All About 3 Boys

Curly-ism

2012-02-15T08:39:00.001-08:00

On the way to take BigBoy to school this morning.....
Curly: Mommy, my voice is changing.
Me: Oh really?
Curly: Yes. Because I am growing up.

He's 4 1/2. WHERE does he come up with these things????
He's right though. He is growing up way too fast for my taste!

New York

2011-12-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

We decided to take BigBoy to New York with us a few weeks ago. He is the perfect age to do this trip. He was amazing and I loved having a few days alone with my oldest. We rarely get that time alone.
We went to the Museum of Natural History and spent almost 6 hours there. We both loved it! Dinos, butterfly house, ocean life, planetarium, african animals - we saw it all!

We walked across the Brooklyn Bridge. It was a beautiful day for the walk (a mile across it) and we had lunch in Brooklyn at Grimaldi's pizza, which was amazing!

We took the ferry out to Liberty Island to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

BigBoy had his first time to ice skate in Central Park. We stayed about 3 hours, saw a gorgeous sunset and enjoyed seeing the lights on the buildings surrounding the park.

The fall colors were breathtaking and BigBoy loved playing in the leaves.

We climbed the rocks in Central Park several days.

We visited ground zero and tried to explain things we still cannot wrap our brain around. It's hard to explain that kind of evil to an innocent, precious 6-year old.

We saw Times Square; had a hot dog from a vendor, rode an airplane, taxi and subway; went to the top of Rockefeller Center to see the lights of Times Square and the Empire State Building.

We were sad that the fun had to end. But, there were two boys at home that missed their mommy, daddy and big brother.

Just wondering....

2011-12-08T19:14:00.000-08:00

......If anyone knows when this phase of total and absolute exhaustion will end?
I would love to know. It is getting really old to feel like my 90-year-old Nennie and either fall asleep on the couch before 9pm or flat out be in my bed asleep by 9pm.
Anyone? Please? Tell me it ends at some point. Some point soon.

What happens when....

2011-08-23T11:44:00.000-07:00

What happens when you tell a 1-year old that no, he cannot play with a chainsaw?
This.....

Well hello, terrible 2's.... thanks for showing up a bit early.
He is still pretty cute though! :)

Back to school

2011-08-22T11:13:00.000-07:00

BigBoy started first grade today.
I think I had a harder time today than I did when he started Kinder last year. It feels so much more grown up now. He did great though! :)

This little dude is going to be so lost without his ~~partner in crime~~ big brother.

I truly think he gets more handsome each year!

These boys are my world. I am so very blessed!

Soaking it in!

2011-08-17T07:36:00.000-07:00

We have 5 more sleeps until school starts for BigBoy. I can hardly believe he is about to be a first grader! And, BooBear is about to turn 2! I can't even think about it.

So, we are just soaking in the remaining moments of freedom, no schedules, late bedtimes and togetherness. Oh for the beauty of togetherness! It has been awesome in so many ways. And as much as I am ready for school to start, I am NOT looking forward to getting everyone up early in the mornings! I am not ready for the rush out the door, finding shoes, backpacks and lunches.

A few tidbits I don't want to forget....
BigBoy is the ~~hoarder~~ saver. We counted up all his quarters and other change last night and little dude has $86. I have a feeling a trip to the bank (to get it changed to dollars) and then the Leg0 store is in our very near future. Where did he get all that money is my question. He just spent about $60 on a lego in March.

In the car the other day......
BigBoy: Curly, can you please be quiet? You're giving my ears a headache.

Curly is still curly. I just asked him to pick up the sticker he peeled off his apple and his response? "I'm too busy." That is a pretty good representation of most of his days. Busy busy busy. He has no worries and nothing stresses him out (except when BooBear pulls those beautiful sun-highlighted curls).

BooBear is finally starting to have a few words. His first few were "mine", "no" and "stop". Awesome, huh? He also says juice, cheese, shoes, please (he likes the shhhhh and chhhhh sounds). He finally says daddy but it sounds like "aaaaaaa-eeee". He has also turned into a gorgeous bleached-blonde this summer.

Book Review -- Heaven is For Real

2011-08-05T13:12:00.005-07:00

I recently read my second book from booksneeze.com. I chose “Heaven is For Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back” by Todd Burpo. The title had me hooked. A little boy goes to heaven and tells us about it? Great! The author’s four-year old son, Colton, was very sick and nearly died before they figured out what was wrong with him. The story is told by Todd Burpo and often includes quotes from the son.

