It's all about Caroline

Colorado July 2009

Or, as it seems, sometimes it isn't all about Caroline. I don't know if the curse of the second child is real or a made up urban legend to help us parents feel less guilty for not having enough baby pictures, for forgetting their first word or remembering their first step or even sometimes noticing that they have their own opinions and personality and are not carbon copies of their older siblings. Aunt Shelly is even the founding member of the Second Child Club, to which Molly and Neil are members, as is Caroline. To my credit, there were technical difficulties surrounding Caroline's newborn pictures so yes, there are very few. It was an accident. Also, from the time Caroline was 7 months until she was 17 months is a total blur. That is when my mom was diagnosed with her brain tumor and passed away. I feel lucky that we made it thru each day and usually had clean laundry, let alone documented what her first word or first steps. I do know her first tooth was about 8 months, I know she ate sand at the beach at 8 months, (when we had to get out of the neuro hospital for a little while and ran off to San Diego). I know she was a turtle for Halloween,I know she wasn't quite walking when my sister got married in January, when Caroline was 13 months old - her flower girl dress was floor length - a lot of fun with a non-walker! But honestly, I don't remember Caroline then and it makes me sad. But, a lot of circumstances that were beyond my control made it this way and I hope as she grows up she will forgive me.

La Jolla August 2009

However, I will take the (unfortunate) credit for struggling to recognize and embrace Caroline's own personality traits, her likes and dislikes, her strengths, and her weaknesses - weaknesses that are truly hers and not just things she is not as good at as her sister. Does that make sense? I often say "Lindsay has it all together, Caroline puts everything together or can't get it together." Layers of mismatched clothes, inappropriate accessories for the activity, and she really prefers her hair down and unbrushed. We struggle to do hair daily. (It was awesome when teaching Art Masterpiece to her class yesterday my teching partner/friend asked if I ever brush her hair...believe me, I tried.) Steve and I have talked a lot about encouraging Caroline and finding special things for her - time to spend with her, to notice when she speaks up and does a good thing, when she is a good helper, and to really take the time to realize that just because she does something different than her sister doesn't make it wrong.

Roller Skating school fundraiser with friends from school September 2009

In trying to make the best choices for each of my children and our family as a whole, I picked up the book, The Time Starved Family. I have been wanting to read and find the magic answer to helping over scheduled families find their way and decide what is and what isn't important to maintain quality family time and progress and grow together, not just ping-pong from activity to activity. Here is where Caroline fits in. It is the start of Fall soccer season. Practice actually started last week and the first games are today. I have struggled with deciding if we needed to add soccer back into our schedule. I mean, I adore the sport. Played all growing up. Steve enjoys it with the girls - I think he was worried it was going to be always dance with the girls and soccer is his sport thing with them. But I didn't want to add one more thing. As it is, M-W we have dance, gymnastics (twice), activity days, and I have mutual. I have already had to say no playdates M-W; we are too busy. And the girls wanted soccer too. Oh boy. The thought of having to be in one more place just about put me over the edge so I delayed registration. A lot. But in thinking about it, I realized that Caroline needs her special thing, her activity that makes her feel important, her opportunity to shine! And soccer is it. She never stops talking about how soccer is her favorite sport. We call her Sporty Spice for a reason. She is adorable in her own little unkempt pigpen way and I love that and wouldn't trade her for the world. Lindsay will not be playing soccer. I know she is disappointed but with all else she has going on I think she gets that it is for the best. The coach as invited her to "assist" at practices and I think that helps fill that void for her.

First game of the Fall Soccer Season September 2009

Now go, my little soccer player - run and kick and score a goal or two - this is your season to shine!!

Huh? Midway, Utah?

We needed a little getaway - it has been 2 years since we have gone on a trip without the kiddos and was time again for sure! We were iffy if we would even go at all and if you know us well, you know that advance planning is not our strongest suit. I know a lot of you would cringe at not having a vacation etched in stone on a calendar a year in advance but I guess we like to live on the edge and see where the wind will take us! (Two years ago we had a flight into Oakland, CA and a flight home 9 days later out of John Wayne in OC and a first night's hotel and a rental car...and a laptop with tripadvisor.com as our trusty companion.) What also helped make this a "winging it" vacay was the guest passes for US Airways that Danika offered to us - thanks for the hook up!

