Birthday Boy and Ski Trip

Silence.....is golden, they say. I'm enjoying some of that right now while Kurt took the kids swimming. We are up at Winter Park on President's Day and I'm lounging in one of the nicest condo's I've ever seen.

We came up Sunday afternoon to ski on Monday and Tuesday. The kids have Monday off (Pres Day) and we are taking them out of school on Tuesday to ski. How fun! This is the first time we've ever taken them out of school and we feel a bit heathenistic but oh well!

First, let's catch up a bit. Evan's birthday was on Valentine's Day and he is now 8 yrs old. We had a party at our house (pic's coming soon) and overall, we had a great time. He had 8 kids over and they played inside and outside. He invited two girls, Haley and Mara, but as can be expected, the girls separated from the boys. But it seemed to be ok with everyone.

Unfotunately, Evan got into a little trouble during the party and I lost my cool with him. We had a rough week this last week with the kids (more on that later) and I was in "last straw" kind of mood. He knee'd Haley in the eye (on purpose), causing her to cry, and I sent him to his room. I was pretty calm at that point (disappointed, but calm) and told him to put the fort that he had made in his room away. Well, he went ballistic! He cried loud and hard and I got pretty angry at him. Long story short, I reminded myself that this was his birthday and I let him go early but it wasn't pretty for awhile.

Kurt set up the race car set and all the boys huddled around the table. Then we went out to do the pinata. The pinata wouldn't break but the plastic handle holding it up broke so the whole thing fell to the ground, without breaking apart. So we let the kids take turns bashing it in with a big stick! It was pretty funny.

We had cake and ice cream and sang happy birthday. Evan opened his presents and fortunately, he got a lot of cool stuff. He would have been upset if he hadn't, considering how upset he was earlier. Kent and Kendall called, which was very nice too.

Then, on Sunday, the kids and I went to church. I taught Sunday school, which I really enjoy. I don't get into all the biblical details but I really enjoy being with the kids. I had 3rd and 5th graders this time. I've known these kids for several years now and look forward to seeing them all grow up. I really believe in the vows we say out loud in church during the baptism ceremony....the vows that say to the congregation something like "do you promise to help raise this child in the church.....?" I take them seriously. I want all of the kids that I know in church to feel that I'm another adult in their lives watching out for them.

OK, I digress....anyway, we left for Winter Park later that afternoon. Sasha, our exchange student chose not to go with us and I have to say that I was glad. I like having Sasha go with us and she is an excellent skier but we haven't had family time (with just us) in a long time. We really needed this time together.

And, the cool part is, this condo is sooooo nice! It's gorgeous. It's close to the ski area and surrounded by forest. The view from all the windows is beautiful. The furnishings are very nice. I want to get a condo so bad! Now that the kids are skiing, it would be a worthwhile investment. I love being in the mountains - more than ever. We have a lot of kid years ahead of us and I would love to have a place to go to once a month or so. Kurt likes the idea too so we are looking into it.

So here I sit, in this gorgeous condo, feet propped up on the coffee table, laptop on my lap, mind dulled by the margarita I just drank an hour ago, contemplating life. I feel happy to have such wonderful children and a good husband and such a "cush" life....but also sad that Evan and I have hit a rough patch lately. But one of the reasons I decided to write this blog is to record our family life, warts and all. I'd rather be honest and "aunthentic" than fake and gushy. So there you have it!

And to Evan, who may read this someday: I love you very much and I'm sorry for getting so short with you lately. I know I've hurt you and I'm sorry for that. But in some ways, I feel we're getting closer. Just hang in there with me, kiddo, and we'll do just fine!