I am torn about how I feel about this book. Much of it is just telling the story that leads up to Colton getting sick and going into emergency surgery. There seems to only be a few pages of Colton describing what he saw while in heaven. I did find it interesting that he saw his dad crying and praying. He gives details that are scripturally based. They did make me wonder if Mr. Burpo influenced his son in any way or helped him by supplying details or information.

I was raised in church and I don’t want to be skeptical. However, I think that part of the reason that the Bible is vague about heaven is that he doesn’t want us to know about it. We probably cannot comprehend the amazingness of heaven. The story told by Mr. Burpo gives few details not found in the Bible. It was interesting but I am glad that I did not pay for the book. I probably won’t loan this one out to friends.

Vacation!!!

2011-07-30T09:11:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a little summer vacation.
Let me caveat that vacation is a loose term. It was a fun, summer, family trip. There was no lounging on the beach or sleeping in until I naturally woke up. 3 little boys still wake early (and even earlier than normal in a strange house) and demand to be fed 3+ times a day. They need lots of activities to wear them out so that they will fall asleep peacefully at a decent time and give mommy and daddy a bit of quiet and rest.
We also had no internet all week. I admit that it took me a couple of days to stop trying to upload pics to FB or send a quick status update. It was nice to just unplug, read (finished 2 books this week!), and enjoy being together as a family.
With all of that said, it was a great trip!!!
We rented a house in Wimber1ey, Texas. Such a cute little town in the beautiful hill country.
We drove (and some napped).

We took walks. BigBoy thinks he is strong enough to carry BooBear!

We played in the treehouse behind the house we stayed in.

We had yummy sno-cones!

"Batman" flavored sno cone. He said he liked it.

Puppy wanted a bite too!

We visited the capitol. They just had to climb on the cannon. Boys!

We saw amazing sunsets!

We had a picnic and lots of fun as a family!

We spent a day at SeaWorld. BooBear especially loved the Sesame Street 4D theater. :)

Check out Shamu and Baby Shamu below (yes, I got a little weepy seeing them jump together).

BigBoy and E rode this.....

Why, yes, my heart did stop a bit and I might have giggled nervously while waiting with Curly and BooBear. So proud that BigBoy conquered his fears and nervousness and went for it! I see many, many more rollercoaster rides for those two!

We stayed near the Blanc0 river. The boys found a rope swing and of course had to try it out too! E, BigBoy and Curly all went in and had a blast! Curly was so funny - he couldn't figure out when to let go of the rope, so E had to help him out by grabbing his legs and pulling him into the river!

We got to see lots of animals, but I took this especially for my dear (deer???) brother! We were so close to them and they just looked at us for a few seconds and then went on about finding their dinner.

We had a great time and made lots and lots of memories!

LOVE these boys! BigBoy (6 1/2), Curly (4) and BooBear (22 mo)

Good Bye W1mberley. Hope to see you again very soon!

Summer

2011-07-21T07:11:00.000-07:00

We have had WAY too much fun this summer. I am getting ready for the boys to go back to school, but am trying to enjoy the last few weeks of our lazy days together.

But, I wanted to jump on quickly to post a few funny things the boys have said.

BigBoy: What's today's date mom?
K: Thursday, July 21st.
BB: Well, let me look at my calendar. Yep, it's right here on July 21st. I am supposed to go to the Leg0 store today and buy new leg0s. Look, I wrote it on there.

HA! Hard to argue with that logic.

Ratatouille (the movie) just camp on. A few minutes in, Curly pipes up "ahhhhhh, the rat one? I don't like this one." Funny way to describe it!

BooBear is his same old cute, all-boy self! He is still a man of few words but he makes known what he wants. He is cute, cuddly and going through a total mommy-mode. He is having crazy separation anxiety. Neither of the other boys had it, so I am having a hard time with him right now. I think that because he has just always gone with me to everything, he is not used to being left behind.
Thankfully he has some wonderful sitters and women at church that love him and snuggle with him until he is ready to go play again.
Sweet boy is also rocking an awesome tan (they all are, thanks for the great olive skin, Nana!) and has turned blonde. I will get some pics posted soon. I have taken plenty but just haven't bothered to download.

