Loose Tooth

I had one of those mommy moments where you are so happy and taken back and sad and everything all at the same time. This morning while doing Kaylee's hair for school she told me she has a loose tooth. She's been talking about loose teeth for months. She was so upset on her birthday because she didn't have a loose tooth yet and the last dentist told her she'd lose one by then. So when she again announced a loose tooth I was skeptical and made her show me. I felt it and darn that tooth! It wiggled. I still can clearly remember having loose teeth and wiggling them all the day long. It is not possible that I have a child who is experiencing the same thing! She was overjoyed and skipped around the house singing, "Loose tooth, loose tooth, I've got a loose tooth!" I fought tears and was excited. Later when we called my mom to tell her the good news, her reaction seemed to mirror what I felt. Excitement for Kaylee and wonderment that we've already reached this milestone. sigh. And it's only the beginning!

Happy Belated Jakey!

Jake is the greatest brother in law! When my family met him they all just loved him right away, especially Charles. We all held our breath and hoped and prayed that he'd ask Tressa to marry him and that she wouldn't back out! We were very relieved when the marriage occurred! They are so good to our kids and family. I wish they lived in Logan with us still, but thankfully it's just a short drive. Happy Birthday, Jake!

The year is slipping by without me! So... last weekend was super busy, crazy, fun!!! Jake's party was on Friday night, the next day I had two birthday cakes to make, one baptism to attend, and two birthday parties for my kids to attend. I slept soundly Saturday night and was very angry with Daylight Savings for getting me up an hour early on an already too early Sunday morning for extra early meetings!
On Friday night we headed to Brigham City for my brother-in-law's bday. Everyone kept giving Jake a bad time about being an old man. Well, I put a quick stop to that, seeing how I'm just a little bit older than he is. ;) Jake requested Chicken Mole. It was delicious! His mom showed me the ingredient list and I was sure it was for a pumpkin pie or other dessert. Yum!!! Chocolate and peanut butter, along with other things. After dinner we enjoyed playing a new game called Wackee Six. It was so much fun, and his whole family is so fun and hilarious! I hope we can go down and play again soon!!! Jake got some great gifts... including Civil War Stratego compliments of Louis so they can each practice up and slaughter each other some more. Charles was really enjoying all of Jake's gifts as well. Especially when he opened WALL-E. I got excited and called Charles over to look. He grabbed the movie in awe and said, "Wow, thanks!" I felt so bad. Hopefully we can have a pizza movie night with them soon. Louis and I still haven't seen that one. Thanks for letting us come and join the party. It was a ton of fun!

I think he was looking at those candles and thinking, "Man, he is old!"Squirmy was totally into the candles
Kaylee, my mom and dad

Isn't he so stinking cute?!

Ladybug Picnic

When Kaylee turned four, I planned a Princess party and she invited all of Logan to come. It was fun, but by the end I was completely exhausted! I really didn't think birthday parties were that big of a deal, ya know? I mean, after all, I worked for two years at the Lion House as a birthday party hostess. My job was to entertain ten to twelve children, generally around the age of eight for two hours. We played games, took a tour, pulled taffy, ate lunch, cake, ice cream, and opened gifts. I LOVED it!!! What happened to me? I lost all of the magic I used to possess to get kids to listen and follow instructions. I also lost my zest for parties. I dread them. I decided after Kaylee's Princess party that we would only have four birthday parties in our house. Ages 4,8,12,16. I should have stuck to that! I caved in because all Kaylee talks about is birthday parties. Who is having one, who is invited, what they are going to do. I realized that right now that is a really big deal socially. I figured it couldn't hurt, but we HAD to cut the list down! We still ended up sending out more invitations than I probably should have, but it's hard to know where to stop! I think Kaylee had fun, I was pretty frazzled, and I was worried that all the kids went home and said, "Kaylee's mom is a witch." That wouldn't be far from the truth, so if your child did say that and you defended me, thanks for the vote of confidence, but know that they were telling the truth.

I made bug antennaes for each of the kids. Actually, Amber came over and I roped HER into making them! Thanks, Amber! The kids looked great running around with their bug stuff on! We played "What bug am I?" "Categories" "I'm going on a Picnic" "Hide the Ladybug" and "Ladybug, Ladybug, who's got the ladybug?" After games we went into the kitchen and sat on the floor for the picnic. We ate butterfly sandwiches, ladybug apples, bug grahams, bug fruit snacks, and bug juice. (I couldn't find the actual 'bug juice' bottles, so we used Kool Aid bursts.) After the picnic we went upstairs and played "musical spots" to the tunes of "Ladybug Picnic" and "The Ugly Bug Ball." It was more than wild at that point. We went back downstairs to frost individual bug cakes. I used my friend's pan that makes four different types of bugs: ladybug, bee, dragonfly, and butterfly. The kids did a great job and I took a picture of each of them with their cake. (somehow I missed Megan, though. rats!) Then it was time for gifts. I was overwhelmed with how nice and numerous the gifts were! Oh dear! Next time I will tell Kaylee if she'd like a friend party she has to put "no gifts please." It was crazy and I felt a little sick as I watched her tear through each present without much thought to thank or recognize what was being given. I tried to talk to her about that later, but to no avail. Hmm... All in all I think it was a success.

