6

Dear Jillian,

Today you are 6. SIX! You now need both of your hands to show people your age. That is some big stuff. This morning you came bouncing in to my room, full of joy and excitement about your big day finally arriving. You hopped into bed with me and chattered on and on in your big girl way, using your hands demonstratively when talking and tucking your hair behind your ears. Your dad says you get this from me. Speaking of your dad, as I was thinking about the day of your birth I remembered a story you probably don't yet know about that day. I didn't come to know this story until you were almost 2. As Daddy and I were sitting at his residency graduation dinner (June 2010), they played a video of the graduates. They focused on each graduate, one by one, listing personal info, what their job/fellowship plans were, and so on. They also asked each graduate what their favorite moment of residency was, which was met with varied responses--some funny, some serious, but none struck me in the heart the way your dad's answer did. He said his favorite moment of residency was about an hour after you were born. The delivery drama was wrapped up, you and I were settling in, and he knew I was dying for a fully-leaded latte. He walked across the street form the hospital to Caribou (remember he works at this hospital, and frequented this Caribou) just as everyone was arriving to work on that Wednesday morning and he said he was bursting with joy, just hoping he would run into someone he knew so he could tell them he now had a beautiful, healthy daughter. He didn't happen to run into anyone he knew, so he began excitedly telling strangers and coffee shop staff about his precious little gift that was just across the street, fresh and new. Sweet, huh? A precious little gift. That's you. You may be quickly outgrowing the "little" status, but you are indeed a precious gift. This last year has been one of such growth for you, and we are marveling at your new found maturity, knowledge, and insight. I think kindergarten does something magical to kids, or at least I've seen it in you. Suddenly, I see you really forming together to be a person. All of those characteristics (the good, the bad, the frustrating) we noticed in you as an infant, toddler, preschooler seem to be working in harmony to create a fully dimensional personality. What I mean is, I think we are finally beginning to grasp who the 'real Jillian' is. You are out in "the world" most of the time, and we get feedback about that--from your teacher and your school. Your dad and I are bursting with pride at the feedback we've been getting. It's affirmed what we know about you, and also given us some nice surprises in how you've handled tough stuff with grace, reached out to kids who need some help, and accept challenges presented to you. What I'm fumbling around trying to find the words for is really this: kindergarten has given us a chance to see the fruits of our labor. It's hard to notice every aspect of personality working together, or to feel like your efforts in parenting are really doing anything when your kids are really small and demanding--it's really easy to see the tough stuff, or to see traits in isolation. School has given us a chance to step back and really view you in a whole new light. I can't describe how wonderful that feels. It's just awesome. YOU are awesome. I pray this year is full of joy, growth, and health for you. It's such a blessing to be your mom. Happy Birthday, Jilly Girl.

xoxo--Mama

p.s. Don't ever stop calling me 'Mama'. I love it.

Trunk or Treat

We attended our first ever "Trunk or Treat" last night at church. We went to church at 5:30 for the Saturday evening service, stayed for dinner (hot dogs--J was in heaven. A ate ketchup for dinner), and then headed out to the parking lot to pass out candy from the back of our car and let the girls trick or treat. It's a brilliant concept, really. We all had a great time.

Taking our costumes for a test run--Queen Elsa and Dorothy (Toto, too!) are ready to go

Adrienne, er Elsa, started singing "Let It Go" as we were taking pictures

Caught mid "go"

Daddy dressed as a Royals player!

In the parking lot, ready to go!

We ran into some Minions (min-yums as the girls say it) while we were "trunk or treating"--the girls couldn't stop giggling. Adrienne was fascinated by the tongue on the one on the right.

Elsa taking a rest in our trunk.

Dorothy was all about handing out candy. 

They also had a huge bonfire at the top of the hill and were taking kids on wagon rides. The girls didn't want to go on the hayride, but they did enjoy the fire for a few minutes.

My people: fascinated by the fire

The stars were out in all their brilliance, and Adrienne knew what to do...the same thing Matt and the girls often do in the driveway after we come home from somewhere at night.

