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"a portrait of one, two, or all three of my children - once each week - in 2019"

Jaden: You were SO ready for a good long Christmas break, especially since you had a big Civil War project due right before the holiday. You also got really into gingerbread house and cookie decorating this year, something you have kind of been pressured to do in year's past. And right before school got out? You came home with a gift from a girl in your class - lots of food and snacks and a PS4 gift card for your closest friend that's a girl. ;) Turns out you and your buddies had set up a Secret Santa gift exchange all on your own - but no one really remembered to keep it a secret. ;)

Brandon: You have said you're not quite as excited for Christmas this year as you were in year's past, and I think that's a sign that you're growing up some - but also the fact that you're MORE excited for the vacation that's to come after Christmas. But you've also shown that traditions really matter to you, which makes me so happy since I've been very intentional for years about setting a good foundation of traditions and memories that you can carry with you as you grow. Gingerbread houses, a Nativity Advent "countdown," Christmas cookie frosting and decorating, and all the Christmas movies and hot chocolate we can fit in.

Kaitlyn: You have no idea what all the hustle and bustle and chaos is about, but you've been really good about taking it all in stride. Admittedly, Mommy has been a bit more stressed this December than year's past. It seems like there's just been "more" to deal with - busy work days, lots of planning and organizing needed in our home, a lost Christmas package, illnesses, etc. But watching you look to our tree and point and smile at the star up top, flipping through all of your Christmas board books over and over again, and seeing how careful and respectful you are of all the ornaments and wrapped packages... well... I'm just so happy to have a little girl to enjoy all the madness with. But I do know I'll be enjoying unwrapping all of your presents more than you will - you are definitely in need of some older toys to keep busy with through these winter months, and it's been so fun buying girl toys for a change. ;)

48/52

"a portrait of one, two, or all three of my children - once each week - in 2019"

Jaden: You and your brother are starting to carry on a family tradition - a past time that I shared with my dad when I was about your age. You have gotten hooked on Friends on Netflix, and now we watch one episode before you boys go to bed every single night. You love this show, and I love how it makes you laugh. Some of the content is a bit mature for your age, but I've watched how you boys handle it and react to it, and I've learned that you both are more mature than I give you credit for - and you already know more about the world than I thought you knew, too. ;) We're only on season two and we won't be able to get through all 10 seasons by the time it leaves Netflix on January 1st, but I have found full seasons on YouTube so - we're going to watch the whole dang thing! I love this 25 minutes we spend together, and I look forward to it every day.

Brandon: Our Disney vacation countdown chair has gotten very short! And you have now made another Christmas countdown chain that you keep in your bedroom. You're looking forward to so many things! We were watching the Disney World Christmas special together on Thanksgiving night, and you started getting sad. I asked you what was wrong, and you said you're already sad about how close our vacation is to being over. And we haven't even gone on it yet! That's the Disney effect. ;)

Kaitlyn: We had a good Thanksgiving break together, but one of my favorite hours was spent at the indoor park at the CF Rec Center. We walked into that gym filled with toddler and preschool fun, and your eyes got big and I could tell that you weren't even sure where to start! I had to drag you away from there to make sure that you could get lunch in before nap, and it made me already look forward to a new spring and summer and taking you to all the parks all the nights of the week. :)

47/52

"a portrait of one, two, or all three of my children - once each week - in 2019"

Brandon: Kaitlyn and I joined you at school the day before Thanksgiving break so that you could share some hot chocolate, cookies... and your essay writing with us. We walked into your classroom a bit late, and there you were waiting at a high-top table, cookies all ready to go, paper laid out, just eagerly awaiting our arrival. You were so excited and happy to show off your sister to your friends, and I loved the sweet essay you wrote all about me. :)

Kaitlyn: You are such a busy little girl! You have figured out how to climb up onto all the furniture - the couches, the chairs, the beds - and you treat all the things like your own personal jungle gym. You have taken two falls off the back of the couch, landing on your head, but we hope that you are figuring out spacial awareness so that these falls happen less frequently and so that we can feel a bit more relaxed with you and your new "skill." ;)



**Guys, I'm SO behind on blogging. I have no plans to quit this space altogether, so stick with me and just get used to the sporadic posting, please. :)

46/52

"a portrait of one, two, or all three of my children - once each week - in 2019"

Kaitlyn: We're about to have a whole week together with both of us home for Thanksgiving, and I've got some fun plans in store for you, missy! You've been increasingly independent lately - you have learned to climb up onto the couch by yourself, you have started saying "shoe" and "please" - and you give the best "mean mug" face I have ever seen when you are not pleased with something or someone. ;) And this past Saturday you finally attended your first UNI football game in the Dome, and you did pretty darn great - lasting all the way until third quarter when it was finally time for a good nap!