A little recap of Kaylee's day: She picked donuts for breakfast and then later on Charles and I took over a birthday treat of... donuts to share with her Kindergarten class. Her teacher made her a birthday crown to wear and wrote down four nice things her friends said about her. That was fun to watch. After school Donna and Steve surprised Kaylee by picking her up and taking her to lunch at A& W. Poor Charles was a bit distraught when he found out she'd gone with them, but I kept reminding him that his birthday will come soon. Amber, Andrew, and Simon stopped by with a gift for Kaylee. The Princess and the Pauper- the Barbie movie, ya know? Confession, I LOVE that movie!!! Kaylee enjoyed watching that while I finished preparation for her party. Then came the whirlwind party! We ended the night with a spaghetti dinner and cake and ice cream with Tressa, Jake, Squirmy, Donna and Steve. Kaylee got to talk to her Grandma Kobe and my brother, Zach even called! She was so happy! I certainly hope her birthday was all she dreamed of.

The Magic of Grandma's House

I just enjoyed the privilege of spending a weekend at Grandma's. The minute I got there, all my cares seemed to vanish. Many thoughts began running through my mind and I jotted them down....

There's a very real sense of tangible love, of safety and security. From the moment you step over the threshold, you are swept up in arms of love and joy. Each word that greets you is filled with love, praise, concern, hope. Grandma's place is a place where every wall is covered with uplifting pictures of the Savior, nature, temples, family. Even the refrigerator holds a treasure trove of uplifting thoughts and lessons. Some messages remain year after year, but there is always at least one new one that I'm certain Grandma placed there just for me. As you talk and listen, Grandma paints a beautiful picture of someone amazing and truly good. It takes a while, but at last you realize that she's painting a picture of you. At Grandma's house time stands still. There is no frantic rushing about. Only calm, quiet moments which invite deep conversations and thoughtful repose. The impending doom of tomorrow seems forever at bay. But the time is never long enough. Even as you pile into the car, your mind is planning the next return as soon as possible.

I love you, Grandma, and I can't wait to come again!

Happy Birthday, Kaylee Bug

Dear Kaylee,

It is so hard for me to believe that you are six years old. I still remember the day I found out you were going to join our family. I knew before I was ever pregnant. I knew there was a very special child waiting to come and live life. I was very afraid, but I had always wanted so much to be a mother and there were times I wondered if I'd be able to have kids. It was a scary decision, but dad and I knew you needed to come to our family right away. It was a hard few months in the beginning. I was so very sick, but I was secretly ok with it, because I knew you'd be worth it all.

I dreamed of having a girl. I always thought it would be nice to have a boy first so my girls would have a big brother, but I wanted a girl so badly! I needed a girl. I never had a big brother here, but I do have a Big Brother, and He's the best. He's yours too. The day the doctor told your dad you were a girl, I was so happy, but I felt selfish. Dad used to tease me that if it was a girl he wouldn't take her home. But do you want to know something? When you were born, I knew you had all of your daddy's love. I could see it in his eyes. He used to hold you and talk to you like the two of you were the best of friends. You have his beautiful blue eyes, and his blonde hair.

You were born on a Monday night. It was pretty late by the time you joined us. It was a long night, and I never wanted it to end. I was so happy to have you here. You came on your due date, just like I'd planned. I didn't even know you were coming until the doctor told us to go to the hospital! I was so very nervous. I didn't think I could make it. I didn't think I could be a good mom for you. Dad helped me be brave. It wasn't as bad as I feared. When they put you in my arms, I never wanted to let go. I loved you so much it hurt. I wanted to keep you safe from everything and everyone who might try and hurt you. I wanted to give you the best of everything and I was going to be a perfect mom. I saw the most special baby girl lying there in my arms. I knew you'd be great, and I was right. You are great.

I always loved the name Kaylee. I used to daydream about being a mom. I always thought I'd like a girl named Kaylee. When dad and I were dating, I used to practice writing my name as Camille Koberstein. Then I'd practice writing my kid's names. I loved writing Kaylee Koberstein. Dad wasn't sure he wanted to name you Kaylee. When you were born and he held you, he decided you were definately a Kaylee, but he got to pick your middle name. And that's how you became our Kaylee Jordan.