As soon as they woke this morning, the girls were downstairs examining every single piece of candy, making trades, asking us questions about kinds they didn't know about yet. My sugar lovers are in heaven.

Just to balance all this candy madness out (remember we have a birthday in our house this week, plus Halloween and a school party) it seemed fitting to have the girls help with garden clean up today and remind them about what REAL food is...they are the best Brussels sprouts pickers around! 

2 huge bags of Brussels handpicked by these 2 clowns.

A has had lots of practice--she's been my most consistent garden helper this year

Creatures of the Night

Quarry Hill Nature Center holds a Halloween event every year called "Creatures of the Night". They lead families on an evening hike and then offer refreshments afterwards. Matt and Jillian went for the first time last year and loved it, so it was great that Adrienne was old enough this year so we could all go and enjoy it together. We met Matt for an early dinner after work in celebration of Jillian's award before heading out to QH. It was at this dinner that we decided to reveal the location of our upcoming "secret trip". The girls have known for a few months that we are going on a "secret trip" right after Jillian's birthday, but we have intentionally kept the destination a secret from them because we didn't want to hear them asking a bazillion times if "today is the day we go to Disneyworld". We were just trying to spare ourselves from any additional madness. So, we told the girls at dinner by presenting them with the Magic Bands and they seemed excited. Jillian understands what Disneyworld is on a basic level and she was appropriately stoked. Adrienne acted happy because her sister was, but really, she's clueless. I'm bracing myself, but that's another post for another time. Back to QH.....

We got there early so had some time to kill inside the nature center looking at animals. A man had a (non-poisonous) snake out for kids to hold. I was pretty shocked that Jillian went for it.

She's not sure she wants to, but does it anyway.

Adrienne touched it once, then ran away

We headed outside at our designated hike time. While we waited, we learned that we were going to be looking for 4 animals on our hike: a turkey, a coyote, a wolf spider, and a buck. We also got to get up close and personal with a beautiful Eastern Screech owl.

Soon we were off. It was a beautiful warm (50's!) night and we really enjoyed ourselves on the hike. The naturalists who dressed as each animal gave wonderful and entertaining monologues about each creature--Matt and I both learned several things and the kids were transfixed. We even saw some real wolf spiders (huge ones) inside the cave as we were chatting with the woman dressed as a wolf spider.

Walking through the woods. 

Adrienne was mesmerized by her flashlight

After the hike we had some apple cider and cookies

See, I really WAS there, too!

The best part of the night was when Matt informed the girls it was time to go home (it was after 9!), Adrienne melted into a puddle and shouted, "But we didn't get to see Anna and Elsa yet!!" I guess she misunderstood and thought that Disneyworld was at Quarry Hill......next week, A, next week.

Terrific Kid

While Matt was in Scotland, Jillian's teacher sent us both the following e mail:

Malia and Matt,

Shhhhh  It’s a surprise!    I wanted to let you know that Jillian has been chosen as a “Terrific Kid” for our Terrific Kid Assembly on Friday, October 24^th 10:10-10:40 (K-1^st-2^nd) in the gym.

Three friends from our class have been chosen for this assembly about respect.   I have chosen them because they always work hard to do their best.   They are always respectful and good role models.

You are welcome to come to the assembly if you can.

The students don’t know anything about it.  So, let’s keep it a surprise.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks, Amy Dyer

I saw the e mail when we stopped for a pit stop on the way to Des Moines, and admit I got a bit teary. There's just something about hearing great news about your kid, ya know? With Matt overseas, I was dying to discuss it with him and wondering when he'd see it. It wasn't long before he sent me this message:

This brought tears to my eyes.  I am so proud of her.  This recognition is just what she needs right now because she is trying so hard to be a good student. So wonderful.  It will be hard to keep a secret.

But, we did. We managed to keep this fun secret, and while Matt unfortunately couldn't attend the assembly, Adrienne and skipped Bible study to be there. I was glad that we were able to slip in the gymnasium and position ourselves so that Jillian didn't see us as her class was walking in.