Excuse me now.... I have some super cute boys to go play with! :)

Last day of school

2011-06-25T10:26:00.000-07:00

I know that this was several weeks ago, but I couldn't help but compare pictures of BigBoy from the first day of Kinder to the last day.

First day:

Last day:

He grew several inches and quite a few pounds. He went up to size 6 clothes. He also lost his first two teeth.
Curly also shot up in height. He was several inches shorter than BigBoy's shoulder and is now as tall as BigBoy's chin!
Even crazier is how much BooBear has grown.
August '10:

May '11:

Happy 4th Birthday Curly!

2011-05-26T14:33:00.000-07:00

Oh boy! Where does time go?
How is it that my sweet Curly is 4 today?

Officially, you do not turn 4 until 10:53pm tonight. But, your labor and birth went on for quite a while. I fully believe that I get to celebrate and remember all 28 hours of that crazy experience!!!
I should have known right then and there that not only would you do things your own way your entire life, you would leave a lasting impressing on me and everyone that comes in contact with you.

Curly, you light up my days. Your energy seems to never end. Except when it finally (finally!) does and you C.R.A.S.H. Hard. You have your own brand of humor and the things you say and do keep your daddy and me laughing and guessing.

You love with all that is in you. You freely give hugs and kisses to everyone around you. You come up to me many times each and every day and tell me "I love you so much mommy." Is there really anything better in life? You are loyal to a fault and your brothers (especially BigBoy) are your world.

Pretty much daily, I get a comment about your wonderful curly hair. I also love your hair. But, I really want to tell them they if they think your hair is great, they should see your heart. You love to play with your brothers. You love to run up and down the street with your daddy. Our neighbors may think we are crazy, but at least once a week we have you run laps in the street so that you will go to bed at a reasonable hour. (I have tried to run with you but you already outrun me, especially if I have BooBear in the jogging stroller! That's just embarrassing!)

Oh Curly, we have had our challenges in the last year. You have stretched me, grown me, challenged me and pushed me like BigBoy never did. You reaffirmed in me that I truly know nothing about parenting, am totally out of my league, and have so much growth I need to do within me. Thank you for growing with me and being patient as I learn how to be the best mommy to you.

I love you so much!
Mommy

Field Day

2011-05-13T12:01:00.000-07:00

BigBoy had Field Day at his school today. It was a fun, cool and muddy day! The kids were so cool after the water slides and games! One word describes me now: exhausted!

Mother's Day

2011-05-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

Oh my little blog. I am so behind that everytime I think about posting I get overwhelmed by how behind I am on it. So, I am starting fresh.
Sunday was Mother's Day. We had a wonderful day. E (and his dad) surprised me (and his mom) by planning a trip for a brunch on a catamaran. It was a beautiful day -- sunny, warm and great wind for the sails. BigBoy and Curly love the water and enjoyed just staring out at the lake. BooBear liked being on the move and kept us on our toes! Here are a few pics to remember the day:

Spring Break

2011-03-28T18:32:00.000-07:00

Because I want to remember this Spring Break trip..... here it is, a little late!

We came up with the brilliant idea to take a road trip. To Chicago. With 3 very active, energetic little boys!
Ha!! It actually went really well. We bought a luggage box for the top of the car, loaded up and headed out bright and early!!!

We had our moments, but 17 hours after leaving home, we arrived in Chicago.

We went to the playground with cousins and Auntie Kim.

Played outside in the gorgeous weather!!!

Found the only snow pile around and kicked the snow around!

These two cousins??? Don't let those sweet smiles fool you. They are TOTALLY up to something!

Two babysitters = adult dinner out. We had yummy burgers and then went to "Hot chocolate" for dessert. Unfortunately, our age is showing! The waiter brought us a flashlight to see the menu with. We are totally not as cool and young as we like to think we are! :)

Sweet snuggles between brothers in bed.

I had some quality time with each of the boys. Love the hugs that BooBear is giving me!

We had more laughs (and baths) than I thought possible in a week!!!

We had a blast at the zoo!

And the two oldest found a new favorite place at Leg0Land! They even used their own money they had saved for months to buy some new Leg0 sets!

More playground time was needed to wear out this crew!