45/52

"a portrait of one, two, or all three of my children - once each week - in 2019"

Kaitlyn: Trying to get you to "pucker up" or "cheese" for the camera, and this is what you gave me instead! ;) You're such a little stinker these days (all days), and you seem to be growing at lightning speed right now. You are less and less baby and more and more little girl, and it breaks my heart and thrills me all at the same time! You're also a HUGE Daddy's girl right now, and that's taking this mama some time to get used to - especially after having two little mama's boys come before you! Your first molar finally broke through, and there's quite a few more teeth just below the gums that we can see coming. You're about to have a full mouth of chompers, but you really fight me on brushing your teeth. You will only do it if I let you do it yourself, and your idea of brushing your teeth is much more about sucking the toothpaste off the brush than actually brushing them clean. ;)

44/52

"a portrait of one, two, or all three of my children - once each week - in 2019"

Jaden: The biggest trophy you've won yet, and one of the hardest earned, too. You and your Outlaws went 3-0 in a highly competitive tournament this past weekend, defeating three of your biggest rivals, and Coach told you afterwards that they couldn't have done it without your defense. So proud of you - for keeping a cool head - always - and focusing on more than just scoring points. Of course as soon as we got home, trophy in hand, you blurted out how much you miss football. ;)

Brandon: Your last year for Halloween costume parties in school, and you couldn't help yourself - you just had to represent a Star Wars character, once again. We thought you were going to be done dressing up after this year, but then you and I had a GREAT idea for next year already so - stay tuned for Halloween 2020, everyone. ;)

Kaitlyn: You're our doll baby, little lamb! We received so many compliments on your costume, and you wore it well. It was so cold on Halloween night that I wasn't planning on actually taking you out for trick or treating, but then we couldn't keep you away from the fun your brothers and cousins were having. You made it to about six or seven houses, with Daddy carrying you in his arms to keep you warm, and you knew just what to do whenever a neighbor extended a basket of candy out to you. I love having a little one around again to spend the holidays with.

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"a portrait of one, two, or all three of my children - once each week - in 2019"

Brandon: Trick or treating ended and all of our family left, and you declared to us: "That was my last year doing that. I'm not putting up with that cold ever again!"

Kaitlyn: You started "jumping" this week, and it is the cutest thing ever! You also seem to be learning to say "thank you," and you no longer only shake your head no - you nod your head yes, too!

42/52

"a portrait of one, two, or all three of my children - once each week - in 2019"

Jaden: Your 6th grade season tipped off this past weekend, and with only having two practices under your belt and fresh off football season, we were pretty proud of how you looked! Your team had to play up against a 7th grade team, but you led them most of the way and faltered only in the closing minutes. You are still so fun to watch, and we're stunned by how much more mature you look in your uniform even from just last year!

Kaitlyn: Your first piggy tails!! It's been a rough week for you, as you are working on cutting your eye teeth and some big side molars. You just haven't been yourself - not eating very well, very cranky at night, and even running a slight 99-degeree temp. at daycare today. It breaks our hearts to see you sad, but we're soaking up some extra cuddles to help take the pain away just a bit.

41/52

"a portrait of one, two, or all three of my children - once each week - in 2019"

Jaden: That's a wrap. Football season is officially over, much to your disappointment, but you couldn't have had a more successful fall. You and your teammates finished off the year undefeated, a major improvement over last season. But more important than your winning record was how much we saw you grow in skill, confidence and leadership. I have hundreds of pictures of your games that will serve as a special keepsake for this season of our lives. It's going too fast, buddy! Your school principal just e-mailed me this week asking for my help in planning your sixth grade end of year "graduation party," and I feel like these next six years of raising you are going to go by with lightning speed. It literally feels to us like everything has moved into hyper-speed lately, and I really, really wish I could pause time once in a while!