Here come the kids!

Standing up with the other kindergartners who won awards. Jillian was just bouncing around with excitement!

Scanning the audience. She noticed there were parents in attendance, but it took her quite awhile to find me despite my frantic waving.

After the assembly they had all the kids from each grade pose with their awards. It was so nice that they took this time so that the parents could all hug and congratulate their kids and get some decent pictures since it was hard to see them well from the audience.

Beaming.

So proud of our "Terrific Kid"!

Jillian told me she was "shocked" when her name was called. "I just couldn't believe it, Mom! My name was the last name called. I had no idea. I just can't believe I won an award! I never win anything when just a few people get awards. This is so great!"

Heartwarming

Despite the large number of cat fights that occur in our home, we do have many heart warming moments between sisters. Three in the last week....

-When we were in Des Moines, Mom and Dad had the girls out back playing for the afternoon while Mal and I did a bit of shopping. Part of their outdoor fun included some races in the yard. Jillian easily won the first few races, and then Mom and Dad said they watched her slow up for the next couple races and let Adrienne win. She didn't broadcast it or make a big deal of it, but she obviously let her little sister win a couple times.

-Also while at Mom and Dad's we enjoyed a couple afternoon movies and popcorn. Jillian is a popcorn maniac, and after 3 bowls I told her no more. She was whining and protesting and Adrienne so sweetly offered, "Jillian I have free (3) pop-cones weft in my bowl. You can have one of dem".

-Adrienne can't wait for Jillian to get home from school each day. She is dying to play with her. After snack one day this week, she was begging Jillian to play with her, going down her list of offers to get her sister to bite. Jillian kept declining, telling Adrienne she just wanted some alone time in her room (Mom's response--give me a break, kid. You are (almost) 6, not 16). Finally Adrienne piped up, "But Jillian, I just want to enjoy you!"

This does a mom's heart good, girls. Treasure each other.

Kindergarten At Quarry Hill

The kindergarten classes headed to Quarry Hill for their first of two science classes. I jumped at the chance to chaperone, not only because I believe this is one of the advantages of being a stay at home mom, but also because I've been dying to meet Jillian's classmates and get a feel for the group she is a part of. Quarry Hill is an awesome place, and we are so lucky to have this in our community. Our teacher for the afternoon was Mr Payne, and he gave a fantastic lesson to all of these "young scientists" about the scientific process. He covered observation, hypothesis, and experiments thoroughly while making it really fun and entertaining for the kids (and adults). They got hands-on opportunities as well. Definitely a step up from preschool field trips in terms of content. Kindergartners are also more openly talkative to chaperones than preschoolers are. I got lots of questions (what's your name? How old are you?) and even some compliments ("I love your lipstick!"). I heard a lot of "Hey Jillian's mom! Look at this!", and some limit testers who were just checking to see if I was paying attention to their bus behavior (Yes, I was. I felt like I was at the dinner table at home....please sit down, turn around, face the front, etc etc). I admit I got a bit of a stab in the heart when Jillian politely asked about halfway through our time at QH, "Mama, is it OK if I sit with someone else on the way back?" I told her of course I didn't mind, but I did feel a bit sad inside. I know her rejection of me on so many levels is coming soon. She did end up changing her mind at the last minute, so we had some nice chatting together on the ride home. A fun way to spend a beautiful Fall afternoon!

Bus selfie

Mr Payne teaching observation skills through comparing pictures of trees to the tree they were standing under

Examining basswood leaves

Making observations about the basswood leaves

Measuring leaves

Learning the story of Junior the goose. Moms, grab a tissue before reading on....Junior was injured this summer when his parents were teaching their goslings to fly. He was unable to fly away with his family when they left for the winter and is all alone. But--Junior's mom flies back every week or two to check on him to see if he can go join the family. Hopefully Junior can heal so he can be with his family this winter! 

Taking an exploratory trek through the woods. Looking for clues in the trees.