We took a stroll down by the lake and tried to get a few cute family pictures.

The drive home was a bit quieter than the drive there. It was still long, but our hearts were full of fun memories and stories to tell.

Tomorrow, I will tell one of those stories about the littlest member of the fam!

Writers block

2011-03-23T13:53:00.000-07:00

I have had a serious case of writer's block on the old blog.
I want to write and record our life. But then life gets in the way.
I have laundry, dishes, cleaning to do during nap time. I don't have time to blog.
I want to blog after the boys are in bed but lately I am SO exhausted by the time they all get settled that there are no words left in me.
I think about blog posts and stories I want to record all day long. So few make it on here.
I haven't done a scrapbook page in months and months. Poor Max doesn't even have his first year started.
I know that life will always be busy (and smelly) with 3 boys.
But, at some point it has to allow a tiny sliver of me-time, right????

Everyone says the days are long but the years are short. I guess I agree, but it is so hard to see the years for the days right now.

These sweet faces do make it all worth every exhausted evening that I fall into bed though!

Cutest!!!

2011-02-10T07:17:00.000-08:00

How could you not think that these are the cutest 3 brothers in the entire world????

Curly-isms

2011-02-09T07:11:00.000-08:00

Recording these for my own memory later....

Bu-ssert = Dessert
Bajamas = Pajamas

--------------------
The other morning, Curly got up a little later than BigBoy. He came in and sat down on the couch next to BigBoy and BigBoy immediately started complaining that Curly smelled bad. Curly came and sat next to me and when I didn't smell anything, I told them both so. Curly sat there a minute, put his hand over his mouth and exhaled. After sniffing, he whispered to me "It's my bweath, Mommy. It's my bweath." He kept exhaling, sniffing and saying it. I was rolling on the floor laughing and finally told him to go brush his teeth then.
You just have to love this kid!!!

And then there was snow

2011-02-08T19:11:00.000-08:00

Well, first there was ice. 3 days of ice and below freezing temps.
Then, there was snow. 1 day of snow and more below freezing temps.
It was 4 very very very long days stuck in the house with three busy, active, loud, outside-loving boys!
We kept busy with lots of movies and tv (way too much, but what's a momma to do???), legos, coloring, play doh, cooking and eating (oh, the eating!!!), naps, laughs, a few fights and tantrums and plenty of snuggles. Of course, we did make it outside in small doses too!

BigBoy trying to walk on the solid ice in our yard

Could he be any cuter????

Poor BooBear could only be outside for a few minutes. He stood at the window and watched his big brothers!

After Thursday night's snow on top of the ice.

Several inces - it was up to Curly's knees almost!

There are no words to describe the mess he brought in!

BooBear put on his (my) shoe and was ready to go outside and play with brothers!

The loves of my life!

This is out of order, but this is the solid ice in front of our house on Wednesday.

Some neighbors let the kids sled (in a raft, yes) down the hill in their front yard. They had a blast!

Curly took a turn solo. Thankfully he missed the ramp (to the left in the pic) and just went down the curb.

Quick update on Bigboy

2011-01-27T12:09:00.000-08:00

Well, we went to Ch1ck fil a last night for Bigboy's birthday. About halfway through dinner Bigboy laid down and started crying. Turns out he has a middle ear infection (swimmer's ear) and fluid behind his eardrum. So we will have cake tonight instead and hope he sleeps better tonight than last.

Ironic? Yes. But I have a good excuse this time!

2011-01-26T07:10:00.000-08:00

So, if you look at my last post (3 week ago!), resolution #1 says that I will blog more. Yeah. Fail!
My new computer is really the fail. Long story short is that the hard drive in my 5-month old laptop went out. Thankfully, the awesome tech guy at Stap1es was able to recover all my (un-backed-up) documents and pictures (namely from Christmas). Today, I send it back to the manufacturer to replace it and make it good-as-new. Hopefully, better than new. In apprximately 3 more weeks. It has been out of commission several weeks already. UGH!!!
So, I pulled out my old laptop that is seriously limping along so that I can check email on something other than my ipod and cell phone.

But, I had to jump on here to say

HAPPY 6TH BIRTHDAY BIGBOY!!!!!

I am so blessed that you made me a momma 6 years ago. I am so blessed that you are our first-born son.

