Wednesday Buffet

Here are a few little things that were running through my mind as I laid the floor singing to my boys tonight....

I read a fascinating article in the New York Times today entitled "Are your friends making you fat?" So interesting. Obesity was not the focus, nor was avoiding fat people so you don't end up that way....but social mannerism movement studies that were intriguing, and also made me excited to continue making happy, healthy choices with the realization of the great effect it can have on those around me. Can't wait to discuss it with Mike tonight.

When I got home from mutual (church youth group that I help lead) I went upstairs to check on the boys and Jake was engrossed in Aesop's fables, and Andrew was settling in to bed wearing....blue gardening gloves. "They help keep my hands soft, Mom." (whatever, honey. Will they help you fall asleep faster?)

Just two weeks ago I was sad, realizing that our dress up stuff doesn't get used near as much as it used to, and then today.....

some adorable little girl decided she knew how to undress and dress herself and enjoyed herself very much. She was a clone trooper, then robin hood, then this. Looks like we may need to add a few female characters to the basket.

And we had fun making and eating peanut butter chocolate cookies. (After Jacob consumed too much dough he informed me that he "maybe isn't such a fan of peanut products after all.")

This is not to say we didn't have two very difficult hours trying to get homework done, or craziness at the dinnertime hour, or crankiness from the two year old when told she had to eat something this week besides cheese, but I just had to chuckle tonight at all the funny, sometimes odd, and varied things that can happen in the home in a typical day.

The Heavens Have Opened!

We have had a terrible drought this summer. One of those where we are filled with hope every time we see a grey cloud float into view, and then kind of get this ache when it blows away again. It's been in the hundreds since the beginning of June. It's now September.

Well, the stakes in the Austin area had a day dedicated to fasting and praying for rain last week. (along with fervent prayers from those of many other faiths, I'm sure.)

IT HAS BEEN RAINING WITHOUT STOPPING FOR ALMOST TWO DAYS.

CE........LEBRATE GOOD TIMES, COME ON!!

I swear you can hear the grass, trees, and all living things gulping. Ahhhh....Makes me want to cry.

First Triathlon

What a fun day we had today! Up early for Mike's first triathlon. He smoked 'em in the water. Nice form, Mr. Michael.

Then he was off on his bike. The kids and I had a ton of fun moving all around to different locations to cheer him on. The boys shouted out "Clone helmet!" every time they saw someone ride past wearing one of those funky looking sideways-teardrop-shaped helmets. Reminded me of shouting "Slug bug!" when I was younger. Pardon the half captured image. It was always interesting to all of a sudden spot him and then frantically turn on the camera and shoot as fast as I could. I actually erased a number of pictures that were of total strangers.

Workin' it.

He finished!
700 meter swim
27 km (btwn 16 and 17 mile) bike ride
5k run
1 hour and 47 minutes
Not too shabby for his first time!

Afterwards we enjoyed some ice cream, while Mike enjoyed the free massages offered. Ahhh....

While waiting for Mike to be able to get his bike, the kids found their own entertainment. Climbing large dirt hills and camping out under a few giant toadstools.
Andrew is showing you the crystal he found, and yes, I make Amelia's hair cute in the morning, but it has a mind of it's own.

Then we threw in some delicious burgers and a 50 cent movie at a newly discovered discount theatre to make for the perfect day. We finally got to see the movie UP! and we LOVED it!

Happy Labor Day and gooooOOOOOOO MIKE!

**oops! I forgot that Mike also did a triathlon at both Utah State and BYU. But they were much shorter. So let's say this is his first Bigger Triathlon. (:

Mike's trip to Four Lakes Basin

I (Mike) went with members of Cheri's family on a backpacking trip. Here are some pictures of the trip.
Our destination was the Four Lakes Basin in the Uinta Mountain Range. It was a nine mile hike. After our hike, a few of us got in the lake, to ice our legs, and it felt great. I actually dipped my body in up to my neck for a second. You could see snow on the mountains still, but the water wasn't that cold.

And eventually we had to hike back out. Three days wasn't long enough, but I'm very glad we got to do it. It was a fun hike both ways, difficult at points, but well worth it. It had the type of scenery you don't get in Texas, and it was great to see everyone again. Thanks to Don for flying me up there, and to all the guys for planning the trip.

Back 2 Skool

The boys started school bright and early today! Jake started off third grade with confidence and excitement. Andrew tightened his grip on my hand as we approached the front door of the school. He told me he felt a little nervous. I told him that was normal, and that there were four whole kindergarten classes full of kids starting just like him, and that the teachers were there to help him. Jacob spoke up and reassured Andrew that everyone felt a bit nervous today, because everyone had a new class in a new grade, so for Andrew not to worry at all.



