....to be talking about Santa Claus. The other day, Maren, (completely out of the clear blue sky) said this:
Maren: "Mom, I think you're Santa Claus."
Me: "Oh really? Why do you think that?"
Maren: "Because at Christmas, I only told the Elf that I wanted an IPad, and I didn't get it."
Me: "Well maybe Santa doesn't bring everything each person asks for, he brought you a scooter though, right?"
Maren: "Yeah, but there's also no way he fits in our chimney!"
Me: "People live in apartments without chimney's, and so possibly he has other routes."
Maren: "Well, this Christmas I am not telling you what I'm asking for, and we'll see what happens."
The whole Santa thing isn't my favorite, but I was raised to believe, and so I think she'll recover from it... but the entire conversation Lauren kept looking back and forth at Maren and me and nodding, like she was agreeing. Too young to not believe in Mr. Clause, right?! C'mon girls! I just feel bad for any friends who might get convinced by Maren on this subject!
I've been trying for a couple months to upload pictures to blogger, but something isn't working from my phone to blogger...so no pictures, but I wanted to update this! Life is going pretty well. Maren tried out for and was in the Sound of Music play that her school put on. It was such a neat experience for all of us. She was brave and really enjoyed the stage. She didn't get the part she auditioned for, but kept at it and was really cute. She loves to read and really loves to play with Brookie. She makes her laugh and seeks her out when she's bored. It's a sweet thing. Lauren is doing well, and is liking her preschool time. Her favorite thing these days is," Mommy, can we print out coloring pages?" She would do this constantly if I let her. She recently recovered from a screaming and crying phase when it was time to get dressed. (we all needed a recovery period after this one! lol) She had bad issues if something was "stretched out, or too tight". But now she's back to normal-thank the heavens:)
Andy and I have really enjoyed playing on a co-ed indoor soccer league together. It's become our new date night. I had forgotten how much faster guys are than girls(typically), and it has just been a blast. I really like the league, it's really competitive, and I think I'll be here for good! Andy is our goalie and walked away from the first game with 2 bleeding elbows and 2 bleeding knees. Next game we covered him up! He's still serving in the bishopric, and liking it. We have a fantastic ward who are willing to contribute, which makes a difference.
For the most part, I'm loving this stage in life. Brooklynn has started walking, and understanding us a lot better, and we really have fun with her. I'm also realizing that this parenting thing is going fast! Everyone always says that it goes fast, but I've never thought that. Just like when I was a missionary in OK, I didn't think it flew by.....until the end. Looking back, it's seriously a dream...a blink. I just need to remind myself that spending time with my children is what I'll cherish the most, not a clean home, or quietness, or downtime.
I joked that if we had another child, and if it were a girl, her name could be Carmen. People(including us) get mixed up with our girls bc their names are similar, so adding Carmen to the mix would be awesome...
Our sweet friend\neighbor called this AM and asked to come over. She came and had made the girls the sweetest, prettiest spring dresses. Things like that make me want to cry! It's wonderful to have someone think about your children.
My parents are serving a mission right now!! It's an at-home one, working at the addiction recovery center near their home. They are really loving it. I still haven't seen a picture with their name tags on, but can't wait to see the proof that they're legit.
I hope this finds our friends and family well. We love you.