With the stress of the move and the start of school in August, September has been a blessed reprise. The children are absolutely loving their teachers and school in general; soccer season and Saturday games are in full swing; Anna is a big preschool girl; I'm no longer in charge of the young women at church; and life is very very good.
One of the biggest blessings we've enjoyed this month is the success of Anna's eye surgery that took place on September 10th. It was quite worrisome for this mom for the couple of weeks leading up to the surgery. I wondered about the outcome; I worried about the recovery; I couldn't stand thinking of my little angel being in pain. It was a little overwhelming.
But the surgery went smoothly and our doctor (Dr. Jokins) felt that Anna's eyes looked fantastic. Now, she'll still need glasses to help align her eyes for the time being, but they are looking very straight and she is in general so much happier in the past few months. And my little baby was about as brave as a child could possibly be. She was a trooper through and through; in fact, I often question how and why I could be blessed with the most kind, happy, and sweet child on earth. She is such a joy.... even the pain and discomfort of surgery could hardly keep her from smiling.
It's been such a treat to have Anna home during the days with me. Grant just started full-day kindergarten and though we miss him, Anna and I have a lovely time hanging out at home, running errands, planning play dates, cleaning, and all sorts of things. She is my best buddy and I never want her to go to full time school! Here we are at Trader Joe's ringing in the fall season:)
And this e-card is totally appropriate, since we mentioned Trader Joe's in September:
We are thoroughly enjoying life in our new home. It's been absolutely fantastic to watch the kids play for hours outdoors. They just love riding their bikes, playing soccer, exploring the woods and catching wildlife. They wear their helmets all through the day because they are always in and out- scootering and biking around! We love to eat on the big patio. It is heavenly and we feel so blessed!
We've been thrilled to have our great friends and downstairs neighbors from Brooklyn- the Perrys- move to San Diego! It's been such a party to have them close! We love to reminisce about New York and the great times we had there. Our children have become fast friends; such a treat!
It's been a month of many parties! We loved attending our dear friend Ava Christiansan's baptism and ice cream party. So wonderful to support the friends we love as they take such an important step in joining the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We love Ava!
We also celebrated our great friend, Rachel, at an awesome karaoke party for her 30th! Evelyn was my date because Blake refuses to attend any sort of karaoke party. He's deathly afraid he'll be bullied and cajoled into going up on stage- haha. It was so fun to have Evelyn as my date. She sang many a songs (there's your trouble, Dixie Chicks, we are never getting back together, Taylor Swift, Let it Go, Idina Mendel). So much fun-- loved this party and my date. Oh-- she also braided my hair in several different styles. I'll take Ev as my date any day.
So fun to celebrate my own birthday-- can't believe I'm 39 years old! What? When did that happen??? I don't feel a day over 25. I don't like aging (physically) but I love aging in the emotional/mental aspect. I still love pranks, laughing and teasing others.... so I guess I'm still a bit immature. But I do feel a lot wiser in my priorities and life paradigms. The kids and Blake did a marvelous job spoiling me on my birthday. I love their little hand written cards more than anything else. Blake made dinner for me, friends took me to breakfast and baked me a beautiful chocolate cake. Nancy and Herb took care of the children so I could relax pool side and shop at Hobby Lobby. It was an all around wonderful day. Love this card that Evelyn drew of me directing the choir. I would have absolutely no idea how to direct a choir-- but I'm glad she has faith in me-ha! A friend sent me this birthday text and it was so sweet... I realized that sending a cute little texted image would be a fun way to celebrate a friend on her birthday!
And as long as we are on the topic of me feeling good about myself... hehe. I had the absolute sweetest evening a few weeks back when the Rancho Bernardo Young Women snuck over and spread messages of love written on hearts all over my year and door. They also put up a banner on my garage-- it was adorable! The best part was having them come inside and oooh and ahhh over my new house; saying things that those cute girls say: "it smells sooooooo good in here!" "of course it does, it's Sister Marston's house!" After a big group hug I was a bit misty eyed-- thinking about how much they mean to me and how much I miss them. They truly are amazing youth and the past 7 months were amazing and wonderful in their company.
Service is just one of those special things in life that increases the quality and joy you experience... if you are willing to sacrifice a bit. And on that note, I received a new church calling and I'm ecstatic about it! Activity Days leader for the 10-11 year old girls! I could not be happier! Evelyn is in my group and already I've had the greatest time ever planning fun lessons and activities. Last week we put together a music appreciation night. I did a little organ tutorial that pretty much rocked in every way. I say that because as I prepared for the tutorial, I did quite a bit of studying and reading on line. I learned SOOOOOOO much about the stops, registration, pedals and so forth. I do know how to play--- I've just never actually studied the organ as an instrument before. It was great and pretty fun to tell the girls all about how I initially learned to play the organ in the first place.
