Young Women in Excellence

I'd say I was about 50% less stressed about this year's Young Women In Excellence than I was last year. Not only do I have one of these shin-digs under my belt, but I get to work with really fantastic counselors, advisers and of course, my long-suffering secretary. The Laurel class picked The Princess and the Frog for the theme. Here's the invitation:

What we pulled from the movie was Tiana's determination to work hard and stay true to herself no matter what her circumstances. Her mantra of "I'm almost there" is a great reminder to endure to the end. We turned the gym into a swamp with pools of water, lilies, frogs and fireflies.

The display table with the streams of fireflies behind it was my favorite. I was so impressed with the girls and all they brought to display. We have a very talented bunch, and I'm proud of all they are striving to accomplish in their youth. There were crepes with fresh fruit, Nutella and whipped cream to munch on during the program.

Each of the lilies had a tealight and the warm, flickering glow made that cavernous gym feel really cozy.

The girls hear from me so much, I really didn't want to speak this time around. However, I strongly believe in the "return and report" philosophy so I did kind of a year-in-review rather than a talk. It was really fun to highlight some of the amazing activities we've done this past year, and to highlight the girls in the process. One of my counselors suggested we make it a tradition!

Here is the video. I've watched it over a dozen times and it always makes me tearful. 

I love these girls so much!

Pump It Up

Somehow Brigitta got it in her mind we were going to Pump it Up over the break. She sidled up to the kitchen table where the adults were chatting and with her tiny voice asked when we were going. Initially, I told her I didn't think anyone wanted to go. She quietly slid down from the table and took a poll among the cousins.

With the results of her thorough research at hand, she again sidled up to the kitchen table and informed me everyone wanted to go. Knowing how expensive it can be, and not wanting to put a financial burden on people who had already traveled across the country, I told her it would cost too much.

"How much?" she insisted. I gave an arbitrary number, like $130.

She quietly slid down from the table and momentarily disappeared... until she reappeared with $.40 and asked if that was enough. Her cousin Paisley quietly reported that Brigitta had shaken that change out of her piggy bank- which we strictly use towards college savings.

I was about to break the sad news that $.40 isn't nearly enough to cover $130 when my magnanimous mother stepped in. She had talked to my generous father and they agreed to make up the difference. I was honestly a little annoyed when I called Pump it Up. Brigitta and I often lock horns over a battle of wills and I was losing this one. Maybe they were closed for the weekend. Turns out they were actually open, and had a punch card deal which would only set my parents back $30. Game point Brigitta. The grandkids got together and wrote a big Thank You note for Grandpa. I have to admit, everyone was ready to get out of the house.

Oh man, those kids had a BLAST!!! Every time I saw Brigitta, her cheeks were a touch more red and she was a touch more out of breath. Even Whitney and Tim seemed to have fun watching the nieces and nephews attack all those inflatables.

Piper and Paisley made a triumphant return to the rock climbing wall. Encouraged by cousins, aunts, uncles and grandma, Liesel and Ireland mastered it for the first time.

Sydney was really itching to get her turn and well, let's just say the rock wall was not quite to her liking. 

I may never understand the appeal of these hurricane booths but the kids really love them. Piper cracks me up at the end with her thumbs up. 

My little negotiator Brigitta arranged a pretty fantastic afternoon for everyone. She didn't whine, or pitch a fit, she just persisted. I have to admit, I'm impressed... and we all really had a great time!

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving around here was pretty epic. My parents, brother Logan (and family), sister Reagan (and family) and Whitney and Tim graced us with their presence. We borrowed some folding chairs and tables from our ward and for the first time, actually shared a meal in the dining room! We've been in this house for 2 years and never used the dining room because we don't have the furniture yet. Sitting on those folded chairs, it wasn't fancy, but surrounded by family, it was wonderful. 

After seeing the movie Dan in Real Life, I like to do a crossword puzzle challenge with guys against girls whenever family gets together. The girls team has Mom with her PhD in English but the boys team has Tim and Allen who both served missions in France- and for some reason that is a huge asset when working on crossword puzzles. The girls were so close to winning this time around, but the boys beat us yet again. Boo. Maybe next time. 

