Addison Joy is Seven

Wow.  It has been a long time since I have posted.  I am pretty sure blogging is not a "thing" anymore, but I hope to continue to post from time to time so my kids can read this one day.

Happy 7th Birthday Addison!

Likes:  Reading, being at home, babies, family, sharing a room with her brother, shopkins, her american girl doll (felicity), science, art, pizza, lasagna, chicken salad, fruit, compliments, riding bikes, beanie boos

Dislikes:  Cucumbers, waking up early, being pestered, rushing, getting into trouble, the wind, not sleeping "enough"

When She Grows Up....she wants to be a doctor.  She has said this since she was two and never changed.  Lately she has been saying she wants to be a surgeon specifically :)

School:  Addison is thriving in school; her new school here in Atlanta is a perfect fit for her.  She is challenged through her gifted programming and targeted reading and writing assignments.  Her intense drive for excellence and timely completion of her homework is most impressive.  Summer fever is creeping up and she is ready for a brain break :)

Extracurricular:  Since we moved to the Atlanta area in September, we decided to take our time getting involved in activities.  Caleb and Addison started back at Awana in late January and I cannot believe how quickly they jumped back in and caught up after missing half the year.  Addison has already completed her second year sparks book and is reviewing all the verses again.  Her memory is astounding.  We are on a waiting list to begin piano lessons again, but I fear most of her progress has been lost after being away for almost a year.  She and Caleb are on the same soccer team this spring and while she says she wants to go back to dancing in the fall, she does have quite the knack for it.  Since we moved mid season, we opted to hold off on dance and resume in the Fall if she wanted to return.  We spend most of our time as a family playing games, enjoying the outdoors, and listening to music :)

Coming up:  Having lived in a colder climate for so long, we have not been able to easily reinforce swimming skills.  Beginning in mid May, Addison and Caleb will be on swim team.  The "practices" (aka lessons in the case of our kids) will be 45 minutes, 4 times a week for about 6 weeks.  I am hopeful they will build confidence and the skills necessary for swimming solo.



My Little Joy,

You have no idea how amazing and special you are to me.  Kindness and compassion flow from everything you do.  When Lincoln got his shots several months ago, you teared up and expressed how much it hurt you to see your baby brother in pain.  Whenever anyone is sick/hurt you are always, always there to write them a note, give them an ice pack, bring them some water and offer smiles.

I admire your drive for excellence in all you do.  You consistently give everything your best, even when you do not like it.  Your memory is absolutely astounding and I love watching you use it for things like memorizing scripture and your writing.

Big sistering comes natural for you.  You love on your siblings, lead them, help them and simply enjoy them.  I often take notes from you and stop what I am doing to come cackle with you and the littles.

This year was a big year for you and you really matured tremendously through it.  We added a family member just after your 6th birthday.  You went to Disney World with your Mia and Papa and Caleb as an extra special treat.  We spent a majority of the summer in some kind of crazy between people helping as as we welcomed Lincoln to the family, your annual trip to Mias, a trip BACK to Mississippi so we could find a house in Atlanta, moving to temporary quarters.......etc.  It was NUTS.  This year we moved from Nebraska to Atlanta.  We spent 6-9 very unpleasant weeks in temporary quarters, what you and Caleb and Blythe called "the hotel".  You guys tried so hard to make it pleasant but neighbors below complaining of every step we took made it hard.  We moved into a new home.  We had to start making new friends.  You had to start at a new school this year.  Baby, that was so hard.  I know how challenging it was to be the new kid in class.  I am so sorry for any moment you felt scared or unsure or nervous.  It hurt my heart so deeply to see you struggle those first few weeks.  BUT.  And this is a big BUT.....it was hard for a couple of weeks and you did not like it...BUT....YOU kept your smile.  YOU kept your kindness.  YOU stuck with it.  And YOU, my dear did not just succeed...you shone like a bright beautiful star.

Lastly, I want you to know I am not the only person who notices your kindness and notices how truly special you are.  Just last weekend during your birthday party, a mom had been watching you.  She saw you give away many of your pinata goodies to your empty handed friends and serve cake to everyone at your own party FIRST and meticulously ensure that EVERY party guest felt included (even your 2 year old sister).  She looked over at me....mentioned her observations and said "Kelly, you know Addison is amazing right?  Like really.  She is awesome."  I smiled and said "Thank you.  I sure am glad God gifted us with her".