Brandon: Your season ended this week, too, and boy did you show everyone that your older brother isn't the only athlete in the family! I don't know how many times we heard, "Wow that kid's fast!" It was mostly fun to see your desire to play this sport grow by leaps and bounds, and you are already anticipating your big 5th grade season next fall. I love all the images I captured of you the last couple of months, and I'm super thankful for Denny - the other photographer on the team! - who sent me dozens more from his own camera. I'm going to need photo books just for football pictures, I have so many!

Kaitlyn: My favorite new development this month is how your little hand pats me on the back at bedtime when I'm rocking you in your room while singing "Jesus Loves Me" to you before bed. You lay your head on my shoulder, wrap your right arm around me, and gently pat, pat, pat while I quietly sing. We're heading to your 15 month doctor's appointment today, and I'm not looking forward to more shots, but I am looking forward to seeing how much you've grown!

40/52

"a portrait of one, two, or all three of my children - once each week - in 2019"

Jaden: You scored a 50-yard touchdown run on the very first play of the game this past weekend, and your team went on to beat Waterloo West pretty handily. One game left, one more practice, and one week shy of your first basketball tournament. We're living out the glory days, these days.

Brandon: I watched you at the end of your last practice of the season last night, and I was so dang proud of you. While the rest of your team was getting rather rambunctious by the end of practice, losing focus on the coaches and the practice itself, you kept urging your teammates to pay attention, get back to the huddle and "focus." You lead in a business-like manner but with kindness, too, and when I watch you among your peers, I can't help but think we've done something right...

Kaitlyn: Oh, my dolly. You now clap along to "When you're happy and you know it..." -- and you think it's super fun to escape to Brandon's room and climb up top his big boy bed. I do most of my Christmas shopping in November so the other day I was planning out your Christmas gifts, and I think I'm going to enjoy them more than you are! But even so - I can't wait to dive into the world of pretend play with you as you grow and develop more and more.

39/52

"a portrait of one, two, or all three of my children - once each week - in 2019"

Jaden: So much fun watching you quarterback your team to another victory this past weekend - this time on the UNI-Dome field. Just two more games to go and only one more week of practice... but your first basketball tournament is in two weeks!

Kaitlyn: You had your first experience with pink eye this past week, but thankfully we caught it early so it didn't amount to too much trouble. In fact, you handle taking eye drops better than your big brothers! We also think you're teething again, and you discovered how to climb up onto the fireplace hearth. You give us a devilish little grin before you do it, and we can already tell that you're going to be fiercely independent. Your "hi" greeting however, is still the cutest thing any of us have ever heard, and you offer it up often.

38/52

"a portrait of one, two, or all three of my children - once each week - in 2019"

Jaden: Football season is flying by, and you're not ready to see it end. Just one and a half more weeks of practice and two games to go for the sport that you told us the other night over supper is "your sport." Hopefully basketball starting up will help fill the void. Outlaws practice tips off tonight! Here we go!

Brandon: So far you're the only one on your team to score touchdowns! The other night I was able to watch a little bit of your practice when they put you in as QB for the first time. You're definitely not willing to be out shined by your older brother. You took control of that practice like the leader that you've always been, and we're having fun watching you have fun.

Kaitlyn: This is your "pucker up" face that I just had to make sure I got at least one picture of before you outgrow it! You're so fun right now and so, so busy. You now like to climb onto and into everything and are becoming quite the loud little chatter box at times. You love it when Mama makes animal noises for you, and you yourself do a really good cow "moo" and panther "growl." ;)

37/52

"a portrait of one, two, or all three of my children - once each week - in 2019"

Jaden: Your favorite part of the pumpkin patch at 11 years old: the animals. You chased that black kitty around, got the dogs all riled up in the front yard, and finally succumbed to Brandon's peer pressure and took a few rides down the big, black tube slide.

Brandon: You could have ridden this slide all day long. And just like in previous years, you took your pumpkin picking very seriously, already begging us numerous times if we could carve them already. ;) You've also changed your mind and have decided that since fourth graders still get Halloween class parties... you want to dress up one last time this year, after all. In fact, you spent your entire morning before school Googling costume ideas.