This time we took a friend's suggestion (Maddy - thanks!) to try Midway, Utah. We were already considering Park City - the ski capital of the world but a gem of a summer destination as well. Midway is a charming little mountain village about 20 minutes from Park City in the Heber Valley. It is designed in a Swiss/European style - almost every building has the cute charming look of a European Mountain Village. Using our trusty friend tripadvisor.com we found the #1 rated Bed & Breakfast in the area, Invited Inn, and booked a 4 night stay. Their motto is to spoil you rotten and they weren't kidding! We arrived and were greeted by Bill who took our luggage and gave us slippers to use for our stay. We were shown around the lovely home. 3 out of 4 nights we were the only guests there so we were truly pampered. Multi-course breakfasts each day were Belgian Waffles, French Toast, German Pancakes, and Eggs Benedict. We lost count at how many kinds of fruit we were served each morning. Additionally we had the best hot chocolate and flavored milk steamers - so delish! It was truly a no lunch breakfast and literally we did not eat lunch a single day we were there. We only snacked on (the cutest little) apples picked from the tree out front. Additionally, they had one of those never ending cookie platters, fresh popped popcorn every night and afternoon hors devours with smoothies and Italian sodas. Yup - we were spoiled indeed. I am going to have to say - a nice fully appointed hotel is great but there is something extra special about a B&B. Try it sometime.

We spent our days relaxing, hiking, eating amazing dinners, getting massages at The Homestead Spa (which is housed in an original 1886 building), shopping, relaxing some more, zip-line riding/alpine sliding/apine coastering in Park City, snorkeled in The Crater, and more eating - in and around Midway, Park City and Sundance. The only disappointing thing was the disappearing blue sky while we were there - Utah was quickly being overcome with smoke from fires in Southern Utah and probably LA too. But we did notice a few leaves starting to turn - so pretty since we don't get to see leaves turn color until, say February, if at all around here!

If you are our friend in Utah and are disappointed we didn't come see you, don't worry - we didn't see anyone. ;)

I would totally go again. It was truly memorable. A great big thank you to Molly who watched my kids while she was dealing with THIS and thanks also to Maddy who helped Molly help me by also taking a turn with the big girls. I love you ladies like crazy!

It's great to be Eight!

For as long as I can remember, Lindsay's favorite color has been purple (like Nama Sue) and her favorite number has been Eight...because that is when she would be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Well, her favorite colors have evolved to include pink and orange that together with purple make the color of the sunset. But I hope her favorite number will always be 8 - it has been a special time preparing for her baptism and renewing and creating lots of traditions to make this a memorable occasion.

We had many special guests - Grandma and Grandpa from South Carolina, Aunt Shelly, Uncle Joe and Grandma Nadene from Oregon, Grandpa Mike, several ward friends and Lindsay even invited several family friends who were not members of our church. Her kindergarten teacher even came - it was truly a room full of people we love but we know several more would have been there had it been possible.

Before Lindsay was baptized we were out in the hallway and she said she was nervous and scared. I reminded her all that we had done to prepare and I knelt down with her and said a prayer. We had a special program put together by Lindsay - she chose her songs and who the speakers would be. Aunt Molly gave a wonderful talk on Baptism - that the B is for Born Again, the A is for Actions, P is for Priesthood, (T I & S - I forgot - I will fill in later) M is for Missionary.

Then Lindsay was baptized by her daddy. What a wonderful experience for them both - Steve said he was rather caught up in the emotion of it all. Lindsay did have a toe pop so she needed to do the baptism a second time! When the ordinance was over, I wrapped Lindsay's new white towel around her and took her to change, I held her close and cried - I told her she was as fresh and clean as the day she was born, it was like I was holding her again for the very first time when she was born.

While Steve and Lindsay changed, Grandpa Bill spoke - a "teaching moment" we called it. We knew we would have several people there not of our faith and he took a few minutes to teach about ordinances and the 4th Article of Faith. I love a chance to hear Bill talk and I missed most of it, helping Lindsay, but I understand our guests were very well taught and touched.

Aunt Shelly spoke on the Holy Ghost and had wrapped gifts to teach that the Holy Ghost is 1. A compass, 2. comforter, and 3 a light. Then Lindsay was confirmed a member of the church by Steve with several family members standing in the circle. Oh, how grateful we are for the restoration of the priesthood! Some memorable thoughts from Lindsay's blessing: (thank you Sister Heninger!!!)

* Bless you that now that the Holy Ghost will be a constant companion to you

* will teach you right from wrong

* In times when you are afraid you'll have courage and be the best little girl you can be

* Heavenly Father considers you a choice daughter

* Heavenly Father loves you so much and is proud of the step you took today

* Bless you that the Holy Ghost will help you in school and church and everything you are doing

It was a very special service, indeed. I made a small scrapbook for Lindsay of her growing up with scripture quotes with room for notes from friends and family. It is adorable and a great book to remember her special time. I am on my way out of time and having trouble getting it up so check back later - it is so cute!

