here is a video of Maya and her dear friend Hannah… clearly a million years ago

While I was in the Netherlands for a conference (late June), Oma and Opa flew in from Minnesota to hang out with you. When I got back home, we all hung out for a few days – walked on the canal, had picnics, played in playgrounds… just had a wonderful time! Here are some wonderful pictures from our time together!

THANKS OMA & OPA!!! We had a FABULOUS time with you!! Come back soon!!

I know I am SO behind in posting pictures and events – even BIG events like a CA visit from Uncle David, but I’m trying to get my camera to play nicely with my new computer, and I just never seem to have the time to troubleshoot it… so, for now, I’m going to just write about tonight.

You had spent the weekend with Daddy. When you got home at 5:30pm you were FULL of hugs and kisses and playfulness. We had a fantastic time making snacks of cheese, crackers and black bean towers as well as cherry tomato chipmunk cheeks which I squished and you giggled. You played “sink or float” with many different types of toys in the sink, and then we headed up to bed earlier so we could read plenty of stories.

The new FAVORITE is a beautiful book loaned to us from “Uncle Jim,” our dear friend from church. it could NOT be more perfect for you! The writing is so fantastic for kids, and the illustrations are gorgeous. The BEST part? The stories are core Bible stories of Jesus’ amazing love, caring and power: Little Zaccheus; Bartimaeus’s sick eyes; the Boys and Girls and Jesus; Jesus shushs the winds and waves; and finally the one man who came back to say “thank you.” You asked for almost all of the stories to be read “again, Mama.”

After the last story of the one of ten who came back to said Thank You, we had the MOST PRECIOUS prayer time ever. You were sitting on your bed and I in the rocking chair. After I asked you if you wanted to thank Jesus for something, you started by looking up and saying “I love you Jesus.” I again asked you if you wanted to say thank you to Jesus for something. We took turns looking up toward heaven and thanking Jesus for something. You began “Thank you Jesus for chocolate.” I repeated it. Then you said, “Thank you Jesus for this book.” I repeated it. “Thank you Jesus for ALL my books.” I repeated it. “Thank you Jesus for my candy.” I suggest Daddy. “Thank you Jesus for Daddy.” “Thank you Jesus for Mama.” Thank you Jesus for Maya.” (all your prayers). “Thank you Jesus for purple B.” I almost cried… You words and your heart were so sincere.

Then you jumped to my lap and gave me the biggest hug and kiss.

Thank you Jesus for the love that you show both of us in the joy that is uniquely ours. We feel your love – it’s so clear. And it makes ALL the difference!

Peanut, you are exactly what Jesus was talking about when He said, “let the little children come to me… for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.” I have so much to learn from you in how you thoughtfully and sincerely receive the Kingdom of God. I will be humbly watching…

Good night Baby Girl… Thank you for a night I will treasure forever… Your Mommi

Got this email from Donna today:

“Well, Jake is certainly making a name for himself in our neighborhood….people are amazed at how well-haved (thanks to you) he is…if they see him outside they come out to visit and watch his race-track routine around not just our house, but our next door neighbors yard as well…he goes so fast, that he almost caught a deer’s disappearing tail, as it leapt the creek and went into the woods….but was so well behaved that as soon as Dale yelled “Jake-Stop” he did!! Don’t get me wrong…he has gone into the creek after the ducks, and generally just has a real good time . he’s very welcome in our next door neighbors yard ( and house ) but last night the neighbor had on a real strange looking hat and I finally heard him do some serious barking (Jake, not the neighbor)…he DID NOT like that that!!

“On Oct. 30 my husband had a heart attack, and Jake was my very comforting compainion while he was in the hospital…now that Dale is home for a while to recuperate, Jake is completely attached to him.

“We put the Christmas tree up this weekend, and so far , his tail has only knocked 2 ornaments off of it. I’m sure Jake will make out like a bandit at gift-giving time…..everybody loves him!!!

“Well. just wanted to let you know he is doing fine…and to wish you all a very Happy Holiday season!”

We miss him very much, but it warms our hearts to know he is so loved!!

Halloween pictures… These were taken with Marlie’s Mommy’s camera.

A little over a week ago, there was a Parent Night at your school. All the kids and all the parents ate lasagna in the classroom with your teachers. It was fun! Here you are eating with your good friend Marlie…

There were MANY dessert choices! (We each brought in either a salad or a dessert.) Is this a little slice of Heaven or what?!?