Kaitlyn: You were by far the cutest pumpkin in the patch! It was so cute to watch you walk around from one area of the farm to the next, trying with all your might to pick up a pumpkin that was a tad too heavy for you, hoping to climb your way up to the jumping pillow all by yourself... and watching with envy as the big kids went down the slide over and over again. You still have the cutest little walk I've ever seen, and I wish I could bottle up this stage we're in with you.

36/52

"a portrait of one, two, or all three of my children - once each week - in 2019"

Jaden: What a joy it was to watch you in your first game of the season this past weekend. You ran for two touchdowns (would have had a third but it was called back for a holding penalty), scored a two point conversion, recovered a fumble, threw good passes, had some big tackles on defense, and threw a block for a teammate which resulted in the game's final TD. But most importantly, you showed a confidence beyond your years and an understanding that you're playing for more than just yourself. When you made a mistake after a timeout, you immediately went up to your head coach on the sidelines to show that you understood his correction and would adjust the next time. And - you had a ton of fun out there. After a rocky end to your basketball season due to outside pressures and politics, it was so fun to watch you just be you. And then display nothing but humbleness when it was all over. We talked on the way home and reminded you that you WILL have "bad games" and things won't always go as well as they did during that game, but the way you take it all in stride and how how you always focus on learning and just taking the next step to get better... it's quite something to witness. This was a game we'll remember.

Brandon: Unfortunately your first game of the season was cancelled due to rain, but we're all getting antsy to watch you take your turn! Nothing but dry skies and warmth in the forecast for the next game! You're excited about football but also excited for your first season of soccer this upcoming spring. You've been playing soccer every day at recess, and you told us the other night over supper that everyone at school has been telling you that you're the best soccer player in the 4th grade. ;)

Kaitlyn: And you deserve your own praise, as well! It was a big weekend for you with some new babysitters and routines, and you rocked it! Papa Tim watched you by himself for the first time on Saturday while we enjoyed the UNI game, and big cousin Ella stayed with you on Sunday while we traveled to Jaden's game. I hope that you're getting more and more comfortable with Mommy being gone because football season requires a lot of flexibility and juggling on all of our parts! One of your favorite things to do right now is climb in and out of this little wicker chair that our neighbor loaned to us for your toddler years. You also love being outside and seem to expect to be heading out for adventure almost as soon as you're done eating breakfast!

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"a portrait of one, two, or all three of my children - once each week - in 2019"

Jaden: You had a good week of practice and another scrimmage this week, heading into your first game this Sunday. You say that you are nervous but excited, and though you weren't ready to hang up your basketball shoes when football season started, you have now fully embraced this change of season and are loving competing in your helmet and pads. And instead of telling you to "buckle your seat belt" when you leave the house - I now tell you to "tackle safe!" ;)

Brandon: You started your own flag football season this week with a couple of practices under your belt and your first game next week! You are playing for the Giants and are excited to have some buddies on your team this year. And we're excited about how excited you are to play. You've been looking pretty good out there on the field, and you appear to be the fastest one on your team!

Kaitlyn: You looked the part the minute I put your UNI cheerleading dress on you last weekend. You clapped your hands for the football players on the TV, and made your mama's heart swoon every time I looked at you. I don't know how, but you get cuter every single day, and now that you're a walking machine, we're having even more fun!

34/52

"a portrait of one, two, or all three of my children - once each week - in 2019"

Jaden: We kicked off your football season this past weekend with the Jamboree and two live scrimmages - against Waterloo East and Union. And boy, did we have fun watching you. That helmet and pad suits you just fine, buddy. You did a great job at quarterback, made good passes, strong hand offs... and one beautiful touchdown run where you threw in a juke and a jump to knock your defender off his course and get your team its only touchdown for that scrimmage. And at linebacker? Four tackles, including one tackle that stopped a touchdown and one quarterback sack that I SO wish I had on video! I'm proud of you for how you played but more importantly - for who you are. I saw you high-fiveing teammates, offering encouraging words on the sidelines, and directing other players when they weren't quite sure where they were supposed to be. Win or lose along the way, I love watching you be you.

