2013: Final Thoughts

2013 was an incredibly eventful year for us.  The latter half was (mostly) fantastic, the first 6 months--not so much.   Most notably this year: Thomas completed his deployment; we had two fantastic vacations, one to Disney World and one on a Disney Cruise (and two mini trips, one to Dutch Wonderland to celebrate J & A's 6th birthday and the other to the Hampton Roads area for Christmas-themed fun); Jack and Anna began Kindergarten, learned how to ride their bikes (sans training wheels) and Kara started pre-K; we settled into our new house, Thomas got a new car, and we discovered that in 2014 our family of 5 would turn into a family of 6.  Unfortunately, it was also the year that Thomas' much beloved Grandmother died, I went through a painful miscarriage, and as mentioned, our family spent the first half in two different places.

All in all, there is a lot to be thankful for.  In thinking about our hopes for 2014, Thomas and I reflected that on December 31, 2014, we hope we can say that everyone is healthy and we are all together.  At the end of each year, when we reflect on what matters and what doesn't, the conclusion is always the same and I am thankful that on this December 31st, I can say we are, in fact, together and healthy.

Below is a summary of how we see the kids at this point in time:

Jack:  Had a difficult time with Thomas' deployment.  It was not easy for any of us, but seemed to hit Jack the hardest.  Fortunately, he thrived upon Thomas' return and is doing splendidly in Kindergarten.  He is excited to learn and loves his teacher.  He also loves Angry Birds, television and anything electronic.  The other day, I had "The 10,000 Pyramid" on and Jack came into the room, sat down next to me on the couch and exclaimed, "ohhh, a game show!"  He has also been known to watch my exercise videos with me, keeping up a steady stream of conversation as I puff along.  He is (usually) very kind to his sisters and is always willing to share whatever he has.  He is extremely sensitive and loving and enjoys giving us hugs and kisses and telling us that we are the best (mother, father, sister) ever.  He also likes to compliment people. He is very in tune with how others are feeling and tries to make things better for anyone who seems upset. However, he also has a bit of a temper, and some impulse control issues, but since both Thomas and I suffered the same problem as children, we aren't too worried (after all, we turned out just fine!).  If I had to describe Jack in three words, I would choose: smart, loving and sensitive.  Thomas chose: sweet, smart and affectionate.

Anna:  As I think is typical of many girls, Anna is very precocious.  She enjoys anything adult, whether it is a sip of soda or a conversation about the weather, if the adults are doing it, Anna wants to do it too.  For example, with her Christmas gift card, while Jack and Kara were looking at toys, Anna decided she wanted a clock radio.  She also chose a very grown-up floral pattern for her new sheets.  She is just so anxious to grow-up!  Fortunately, she is also still very much a child.  She loves pretend play with her Barbies, My Little Ponies, Polly Pockets, and Littlest Pet Shop.  She is inventive and able to entertain herself with creative games of imaginative play.   She and Kara are best friends or bitter enemies, depending on the minute of the day.  While I write this, they have been playing together harmoniously for hours.  Of course, it would also be typical to say that they had been fighting bitterly for hours.  You just never know what you are going to get with the two of them.  Anna has had a bit of a harder transition to Kindergarten then Jack experienced.  She sets high standards for those around her and feels it is her responsibility to correct bad behavior, which often backfires, for example, during their Christmas program, she almost got pulled from the stage for telling one of her classmates, "it's not all about you, stop singing so loud!"  My three words for Anna would be: inquisitive, smart and energetic.  Thomas' three words for Anna were: smart, sassy and passionate (meaning she throws herself into things she enjoys 100%).

Kara:  Kara is going through a bit of a difficult stage right now.  She is either extremely angelic or extremely rotten, there isn't a lot of middle ground.  Today, I have been the best mother in the world, the worst mother she could ever ask for, and at one point, she was crying that "my parents have ruined my life."  Like her siblings, she is smart and does well academically (which in Pre-K speak means she can count to 100 and knows her letters and numbers).  Apparently, she is extremely well-behaved at school and has no trouble getting along with her peers.  She also likes imaginative play and wants to do whatever Anna is doing.  She is quick to anger, but also quick to get over whatever was bothering her.  She is a definite homebody, she doesn't like to go anywhere.  Well, not exactly true, she likes going to friends' houses, the library and the park.  She loathes trips to the store or just about anywhere else.  She is still extremely sweet and loving. She is a great hugger and cuddler.  I am not sure what it is about her, maybe it is because she is the baby of the family, or maybe it is because her speech still has a bit of a baby quality to it, but she is really hard to get mad at and even when she is screeching at us, it can be difficult not to smile.   Unlike Anna, she is in no hurry to grow up.  Her three words are: cuddly, sweet and fun.  According to Thomas, her words are: sweet, sassy and caring. (even though neither of us chose "smart" like we did for Jack and Anna, Kara is definitely smart; she may be the smartest of us all...)

So, that is the synopsis of how we see the kids at the conclusion of 2013. I can't wait to see what 2014 brings!