You surprise me daily with all that you are learning at school. Your report cards have been awesome.

You are kind to your friends and truly striving to become a man of God.

I am so proud of you for so many things, but most of all for your kind heart toward your brothers. You love them fiercely and have become very protective of them when others are around. (Of course you still fight all the time, but that is just part of being brothers, I suppose.)

You have a new sense of justice and fairness that is sometimes frustrating, but I see you learnng to use it to fight for those that cannot fight for themselves.

You love building with Legos and come straight in from school to build and have a little "alone time".

I have loved you more every day that you were 5 and now that you are 6, I can hardly wait to see what this year brings!!!

Resolutions and randomness

2011-01-05T06:13:00.000-08:00

I have several resolutions this year.
1. Blog more. I am a sorry excuse for a blogger/memory keeper for our family.
2. Be more purposeful in friendships. Call a person when I think of them rather than put it off and it never happens. Or host a family for dinner. It is not inconvenient, it is a blessing to both!
3. Be with the boys when I am with them. Half the time I sit with my laptop or a magazine on my lap as we play. I have not been "all in". That is changing today!
So, if you know me, hold me accountable!!!

Now, on to randomness....
Quiet.
Yesterday, BigBoy and Curly started back to school. I know that Curly is only 2 days a week, but it was still a quiet day for me and BooBear. In fact, it was so quiet that BooBear slept until 9:30!!! He has not done that ever. I just sat on the couch watching the T0day show and caught up on a few blogs I read. It was heaven!!!

BigBoy's new Leg0 set-up. In my formal dining room. At least it is finally getting consistent use.

Haircuts.
Monday, I took the boys to get haircuts. It was a last minute appointment but BigBoy was looking SO shaggy so it had to be done. BigBoy went first and Curly sat in the next chair over and played his Leap*ster. BigBoy finished and went off to watch cart00ns. Curly was up next and did awesome. (There was a huge mess of curls on the floor when he finished though!) BooBear and I sat in the next chair and watched Curly. When he was done, I walked him over to watch cartoons while I paid. When I came back, BooBear had climbed up into the chair and sat swinging his feet waiting for his turn. So CUTE!!! She combed his hair for him (he does NOT need a haircut yet. His hair is just starting to come in.) so he felt like he had the same treatment. He happily climbed down and went off to get his sucker and watch cartoons with the other 2 boys.

BigBoy looks several years older and Curly is so much less shaggy now!

I think that this was our best outing we have had in months. Nobody had to be threatened or even corrected. The boys used their manners, were good conversationalists and didn't complain about getting haircuts. I could not believe it. We have had some very rough weeks around our house and it was so refreshing to know that some of what we are working on is soaking in and we are making progress.

Running. (Yes, I titled this post randomness for a reason. It is all over the place!)
I am considering running another half-marathon in late March. I know that I swore up and down I would not do it again after my last. But, I am starting the training and will see how my knees feel. If I need to stop running so much, I will. I am a few weeks into training. Yesterday I did a 3-mile run on the treadmill. Headed back in a little bit (after BooBear wakes up - 8:15 and he is still sleeping!) to do another 2-3 miles.

Ok, I could go on, but I must get this laptop off my lap and spend some quiet time with Curly.

BigBoy-isms

2011-01-04T06:33:00.001-08:00

BigBoy says the funniest things sometimes.
Yesterday, we were coming home from getting his and Curly's hair cut. We had been gone just about an hour. As we pulled in the driveway, from the backseat I hear "Home Sweet Home".

I think he has become a homebody!!!

Project Life-wk 51

2010-12-28T07:50:00.000-08:00

One week left to Project Life. At least to PL 2010. I did order a new book for next year.

Sunday, Dec 19 - We went to see Christmas lights. The night was filled with beautiful lights, hot chocolate, laughter and shrieks (the boys and ours to be quiet!).

Monday, Dec 20 - The boys and I visited Nennie today. She keeps crayons and coloring books around so the boys will have something to do.

Tuesday, Dec 21 - We went to see Tangled in 3D today. It was my first time to take the 2 boys to the movies. Great movie and we had a blast.

Wednesday, Dec 22 - BigBoy discovered my old laptop and pretended to be working.

Thursday, Dec 23 - Just a cute pic of BooBear. We made cookies for Santa today. BigBoy and Curly had a great time making two kinds of cookies.