As we walked in to the cafeteria and split up into grade sections, there were 5 other kindergarteners there so far. Three of them were silent with tears pouring down their cheeks. I'm guessing their parents had to leave for work already. As soon as Andrew saw them, his eyes got red and began welling up. Of course this made me almost lose it. I gained control, though, and quickly began introducing all the little kids to one another, and asking what teachers they had (most of them told me they couldn't remember) and then we found some things to laugh about. After a few minutes Andrew's teacher came striding up waving both arms high in the air and calling out Andrew's name. He gave her a little wave and a big smile. She was so sweet! She came right over and said, "Andrew! I have a TON of pencils that need to be sharpened. Would you like to come with me to the classroom and help me sharpen them?!" Oh boy, would he. He gave me a kiss and was off.

At the end of today Jake reported that his class was "Great! My teacher has excellent control of the classroom. It was so quiet. And I really like the kids in my desk group."

Andrew told me that an "Emily girl" was driving him crazy. "She kept getting up and running all around and out into the hall and was just so loud. I kept looking at her like 'what are you doing?'"

Conclusion: they are both excited to go back tomorrow. And Millie and I look forward to all the time we have to read books together, dance, and work on our popsicle weaning! (; Good times!

Jacob is 8

Happy Birthday, Jake the Snake! Oh wait, Captain Rex, sir! Here is the post you have been looking for, buddy boy. I'm slow, but my brain's fried on kids. Behold the sweet, blue masterpiece. Ok - decent for a 10 minute time slot allowed for frosting the cake before people start arriving for the party.

Chipmunk boy extinguishes the flames.

Jacob is obsessed with all things Lego and Star Wars. Many kind family members and friends fed his appetite. I thought this picture did his reactions to the evening justice. BEYOND thrilled.

Two of his youngest uncles team up with he and Andy Roo to race against each other in building identical droid bombers Jake received. (I already know that "droid bomber" is SO not what these are called. As soon as Jake reads this he will inform me of their real name which is probably something like Droid Battleship 4TP originating from the Galactic Region which was overseen by Lord So and So....)

Fittingly for the birthday boy, his team (okay- Kris) won by a close margin with Sterling moments behind.

We had tons of fun this night with lots of family and some friends over. Barbequed (Mike made some awesome grilled pineapple), and played some Bocci.

Family Came to Town!

Some of my family came to town and it was so much fun to spend time with them. We took my sister and her husband and their sweet nine month old baby girl (who we met for the first time!) for a little "hike" and around town. They are wonderful to be with and it was fun to show them where we live. Their daughter is hilarious. Quite the personality. She and Amelia had a grand time together. Amelia loved being able to share her Weebleville town and to teach all she knows about Mr. Potato Head.

Then my parents and grandma came. We, of course, had to hit the pool. Doesn't Amelia look like she's thinking, "Yeah, little girl, you should be nervous." My dad and mom had lots of fun swimming with them.

Here Amelia is trying to be hot stuff. She looks so much like my mom did as a child! Same eyes definitely.

Here we are after Jake's baptism. This is the reason they all came out. It was a beautiful program and it meant so much that family came to show love and support to Jake. This certainly was the highlight of our summer. And we were so happy that Granny felt well enough to come! Look at her! She looks beautiful and always spreads happiness. We love you all, family!

Hey Baby!

Andrew just came running in the kitchen while I was cleaning up dinner. He has been in the front room making me birthday presents (6 weeks early).

"Mom! I just found a [gift] bag that says 'Happy Birthday'! And it's so beautiful, see... (holds up bag)"

"It is beautiful, Andrew! But instead of Birthday, it says Baby. Good job though, they both begin with a B."

"oh............Mom! Remember in Maria (Sound Of Music) the boy (Rolf) calls the girl (Liesel) baby?! (Big sparkle in his eyes) And you are a baby, too! That's a nice thing to say. So I am going to use this bag!"

Singing in the rain

Tonight was such an enjoyable evening. We went over to Nani and Poppy's house for dinner and family home evening. As dinner was cooking, a sorely needed thunderstorm came through. We saw the downpour and shouted to everyone and we all ran outside. Poppy, Andrew, and I did a footrace down the driveway, Amelia splashed in the puddles in the driving rain, and even Jacob finally got to join in the fun. Poppy quickly covered Jake's cast and all the kids and Poppy grabbed some umbrellas and played in the rain until they were all quite wet.

I love unexpected moments like that. Then right as we finished dinner, Mike's sister called and said she was now home from the hospital with her newborn daughter and we all got to go see the newest sweetheart from heaven. Such a darling.

And since I don't have pictures of our reveling in the rain, I will put up one of the kids playing together on a hot evening last week - another unexpected, but welcome, jaunt in the water.

