handsful

Marley was in the mood for something different…here’s the BEFORE.

And, the AFTER.

She wanted long bangs, and had deeper layers cut in back. She loves it! Makes her look too mature, don’t you think? She’s getting WAY to close to the teenage years for me!

Marley, Payton, and Ethan…my preemie triplets who each weighed in around 3 1/2lbs…are now 12 years old.  Officially pre-teens - 1 year till teenagers - 4 years from driving.  (yikes)

Their birthday was actually fairly laid back…as pretty much all of our summer days have been.  They slept in, and then requested cinnamon rolls for breakfast.  Well, I had none in the fridge and didn’t have all the ingredients for homemade.  I did have a roll of biscuit dough, so after some imagination on my part, I presented them with cinnamon rolls.  They were good, if I do say so.

That night, they opened Abbey’s presents to them.

purple and pink camo sleeping bag

always suspicious of his sister, he’s listening for ticking.  Or, breathing.  Turns out it was an Xbox game.

Earlier in the week, Marley found just the comforter she’d been looking for, so that became her birthday present from us.  The boys were wishy-washy about what they wanted until it was too late.  We think we’ve hit on a couple of things, so we’ll do some internet surfing.

Then, we headed out to dinner…

Yummy dinner, followed by the usual birthday ice cream.  This time, there were no birthday singers - we were fine with that!

Now that they are 12, I decided to do a “who they are now” kind of post.  Listing things that really define them.  Afterall, I’m seeing glimpses of them as young adults these days (gulp), and I want to remember this season in their lives.

Marley -

Loves all things horses - dreams of owning her own horse farm with lots of other animals scattered about.

Hates all things related to thunder storms.  And splinters.  And peanut butter.

Loves to read - chapter books about animals are favorites.  Currently reading The Percy Jackson series.

Prefers to wear double-layered tank tops and jeans.  Isn’t fond of anything remotely “cute”.

She’s creative - loves to draw, color, cook, and write stories.

Loves to make other people happy, but can still flash a mean temper.

Payton -

Loves his brother intensely…can be just as intensely mad at him, too.

Hates injustice, soda, and wearing anything other than his favorite black shorts.

Orders lemonade at every restaurant.  Everytime.

Has a gift in drawing, especially cartooning.  Which fits his personality perfectly.

Little kids are drawn to him, and he loves that.

Prefers friends to call him “Tater”, and has a knack of making us laugh.

Ethan -

Hates reading, talking on the phone, and hearing his baby sister cry.

Loves soda, sugary cereal, and junk food.  Too much.

Has decided that baseball is not his thing.

Has decided that guitar is his thing, and he does it very well.   That and video games.

Always has arms full of silly bands and a rope anklet on his ankle.

Is a bit of a daredevil and loves a thrill.  Skateboarding, wakeboarding, skiing, roller-coasters…you name it.

I couldn’t be prouder of my triplets…who they are now, and who they are becoming.  Happy 12th M, P, and E!

Marley is as comfortable with horses as I am…not.  She’s always been our nature girl, lover of all animals, rescuer of every toad and frog that makes it into our pool.  That’s our Marley. 

She’s taken horse riding lessons on and off for the last few years.  She really likes where she’s taking lessons now, but with our move, we’ll be on the look out for another. 

Recently, they got a few baby chicks at the barn.  Marley and her friend Sarah Grace always have to spend a little quality time with them after their lesson. 

Have YOU ever had a chicken resting on your head?  No, me either. 

Marley and one of her favorite horses, Lexy

Marley and Casper

Why do I have the feeling I’ll be grandmother to a horse one day?

They’re all fun,

silly,

sweet,

and beautiful. 

And, they’re all mine.  I am blessed.

Look what Payton and Marley created.  Any guesses?  I think it’s pretty obvious!  Need a hint?  (cue the music) “Who lives in a pineapple…”

Randy and I are trying hard to dedicate time to each child, individually, every so often.  Today was Marley’s day with me and she chose brunch and a pedicure.  It was a sacrifice I was willing to make for my daughter..heh heh. 

The “let’s take a nice picture of ourselves” picture…

and, the necessary “let’s act like goofy girls” picture.  I’m sure people were watching, but we didn’t notice. 

Our glammed up toes…mine are the ghostly white feet on the left.  Sun rejects me. 

We also made a stop at the kids consignment shop, Marley found a cute pair of skinny jean shorts and I, of course, had to buy a little dress for Lainey.  It was a fantastic morning, I loved hanging out with my middle daughter.  She’s the child that looks most like me (if you squint a little and imagine darker hair…) and she’s most like me in personality, too.  She has a lot going for her.  :)

Marley has taken gymnastics for almost 4 years.  She began in the beginner class and this year was moved to advanced.  She loves it, it’s truly her “thing”.  Last weekend she participated in the annual event Ribbon Day.  This is a fundraiser for the competitive teams and a chance for the recreational classes to show their stuff.  Marley wants to try out again for team next year - she tried last year but was told she needed to build up her strength.  She’s, therefore, been focusing a lot on that in class and at home.  Marley is a very motivated child, so I think she’ll do great! 

2nd handstand from the left

nice height on the tumble track!

low beam

high beam

everyone received ribbons and a medal

enjoying the applause!

She loved her first Ribbon Day :)