Friday, December 24 - We had lunch with the entire family at our house. We then went to Christmas Eve service at our church. (Beautiful candlelight service!) Then, back to Nana and Papa's for dinner, family time and presents!

Saturday, December 25 - Merry Christmas!! (We missed getting a full family pic, so I will dress the boys back up soon and get one of all of us.) The boys got up early (6:30!!), opened presents (Rescue Her0es, Leg0s, airplanes, submarines), played, had breakfast (cinnamon rolls), got ready and then off to Mimi and Grandpa's house. We spent the rest of the day playing, eating, and enjoying family time.

(anticipation of going to see what Santa left)

Project Life-wk 50

2010-12-22T18:35:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Project Life! Week 50 .... I can hardly believe I have made it almost the entire year.

Sunday, December 12 - BooBear looks so stinkin' cute in his new hat and mittens. SO glad that it is finally getting cold around here!

Monday, Dec 13 - Those eyes!!! I can not believe how old BigBoy looks these days! He keeps reminding me his 6th birthday is in January.

Tuesday, Dec 14 - BooBear had his last day of Little Gym until the new year. Ms. Katie is his favorite and he couldn't resist a few cuddles!

Wednesday, December 15 - We got out the LittlePeople nativity set. The boys all had a great time playing with it.

Thursday, Dec 16 - What a day! Today is our 10th wedding anniversary and it was Curly's class Christmas party. Can 3-year-olds party or what???

Friday, Dec 17 - In less than 5 minutes, quite a mess can be made. In case you were wondering.

Saturday, Dec 18 - We had Nana and Papa over for dinner with us and I used my uncle's Christmas dishes. I am so blessed to have them and love that I have this reminder of him.

Ice cream!

2010-12-01T18:37:00.000-08:00

This is how I walked in and found BooBear this morning. Apparently, Daddy finished off the ice cream last night and Max found it in the trash. I am not sure where the big spatula came from....

BooBear says "Being the 3rd child rocks! Mommy NEVER knows what I am up to!!!"

Grandpa says "Maybe if you fed him more he would not have to dig in trash can to eat………look how thin that boy is!! Looks like he hasn’t been fed in weeks!!"

HA!!! Have you held this kid lately????? Look how tight his pj's are around his tummy! LOL!

About 47 people (including Keely about 87 times) have now told me how much he looks like Curly. Especially in this pic. OK, fine, you all win. He looks more like Curly than BigBoy.

Project Life-wk 47

2010-11-30T14:46:00.000-08:00

I know, I have not done a PL update in several weeks. I have been keeping up with my pictures and trying to keep up with my album though. Here are this week's pictures!

Sunday, November 21 - We added a slide to the boy's fort. They played for hours on it and had a blast!

Monday, November 22 - BooBear is a busy busy boy these days. He wants to do everything that his big brothers do, including playing with their fishing pole and rake.

Tuesday, November 23 - It has been so warm that BooBear spent some time outside in just a onesie. (Thanks to Daddy for the outfit - Mommy would always put pants on him!) :)

Wednesday, November 24 - Daddy was at home most of today and he and Curly had fun wrestling in the grass and snuggling too!

The day ended sadly. Missy, our sweet dauchsand of almost 10 years went to doggy heaven. It was really late, so we didn't tell the boys until late Thursday night. I have a feeling we are going to be chatting about it for a while as they try to figure it out.

Thursday, November 25 - Happy Birthday Nana! We enjoyed celebrating Thanksgiving today as well. BooBear enjoyed every moment of his first real Thanksgiving meal!

Friday, Nov 26 - BigBoy proved to Daddy that he has learned to read, so Daddy rewarded him with his first StarWars Leg0 set!

Saturday, Nov 27 - We have lived in this house for 6 1/2 years and we had our first fire tonight. It was beautiful and smelled wonderful!

Architectural Legos

2010-11-27T13:42:00.000-08:00

Oh my.... who knew these existed?

http://thepioneerwoman.com/homeandgarden/2010/11/holiday-gift-idea-lego-architecture-series-sets/

I am thinking with BigBoy's love for building houses (in our backyard with scrap lumber and tiles) and his love of legos, this would be awesome!!