She sees something!

You're growing up, Jilly Girl.

While Daddy's Away...

Matt was in Scotland last week for work. Edinburgh to be exact.The bummer timing of the trip is that it fell over MEA week (which is a 4 day Fall break for kids in MN b/c of teacher meetings), so we didn't have our usual routine to keep us busy, and most of our friends were either traveling or having out of town visitors. So, how did we spend our week? I'll tell you in pictures. A lot of them.

Snuggled in for our nightly reading. We sent this pic to Matt, who was about to board his trans-Atlantic overnight flight from Philly to London

An early morning trip to Chevy for an oil change and tire rotation before school. I packed breakfast, and after they ate, the girls enjoyed looking at the new toy catalogs that had come in the mail the day before (nice timing, toy companies).

On Wednesday, we picked Jillian up from school and headed down to Des Moines to spend a few days at Grammy and Grandad's. This was a nice time for an extended visit, and honestly, it really helps the girls to have a fun distraction while Matt is away. Not that they don't miss him, but being amidst constant fun at G and G's really helps to cut down on the lamenting over Matt's absence.

On Thursday, we loaded up a yummy lunch and headed out to Grandad's office to meet his work friends. After lunch, we found the farmer in one of his fields and got to ride in the combine as he harvested. This was something I got to do a lot as a kid at my grandparents' farm, so it was neat to have the girls experience this.

Jillian got to drive

If you look closely you can see Jillian and I in the combine--she is on my lap

Our ride was on the right

Waiting with Grandad in the truck for her turn

Ready to be picked up by the combine

On Saturday, Aunt Mal came up to see us. One thing I wanted to accomplish was to get some pics of the girls outdoors in the Fall foliage. We ran around a local park for awhile, playing music for the girls to dance to as I attempted this photoshoot.

Momography

Cute subjects

Oh, Adrienne

There's one in every bunch. I took about 500 photos, and Adrienne has her tongue out, her hands down her pants, or a goofy grin in about 80% of them. We may have more of a humorous focus for our Christmas card this year.

We all headed to Tasty Tacos (a Des Moines delicious dive) after the photoshoot, and then Aunt Mal and I escaped for a few hours of shopping. The girls went back to G and G's house and played outside all afternoon.

My little pumpkins with a big pumpkin

At the park behind G and G's house

I see you, Adrienne

Helping Grandad with yardwork. There's Adrienne's tongue again. This one's a framer.

On Saturday night we decided to celebrate J's birthday a bit early with G and G and Aunt Mal. We picked up some delicious cupcakes, a few party favors, and surprised Jillian after dinner that night.

Minion Grammy is ready to party

I love this series of pictures as Jillian comes out of the bathroom to see everyone in party hats and minion goggles.

Time to join the fun

Tough choice--those were some gorgeous and rather tasty cupcakes

Adrienne needed a quick intervention after she finished that cupcake. That girl is passionate about her sweets

Time for a few presents

Adrienne in top form--half naked and hand down her pants. She is so ornery and funny right now, and reminds us all of her Aunt Meggie when she was this age. Sometimes I really think I birthed a mini-Malia and a mini-Megan.

An exciting gift--the wanna be chef gets a chef jacket and hat!

What are you scratching at, A? The girl is having some real underwear problems these days. When I ask her what the issue is, she always says, "My underwear just go right into my bottom!" She is learning what a wedgie means.

Silly sisters

Love love love this

We headed back late Sunday morning, stopped at the grocery store, and frantically cooked, unpacked, did laundry, and settled back in the rest of the afternoon. I was pretty happy to be settled and have our laundry done before Matt got home late that night with all of us. He brought us all some fun Scottish gifts--cashmere plaid scarves and a Harris Tweed bag for me, and the usual snow globes for the girls, along with some kilt-wearing teddy bears, and the hottest item in our house these days--"real big girl purses". These bags go everywhere with us now. Jillian even carried it downstairs first thing this morning, ready to roll.

A good bag--never leave home (or your bedroom) without it.