When daddy held you in his arms and gave you a name and blessing, I was listening really closely. I remember he said you have a "keen understanding." Kaylee, you amaze me all the time at what you understand. I love it when you come home and tell me what you learned at church. I love it when you teach our lesson for Family Home Evening. It is always so simple and full of truth. I love when you decide to be good. I know that sometimes it's hard to want to be good, but you are good. I love when you make the beds to surprise me. I really do love it when you want to help me cook, even though sometimes I pretend that I don't want your help.

I love the special times we spend together. I love it when you do my hair and "decorate" me. I love when you try and get me and dad to sit by each other, or you dress me up before dad gets home from work. I love seeing you and Charles play together. It's wonderful to see the special love you share with your brother. I love reading "every night story" to you. I love it when you let me do your hair fun new ways. I love it when you read with me. I love listening to you sing. I love watching you grow, even though it hurts. It's hard for me to see you grow up. I know the day is coming too soon when you will leave me, and I will miss you so much! I will try harder to make the most of every day we have together. That way when you leave, I'll have so many happy memories to keep my heart from breaking.

I love you more than there are stars in the sky.

Love,

Mom

Birthdays

I had every intention of making sure I didn't miss any birthdays this year. Too bad I didn't get through February!

Here is an update:

Happy Belated Birthday to:

4th: Heather!!!

My awesome sister in law. I love Heather! I couldn't have hand picked a better sis in law.... oh, wait, I DID pick her! hee hee. I used to babysit Heather when she was younger. I loved to tend her family. Then she let me do her hair for some school dances, then she came to school as USU and she'd bring me treats! At last, she married my brother and let me help make her wedding cake! I love to listen to Heather play piano. She is AMAZING!!! My request is always Nocturne in E Flat Major by Chopin. You should request it sometime. Love ya Heather!

12th: Weston!!!

My wonderful brother-in-law who is living in Sacramento. We sure loved visiting Weston and being totally spoiled by his brand new pillows and bed! thanks, Wes! The kids still ask when we can see you again. Last week at church Charles was looking through a picture book of the Koberstein clan and he found Weston's picture. He looked at me and said, "That's my favorite uncle." I recently learned that Weston shares my love of good literature. I was found guilty of coveting his collection of books. When I told Charles it was Weston's birthday he got very excited and said, "Oh, he's going to come to our house for his birthday!" Maybe next year.... ;)


And for the futures so I don't mess up anymore!

15th: Kobin!!!!

My fun loving, full-of-life nephew. I haven't seen Kobin for a while since they moved to Oklahoma, but I always remember he was a mover! Always doing something fun. I hope you have a super fun birthday, Kobin!

17th: Grandpa Thaylon!!!!

Everyone should have a grandpa like mine! He is very funny, and you just never know what he is going to say next, but he has a heart as big as the moon. He always makes me feel loved. He has always spoiled me and I like to pretend that I'm his favorite. If it's not true, don't tell me, I like the delusion! Grandpa has delivered so many beds to our family in his trucks. He goes out of his way to help us and to attend all the special events of our lives. It means the world to me. I think I can safely attribute my work ethic to Grandpa. I was so excited to get my first job and tell him about it and then to show him my new car! Love you Grandpa!!! I have a birthday haircut for you whenever I can get up there again.

29th: Mike

Yeah, how cool is that, huh? Leap Year Bday! Not only that, he is a triplet! Oh, yes, feel the awesomeness. So we will think of you for that brief moment between Feb. 28th and March 1st this year. :) When I flew out to meet Louis' family, Mike and Gwen were my gracious hosts. I have never been so spoiled! They treated me so kindly and later on when we got married, they put up my family for a few days, and they are still willing to open their house to us! I really enjoy the times we get to spend with Mike. He is a hard worker and a great dad and husband. I especially enjoy the memory of riding in the wildcat-- is that right?-- the classic car he owns. I keep hoping to get him up to Logan to enjoy all the Cruise In has to offer. He'd be right at home! We hope you have a great birthday!

I think that catches me up, except for Kaylee Bug's birthday. I think I'll save hers....

But while I'm at it:

happy anniversary to:

Josh and Heather: one year on January 31st!

Mom and Dad: 31 years on February 10th!

Ready to Run

Maybe it's the melting snow, maybe it's the smell of damp earth, maybe it's the frequent pent up emotions that I am trying SO hard not to let consume me anymore....

I am ready to RUN!

wish me luck.