This place is certainly an important part of your life, Peanut Butter. It is your community. When you arrive in the morning, many little kids’ voices shout, “Hi MAYA!!” And you can tell your teachers really love you. It’s a good, good thing to know how safe and happy you are when we can’t be with you.

Rochester has different sculptures of horses ALL over town. Isn’t this a fun one?!? It makes us giggle every time we come! There is a sweet story about these pictures by the horse. On the drive to gymnastics, I accidentally deleted a number of very sweet pictures of you on your bike. You listened to me lamenting my loss, “I lost all those pictures of you on your bike… that makes Mommi very sad.” You looked so concerned, I asked “Will you smile again for me… maybe by the horse?” Without skipping a bit you said enthusiastically, “Yeah. Sure!” And you did! You are so wonderful!!

This is Ms. Jan – your teacher… You really seem to love gymnastics. The first parents’ night is in 2 weeks! I can’t wait to see what you’ve learned!! Love you Peanut!

One of my favorites for sure (an expression I am all too familiar with 🙂 )

You will ALWAYS be a princess to me!

And some random summer pictures to show you how incredible you are…

9/6/07 “I came in about 9:15am and Maya was the 1st one to welcome me with a great smile. She grabbed my hand! They all seemed happy and ready for a fun-filled day! Maya is an awesome jumper!! She climbed and jumped off the platfrom in the muscle room. Maya really likes to receive praise… this really encourages her to engage more! Maya received a sticker today for listening and cleaning up after herslef. She was one of two children who received a sticker!!” -Maritza

9/7/07 “I came in at 11:45am and they were eating lunch. Maya ate meatloaf and 2 servings of fruit an d milk. She was ALL smiles!! She took a 1.5 hr nap. She sat on the potty twice but only went once. This was great!! Hooray… She received a sticker for this… And a little parade… I noticed today that Maya voluntarily decided to clean up the books that were on the floor and the couch…” -Maritza

9/10/2007 “Maya seemed very happy today!! She enjoyed all the centers today. She played with playdough, shaving cream with food coloring, babies and baby clothes, and the train set. She participated in all the activities and followed all directions. Great Day!!” -Maritza

9/18/2007 “Maya had a very good day. She was very affectionate towards her friends. Lots of hugs and kisses!! Centers: train set, tools and blocks, potato head, coloring pencils, people in house. Maya played first with coloring pencils – her drawing is in her mailbox. Tools next, then people in the house.”

9/23/2007 I logged that you had gone pee pee on the potty THREE times and poo poo on the potty once on Sunday. Maritza was very excited to hear you had such a great day… This is what she wrote the next day: “Potty training can be very exciting and fun. It’s great to hear about it!! Maya is a very sweet girl! Very affectionate!! It’s great working with her. She played with the tool set and babies with clothes (dressing) during centers.” -Maritza

9/27/2007 “Both regular teachers are out today – The Spruces (that’s you!) did very well – however, potty routine was a little “off” for Maya today – hope to have more success in the p.m. Maya enjoyed showing us her dancing moves today – she poured sand into many different sized containers at the sand tables. She also enjoyed playdough and block building. outside, she’s working those legs on the swings & loving the bikes!!” – Bonnie

We see the same wonderful things in you Miss Maya –
* a beautiful, full-of-life spirit
* a strong little body and will
* creative and talented
* caring and affectionate
You are LOVING bike-riding and playdough at home too. I think you would swim three times a day if we would take you. You are into watching Dora the Explorer 15-minute movies, and George is your favorite TV cartoon. You’re still a huge jumper – I bought you a little standing, in-door trampoline at a consignment sale last week, and you haven’t stopped jumping on it! You’ve been saying “I love you, Mama” just out of the blue. You still squeeze my cheeks together with your little hands and put your nose about an inch from mine and say, “I’m so proud of you!” in your awesome two-year old voice. Melts my heart every time!

When we say grace before meals, we hold hands and usually sing. You always choose “Itsy Bitsy Spider” for your prayer…. sooo we sing Itsy, Bitsy Spider and end with some enthusiastic Amen’s! You also consistently insist on having your elbows held instead of holding hands.

Tonight, at dinner I asked if your bananas were tasting good. Without missing a beat, both index fingers of both hands were pointed straight up to the sky with an enthusiastic, “TASTES GWEAT!!” Your Daddy and I laughed and laughed…. Seriously, what joy you bring into this world!!

Thank you for being you!
I love you to pieces, Your Mommi