A letter to Marisa

I just sent this email to Marisa in Poland and thought I'd post it because it pretty much sums up my life right now and is good for journaling purposes. 

My dearest Marisa.

I keep attempting to put together a letter bundle for you and mail it out. I've discovered Valentines cards and birthday wishes that the kids made for you but were buried in my mountain of papers so I have failed to send them. I have failed to email for weeks thinking that I'll put everything in a packet and mail it and that will be much better than an email. Alas, my brain is chaotic and weak right now and I can't even manage to remember to buy stamps let alone make a trip to the post office. So, for now, know that we love you and think of you and even make cards for you but this email will have to do. :-)

I don't mean to sound like such a downer, but truthfully most days I'm happy just to keep my kids fed and (mostly) clean clothes on their backs. I've been battling a bout of depression this winter that has made me function on a much lower level than I like to admit. No need to worry for me. I think it's mostly seasonal and circumstancial. We've had a colder and wetter winter than normal which I find affects me quite a bit and I'm growing very weary of renting a home and waiting around for Rob's work to make the transition for us to move back to Utah. I also find the demands and lack of freedom from homeschooling are getting to me. However, I feel a better season is just around the corner (literally and figuratively) and I'm sure I will feel more upbeat soon.

On a brighter note, the kids are all doing great. Since that takes up most of my life that's usually the main thing I have to report on. Isaac is finally potty trained and loves he new found diaper-less freedom. Although, with that comes the adventures of boys and external plumbing. Yesterday I caught him peeing out the front door onto the porch. Oy vey! I wonder if the neighbors saw. He is obsessed with everything boy. Especially legos, balls and super heros. I spend multiple hours a day searching for the latest "lego guy" he's become attached to and lost. Now I know why the recommended age is 5 and up. It's not for choking hazards but to keep parents from going insane searching all over the house for a one inch toy. He is extremely demanding and clingy (another reason for the depression) and I'm trying to discover if it's a parenting flaw on my part or just his personality. Still, he's cuddly and quite sweet at times. I adore his hugs and kisses and love it when he requests I sing him "I am a Child of God". He turns 3 in a couple weeks and I can't believe how fast time flies.

Alex is doing great in homeschool. He wants to be a scientist when he grows up and is quite good at math but it's his reading skills I'm most amazed by. He is flying through the books. He's read quite a few Magic Tree House books, but has recently discovered Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. He'll read the full 200 page book in about a day in a half. He is very bright and good at everything he tries. This winter he did basketball and really was amazing. He has also recently started piano, though is only doing it because I'm requiring a year before he can take guitar. He, too, loves legos and creating various ships or gadgets from them and like Isaac is super cuddly and sweet. He's just lost his two front teeth and looks super cute. I especially love his little lisp.

Maycie definitely keeps the interest level up around here. She just started soccer and her coach said he's never seen anyone progress as much from the first to the second game as Maycie did. Thank goodness, too, because during the first game she kind of just stood there like a deer in the headlights. She got shot of confidence, though, and goes after that ball now. It's been fun to watch her. She is still doing art and loves painting on canvas the most. We all are amazed at her creations. Maycie definitely likes to push the envelope in most all she does. She is spunky, creative and funny and has a mind of her own. Her teachers and coaches get a kick out of her and love her. I love her occasional snuggles when I can get them from her.

Addilyn is such a fantastic student. She loves to learn and will come home a spout off about all the interesting subjects she's been learning about. She teaches me quite a lot and will talk and talk as long as someone is listening and sometimes long after. She loves taking tumbling and is getting close to a backhand spring, though she is dying to take acting lessons so she can be a famous actress someday. Addilyn is a socialite and loves being surrounded by her friends. She is kind and helpful and also sensitive in spirit and heart. She is a budding young women and a joy to have around.

That's my report on the kids. I am so blessed to be their mom. I'm really looking forward to conference this weekend. I've spent the last few months listening and re-listening to all the talks from last conference and love the peace and enlightenment they have brought. How lucky we are to listen to modern day revelators. I can't wait to hear what the Lord wants us to hear this time. 

I'm not sure if you got your birthday video we sent you, but we think of you and pray for you daily. You're amazing because you are an instrument in the Lords hands and are constantly doing his will. Keep it up.

Love you lots!

Adria