We had friends and family over for Lindsay's favorite - ice cream!

Lindsay's friends and cousins who came to the baptism - what a great group of kids!

Me and my baby

With Steve's parents. I do have one regret - I did not get enough pictures! Someone else should have been in charge of that - I was coordinating here and there and everywhere and missed a couple chances. But know that we are so glad that everyone who came was able to share our special day with our special little girl!

I'm a very lucky girl... and so am I.

12 years ago I married THIS guy...

Who turned into THIS guy....

Then....

...and now!

I do have to say, I am pretty lucky.

In two weeks we will celebrate with a little get away.
Meanwhile, today will mean lots of yard work.

Could there be a sweeter eight year old?

Today my baby is Eight years old.

8 years ago I was anxiously waiting for my baby girl to come. I had gone into labor at home about 1am August 11th. By that evening I was so sick. My body was not doing well in labor. My kidneys had shut down. I had a 104 fever. I was regressing instead of progressing. Her heart rate was all over the place. Had it not been for a final decision at 2:30am (after 3 hours of pushing thru illness) to finally go ahead and do a c-section, me and my baby girl may have had a different outcome. Instead, at 3:13am my baby was finally delivered. I had passed out - too exhausted and sick from the past 24 hours to be awake when my baby girl was born. But here she was. Crooked ear and all. All 9 pounds of her. Finally I told my mom what Steve and I had decided to name her:

Lindsay Claire Simpson

Oh, how we had dreamed about this day. What would she look like? Who would she look like? Would she have the hair? Well, we all know about the hair. And really, I think she is beautiful and bears a resemblance to my mom. All I know is she was perfect. Just what we had always imagined and more. Never had there been a more perfect baby. My mom dubbed her the world's first perfect grandchild.

I didn't know who or what she would become but I knew she would be loved not only by us but an entire extended family waiting to welcome her into the world, as #1 grandchild in my family, as the #7 grandchild in Steve's family. To her mom and dad who could not get enough of her soft skin, her tiny lips, her 17 chins, her cuddly body.

She has a tender spirit about her and is moved often to notice the small and lovely things this world has to offer. She has a generous loving heart and brings joy to a room with a winning smile and gregarious giggle. A day without Lindsay leaves an ache in my heart for her laugh and eyes that smile from here to the moon.

Me and my baby enjoying the Tide Pools in La Jolla, CA together this past weekend.

Checking out creatures

Watching for the perfect waves. Lindsay was lucky enough to get to spend her birthday weekend at the beach. (More on that later.)

If you are in town, we would love to have you join us as Lindsay is baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is a time to recognize the commitment she has made to live her life according to the teachings of the Jesus Christ and celebrate this special ordinance together as family and friends.

First Day of School! First day of School!

This scene has been playing in my head since last night...don't you think of this or something like it? Nemo meeting his teacher, getting to know the classroom, making friends, ready for the unknown... And Marlin - wondering if his little one is prepared for the big bad world that awaits, if he will make friends, nervous about the unknown...

Well, Today we sent our kiddos off to school and Caroline was my Nemo. This morning, after a bit of coaxing out of bed, was ready to go to school! Lindsay is the BTDT (been there done that) big sis and knew the drill all too well. We had a great morning!

Getting the morning off to a good start with "Rolled Up Pancakes" (crepes to you), melon and juice. Caroline just picked at her breakfast. I think she was so excited to get to school. After Sunday night's meltdown I think she was ready to get going! Last night both of us got angry and collapsed in tears on her bed - and our real feelings about being sad and scared bubbled up and we cried and cried together. We eventually ended by making up a secret handshake for the first day.

Their clothes were laid out on the window seat and ready to go - I know Caroline was really looking forward to choosing uniform outfits. And really, I was too - If you have been around her lately, you know she has been quite the creative dresser. A pirate vest from a Halloween costume has dominated this summer.

Let's get a close up of my girlies. Lindsay was so ready to be protective of her little sis. Lindsay's 3rd grade class is in the annex building so the possibility of them running into each other in passing is pretty remote. Caroline was bummed. (But, as I would find out later today, their lunch recess overlaps each other by about 10 minutes - which surprised both of them! I hear there was a happy hugging reunion.)

Admiring their new polka dot Converse. I wish I could get me some of those!

With their "well pleased" mama and daddy. So glad Steve was able to join us to walk the girls for the first day of school. From here on out, Steve will drive the girls to school on his way to work. Lindsay will drop Caroline off at the Kinder waiting spot before meeting up with her class line.

