Miles' Birthday

For Miles' party this year, we just had Abby, Casey & Liev over for cake the Sunday before his birthday. Because of my breakdown last cake attempt last month (Pokemon), Dave and I came to an agreement that I needed to tone it down a bit. So as painful as it was for me to do that, I did and it still turned out awesome.

I used chocolate cake box cake and chocolate frosting from a container (gasp!), had the boys remove the white stuff from the Oreos and crush them, crumbled a Butterfingers, and broke up a Crunch bar. I bought some little trucks, colored some white container frosting green to make some grass and voila! A "good enough" cake. But a good enough cake that didn't include crying, stupid amounts of anxiety, and an all day fiasco of making everything from scratch. So, I'd say it was a success. 

We found all the leftover party decorations from birthdays past and Jett helped me decorate and we had bought some balloons the night before.

 After decorating and getting it all set up, we woke Miles from his nap and he was over the moon when he saw all of his balloons!

 We sang Happy Birthday to him and he looked like he had no idea what was going on. We told him to blow out the candle and he was a little concerned. So Cruise showed him how it was done, and then, of course, we had to sing to him again. And then again. He loved it.

 We finally got to cut the cake and of course, Miles didn't want any. But he sure had a blast with those trucks!

Then we gave him his present! A month ago I was at Target with the little guy and he started playing with this car that makes noise and music and has some impressive hydraulics. He screamed all the way out of the store when it was time to go. So I knew exactly what to get him.

On his actual birthday, he got a special surprise in the mail from Grandma and Grandpa Ybarra: a bouncy horse.

 He was a little unsure of what it was supposed to be.

 We blew it up and he wouldn't touch it. So I showed him how to ride that thing!

 He warmed up to it and had a blast! Thanks Grandma & Grandpa Ybarra!

Grams (Great Grandma Jaeger) sent him a card with $15 in it! He's only 2 and already raking in the cash! My sister Ruth managed to make all the boys their birthday presents at once. She made Cruise a Pokeball beanie, Jett got a Minecraft beanie, and Miles got a Minion beanie (which will go with his Minion costume for Halloween next month). She always makes the cutest stuff and these were no exception. Thanks Ruthie!

I'd say he had a pretty great birthday!

Today You Are Two

Dear Miles,

Well, it's official, you are no longer a baby. You're a full-blown toddler! (But, I'll probably always call you Baby). It is unreal how quickly the past two years have gone by. Time flies when you're having fun!

Miles, you are such a sweet little boy with a calm demeanor, a silly sense of humor, and a loving disposition. Your Dad and I are always commenting to one another just how wonderful and sweet you are. We love having you in our family and are so grateful to be your parents. I am so grateful the Lord sent me you; you've completed our family in the most lovely way.

I love your big bear cub hugs, usually paired with kisses all over my face. I love how you dance with such intent and style. I love how you wake up happy in the morning, full of giggles and snuggles. I love how you say your prayers. I love how you love your brothers and look up to them. I love your cheesy smile and your adorable laugh. I love taking walks with you and learning more about you and what you find interesting. I just can't get enough of you!

Miles, I couldn't have asked for a better son to be my last. You have been pretty easy on me and you're even a very mild 2 year old. Thank you for that kiddo. I know I'm not a perfect Mom, and I know sometimes I seem to be distracted or impatient, but I love you perfectly, and I always will. I can't imagine a life without your sweet spirit and those beautiful blue eyes.

Happy Birthday Baby! I love you so much!

Love,

Mom

Cruise's Baptism

On September 5th, Cruise was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Preparation was lengthy and extremely prayerful. For the past year, our FHE lessons addressed aspects of baptism and the Holy Ghost for the most part. When we asked him this summer if he wanted to be baptized, he said "yes", although you could tell he had a lot of anxiety about it. Dave and I wrote him a social story and Dave practiced with him a few times.

His Bishop interview did not go well. Dave returned slightly deflated and shook his head as he told me, "It did not go well." Cruise, when asked if he wanted to be baptized, responded "yes, but I'm scared" and "I'm really nervous". Then he started talking non-stop as he does when nervous. At one point he said to the bishop, "You have a big head! You must have a big brain! You must be really smart. How many inventions have you invented? I have a big head too! I have an autism brain!" When the bishop said, "Well, you need to have a big head to fit a lot of brains in there," Cruise became confused and said, "You can't have more than one brain! Otherwise you'd need two heads!"

Needless to say, Dave and I had to return to the Bishop's office to discuss whether or not Cruise is really ready. After our discussion, the Bishop felt better and we all came to the conclusion that Cruise was in fact ready.

The day before the baptism, my parents shopped for all the food for the brunch, and I made a whole bunch of dark chocolate cupcakes complete with green cupcake papers and cake toppers. Dave and I spent the day cleaning the house and getting things ready.

