friend and her terrible news, and I am reminded of how amazing my life is - even for a moment as I tuck my two angels into their safe beds for another night.