Hey Buddy!

Funny story: Today we were crossing the street and Ethan said hello to this man. The man responded "hey buddy". Ethan asked me,"why does that man think I'm the guy from from Elf"? I had to laugh. Kids say the darnedest things.

My funny Valentines

We had a nice relaxing Valentine's. The kids woke up to find their goodies and Daddy made heart shaped pancakes for all of us and gave me a beautiful bouquet of two dozen roses. Lovely.

Oh, I also went to see Confessions of a Shopaholic with Tiff and Azucar. A cute flick, very timely.

You made it to 5!

Dear Ethan,

When you were a baby everyone told me (even the 20 week fetal ultrasound technician) that I'd have my hands full with you. When you were born your eyes were wide open, anxiously ready to observe everyone and everything in your new world. The labor and delivery nurse gasped in amazement of your wide eyed observations. She said to me "that's a very good sign" and another nurse said "he's an old soul". We called you "the little old man". From the beginning you always did seem like this old explorer man trapped in a little baby body, eager to break free and be on your way. You talked early, formed complex sentences and seemed wise way beyond your years. When you were 2 1/2 you ran away (one of many times) from me. This time in the mall. You went into Hot Topic and persuaded the manager to buy you a McDonald's happy meal telling the man you hadn't eaten in days (very Ethan). I found you a while later sitting in the food court, chatting it up with a security guard, not a scared bone in your body. Another time you ran away from me (once again in the mall) and told the lady in See's candy that your mother hadn't fed you all day. She preceded to give you free fudge and I found you on about the third piece. I'm glad the running away phase ended at 4. I can sleep a little better at night now. When you were three, you persuaded a whole group of boys at the park, ranging from about 4-8 years old, that you were the son of Superman sent here to Earth to defeat Lex Luther and that they must help you on this mission to rid the earth of such evil. They all followed you around the park for about an hour, devoted servants to your cause. Quite the imagination.

You are a wonderful boy. What I love the most about you is your kind nature. You sincerely care about others, which is rare for a boy your age. You're eager to learn and do very well in school. You're empathetic, friendly, funny, clever, creative, determined, helpful,a true friend, a good brother and of course, devilishly handsome. I'm sorry you were sick on your birthday, that's no fun. We'll go to Soldier Hollow another time. Thank you for choosing us to be your parents. I know we're not perfect, we're figuring it out as we go and we want nothing but the absolute best for you. I wonder what you'll be when you grow up? Maybe the President? Or maybe you'll climb Mt. Everest? Or maybe you'll be a Nascar driver, you're pretty good at driving that Power Wheels car of yours.

These past 5 years have been quite a roller coaster with you. I wouldn't have it any other way. I love you to pieces my "little old man". Happy Birthday!

Love,

Your mom.

P.S. Please stop using my fine jewelry for items in your treasure hunt. That's what the mardis gras beads are for that I gave you. And thank you for finally giving me back my wedding ring (one year later), I do appreciate that it was not traded, bartered, pawned or melted into coins.

As if 6 weren't enough!

The other week I was browsing cnn.com while eating my lunch and came across the article about the women from California having octuplets. Like most people, especially those with children, I thought to myself, how is this women going to take care of 8 babies? I hope her husband has a good job and a lot of free time. I have since learned that:

1. This women has no husband
2. SHE ALREADY HAS 6 KIDS UNDER THE AGE OF 8 YEARS.
3. She lives with her PARENTS in a small ranch which they bought her last year and have since gone bankrupt and had to move in with her.
4. She doesn't work outside the home.
5. Her parents are elderly
6. She now has 14 children under the age of 8 and a mountian of medical bills which no doubt the people of California will be paying for her. 100K per day is the cost for the hospital care for all of them, you do the math.

I love children and it's said that this lady is in love with her children. Who isn't? But is bringing 8 babies born at 30 weeks with many potential physical and metal disabilities as well 6 others children to care for really necessary? Is it me, does anyone else see the moral issue here? I would love your input.

I found this article the other day, very interesting.