The day arrived and we all were up super early. After getting myself ready, we got the boys ready and were out of the house by 8:20am. Cruise was still very very nervous, but still wanted to get baptized. We got the Stake Center where he and Dave got their awesome white jumpsuits and we all made our way to the chapel where there was a talk and a beautiful musical number. There were six kids in the stake to be baptized, 4 of which were from our ward, so they put them in groups of 2. Cruise luckily was in the first group.

A girl went first, since Cruise requested he go last, and then it was Cruise's turn. All the littles sat in front of the font and Miles, as soon as he saw Daddy, began pointing and saying "Dada! Dada! Dada!" I sat there trying to shush him as Dave helped Cruise down the stairs into the baptismal font. Dave said that as soon it was time for them to step into the font, Cruise's anxiety was gone and he pushed Dave along. My dad and Mary's husband, Joseph, were the witnesses. Dave dunked Cruise and his big toe poked up out of the water, so they had to do it again. Cruise did awesome and had no problem getting dunked twice.

After the baptism, we moved to another room for the confirmation. Of course as soon as Daddy was out of sight, Miles completely lost it, so I didn't get to hear most of the blessing. But Cruise was so happy and calm by this time. I was so proud of him!

So many people came to support Cruise. My parents flew up from California, Abby and Casey, along with their new little baby Liev, Dave's sister Mary and her family, his brother Dan and his daughter Elizabeth, my Uncle Dodd and Aunt Annalyn, and my Uncle David and Aunt Susan and my cousin Hailey all came. It was such a great surprise to have my uncles and aunts come and join us in such a special day. We were so appreciative of everyone who could make it. After the baptism, we all went to our house and had brunch. Cruise got some nice CTR gifts from Uncle Dodd & Aunt Annalyn, he got a nice set of scriptures and carrying case from Grandma & Papa Greer, earlier in the week, he received a sweet letter from Grandma & Grandpa Ybarra all the way from Germany.

Since his baptism, I have noticed a difference in Cruise's demeanor, his intentions, and his maturity. I honestly wasn't expecting that. He talks about the influence the Spirit has on him and I love hearing about how he feels and experiences the Holy Ghost.  Every night in his prayers, he asks for forgiveness for certain things he did wrong that day, it is so sweet.

I am so proud of Cruise and am grateful for his little seed of a testimony that grows and grows every day. He is such a good example to our family.      

Jett's First Day of Kindergarten & Violin Lessons

Miles wanted to go to school too. Even wanted his hair done like Jett.

Jett's required homework box that he decorated  (Minecraft style of course).

Jett started Kindergarten at Eaglecrest Elementary on the 26th of August. It was an interesting morning because all the parents were supposed to stay for the first 45 minutes. Since my kids have been in school, I have only known small group sizes, so for me to walk into this room with about 25+ kindergarteners plus their parents was a little overwhelming.

This is his "how many pictures of me do you need, mom?!" face.

His teacher is Mrs. Tipton, who definitely seems to be organized and on her game (my kind of teacher!). She had a list of things she wanted us to do with our child there in the class that first morning, like show them where their cubby is, where to hang their backpack, where the bathroom is and procedures for washing hands, etc. After 45 minutes, I was no longer needed, I gave Jett a big hug and kiss and walked out. Jett was as confident and ready as ever. And I did great as well. I am not a big crier when it comes to first days. Maybe a little anxiety, but no tears. More than anything I go home, exhale a huge sigh of relief, sit on the couch for a bit and enjoy the sounds of (almost) silence.  Two down, one to go!

His first day went great and he really likes his teacher. I ask him every day if he's made any new friends, but he says "no". It can be hard going to a new school where all the kids probably know at least one other person. But he's a likable, social kid, so I'm not too worried.

He and Cruise started taking the bus this week and luckily this year it's only a 30 minute bus ride versus the hour long ride Cruise had to take last year. Jett was over-the-moon happy that he got to take the bus, and asked me beforehand, "Can I sit next to Cruise?!" I was more than willing to pick them up each day, but Jett insisted on taking the bus. So I send them with their Gameboys and a snack in their backpacks to make the time go fast.

Jett started violin lessons today! We rented a extremely loved (aka very, very used) violin that is the cutest little thing. I can't believe how small it is. His teacher is actually the mom of his little girlfriend from last year, Emery. She is super cute and nice, and I feel like she doesn't charge enough. But I'm not one to complain. Ha ha! $35/month is a steal!

Today he learned how to hold his violin and bow, the parts of his instrument, posture, and the E string. He kept complaining that his arm was getting tired. I told him that no matter what instrument you play, you have to get used to using certain muscles more than usual. But overall, he's pretty excited and shows off his violin to all of his friends who come to the house.