Forgive me when I lose my temper and raise my voice.  Forgive me when, some days, I just am not enough for you.  Forgive me when I cannot be at your school activities.  Forgive me when there is simply not enough of me to go around.  I am far from a perfect mother.  But my darling, I strive every day and pray every day that I can be a better mother than I was the day before for if we are standing still, we are moving backwards.  So I chose to strive forward.  I am thankful for a forgiving and patient oldest child because GIRL...I am figuring this all out on YOU.  Mommy often messes up but despite my shortcomings I hope you feel so crazy deeply loved and cherished.

Addison.  Addison Joy....you are the gift I could have never dreamed of in my best dreams.  You are amazing.  Simply.  Amazing.

Love,
Mommy

Pumpkin Patch 2015

There is a lot to do around here during Fall...among our favorites is Bellvue Berry Farm.  There are TONS of things for the kids to climb and play on....Pirate Ship, Playhouses, swings, sheds, rope swings, slides, bounce houses and more.  There is also a "haunted" hayride (which is not haunted during the day when we go as you will see from the pictures) to a huge pumpkin patch.  And this pumpkin patch actually grows the pumpkins...not some staged one like many places.  The kids get to pick their pumpkin to decorate, but the rule is, you have to be able to carry it to select it and bring it home!  We had a wonderful family day despite the HORRIBLE wind (again).

Hayride through the enchanted forest and to the pumpkin patch to pick their pumpkins

Hayride through the enchanted forest and to the pumpkin patch to pick their pumpkins...my favorite people!

Hayride through the enchanted forest and to the pumpkin patch to pick their pumpkins

Hayride through the enchanted forest and to the pumpkin patch to pick their pumpkins

Hayride through the enchanted forest and to the pumpkin patch to pick their pumpkins

Picking pumpkins....we spent too much time at the apple orchard picking and eating apples, she kept trying to eat it!

Picking pumpkins....we spent too much time at the apple orchard picking and eating apples, she kept trying to eat it!

Picking pumpkins....we spent too much time at the apple orchard picking and eating apples, she kept trying to eat it!

Pumpkin picking rule:  In order to pick the pumpkin you must be able to carry it back to the tractor!!!

Pumpkin picking rule:  In order to pick the pumpkin you must be able to carry it back to the tractor!!!

Pumpkin picking rule:  In order to pick the pumpkin you must be able to carry it back to the tractor!!!

Pumpkin picking rule:  In order to pick the pumpkin you must be able to carry it back to the tractor!!!  She got smart and called for reinforcements!

Pumpkin picking rule:  In order to pick the pumpkin you must be able to carry it back to the tractor!!!  She got smart and called for reinforcements!

Pumpkin picking rule:  In order to pick the pumpkin you must be able to carry it back to the tractor!!!  She got smart and called for reinforcements!  THEY DID IT!

The chosen pumpkins

Someone loved his pumpkin!

Crawling the plank at the pirate ship

Crawling the plank at the pirate ship

Even walking the plank!

My pirates driving the ship!

The Stats {Addison, 5 years and Blythe 1 year}

Addison is still long and lean; she's growing well!

Height: 3 ft 9 in /45.51 in (93%)

Weight: 42 lb 3 oz (64%)

Bmi: 23%

Bp: 96/62

Blythe is a big big girl just as she has been since the day she was born!

Height: 32.18 in (97%)

Weight: 25 lbs 8 oz (98%)

Head: 46.8 cm (91%)

Blythe is surprisingly our biggest At one year; Caleb was 25 lbs at one and Addison was 21.5 lbs.

Unfortunately our well visits turned sick when we confirmed suspicions of  ear infection and pink eye.  Shes on omnisef for  the ears and we are waiting to see if the pink eye gets better without drops.

Addison Joy is 5

 Wowzers, Addison turned 5 on April 1!!!