BigBoy has been working really hard to learn to read and he was able to convince E he is reading well enough that E would make good on his promise of a StarWars lego set when he could read. I was nervous because the box says it is for 8-14 year olds. But, after working on it almost all day yesterday (it actually took him more than 2 hours!) he is almost finished. And, so far he has done it almost all by himself. I helped him on one small part but I even had trouble with that part.

Can't wait for him to see what else Santa has planned for him!

But, I do have one question... when did he grow up from this little boy???

Thankful

2010-11-24T12:19:00.000-08:00

So many friends have been posting on their blogs or faceb00k pages all week things that they are thankful for. I don't even know where to start. I feel so blessed in so many ways this past year.

We have 3 amazing boys. They are healthy. They are happy. They make me feel old and they keep me young, all at the same time.
I have an amazing husband that encourages me, helps me, cleans :), never complains about cleaning, is an amazing dad, manages our finances wonderfully, keeps God first in his life and our marriage.
We have a great home. It is not perfect, but it is ours. There are things I would love to change, but it is comfortable and we love being in it.

I am thankful for amazing friends that are more family than just friends. They know the real us and choose to love us anyway.
I am thankful for new friends this year. I am thankful for a few wonderful vacations we had this year. I am thankful that our babies are another year older.

I am thankful that BigBoy has found his love of drawing, art and leg0s.
I am thankful that Curly keeps us laughing, keeps me on my toes and reminds me daily that he is an individual, he is not his older brother and deserves to be treated as his own person.
I am thankful of our accident named BooBear who rounds out our family of 5. I am thankful for his sweet smile, his occasional demand for attention and his love love love for his big brothers.

I am thankful for the ways that God is pulling my heart. I am thankful that he gently leads me, occasionally thumps me on the head and loves me greatly no matter how many ways I mess up or disappoint Him.

I am thankful.
I am blessed.
Blessed.

So busy!

2010-11-22T15:44:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that it has been 2 1/2 weeks since I posted.
Life has been hectic. Brutal in some ways and great in others.
Three busy, active boys means a lot of real life happens - school, homework, laundry (oh, the laundry!), chores, redirecting, running out energy (theirs, not mine), crafts, learning, reading, helping, time-outs (theirs and occasionally mine).
I often think of things that I want to write on the blog. But, it so rarely happens.
I try to stay in the moment and take it all in.
Many people tell me that I will miss these days.
I know that I will but there are some aspects that I know I will not miss. Dealing with the bad attitudes and dirty diapers, learning to control impulses and back-talking. All of that I will not miss.

I am sitting on the back porch (by the way, what is up with 80 degrees 3 days before Thanksgiving? Crazy weather this year!) watching the boys play in the back yard. Curly just had a few minute time-out on the steps for throwing dirt on BooBear. Then, he got an extra few minutes for sticking his tongue out at me. Oh yes, he did. Never thought I would have to deal with aggression issues in a 3-year old. BooBear is walking around yelling "buh-bah.... buh-bah.... buh-bah" as loud as he can. Great moments!

I am behind on my Project Life album. I am way behind on laundry. I am behind on my house-cleaning schedule. I don't feel like I can go in and leave the boys outside by themselves. BooBear is not old enough yet. So, I am forced to sit and take in the moments.
Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining. I would rather sit here and watch. I am truly enjoying sitting here with my laptop typing out my thoughts. It beats sitting here just thinking about all the things I need to be getting done. Dinner, laundry, vacuuming, bathrooms (ugh, do you know just how disgusting bathrooms get with 4 boys in the house???) , dusting, Christmas shopping, grocery shopping.
---------------------------------------------
BigBoy came in this morning as I was sorting Leg0s for him. He told me that he had started building a castle but it caught fire and the people were afraid that the Empire would fall.
Yeah, he's 5. Where does he get this stuff?
He also told us this morning that he knows English and then proceeded to sing a song in Spanish.
Not sure what to make of that.

-----------------------------------------------
The boys are all home from school this week. I love that we don't have to rush around in the mornings. I love that we get to have a little lazy time as a family. I love that we get to sit on the porch this afternoon and not worry about what tomorrow's schedule holds.

