The Kids

When we are just living everyday, crazy life it seems like there isn't much to say. But everyday I experience things I want to remember. By the next day, I can't remember a thing! I know I have missed so much lately because journaling has been on my mind. The kids are back into their busy schedules and work is actually stressful for both Bryce and I right now but I am trying to write more!

Brylin has had a lot harder time this year in middle school. As we were driving to school this morning we talked about how kids her age are on social media, packing around phones, and dating boys. She is 12! What the heck? And they wonder why her class is struggling in school and the teachers are too. They aren't mature enough to handle the emotions and responsibilities they are taking on. I actually think it is sad. I am proud of Brylin for making good friends and trying hard in school. Just the other day she told me she has a group of friends that were all talking about how they didn't swear (better than her parents). And, even though there is a boy she likes and the feeling is mutual, they both know they can't "date" and are friends. She is struggling a bit with her science project, but seriously? Pain. in. the. butt! I think it is interesting that it is getting the homework turned in or her music practiced that hurts her grades. The easy part is hard for her! As always, I have to threaten her life over chores most weeks but she actually did pretty good this week and has earned friend time today. Whew! The no is as hard on the parents as it is on the kids. Brylin is so talented on the piano and is getting really good!

Paisley is becoming more of a tween. She has always been a little bit more prissy and she still loves to do people's hair. Her hair straightener was obviously a good choice for Christmas. She deals with a lot more drama from friends at school. Just the other day I was proud of her for choosing to play with a friend that was crying because her best friend was mad at her and refused to play with her for a few days. Oh brother! This group of girls has been interesting! Paisley has also learned to love to read. She devours books lately! Her teacher has had nothing but good to report. She is a great student, she had to learn to raise her hand and not call out answers but I think it is just because she is excited to know the answers. She has struggled a bit more with her chores, basically she says she will do it and then doesn't! Grr! However, she is still a huge help with the little kids. She just seems to really enjoy taking care of and playing with little kids. Thank goodness! Paisley has worked really hard to be able to play the piano. While it is much harder for her and progresses more slowly, I am just as proud of her for trying so hard and sticking with it. She loves music and grooving, even if it isn't her talent to create it as easily.

Brant is so funny. He LOVES his new fish tank but after having a few fish go belly up, he is a worrywart about them. Every single day he has another reason a fish is going to die. I laughed the other day because he had told me for weeks a certain fish was dying. He as I woke him up he checked on them and said "It has been weeks and that fish is still alive?!" Really? I've told you for days it is fine! Yesterday he told me his puffer fish was toast. I went to check and it really was sitting on the bottom with it's tail curled funny. I thought he was right. I gave them some food and a few seconds later it rocketed to the top and ate. I swear it was sleeping?! Who knew? Brant is still obsessed with animals and often brings me imaginary animals he has hunted to hang on my imaginary walls. He will ask what kind I want too. (Truthfully none in real life!) He has struggled a bit getting accelerated reading points at school. We finally figured out he has to take tests before school starts. I help him read at night, he takes the list, Paisley gets him settled at the computer in his classroom and he has actually gotten over five points this week. Thank goodness! Brant is such a good boy and a good student. It made me so proud at his parent teacher conference when the teacher said if she ever has a son, she wants him to be just like Brant. He is really excited to get a brother but when we told them he said "Mom are you really excited and a little sad?" I said because you won't be my only boy?" He said "Ya." I meant it when I said "Brant you are so wonderful why wouldn't I want another one?" His eyes just danced.

Channa! Oh miss Channa! I can NOT believe she will go to kindergarten next year. My heart is breaking! She is so sassy and some days I am so glad she gets to go to preschool to work out some of her emotional energy but everyday? NO! She is doing really well writing her name and is learning more of her letters. She loves to write random letters and take notes to her friends. She actually has a desire to learn which is huge for her. I have been really impressed lately with her coloring. All of a sudden she figured out how to color neatly, at first I thought it was one of the older girls pictures it was so good! I don't let Channa watch TV until nap time but she would watch it all day if I let her. She loves Curious George the most I think. She is still a nervous child when it comes to change or trusting things will be okay, but she doesn't throw as many tantrums. However, if you brush her hair, watch out. She gets super snarly hair and she cries! I just say no wailing! Her favorite hair style is side ponytails. Channa has been a great helper with Tycee, she helps me keep her out of trouble and loves to do things that help (except cleaning). She is also really snuggly and loving. She is adamant that she is Daddy and Mommy's girl. She is super excited for the baby and keeps talking about him being born on her birthday. I don't think she understands that means sharing her birthday forever!

Tycee! Oh that baby! She just started calling me "Mommy" instead of "Mama" yesterday and says it all day long. I love that she pats my back when I hold her. She actually talks a lot amid all of her jabber but you usually can't understand words. I love when I wake up in the morning to her singing "No, no, noooo" to the tune of "Let it Go!" She also sings it when she plays with a Barbie. She is obsessed with my phone and watching planet earth or Frozen on it. She will start going through my pockets or search down my shirt for it. She also loves to call Bryce. She says "HI, HI, HI" and then jabbers and giggles at him. She gets so mad if I have to hold it. She says "Bye" really well and loves to wave bye out the window to her dad. She is still a tender heart and gets scared easily. I seriously crack up at her flight response. If I yell to one of the kids or get excited for Daddy to be home she will take about 2 steps away from me and turn to run back panicked. Yesterday I told her my phone was downstairs and she went to the stairs. All of sudden she started her panic cry and stumbled back into the dining room so fast she fell over. Our biggest scaredy cat by far, and that is really saying something! I was playing with her and the dollhouse the other day and she told the dog to "stay" and said "shut it." She tries to say all the kids names and does pretty well! She calls Brant boo. She LOVES the fish, dogs, and cats. Both Tycee and Channa love to sing and dance in the kitchen. Tycee will point to the ipod and say "uh uh uh" (that is how she asks for anything) because she wants music on. And she will keep asking if she doesn't like the song you choose. I just started singing popcorn popping with her and she loves to do hand actions. Last Sunday at the end of sacrament I whispered it in her ear, it was perfect timing when she yelled "YAY" and clapped. Nobody knew it was the song not the end of the meeting! She is very expressive with yay, uh oh, whoa, wow, and NO! We love this girl! We can't get her to relinquish the bottle but since she started mostly drinking water at night she is ravenous during the day and eats really well, which also means she poops really well (much better than her previous plugged up problems). I am seriously so sad she goes to nursery next month and love watching her at church. I wish she could be my baby longer!
I have really enjoyed getting up with the kids to make a hot breakfast and pack lunches this year. Sad that it took me this long to just get up and do it! Nobody seems to miss the cereal everyday, and actually they got tired of it over Christmas break. I am usually grouchy in the mornings but I am trying to be more of a morning person! I often feel so blessed to live the life that we do. It has really struck me what a privilege it is to be the mother of each of our children. I hope they know how much I love and appreciate them by how I live each day with them. I read a quote in a store that has stuck with me it said something like "It is the things you do everyday not the once in awhile that counts." We have been following the bofm365 account on instagram and I think we have all really enjoyed reading and answering the questions together. When we see the temple we say "I spy the temple!" It use to be a competition to see who saw it first which became a fight. Then we decided we want everyone to keep their eye on the temple and one day go there. What a blessing eternal families are. I am so grateful for Bryce and the good life we share with these cute kids. Oh I love that man! I am so very blessed.