Clothes: 6 or 7
Height: We shall see next week!
Weight: 43 lbs
Shoe: 11.5-12
Teeth:  She lost two last November; the grown up teeth are almost completely grown in.  She has three more loose-two bottom and one top
Words to describe her: Nurturing, talkative, caring, talks back, timid, thoughtful, perfectionist, meticulous, bossy, leader, intelligent, loving, aware, mature, giving, outgoing introvert :), rule follower, sassy, teachable
Reading:  She is reading at or around a late 1st grade level, maybe early 2nd.  Addison has an amazing ability to sound out words and remember all the exceptions in our complex language.  While we eat dinner we spell random words for her and she can already visualize the word in her mind and tell you what we spelled.  Her comprehension and fluency is well beyond a 2nd grade level.
Math:  She is told a concept and its committed to memory with little to know reminding/reinforcing.
Fine Motor:  Cutting, coloring in the lines, painting, etc improves daily and her progress in the last year is sunning.
Major Motor:  My kids are tall and lanky so major motor is always a struggle for them.  However Addison attended dance class this year, I can tell his has improved her balance and coordination substantially.  We are undecided about continuing, but leaning toward yes.
Faith:  I truly believe that when Addison asked Jesus in her heart a little over a year ago, it was real.  She understands salvation to an uncanny depth.  Awanas remains a favorite activity of hers; we plan to continue next school year.  She will be in Sparks and Caleb will be in Cubbies.
Fears:  Oh golly, this one is BIG.  She has struggled with an INTENSE fear of wind for about a year now.  Just before Matthew left for his 2 months of training we had to go to the basement due to tornadoes in the area.  It was totally a non event; we did not make a big deal about it....in fact....we played fun games.  A couple of weeks later she read the Wizard of Oz and happen to see a Wal-Mart bag blow away......thus birthed the fear of wind regardless of what the weather is like outside.  And people, IT IS WINDY HERE EVERYDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!  In the past, swimming has been a fear but we are scheduled for two weeks of everyday swim lessons in June, so we are hopeful to make progress.  I believe the root issue is she is intelligent to make very logically conclusions, but no life experience to tell her the ODDS of things happening.


 An interview with Addison, as compared to her 4.5 year old interview:

• What do you want to be when you grow up: Doctor
• Hero:  Caleb and daddy
• How old is daddy: 32 and a half
• How old does daddy act: 11
• How old is mommy: 32
• How old does mommy act: 4
• Favorite number: 100
• What does daddy do:  makes some money for us; he works on his computer
• Best friend:  Alexis...that is really my best friend because you can tell
• Favorite color: pink and purple and lavender
• What does mommy do: takes care of me
• How many kids do you want one day: 10 hundred because I love babies
• Favorite food: strawberries
• Favorite activity: reading
• Favorite book: pee wee scout books, magic tree house books, bob books
• Favorite bible story: David and Goliath 
• Favorite clothing: lavender clothing
• If you could go anywhere in the whole world where would you go?: Egypt and Puerto Rico
• What do you want your husband to look like: daddy, brown eyes, same size feet as mommy, loves Jesus, same size as daddy, same job as daddy
• Favorite animal: snakes
• Favorite song:  skip to my lou
• Most looking forward to in Kindergarten:  Art

My darling blessing:

Addison, you are truly a joy to be around.  Your nurturing ability and wisdom of our Heavenly Father is well beyond your years.  I have learned how to nurture because of you.  You inspire me to learn more about Jesus, memorize his words and display his love by serving others.  You have been gifted with an amazing memory and ability to learn; using this for his kingdom will surely change the world!  I am speechless when I watch you read chapter books, signs, newspapers...anything your eyes can see.  You are truly gifted my darling...I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!  YOU are a blessing to everyone around you!

Today I was admiring your tiny freckles on your nose and just under your eyes.  I commented to you "I love these freckles, it reminds me of Mia" to which you said "mommy, I LOVE how God made me....me".  There is such wisdom in that.  When you read these posts one day, I want you to remember what you said...love how God made you.  Sadly Addison, one day people will say things to you out of their own insecurity, things that criticizing the very fiber of who you are or what you look like.  It will hurt, but remember your reckless love for Jesus when you said you "love how God" made you.  HE made you.  The creator of this universe took great care in creating you....so the words of others are meaningless, not worth your thought!  Choose to declare his truths to yourself and others, rather than allow the poisonous lies to penetrate your heart!

Matthew 10:26-32

²⁶ “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. ²⁷ What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. ²⁸ And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.^{[g] 29} Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?^[h] And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. ³⁰ But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹ Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. ³² So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, ³³ but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

One thing I want you to always know darling...I love you more than I can articulate and I am INTENSELY proud of you.  When I discipline you or correct you, I KNOW it feels differently.  I know it.  Believe or not, often after disciplining you I am brought to tears because it is so hard to see you endure ANY pain, even the ones good for your training and upbringing.  But there is absolutely nothing you could ever, ever do that will change how I feel.  Ever.  I love you.  I always will...."just in case you ever wonder".

04.01.10, Newborn

04.01.11, One

04.01.12, Two

04.01.13, Three

04.01.14, Four

04.01.15, Five       She is a little girl now :)