Sigh

Jacob finished his breakfast, pushed aside his bowl, and rested his chin on his hands. He sat there for a moment, quietly, and then, in a tired, slightly resigned tone, said,

"I guess I can read this Winnie the Pooh book. It should put a smile on my face."

Why Winnie the Pooh, and why a needed smile?...........

Well, the Winnie the Pooh book was within reach, and the necessary arrival of these -

was the reason he was short on smiles.

Jacob is no ordinary child. When he does something, he REALLY does it. I foresee family get togethers in the future as story-tell-athons, recounting (and hopefully laughing hysterically) all his childhood adventures.

So here's the story. Yesterday was a great day. Harmony in the home, Mom working on prepping some rooms for painting, working in the yard together (while it was only 95ish, and not yet 104), yada, yada, yada. Late in the quiet afternoon, while they were all looking at books (we are all finishing up recovering from the flu in JULY - not bitter at all), Jake decided things were a bit too quiet and starts stirring up the pot. Ends up losing his chance to hang out with us kool kats and gets sent upstairs to his room. He starts shooting arrows (sharpened pencils) at me with his bow (hanger) from his room. Naturally mom shuts his door. He opens it and begins again. Mom locks it. Yelling, banging, and then quietness follows. I continue keepin' my cool and taping off the hallway. I run out of painters tape. I go down to the kitchen to get the next roll and WHAT!?! Jacob is dragging himself up to the patio door!

HE ESCAPED OUT HIS BEDROOM WINDOW, LOWERED HIMSELF ONTO THE COVERED PATIO ROOF, AND JUMPED.

So, a long evening in the E.R. with me and three lovely, tired children. (couldn't get ahold of Mike, he was out running after work). Grrrrrr. Yes, he broke the little bones on the top of his foot, and is in a hard splint. Half plaster, half wrap. He is pretty proud of how "awesome I already am at getting around on these things!" Though the hospital bills he is now in charge of paying, and the thought of not being able to swim in this absurd heat has got him a little down. Natural consequences. Lovely things. (Though I wish I didn't have to hang around while he suffers through it.)

Which reminds me of another story that must not be left out of our family archive. Back in maybe March, Jake was out playing in the backyard. I asked him to pick up some things before he came back in, and then I went inside, inadvertently locking the door behind me. I proceeded to go into the garage to do laundry, and Andrew and Amelia came in as well, to ride their bikes. So we couldn't hear anything.....phones ringing, doorbells dinging, or.... WHOOPS - children knocking and calling and finally crying and pounding to tell me they are locked out. Jake (who's worst fear is being kidnapped) took matters into his own hands. He found a hammer and smashed out our sliding glass door - almost all of it. There was glass from the back door all the way to the front door. Ohhhhhh boy. I am glad I refrained from going with my first train of thought - which was to hang him in the tree by his toes and let the opossums make breakfast out of him -but I gave big hugs and helped calm him down and listened to his story. The poor little guy was terrified. And I felt so bad that I had locked the door, even if just out of habit!

So there it is. And I am clinging to the hope that the thousands of extra dollars these "stories" are going to cost us will seem trivial when all is said and done.

And of course, it must be remembered, that Jacob absolutely charmed every one of the 7 doctors/nurses/receptionists that helped him. Oh, and the whole waiting room. He is charming and delightful. I am so thankful for that. And as I seek to align myself with Pollyanna, I am glad that it was only his foot that was injured, and that the screen he pushed out of his bedroom window was not damaged beyond repair, and that they had crutches his size...because this mama would be having a meltdown if she had to carry a 50 pound child everywhere. I'm not sure that would have ended pretty.

So now I must get back to "the boredest boy on earth," his brother who is still dealing with an awful cough, and his sister - who just woke up and I am praying is in a fabulous mood!

Swimming

Many of you know that our family loves swimming.

Cheri remembered the camera last night, we got

some video, and I thought we should share. Enjoy.

She's a maniac!

Amelia is certainly not known for her timidity, but come on!

A moment ago I called her for lunch and heard her feet pattering down the hall upstairs. I walked over to the bottom of the stairs as she was heading down. I said, "Lady love!" and held out my arms. She was eight steps from the bottom and she LEAPED into the air and down. I lunged forward and caught her about stair four just before she broke both ankles on the edge of stair three. WHAT?!? No way.

As I carried her to the table, shaking my head and laughing in disbelief, it came to me that we have spent hours with her jumping off the edge of the pool to us. Which - following the maniac theme...the girl can't stay out of the water. She is all over. No kicking or strokes yet, but she loves to be pushed under and to someone else. She wears goggles and strains to go over to the diving board with her brothers. This little lady is not going to be left behind.