I put in a request to Piper for a reprisal of a cousin's play featuring "Wisdom Bird" and lickety split she created a script, started rehearsals with everyone and handmade all the costumes out of scrap-booking paper. She spent pretty much a whole day on it. Piper really outdid herself this time! This is my favorite cousin's play to date. 

After the big feast, we played a game introduced to us by Krystal where everyone writes down a person, place or thing on 5 slips of paper. In the first round, whoever is up can use words or actions to get people to guess. In the second round, they can only use words, and in the final round, only actions. Some standouts were Lindsey Lohan (didn't even know Dad knew who she was!), Caitlyn Jenner, taco salad, and kilt. We are hooked, and we can't wait to play again!!!

Quick shout out to Harley who is seriously the sweetest with her little cousins. She's old enough she could do her own thing-- and I never expect the older cousins to babysit the younger ones--but I always find Harley playing with the little girls, reading to them, engaging with them. I love her so much for it. Harley is a helper, and she doesn't make a big deal about it.

As the light faded outside, it was time to put the kids to bed. Lately Brent and I have done "inspection" which is really just a way to ensure the girls aren't sneaking out of bed because they need to brush their teeth or pee or get a book. We ask them if they've done all that and they respond with either a "check" or an "uncheck" and that determines if they pass or fail inspection. For the record, Sydney always throws in an "uncheck" even if she's done everything. Well, my Marine brother Logan happened to be around and has been through real, military inspections so we handed this one over to him.

He was pretty dang thorough!. It was really cute to see the kids snap to for him, I have to say. Once the little ones were all tucked in, Logan and Krystal had to get going but like I said, it had been a pretty epic Thanksgiving. I'm so grateful for my family and that they chose to gather in our little corner of the world for the holiday.

Aurgh, I need to stop leaving my phone where Reagan can get it!

Paisley! I consider you an accomplice to this crime!!!

Take Your Kids to Work Day

This years' Take Your Kids to Work Day was pretty monumental. Brent felt confident he could handle all 4 girls so it was Sydney's first time. 

It's interesting how a daily drudgery like Brent's commute into Chicago is so magical to these little ones. Liesel said she felt like Superman as the train sped toward the city. The girls loved the whistle and the sounds of wheels on the tracks.

They loved meeting the conductor, Eddie...

...and of course always had the final destination in mind.

In their pigtails and bright clothes, they really stood out from all those commuters. They were good about staying close to Brent who navigates all those stairs and busy streets expertly. 

Oh yes, everyone in this family loves Take Your Kids to Work Day!

There was face painting which produced 3 tigresses and 1 butterfly:

They had something similar to Build-A-Bear where they put together their own stuffed animals.

They all chose a unicorn. We are now flush with unicorns. 

There were movies and treats in the conference rooms. Having been to Take Your Kids to Work Day for the past several years, Liesel and Ireland were able to connect with old friends.

Sydney loved spending the day with Dad but all that excitement came crashing down on her as the gentle rocking of the commuter train swayed her into sleep.

Aside from the joy of getting a day off, I particularly treasure Take Your Kids to Work Day because it gives the girls a chance to grasp where Dad goes and what he does when he leaves us in the morning. Granted, he isn't watching movies and eating donuts in the conference room, he doesn't get his face painted, and he certainly isn't creating his own stuffed animal. However, the girls get to see his office, meet his co-workers and they can picture where he is when he calls and checks in on us in the middle of the day. 

Sydney is already looking forward to her next trip downtown with Dad.

Sydney is THREE!

This post is a hard one for me to write. My little baby is growing up and yes, I'm mourning it a bit. The sweet dimples on the knuckles of her hands are disappearing. Her little Buddha belly is shrinking and suddenly her legs are getting long and lean. Her cheeks are still mercifully soft and pillowy... belying the grown-up phrases and questions coming out of her mouth. Her hair is gradually thickening and lengthening so I can braid it now.

I can't stop time. But perhaps I can record this moment in time and at least remember all the quirks and peccadilloes that made her my little girl back in the day. Still, I feel like those memories are slipping as quickly from my fingers as Sydney's babyhood. It's trite but true: they grow up so fast.

Sydney get's "firsty" and notices it gets "lighten" in the morning and "darken" at night. As I change the millionth poopy mess (potty training has been a challenge with this one), she timidly asks if I'm "happy at" her or "sad at" her. When I give her instructions- like to find her shoes or to bring me the wipes (seriously, the potty training!), she mournfully says, "OK" in the sweetest little voice.

I love her little airplane dance, captured by my sister Reagan in the photos above. She will often "fly" her way around the house as she navigates her own little happy world. A handful of toothbrushes and a sink half-filled with water provides hours of entertainment for Sydney as the mermaids play by the pool. She doesn't actually say pool. She says "poohaa" and I kids you not, it's the most adorable thing in the world.

It was actually pretty chilly but the light was rapidly dying and Reagan (correctly) felt the pictures would be better outside than inside. Sydney really loves this dress so it was a challenge, but Reagan did a fantastic job. 

Perhaps the thing I'm mourning the most is the loss of her simple happiness. Sydney has always been my little ray of sunshine-- my sweetly smiling face no matter how bad of a mommy day I'm having. I see that starting to change now. The Wuehler stubbornness is starting to creep in (potty training!!!), and she's starting to disobey and talk back. Aside from adding to the frustration and exhaustion of any given day, it makes me sad to see the attitude creeping out of her. I could always rely on Sydney to lighten any situation, and that is starting to change.

I already know that by the time I post about her 4th birthday she will have shaken off the last of babyhood, even toddlerhood, and we will simply be a house of little girls. There is much to look forward too (POTTY TRAINING!) but I can't help but feel there is so much we are leaving behind. Admittedly, I've gleefully disposed of the rear-facing car seat, the crib, the high chair, the bibs, bottles and oh man, all that other baby stuff that clogged up our home for so long. I just never want to dispose of the chubbiness, the sweetness, the innocence... but I don't get a choice on those. They don't get tossed in a garbage bin, they just fade and then disappear whether I want them to or not.

Breakfast in bed and a tiara for the birthday girl!

 I hope this post does her justice. One day, I hope I look back on this one and smile at the memories of this little one, while she was still so little. The sad truth is that it's so easy to forget all those tiny details and I just want to lock them up in my heart and relive them over and over.

Traditional 3 year birthday gift- a personalized piggy bank along with rolls of quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies as well as a $2 bill as she leaves her twos. 

Well, aside from the potty training...

Tidbits

Although she loves fries, tater tots and hash-browns, there is something about a simple, boiled potato that Sydney is fundamentally opposed to.

Really, really opposed.

Liesel went on a hay ride with her Activity Days friends.

Sydney was having a bad day vis a vis potty training and Gita took it upon herself to console her. My favorite part is when she says, "Could you just calm down?" She's so matter of fact, so in control, it gets me every time.

Sydney has been the toughest nut to crack when it comes to potty training. The other day, as I was changing yet another poopy pull-up, she queried, "Mom, are you happy wif me?" I told her I was sad. I want her to be able to take dance and go to preschool, and she can't do any of that if she isn't potty trained. She thought for a moment then started making silly faces at me until I laughed. "Now you're happy again Mom!" Kills me.

This year's flu shots went much more smoothly than last year's. Our pediatrician is still talking about the weeping and wailing from that time.

Ireland was invited on a play date and the sweet girl's mother did crafts with them and sent me pictures. Sometimes I feel like a real slacker of a mom.

They even raked up leaves just so the girls could play in them. Then she texted and asked if Ireland could stay even longer. Yeah, I'm really a slacker of a mom.

The girls do this every time they watch a Universal Studios movie. Every. Time.

Liesel was also invited on a play date to a pumpkin farm. 

She had an absolute blast with her cute friend.

