Closing of 2011

So far turning seven has been an exciting age with something interesting lurking around every corner; from teeth falling out of his head, learning how to ride his bike and reading 220 page books in four hours for the first time to spontaneously making breakfast for everyone. Gabriel has found the ever so popular "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" books so funny that he breezes through them and can't wait for the next one. He's learning to be a considerate and thoughtful young man and continues to make us laugh and think. He asked me if the star on top of the Christmas tree was representative of the star that followed Jesus when he was born? I hesitantly said, "sure, why, yes." Honestly I had never really thought about it, but it made sense. Then he said, "Yep, I know my ornamathology." He also seems to be outgrowing his eczema and sensory issues with seeing his first movie in a theater in years. And he had his first sleep over at a friends house – not surprisingly said he didn't sleep a wink. He's always wanting to do something fun and says constantly, "So, what'cha wanna do now?" I believe he thinks I am his endless entertainment for monopoly, bowling or mini-golf partner.

Giselle is about potty trained with scaling the toilet on her own. Adios Pampers! She's been happier lately and finally understanding the meaning of the word "no". Don't get me wrong, she still has her mob boss two-year old mentality but I can see light at the end of the "twos" tunnel as we enter the "threes" – and it looks beautiful. She does have her sweet moments. One day when I was sick, she said "Mommy, you tired?" and put a blanket over me. And she sweetly follows her big brother around like a baby duckling. It's so adorable.

The ending of 2011 hasn't been without it's interesting twists and turns too. We are trying to think fiscally creative and have made the decision to refinance our home. Then we learned Jim's dad, Ed Pett, passed away on December 7th. He was exactly two months away of making it to 94 years. Followed by all of us enduring a horrific stomach flu the week after. We felt better in time to enjoy Christmas with exception of Shawna. The kids and I enjoyed our traditional making cookies and drinking hot chocolate on Christmas Eve and then making Christmas pancakes after opening presents Christmas morn. Giselle got a kitchen set and made me pretend hot chocolate for hours on end and Gabriel played with his new Hot Wheels tracks all day. He actually cried when he opened his last gift, Mario Kart cartridge for his Nintendo DS. We had a secret santa drop off some gifts for the kids which was incredibly sweet. It ended up being a relaxing fun day. The last day of the year, New Years Eve, was incredibly fun too as we spent it with friends at their home playing Guesstures and drinking margaritas. We're ready for whatever exciting new adventures 2012 will bring.