Mather Blather: 3 Teenagers + 5 Phones = A new kind of Mather adventure

Paul and Elise turned 13. I vividly remember sitting in the Dr's office when I was 37 weeks pregnant being told that I'm fully cooked and just say the word and I could be admitted and induced. I wasn't ready. Oh my body was telling me I was ready but my brain wasn't. I wasn't ready for having 3 kids under 3. I wasn't ready for two babies at the same time. It was the only time as a mom that I could kinda make time stop. Fast forward 13 years and here I am wishing they could cook a little longer at age 12.

Paul's birthday party dream came true this year getting to do K1 Speed indoor go-karting with his friends. He had another injury during baseball season breaking his foot shortly before our big Japan trip. After traveling around Japan with him, I want to travel the world with him. Even though he had to deal with wearing a boot in the oppressive Japan heat, he was an incredibly chill, curious, and fun travel companion. I noticed his world open up in a life changing way with the questions he asked and comments he made. Biking, baseball, and tennis kept him most active. PS4, YouTube Shorts, playing drums, and cheering on the Timbers kept him occupied too. Paul is conscientious, outgoing, and helpful. He acts like a big brother taking care of his sisters. He would be rich if he made money every time he caved to his sisters just to keep the peace. His first text to me on his new phone was "love you more."

Elise's year centered a lot around music and art. Seeing Vampire Weekend, Smashing Pumpkins, and Green Day live definitely rocked her world. Her creative talents amaze me every day. What she is capable of with her hands whether it's giving massages, sculpting, painting, sketching, calligraphy, or cooking with such steady detail is really fun to see. She quit karate but recently started up rowing and let's just say I hope I'm still talking about rowing this time next year. It's been a great start. Elise's emotions and behavioral challenges this past year showed at times, being bigger than her growing brain and body can handle. We are so proud of her working through a lot of tough moments on our Japan trip with big crowds and quick transitions and challenges at school. Elise is quirky, creative, and thoughtful. Elise keeps us on our toes with all her energy and ideas (usually late at night).

Elise's Birthday celebration is tonight so a little pause to the Holiday vibes we are very much enjoying. She wanted it very separate from Paul's birthday party and requested a sleepover. She also requested pizza, zucchini/squash salad, and salmon + cream cheese crostini. I didn't see those last two requests coming. We are all very much looking forward to celebrating Christmas at home with Oma and Opa.

The holidays make me think of Eric a bit more than usual because that's what we do this time of year. We want to tell those we love that we're thinking of them and make more memories together. I know I'm not supposed to use the word hate but it's what I feel. I hate knowing that I won't witness Eric experiencing more fun life milestones with his family and I won't be old with him sharing memories and laughs together about our crazy family. I hate it.

I also think of our friend Troy, my mom's sister Ursel, our neighbors Johanna and David, and my mom's best friend and dear family friend Sabine who we lost this past year. Such good people we are so lucky to have known.

Here are a few pictures of recent moments.

Celebrating my birthday with an early dinner (pre-election) out with my Monday girls night crew, almost 25 years running.