Meanwhile, Brent and I finally cut down the gnarled and overgrown bushes in the back corner of the yard. I've been wanting to do that for years, and unseasonably warm temperatures finally made it possible.

We've been told the previous owners were big baseball fans and the number of balls we found in there proved that to be quite true.

I was so happy to see this pile disappear during brush pick up! For the most part, we are tending to our yard by the inch, but this was a rare occasion where we made some serious progress.

He really is living the dream. Those girls adore him!

Annie left me this sweet note. I came across it on a day when I needed a little lift.

Coming back from seeing Liesel and Ireland off at the bus stop, Gita started running. I told her to slow down or she would trip and fall and she ignored me. Like the prophetess Cassandra, this happened:

This has been such a gorgeous, gorgeous fall! One for the record books.

I took Liesel and Brigitta for a bit of early Christmas shopping. The mall was really hot so we stopped for a bit of gelato.

I came across this old picture from my mission:

That seems like ages and ages ago!

Happy Halloween!

Owing to my disdain for children's princess culture, I've made a deal with my girls that every other year they can dress up as a princess for Halloween. The other years they must branch out and try something else. Hopefully when they are grown enough to understand life is about more than ballgowns and boys, they will appreciate those non-princess Halloween years a bit more. Usually I dread the princess years, but this one wasn't so bad. 

The Disney Frozen Fever Elsa dresses were sold out long before Halloween, so Liesel was forced to choose another princess. I was pleasantly surprised she went with Belle. Since she's such a bookworm herself, it was rather fitting.

Back when the movie came out, I thought her hair was a bit odd-- half up, half down, with twists and a bun in there? Recreating it in real life was a bit of a challenge, but I'm really happy with the way it turned out.

Ireland finally got to wear the coveted Elsa dress. I'm terrified the flimsy top is going to rip before all the girls have had their turn, but Ireland was ultra careful as she wore it to several Halloween parties.

With her favorite colors of pink and purple, Gita was thrilled to be Rapunzel and wear the crown of braided hair. When it was time to snap this picture, she was a bit cranky which is funny because I remember Ireland was the exact same way two years ago when she wore it. Maybe there's something about being locked up in a tower that puts one in a mood.

Sydney was so excited to be Merida, and even though it's one of our newer costumes, this one was starting to fall apart. Sydney wanted to LIVE in this dress and for the most part, we let her.

 Getting that perfect group shot always takes a bit of coordination... 

...but since the girls aren't allowed to go Trick or Treating until I'm satisfied, they come around eventually. At one of the doors someone commented, "Aren't you beautiful?" and I'm not sure if it was Sydney or Gita, but the response that was given was, "Yes, we are!"

With his new grizzly beard, I out and out stole Brent's costume idea from my sister Whitney and her husband Tim.

It's really nothing more than a red and black plaid shirt and some paper towels, but so many people commented on it. Several asked Brent if that's why he had grown out his beard... just for the costume.

I was so, so, SO excited to be Rosie the Riveter!!! I went all-out by carefully finding a dark blue chambray shirt, ordered the name tag and the pin and instead of using any old, red, handkerchief, I found an Etsy shop that sold the polka dot hair tie. I wore the pin curl all day and received so many compliments on it! I loved this costume and I'm determined to dress up as a culturally significant woman every year. I'm thinking Amelia Earhart for 2017...  Again, when the girls move out of the princess-crazy phase, it will be nice to have costumes like this one on hand.

Usually I'm not one for haunted houses, but Brent and I were invited to go with another couple. It happened to fall on a day when the girls were really a handful and the witching hour was more than I could bear. As we walked through the insane asylum section and the mad doctor section and the clown with the chainsaw section, it really just reminded me of the day I'd just had and didn't phase me much. Not to mention several of the actors broke character to comment on Brent's beard. That said, it was dark and the floor changed height so often, I felt bad tugging on the coat tails of my sweet friend who is pregnant. Brent watched my backside and we got through ok.

We grabbed some dinner afterwards and I have to say it was actually a really nice time! I don't typically get excited about Halloween, but this year it was particularly fun and memorable.