We pulled The Critter out of bed to join us...she was pretty sleepy!

So, wouldn't you know Lindsay and Ellie were wearing the exact same shirt and had almost the same hair style? Last year they came wearing the exact same top and bottom! They didn't plan it either time! Those girls...these BFF's are so bummed they will never be in the same class together...since Ellie is a grade level younger - she is a wee bit taller though! LOL! I like to tell Lindsay she is pocket sized. This makes her giggle.

Happy reunions with friends

Caroline and Ms. Jones. She was Lindsay's kinder teacher - we adore her.

And their off!

A few more from the morning

And how did The Critter and I spend our day?

Measurements and getting casts made for a new set of braces. Just little fiberglass castings that were cut off as soon as they set up to make a mold of her legs and feet to make the new AFO's. She is still on nighttime wear - it was just time for a bigger pair. She got a lot of wear out of the old ones - wearing them since October! New pink AFO's will be ready next Tuesday.

Read on to see how we started back to school last night.

Respect.

I am always trying to work on developing new traditions for our family. Kids thrive on it - they look forward to certain holidays or special occasions because of the memories created by traditions. The Christmas Advent. The Valentine's Dates. Popcorn and movies. Last day of school. And now, first day of school. Last year, after getting to know NieNie after learning of their nearly fatal plane crash, I read on her blog about her back to school tradition of planning a special meal and introducing a theme for the new year. I tucked this one in my brain file of great ideas I would like to implement for my family. So this year, Steve and I had a talk and in thinking about the things we wanted to emphasize as a family, we could boil it all down to one word:

Respect.

Respect your parents. Respect your teachers and school. Respect your friends. Respect each other. Respect yourselves. And most importantly, Respect the Lord.

I think as parents we all are witnesses to a growing generation of kids who pay more respect to electronics and Disney Channel than their families. Zoning out in front of the TV and not hearing a parent ask (again)for a chore to be completed. Thinking that "no more snacks - it is almost dinner time" really means "If I get the bag of dorritos and she doesn't see, it is OK". Sassy mouths speaking to their parents in ways we never would have dreamed of doing as kids. running crazy through Target when they have been told to stand by the shopping cart. I could go on. You all could probably fill in the blanks unless your kids are perfect and if they are - do share your secrets!! Us parents aren't totally off the hook either. Are we respecting our time with our kids if the computer or multi-tasking or any number of adult distractions keep us from really hearing our kids, from being there when they need us. Now, I am a firm beliver in not always having to entertain my kids - they need to learn to use their imaginations and be independent thinkers. But who of us has ever been guilty of nodding "uh-huh" and not really hearing them when they ask or tell us something important. Or received a few too many tugs at the shirt while engrossed in something on the computer? Or spend too much down time pursuing empty distractions and not taking care of household business so it is not a distraction later? I am guilty of all of these at various times.

Thus, our theme became Respect. I decided to make a plaque that we all signed and I would mount and hang near our dining table so we can always be reminded and have opportunities to discuss and remember and be reminded. I liked the idea of having one word to holler when they are getting out of control...and not a big long phrase! Respect was it.

Steve and I made a "fancy" dinner served in courses. The girls were excited and dressed up - well, Lindsay dressed up! Caroline was mad that we were serving our dinner as courses - she thought all she was going to get was the salad. She also brought a tootsie pop - that crazy girl.
We served salad with a wedge of melon, cheesy onion rolls, loaded baked potatoes, marinated and grilled london broil, and raspberry lemonade...in the fancy tall glasses.

Steve left after dinner to attend a stake priesthood meeting and when he came back, it was time for before school Father's blessings and cheesecake. I love hearing Steve offer blessings for the girls from their Father in Heaven and Daddy here. I am forever grateful for this in our family. It is always a very sacred experience. Baby Kate is learning to fold her arms and was trying her best to be reverent (for a moment) and wanted to crawl up on the chair for her turn when the big girls were done. She got a special Father's blessing too!

We finished the night off with cheesecake. A few days earlier I asked the girls what their favorite dessert was. I know they sometimes have different tastes since Lindsay loves ice cream and does not like cake and Caroline is often unpredictable. They looked at each other knowingly and said at the same time "Cheesecake." So often I make Cheesecake for a special event involving adults, to take to parties, to give away. Rarely do I make it just for my family. Christmas is murder on them - last year I made 3 dozen 5" cheesecakes to give away. They begged me to save one tiny cheesecake for us. So this was a real treat.

I am just thrilled to be working on a new tradition and while I am reasonable with my expections and I don't expect miracles I hope that the memories surrounding this special night will help us all remember to show a little more respect in our family and with those around us.