Brandon: We have a new pet in the family. Long story short, Daddy brought home what was supposed to be an educational visitor - and you and Jaden just couldn't let him go when the weekend was up. Mr. Salamander now lives in Jaden's room, and you all have made quite the cozy and cute little home for him. You're also fighting over who gets to change his water - and who gets to feed him live worms. Oh, the adventures motherhood has taken me on... ;)

Kaitlyn: I'll never forget this morning or this image of you. You handled you first jamboree quite well, spending a lot of time digging in the sandy gravel and marching up and down that little curb step to your heart's content. And when Jaden scored his big touchdown and the crowd cheered? You cheered right along with. You looked adorable in your CF Tiger shirt and white bow, and I'm so grateful again to be raising my sweet and spunky little girl.

33/52

"a portrait of one, two, or all three of my children - once each week - in 2019"

Jaden: It's a bit odd to see you wearing #18 now instead of #10, but we're getting excited to watch you in your first live action of the season this weekend! It's Jamboree time!

Kaitlyn: Not only are you taking lots of steps, but you have figured out how to go from sitting to standing all by yourself without holding on to anything. Of course I've never seen you do it, but Kathy and your brothers have! You also learned to "pucker up" this morning, and we love hearing you say "uh oh!" Your budding personality is just the cutest!

32/52

"a portrait of one, two, or all three of my children - once each week - in 2019"

Jaden: Your first week of 6th grade football practice is in the books, and you've been named #1 QB again. You're also going to play some linebacker, wide receiver and running back... if time and situations allow. I love watching you out there on that field and in that uniform. It suits you!

Brandon: You learned how to do a back flip under water at the pool - and just learned how to dive backwards into the deep end. You're my adventurous one!

Kaitlyn: You recognize playgrounds now and get so excited when you see swings and slides. We enjoyed two park nights this past week, and I had forgotten how much I enjoyed ending our evenings like this when the boys were little. I think we decided on our favorite park though - right downtown Cedar Falls with equipment just the right size for you  - and our beloved town's growing downtown skyline as our view. When park time is over, we walk the river and watch the sunset from under the bridge, and sometimes I think that life doesn't get much better than that.

31/52

"a portrait of one, two, or all three of my children - once each week - in 2019"

Jaden: This pretty much sums up your summer - you've been one giant goof ball for the past two months. But - life is about to get super busy again, as you've started football practice as of this week and will be starting Outlaws season again in less than a month. You attended Cedar Falls High School Fit to Hit Camp last week and have Martin Brothers basketball workouts the next two weekends. I just keep telling myself that this season of life doesn't last forever, and we need to enjoy it while we have it!

Brandon: Talk about mama guilt. Last week after I came home with a surprise new board game for you - an anniversary edition of one of my favorites from when I was your age - you told me that you and I haven't had much time together for a long time now. Well, that's all I needed to hear to surrender my evening and have a game night with you outside under the stars!

Kaitlyn: You are slowly but surely gaining your confidence with walking - more intentionally taking steps on your own without our help. You still only make it a few steps before losing balance, but just this past weekend we noticed you really trying to be more independent about it. One of my favorite things about you right now is how whenever you say "Dada" - you always say it in a whisper! And your first "full" sentence has been spoken several times now: "Hi, Dada!" I'm not even upset that you don't say Mama more - it's so darn cute hearing you whisper your excitement for him when you see him. ;)

29/52

"a portrait of one, two, or all three of my children - once each week - in 2019"

Jaden: That's a wrap! Basketball season officially ended up in Wisconsin Dells this past weekend, and you had one of your strongest performance weekends to date. You've had to work hard the past several months after joining the Martin Brothers organization, but we're so proud of how you've responded. And three different people came up to me to ask me if you've had a growth spurt this summer, telling me that you look taller and older all of the sudden! You stand out amongst your team - your maturity is something to be admired. You may be a giant goofball at home, but amongst your peers and on that court, you just carry yourself differently. We have a lot of pride watching you do your thing. Not much time for rest though! Tomorrow night you have to report to pick up your football uniform. ;)

Brandon: You grew your friendship with the Moore brothers on this trip and had so much fun diving in the pool with them (three times within 24 hours). You also got your wish to go mini-golfing, and I'm pretty sure no one takes mini-golfing as seriously as you.... ;)

Kaitlyn: We sure missed you while we were gone! As soon as we got home, we set up your sandbox that Kathy gave to you for your birthday. :) You've been saying "hi!" quite frequently the last couple of days, and it is just about the cutest thing ever. We just love you to pieces!