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So it turns out Facebook ate my life. Seriously. I get nothing done when my account is active.
I deactivated Sunday and it is INCREDIBLE the number of things that got accomplished today. I precooked  the base for several meals worth of food, did the grocery shopping, killed ninjas (kickboxing class), met with a friend to go over the house plans, washed and vacuumed the car, and attended two teleconferences for something I can't tell you about yet. ;)
I feel like I'm going to be blogging a LOT more.
Lucky you.

I keep getting messages from my sister about my lack of blogginess and how she gets her family news from my blog and why aren't I blogging anymore? The truth is, I'm just too busy on Facebook to blog much. Oh, and you know, the kids and building a house. :P

Seriously, the update:
We decided to move to Boise but that is proving more difficult than it sounds. In the end we decided to build, which is also more difficult than it sounds.

The Boy is in kindergarten and reading up a storm. A few weeks ago I went in and taught the kids about Vincent Van Gough. Then they each made a mixed media reproduction of "Starry Night". The next day I was asked to substitute which was also fun. :)

His music is going splendidly. His teacher is so impressed with him. He's advancing spectacularly and is actually kinda bored with the program he's in so we are thinking of putting him in private lessons next year so he can go at his own pace.

Zsa is in preschool now and LOVING it. Actually, at this exact moment, she is in Phoenix with Daddy. They went for a wedding and some work meetings. And also, Daddy/Daughter Bonding. I hear they are doing splendidly. Zsa is quite the character. We love her imagination and enthusiasm.

CJ is learning to talk and it is so much fun! Someday, she may sleep all night long. I hope.

This has taken me all day to write, and THAT'S why I don't blog any more.

A Note to CJ, On Her Birthday

Today, my newest love, you turn one. Cozy in bed, your legs resting atop mine so I can't escape our morning ritual once you slip into dreamland, I write.

You came into this world so solemn. Not a sad soul, but a quietly reflective one. Everyone commented on how quiet you were, how sober. You attitude in the womb was the same. I would put ice on my belly just to get you to move.  Sometimes I wonder if you knew how...interesting your birth would be. Or if people are like cats and that birth stole one of your lives so you spent that first part of life being put out. Whatever the reason, you were so easy as an infant. I could have a million more if they were all like you.

Every morning I wake up so glad I'm waking up next to you. Your morning grin says you feel the same. Sometimes you act surprised to find us right there when you wake up. surprise followed by delight is my favorite version of you but I do wonder who features in your dreams those nights.

For the record, I was and am 100 percent fine with your being a mama's girl. It doesn't hurt my feelings when you prefer me over everyone else or when you fuss because not-the-mama is holding you. I see 16 looming in the not-to-distant future.  I remember 16. I'd like to skip yours, if you don't mind. But just in case we don't, I'm going to soak up your love now and store it away for later.

I love that once you started to walk, your personality bloomed. Now that you are upright and moving under your own power, your giggles and smiles fill the room with happiness.
The baby mimic is one of my favorite stages and watching you parrot your older siblings is terrifying and a joy wrapped a bubble of awe.
Listening to you join in the singing is a riot. You are absolutely sure you've got the words and tune down but the reality is you sound like a chicken. A perfectly marvelous chicken.

As long as we are discussing quirks, every orange is your orange, regardless of who actually owns the fruit. I'd love to take you to Arizona in December and show you the groves. in the mean time, I'll just save you slices from my orange. :-)

Happy Birthday, beautiful. You are my favorite child. Don't tell the others.

Break?

You guys, I can't catch a break! CJ has been non-stop sick and this week the whole family (except Hubs, knock on wood) caught a stomach bug. Sheesh! Zero time to research.
Hope everyone is doing ok. I'm still loving the barefoot time but today I've had zero outside time, thanks to all the puking and I'm missing it.