How was that you ask?
Well... I was working at a music store, selling pianos, guitars and renting instruments. I had a huge HUGE crush on the guitar teacher who was about 4 years older than my 18 year old self. So, I did what any desperate 18 year old would do in my shoes... I saved up a couple of paychecks, bought a guitar and then asked him to teach me guitar lessons! He agreed, but then tried to negotiate a deal with me. He was the organist for the Baptist church around the corner and he knew of NO ONE else who actually knew how to play organ!! So when he needed to go on vacation or miss a Sunday, he was trapped and unable to do so. He told me he'd teach me to play guitar and organ if I would sub for him once a month at the church. It was amazing! I feel so grateful to my teenage boy crazy self for deciding to learn guitar and organ. Though my guitar skills are weak.... my organ skills have remained in-tact. I think the girls thought that story was pretty funny.
A birthday tradition as September is both Cathy and I's birthday---- is our dinner and shopping evening out! LOVED seeing my old friend. Hope this tradition continues forever. It's only a 3 hour drive for her.... no biggie, right?
And as for an update on the kids....
Evelyn is enjoying piano (enjoying may be too strong of a word) rather... she is persisting with her piano skills. I'm proud of this girl. She is just so talented in the music department! She is a skilled pianist and vocal performer. Loved hearing her sing "Miracles" with her friend Rebecca in the primary program. It was beautiful. She is currently in another Charlie Brown play with her friend Reha. The program is a little less intense then the plays she's participated in prior to this year. We'll give it a shot. I love watching my little girl sing, play, act! Today she asked if she could try out to be on the Disney channel! Heavens no, girl! I think we'll stay local!
Evelyn has grown up in so many ways over the summer. She is definitely a tween. The moodiness factor and independent attitude is in full swing- haha! But also very mature in so many ways. She loves to try new things and to create. On Saturdays, she'll often wake up and ask to spend her allowance money at Michaels. She always has a list of materials and she always comes up with some amazing project! Fairy dolls, crocheted sweater, knitted rag dolls. I love watching her do her thing:)
Evelyn is really into cooking these days! She can bake a mean pan of brownies (learned this from Grandpa!) Last month she attended a fun little cooking class where she learned how to make chicken parm, caprese salad and fruit tarts. Oh-- and Evelyn is getting more and more beautiful each day! Check out her school picture!
Anna, as previously mentioned, is the joy and life of our home. Current obsessions: Halloween witches, pumpkins, ongoing Disney figurine fascination, Sofia the First (she'll be this for Halloween!), pirate booty, scooter riding, wearing princess dresses and staying up WAY past bedtime.... just like her older sibs. She kind of lives the life of an 8 year old because she's so good natured and doesn't like to miss out. Often when the kids are arguing, you'll hear her say, "now calm down boys. Calm down. Mommy's not going to be happy with you" She is hilarious!
Dane is still very interested in soccer. He is excellent and plays hard at practices two times a week along with his Saturday game and tournaments. It is so much fun to watch this boy out there on the field! Dane has recently started to enjoy eating vegetables- if you can believe it! At school, they tend a garden and he's decided he'd like to try to eat healthy and organic. His new favorite is Ceasar Salad. He would eat this entree every night if it were available. He is also pulling for a pet. He desperately wants some type of animal to care for-- much to Blake and I's dismay. I certainly don't have the energy for it! But this is mentioned every day! Last night during family scripture study, I was reading a story from the Friend about a boy who woke up on Sunday morning, hoping to ride his bike, but then feeling all sorts of disappointment after realizing it was the Sabbath day and the bike jaunt would have to wait. Dane loudly exclaimed, "OH! I know!!!! On Sunday I wake up and get so bummed because I remember, Darn it!!! No Dippin' Dots!" Who knew the kid liked dippin' dots so much. We are working with our little friend on how to see the positive instead of focusing on the negatives in life. We are working with all of our little friends on being "builders" not "bulldozers" when it comes to our family members and friends. We are working on these things..... I pray something sticks!
Grant is growing like a true weed. He is TALL! He is the cutest guy ever. I cannot begin to say how incredibly proud I am of his attitude and behavior. He never complains or stresses about school-- despite the full day schedule. He is a good brother and friend to others. He is a fierce competitor out on the soccer field. He LOVES soccer and would play every minute if he could. Actually, he pretty much does play at all times when we are home. Blake bought the boys really cool soccer nets to use in the front yard. They are getting good use. Grant will play alone, or with Dane. He prefers this to watching "Tom and Jerry." That's saying a lot. Grant is learning to read and it's a slow process. I pray it clicks at some point because the poor kid tries so hard. I am very grateful for his sweet little personality and his desire to choose the right. He has a heart of gold.
Love these kids of mine--
