Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Meet the "Doofi"- What they have taught me about ladybugs, teenagers, and birth order.



Emily, Madison (yes, mine), and Mikaela are lovingly to referred to as the "Doofi" by my oldest Kiersten (age 15) and myself. Madison and Mikaela are the real Doofi; Emily is only honorary for reasons I will not say so M & M's feelings are not hurt ;). As you can see they make pretty cute ladybugs.

With the exception of Madison, I really don't think any of them like ladybugs. However, they are teenage girls who are insecure, self absorbed, timid, vain, and want to see the boys turn their heads as they float across the gym floor at the Halloween dance. The formula to make three awkward 13 year old girls turn into confident, happy and cute girls.... tight leggings, red legwarmers, antennae, wings and a tutu. Results= some pretty happy girls who had a great time.

I think they are a pretty well-balanced group of friends. Here's why.. see, I believe in birth order being a big part of your personality. I didn't... until I had kids- then, they proved it to be true. Of course there are always exceptions to the rules; but the "Doofi" are pretty case book birth order kind of girls.

Emily is a sweet rough and tough girl who is a big sister to one little sister and a little sister to two big brothers. Being a bigger sister makes her sensitive to others but she doesn't loose sleep over it. She has a great sense of humor that includes hooting and howling for beautiful boys on the big screen. Her big brothers help her find enjoyment in physical activities and helps her feel confident around boys. Even when she likes a boys she may treat them like a friend or a big brother. Since she is the oldest girl she is serious about school and responsible.

Madison is the middle of three older girls. Typical middle child who makes sure everyone knows she is present and knows what she wants. She is independent, reliable, and resourceful. Her major downfall is that she lives for attention... that is a recipe for problems in itself. She is the ring-leader, a supportive and sensitive friend, and knows how to fly under the radar if she is in pursuit of something important. She dances and sings and loves lots of attention.

Mikeala is the oldest. She is the baby... until recently she didn't even cut her own food. She is innocent, kind, motherly, happy, a bit clueless, and a lot dependent. She's still figuring out problem solving skills but is a true and faithful friend. She is a music guru and is keen to the "spirit".

I love the "Doofi". Not only have they provided K and I with hours of entertainment they have also showed me what good friends look like. They come from different families, different places in birth order, and have different goals and likes; but they are one in friendship.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Ms. Kinsey... a true friend!

I should be cleaning... getting ready for my FIL and his girlfriend who are coming over for dinner... but I'm taking a quick break to share someone special and dear to my heart.

This is Kinsey....



I met Kinsey and her Mom Stacy at the dance studio where my older girls (and now Sadie) dance. Kinsey is three months younger than Sadie and much wiser than most adults I know. This statement may sound strange about a five year old; but if you ever met her I know you would agree.

See, I have a bit of an issue when people treat Sadie like a mascot or a pet. Stacy and Kinsey have always treated Sadie as a friend. It could have something to do with Stacy, Kinsey's mom, teaching Kindergarten- but I tend to think we just happen to find us some real angels. They have always seen Sadie for her accomplishments and a abilities. Kinsey is truly happy to see Sadie and Stacy is always supportive and encouraging without that awkward "cheer on the underdog" vibe.


Lately I've been thinking about what great friends they are and something has been bugging me about the whole thing. See, I know that in Kinsey and Stacy's eyes Sadie is just a little girl who happens to have down syndrome. For that I am eternally grateful. But, something maybe some of you have never thought about is what friends of our kids have to sacrifice in order to stand beside them.

I'm not even sure how to put this in to words- so bear with me if this seems a little scattered. Besides being kind, supportive, and sensitive- Kinsey is a super bright, happy, outgoing, funny, gentle, and bug-loving little girl. She is cute and sweet and her mommies best friend... all qualities worthy of sainthood! Unfortunately, I've noticed that sometimes when she is with Sadie she is overlooked as the girls all run and hug the studio "mascot" Sadie! Yes, I am grateful the girls all love and love on Sadie; but sometimes my heart goes out to this sweet little girl who is looked over solely because she isn't sporting an extra chromosome. Stacy has voiced her excitement about Sadie and Kinsey performing in the same Christmas groups and after a few times I finally told her how I didn't want Kinsey to have to stay behind and "help" Sadie. That didn't seem to phase her one bit. Infact, Stacy told me that the friendship and lessons Kinsey will get from Sadie will be more important than moving forward with any group!

Regardless of what group they end up in or whether they continue in the same dance class or not-- it is apparent to me that both Sadie and I have found some true friends. Friends who love us for who we are. Friends who will stand beside us even if that means they may be looked over or passed up. Friends who understand that we are all children of God. Friends who understand the true meaning of FRIENDSHIP!

I hope that Sadie and I can be worthy of this friendship. I pray that we will be good friends in return. We love you little Ms. Kinsey! Stacy, thank you for raising a terrific daughter.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

The Teague Curse!

It's been a long standing joke in our family that everytime we get to know a family really well either they move to Utah or we move out of state. I have always been a bad long distance friend (I've lost a few because of it). I understand the ones who have let me go... But, I am thankful for those who have stuck with me.

One of the reasons I wanted to blog (besides keeping a journal for our family) is to stay in touch with those who have left us or we have left behind.

Here's a short list of the families we have been part from:
Adamson's- Moved to Utah
Page's- Moved to Utah
My Family- moved up to Washington with us- and we left them!
Draper's- We left them in Washington
Wentz's- also in Washington
Wolslegger- Utah
Peyson's- moved to Mississippi
Aaron's- moved to Texas
Ortiz- Utah
Peterson's-moved to Utah
Carey's- Utah
Bergeson's- Moved to Utah
Harper's moving to New Mexico

I miss these families so much! Hoping more don't leave us!