And just because I always laugh at this picture, I must share -
introducing "Power Pump!"
(Pump-pump, pumples, and pumpadumkins are a few of her nicknames, hence the Power Pump. And I have NO IDEA where we get all the strange, endearing names we have for her. )

A little bit of this, little bit of that...

While Mike was out mowing the lawn he spotted a very cool beetle. We all ran out to see it, and I caught this sweet moment on camera. All the children are in poses that so well capture their personalities. Jake's back on his haunches, elbows resting on his knees, checking things out, Andrew has got the gumby body hunched down low, (aaaa! this pic was pre-haircut. His hair was driving me nuts!!), and Amelia is matter of factly showing Mike the mail. Mike is a good dad. I love him!

Here Amelia is humming Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and doing the hand actions. I'm not sure if the sweet potatoes run through the hair enhances her onstage look or not....

Jacob finished up his first soccer season. The lower picture shows him on one of the days he was goalie. He was awesome! A lot of balls were shot at him and he stopped them all. He was such a hustler. The minute he would stop the ball, he was alreading running to throw it back into play. He would toss it far over the other players, and one time he threw it so far, the other teams' goalie had to stop it from rolling into their goal. He was so proud of himself and told us that Coach Pat remarked- after he dove on a ball to stop it- that he did it just like a "PROFESSIONAL!!" (: He was all smiles. We are excited to have Andrew start as well.

And one last little bit: The other night the boys and I were entertaining ourselves by looking through a cake decorating book my mother in law gave us a LONG while back. As we looked through the wedding cake section, the boys started deciding what cake they would have at their wedding. I mentioned that their choices were nice and all, but they would have to see if it would be something the girl would like as well....

Jacob: Ok Andrew, let's look again and try to get something with a little more girly in it, but not too much girly.
(they look for a while, hemming and hawing)
Andrew: Here's a good one. It's pretty pretty, and I like it too!
Jacob: Yeah, that's good. Mom? Do the girls get to choose the other things for the wedding?
Mom: Jake, the girls traditionally get to plan the entire wedding.
Jacob: WHAT!? No fair! I want to plan my wedding!.........Well, if she plans the wedding, how could I help?
Mom: Maybe you could offer to go pick up the flowers from the florist, or get the tuxes, or (I can see that he is not listening to me and is thinking hard)
Jacob interrupts: I know what I can do! I'm really good at spreading out the table cloth at our house, so I will tell her that I am going to put the tablecloths on all the tables!!! (is very excited)

Brilliant!

And of course, as we sat looking through the catalog, I was reminded of the last time we sat down and looked through it.

Here's an update. My sister Lindsay made it for Jake and did such a cool job. So funny. (Okay, so I'm like a year behind in posting about it.) Still such a hilarious cake for a seven year old. He thought it was awesome.

(child's voice) All Done!

Jacob is through with second grade! Here he is with his teacher, Mrs. Garrett,
at the end of the year class party. He loved being in her class and finished out the year with a bang!
Jacob had a different teacher for the majority of the year and he really struggled. He was quite stressed and acted out often, but it took a lot of time for Mike and I and Jacob to pinpoint what was leading to his tough times. We met numerous times with the teacher, counselor, assistant principal, and then principal....and finally I just pulled him out of school for a bit in March. Thanks to a great principal and impressions I recieved after much prayer, we put him back in with a different teacher. The environment was just what he needed. Lots of greens and gold stars followed! Way to go, Jacob! We love you so much and are proud of you for all your hard work!

Andrew participated in a little preschool this year and enjoyed himself immensely. He was the oldest one and became the "helper" for all the other children. His favorite lessons included dogs, lemonade stands, making all things pumpkin, and learning about the sea. This little puppy is excited for kindergarten to start. As soon as school was out, the boys and I made goals for summer learning. Two of Andrew's goals were to be able to count and recognize his numbers to 30 and to write and recognize the lower case alphabet. (Just because it's easier, I've only taught him the upper.) ANYWAY - this goal oriented, determined boy mastered the numbers almost up through 100 in the first few days. He is going to do great in school!
We love you, Andy Doondy! RUFF!!

Summertime is here

Yes folks, long active days and bellies full of watermelon occasionally lead to a face down/in the plate/early bedtime.

Beware the woken child. (This picture kills me!)

Oh, wait. She's back down again.
Her shorts were soggy with watermelon juice and stickiness was everywhere! Jacob picked our first watermelon of the summer and it was a winner. Huge and delicious. We'll probably be working on this monster melon for a week!
*After typing that I realize it may sound like we picked it from our garden, but alas, not this year. We picked it straight from the boxes at the supermarket. (: