Tweens

I hear a lot of bad talk about having tweens or teens in the house from a lot of people.  I am beginning to learn why they are frustrated and irritated with their childrens behavior.  I don't want to look at being a mother of tweens as something to dread.  I thought that there had to be something to look forward to, but no one seems to talk about it which, quite frankly, makes me sad.

I came across an article on Parenting.com that was titled The 6 Best Things About Tweens.  I was a bit sceptical that the title was going to be misleading but, refreshingly, it was not.  I loved reading the list and the explanations.  I want to share this list with all y'all because I think that it is a good thing to reflect upon positive aspects of raising children. (I don't think that we do that often enough.)

The 6 Best Things About Having Tweens (my explanations follow)

1. You have a new buddy.  Don't confuse this with being their best friend, but you have someone who you can talk with and converse with.  Mark and I have had some serious conversations about faith, marriage and friendships that just weren't possible a few years ago.
2. You are past the do-everyting stage.  I don't have to spend the physical energy of doing their laundry, brushing their teeth, making their lunches or cutting their food anymore.  I do have to remind them to get things done, but they aren't reliant on me as much as they use to be which frees up my time and energy to do other things.
3. He gets the jokes. It is fun to tell a joke- even political jokes and not have to explain them. 
4. He is interesting.  As the boys get older and interested in more things, it is fun to listen to them explain the details of what they are doing.  Okay, I have to admit that they lose me when they talk about the details of their computer games, but I appreciate their enthusiasm! 
5. Their friends are hysterical. It is fun to listen to a group of boys talk. Daniel and I have little inside jokes based on behaviors of a few friends who come over often.
6. He wants to help. With better dexterity and strength things are easier for my boys to.  They can mow the lawn and help with more complex dinner menus now.  I think that they enjoy gaining knowledge and experience.  When they can do things to help it really boosts their self confidence. 

Doesn't it feel good to read and think about something positive about tweens?  I really appreciated this article.  I need to refer to it often to help myself focus on what I can do to make my relationship better with the tweens in my house.  I am so grateful to have children and to have the privilege of raising them.  I think that they deserve a mom who acts grateful to have them in her home.  I am striving to be that kind of mom.

Dear Jaelyn

Daniel's brother's girlfriend had a baby girl on August 15.  Chances are very strong that I will never see this wee little one or know much about her.  I think that it is sad that baby Jaelyn has a lot of aunts and uncles, but will never really know them. 

I have discovered that a quilt is a beautiful way to give a physical hug when you can't give one in person.  I just wanted Jaelyn to know that she didn't come into this world unnoticed.  So, I made baby Jaelyn a quilt.  I tried a new block called a Dresden Plate.  It was a good experience and I hope that Jaelyn and Jessica enjoy it. 

Welcome to this world Jaelyn!

Quilt front

Quilt back

Label on the back of the quilt

Pinocchio

The boys were in a play this week and they had a great time.  We are all tired from late nights and a disrupted schedule.  Paul said that he is sad that it is all over and wishes that he could go back in time to start it over again. 

I was thouroughly entertained by my cute boys.  They weren't the least bit nervous and they sang their solo's beautifully!  Mark remembered the choreography really well and wasn't afraid to do the moves big.  Paul was a rather serious performer; you could see him trying really hard to sing as loudly as he could and do the dance moves as best as he could.  Seth was our little entertainer.  He would break out into a silly little jig when they were suppose to be standing still. 

A big thank you to Grandpa and Grandma Willes, The Paynes, Madeleine and Ed Giles and Aunt Wendy and Cooper Willes for coming out to the play.  The boys think that it is so cool that you all came.  I know that it was quite a drive for most of you and I really appreciate you coming out to support the boys. 

Mark and Ed.  (Isn't Ed a handsome guy?  He has to be to keep up with his beautiful wife!)

Just as I was getting ready to take this picture, Erin Oliphant (the writer and director) jumped into the picture and the boys didn't notice! 

The Adventures of Pinocchio cast and crew (95 kids+10 adults!)

Paul's only consulation for being sad about the play being over was that we can do it again next year.   They want to try out for speaking parts next year.  I am so grateful to Herriman City for sponsoring this event.  It is a lot of work and a lot of fun for the kids. 

September update

This month has been very busy and I can hardly believe that September is almost over.  The boys are doing well in school and Jane and I are adjusting to having a quiet house during the days.  

Last week the school had crazy hair day and silly socks day.  We had a lot of fun doing hair in the bathroom on crazy hair day.  I'm so glad that I don't have to do that everyday though! 

I didn't remember to take the first day of school picture of the boys, so these my have to suffice! 

Crazy hair day

Silly socks day.  They each wore one of their Christmas socks!

I couldn't find my flipflop even though  I looked everywhere  I could think of.  I didn't think to look in the pots and pans cupboard.  Very clever Jane! ( I love my Little Miss Sunshine flipflops!)  Seth use to call them fripfrops.  I miss that!

Jane just being her cute self playing with the booster chair while it was on the floor.

I paid good money to take this picture, but promised someone that I wouldn't post his face online.  I offered to help put sleeves on a dress for the play the boys are in.  I needed to see how high to make the sleeves and such, so I bribed a certain son of mine with cash and a bag of Funyuns. 

The sleeves are just pinned on and I changed a few things, but it turned out fine.  Working with the silky fabric and stuff was a new challenge for me.  It helped a lot to have a model.  Oh what actors will to do help the show go on!

The boys are excited for the play this week.  Things will slow down a bit after this is over and we will all be glad for the down time.  Here is some information if you are interested in coming to the show.