CJ's first birthday!!

Here are some pictures of his birthday! Only a few people showed up, but we made the best of it.

Big man Will

At our last WIC appointment I was lectured on Will's size, BMI, and anything else related to weight. (He's in the 98th to 100th percentile for his age- he's 50lbs and 43+in tall; he wears size 6/7 clothes and 10 1/2 kid shoes. He's BIG, but he's not fat.) According the the charts/graphs that WIC and his doctor look at to chart his growth, he's overweight and his BMI is too high. I understand they have to use something to compare kids, but when did they stop considering different body types and muscle mass? Will is stronger than most 12yr old's. (No, I'm not joking.) He can rearrange any furniture in his room (except his bed as it is awkward) without thinking twice about it or breaking a sweat. He's pure muscle compared to most kids his age. In fact he's built like my brother Leevi (who played many sports, but mainly football and wrestling). My brother is a very strong, muscular guy... at Will's age would throw tables and chairs around if he didn't get his way (okay, maybe not tables... but he could if he wanted to).

Anyways, I'm so sick and tired of WIC bullying me about my kid's weight!! UGH!! Will IS a BIG kid and I won't deny that, but that does not give anyone the right to give my kid a complex about weight. He's 4 1/2 yrs old and I'd like to keep him a "kid" a bit longer. The last thing I want is either of my boys growing up with self esteem issues like I did (I still struggle with it). If he was fat I wouldn't take offense, I'd ask for advice.

Snow!

After a couple snow-less winters, we finally got our share! It was fun to watch Will have fun playing and building in snow. (I loved it the first two days and then I wanted to be back on my tropical island of Guam.) At least I finally learned how to drive in snow and on ice... by myself... with two kids... and crazy drivers.

Anyways, here are some pictures of our winter wonderland.

 Castles and mountains.

 He LOVES to shovel!

 Will's snow angel.

 Trying to fly a kite with Gramma.

Exhausted from shoveling 3 people's berms. He saved the day!!

Forgotten

After posting the link with a much needed, long awaited update on my family it dawned on me that I forgot someone. The one person that makes everything possible- God. This past year I've fallen in love with Him and I'm NOT afraid to say it! So, as I lay trying to fall asleep it hit me like a ton of bricks that I can't remember ever mentioning God in my blog.

He is truly amazing and continues to show me every day in different ways. Having a relationship with Him has been the best thing to ever happen in my life. Don't get me wrong, my boys (and James) are definitely a very close 2nd, but without God none of them would be in my life. He chose me as their mother and hand picked James to be my husband. He gave them all to me. Of all the people in the world, He chose me. For that alone I will always be grateful and feel blessed!

Lately, I've been battling some negative emotions regarding a few subjects in my life. No one will ever understand EXACTLY how I feel or think... except God. He is my best friend. Sad thing is I don't always remember he's there. I never forget my family because they are always in my face/space needing something. Funny thing, God is in my face too... I just don't always see it.

God has been there for me every time and never let me down. Trusting Him is hard, but He has shown me He is the only one I can rely on and He'll never give me more than I can handle. He has provided for my family in every which way possible since James was discharged that it still shocks me every time I stop and think about it. He provided us a house, car, money, food, medical for the boys, and marriage. Without Him I have no idea if I'd even be alive. For God sent angels to protect me a month ago. Every sense of my being and spirit witnessed spiritual warfare that night. My only prayer that night was for protection of my baby- I didn't care if I got hurt as long as CJ was safe. He one up'd me! He put a shield over both of us!

Anyways... I'm done for now. I just couldn't sleep knowing that I didn't mention Him.