Moment of Serendipity = Happiness & Fulfillment

 While I was washing dishes today, Sophia asked if she could go outside and explore the tracks in the snow in our backyard. I said sure, and was proud of myself for letting go enough to let her go out, because my gut always wants to say no. I bundled her up and watched from the window as she meandered around the yard. I then peeked my head out and suggested she build a snowman. and then I watched as she struggled to construct him. She had this tiny little head on him and then came in asking for stuff for his face.  I grabbed a carrot out of the fridge and cut a nose and grabbed some cranberries for the eyes. A few minutes later she came crying because she couldn't get anything to stick in that tiny head of his. So I quit what I was doing and went out to help her. We built a bigger head and got those eyes and nose to stick. We then built him a new middle and popped that little head on top. My hands were freezing, but we carried on. She went after some arms and I went inside to find a ribbon. Once he was looking great, I suggested she make some "snowman soup," like the book she got for Christmas and she thought that was an awesome idea.  So that is what is in the little bowl in front.

It's really isn't anything amazing, but to me it is progress. Being able to put down what I'm doing to help one of my children. To do things that I may not, at first thought, want to do. But I know that any time I spend with my children is worth it and that those moments say "I love you." I didn't let my to do list get in the way of spending a moment with my little Sophia out in the snow.

We then came in and made some hot chocolate and she is now busily working at being an artist at the kitchen table. It's the small moments that make it all worth while.

Sophia is 5!

We got to celebrate Sophia this week. She has been so excited about her birthday and has been anticipating it  for weeks. Since it fell on a Thursday, we went out as a family and spent the evening eating "chineese food" which she requested, because they give you a treat at the end, i.e. a fortune cookie. We kept it simple and went to Panda Express and then we went bowling. We had a great time!

 We then started our preparations for her big birthday party on Saturday. The main event was the birthday cake. I had a wonderfully kind lady in my ward come over and teach me how to make fondant so I could make this cake. But the best part was that Sophia got to decorate it herself. It was like a giant canvas and she used food coloring markers to decorate it. Gabriela weaseled her way in and Sophia finally decided to let her help. Our theme this year was "Rainbows," since everything she brings home from preschool is colored like the rainbow.

 This was the table spread we ended up with, complete with healthy snacks for the kids to munch on from all six colors of the rainbow. 

 Here is the finished cake. 

 Gigi made her this awesome outfit for the rainbow birthday. She got to wear it to preschool, bowling, and her party. It was perfect!

 I loved the audible gasp as we revealed what was inside the cake. It was a lot of fun to make, but it was so sweet, that most of the kids didn't even finish their cake and Sophia told me her tummy hurt. But later they changed their minds and were picking at it the rest of the day. Silly kids!

 Here she is with all of her little buddies. Most of which are in her CTR class at church. They were a hoot!

 We got her a new scooter for her birthday and when she opened it she said, "I've been wanting one of these for a long time!" So she was thrilled. 

 We then had the pinata. All of the girls were just tapping the thing and I thought we would never break it open, that is until Daniela took a swing. Our little Mexican gal, showed these little gringas how to do it! She wacked his legs off and then cut him in two! Then Julianne led a crew and shredded and gutted that thing to pieces. Poor Burro.

 And well, what do you say. This is Julianne, and all of her goofiness.

I did our annual interview with Sophia and here is a little info about her. 

My favorite food is: cheese quesadillas

My favorite sport to play is: soccer

The best show on tv is: Wild Krats

The coolest person on Earth is: Jesus

My favorite thing to learn in school is: my sounds and art

The thing I do the most awesomely is: art

If I could go anywhere in the world, I'd go to: Chuck E Cheese

My favorite color is: yellow

When I grow up, I'm going to become an: artist

My current favorite song is: Head Shoulders Knees and Toes

The book I'm loving right now is: Fancy Nancy

Three words that describe me is: Princess Sophia

My favorite season of the year is: summer

The best thing about camping is: riding bikes

The snack I like best is: fruit snacks

One food I really dislike is: tomatoes

My best friend is: Brenna

If I has a wish it would be: to be a good girl

My best memory is: snowy days

When all is right in the world.

I know I've been lamenting the fact that I've been so busy lately. But this Christmas Break stuff, with no schedule is pure bliss right now. I'm sleeping in a little, getting my house cleaned at my leasure, my kids are playing and taking hour long baths. It's amazing! And the one thing I miss most is not having time for art projects anymore, so we decided to bust out the paints again yesterday. We made snowmen after the book Snowmen at Night. I was actually enjoying the moment and was present with the girls, which is hard to come by these days. Miguel said he's glad I do that and I enjoy it so much, because it's not his thing. One day I'll get him to join us, but for now, I'm glad he entertained Max for us.

 And here is the final product!

Don't they look amazing?! I'm so happy with how they turned out.

My kids really are great artists!

It goes:

Julianne, Sophia

Mommy, Gabriela

 Onto other randomness, here's Sophia baking a bazillion cupcakes for the neighbors. I'm a little remorseful that they didn't go as far as I would have hoped, so if you are a neighbor,  and you're reading this, and you didn't get any....we are so sorry! I'll come up with a better plan next year so that I can get something to everyone I know. But we still love you! and they weren't anything special.

 Here is Julianne after her preschool Christmas party. She's just the cutest little elf and she adores that elf hat.  That's also the nice little gift she gave her Mommy and Papi! Have I said how much I love Patchwork Preschool. I've got a link on the side if you're interested.

 And lastely, Max has mastered the art of hand balancing. He's gearing up for the big talent show. (Wishing that picture wasn't so dark)

The Big Sister

Sophia is quite the big sister. She takes good care of little Max and always wants to hold him. I think they will have a special bond. Besides, they are the two kids who look most alike. Grandpa actually calls Max "Sophio." I had to snap this picture this morning of the two of them before church because she was being so sweet with him. She sure loves that little brother of hers.

Preschool

After a failed attempt to get a Joy School group together, I finally decided to put the girls in preschool, which I'm really happy about now. It would have been impossible to do with the baby and way more stress than I want to add to my life right now. The girls alternate days and we go in the afternoon which is different for us. They were super excited about it, especially Julianne. Now she is in the big girl club and goes to school just like her big sisters. I'm happy for her. They each got their father's blessings before they started as well.

Here is Sophia on her first day.

 Her teacher Mrs. Cami (she calls her Sister Henrie because she also leads the music in our primary)

 Sophia is like her mother in the sense that she has a little trepidation over meeting new people. But she warmed up and met a couple of new friends on the first day.

 I can't believe how fast she's growing up!

 And here is our little Miss. Julianne. The big 3 year old!

 Max came along, while we did the first day scavenger hunt together.

 And here she is with her teacher Mrs. Rebecca!

It's going to be a great year!

Would you look at that!

I remember a while back when Gabriela first learned to write her name. She thought she would graffiti my whole house with it. Here is one example that is still lingering in my home as we speak.

I love how they incriminate themselves!

Well look who knows how to write their name now.

 And once again, in case you didn't catch it the first time!

(not sure what that other stuff is. maybe she has a "beautiful mind.")

(that's the rollershade in her bedroom if you couldn't tell)

(and speaking of incrimination...I think I might need to dust my bookshelf and clean my baseboards!)

Preschoolers

Mondays are usually my stay at home and clean the house day. Somehow the house blows apart over the weekend. I think it may have something to do with that "day of rest" we have over the weekend. Anyways, my preschoolers are left to find their own entertainment while I change sheets, wash clothes, and so on. Well this morning I started in my room and I know nothing that attracts small children that a newly made bed. I've been running them out of my room all morning trying to keep it neat in there, but to no avail. A few minutes ago I heard them in there again making all sorts of racket and yelling and when I went in, this is what I found.  When I asked them what they were doing, they said,

"We're watching the BYU game and we are cheering for the black team (I'm hoping they mean navy blue)," all the while giving fist pumps in the air. "Move mom!!! you're in the way, we can't see!"

I think the baseball caps are a nice touch. And I certainly know what they've been exposed too in the last couple of weeks. GO BYU!!!

Oh, and what you can't see are the baby dolls they've got hidden behind those big white pillows. I love their imaginations when they use them.