Project Life - week 43

2010-11-03T14:19:00.000-07:00

I am terrible about updating this blog lately! Life has been in fast-forward! With three busy boys that seem to ALWAYS be into EVERYTHING, I find little computer time in the day. And, I am so exhausted that I have either been in bed long before 10 or even asleep on the sofa as early as 7:30! Poor E!
I told someone the other day that I have not been to the gym in months but feel like life is such a workout lately that I don't have to go! Probably a bad attitude to have about the gym...

Anyway, it is that time (or at least yesterday was, give me a break here!)...

Sunday, Oct 24 - The last day of our weekend away to DC, E and I wandered down this trail. The weather was prefect and we enjoyed being able to walk, talk, hold hands (each others rather than the boys)!

Monday, Oct 25 - Cracks me up!! BigBoy at the door with his light saber and BooBear watching and begging to go out!

Tuesday, Oct 26 - BigBoy's class went to the pumpkin patch today. I enjoyed chaperoning and meeti

Wednesday, Oct 27 - BooBear amazes me. He loves to play with the older 2's toys. He figured out how to get the pen in and out of the leapster on his own.

Thursday, Oct 28 - After a rocky start to September, BigBoy had great behavior at school all this month - he had all green, smiley faces! YEA!

Friday, Oct 29th - This is the reality of trying to get a "group" shot. BigBoy got smacked in the nose, BooBear has fallen over crying (because E put him down to check on BigBoy) and Curly, well, he is always in his ownlittle world. This is real life!

Saturday, Oct 30 - We went to a carnival at Nana and Papa's church. We were able to get a rare photo with all 6 cousins!

Project Life - week 42

2010-10-28T12:46:00.000-07:00

Sunday, Oct 17 - Last night, BigBoy and Daddy did a campout on the fort. This is what BigBoy looked like this morning. Yes, his face and hands were COVERED with mosquito bites. Poor guy!!

Monday, Oct 18 - BooBear loves Litt1e Gym with Mr. Joel! So proud of our little guy for hanging out like this!

Tuesday, Oct 19 - BooBear and I visited Nennie this morning, a day before her 89th birthday. Boo went right to her, turned around and waited for me to take his picture with her. Smart boy!

Wednesday, Oct 20 - Nennie's 89th birthday. Almost her entire family gathered on Saturday to celebrate, but I wanted to include the pic here on her birthday.

Thursday, 10/21 - BooBear has fun playing in the play area at Ch1ck-fil-a.

Friday, Oct 22 - E is in DC for a few weeks, so I sent the boys to the grandparents and flew up there for an adults-only weekend! So wonderful to have a few days off... finally!

Saturday, Oct 23 - We had so much fun visiting a few museums, having quiet meals and getting to sit the entire time, sleep in, sleep all night!!!

BooBear at the L1ttle Gym

2010-10-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

BooBear and Curly are both going to classes at the L1ttle Gym this semester.
BooBear and I are doing his first class and he Loves it. Loves. L. O. V. E. S.
So much so that he throws a fit when we leave. I have to pick him up and carry him out.
The stamps they get afterwards usually distract him nicely!

I took a few pics of him at class this week ....

log rolls with Mr. Joel

he loved this stretchy rope and continued to play after everyone else had moved on!

demonstrating straddle rolls with Mr. Joel

tucking his chin to do a straddle roll

hanging from the bar - he is getting so strong!

look at that smile!

his absolute favorite thing is playing with the balls. BooBear usually has at least 2 at a time!

collecting balls

Happy Birthday Nennie

2010-10-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

Today is my sweet grandmother's 89th birthday.
89. Eighty-nine. That is a lot of years.
I sometimes forget all the things that have changed in her lifetime.
All the things she has seen. Wars, depression, segregation, fall of leaders, fall of countries, so many inventions - too many to even think about, births, deaths.

She has 3 kids, 9 grandkids (by birth... a lot more married in!), 11 great-grandkids (and one married in) and 2 great-great grandkids. Almost the entire gathered on Saturday to celebrate her.

5 generations. 33 family members. All here because of 1 sweet lady!
There is so much that I could say about her. But, I will keep it short and sweet.
She is the matriarch, our family's prayer warrior, the one person that holds us all together.
Strong. Stubborn (I get it honestly!). Precious!

Happy 89th Birthday, Nennie!

Project Life - week 41

2010-10-19T15:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday, 10/10 - BooBear is determined to eat by himself these days. But, the thing about this pic that makes me smile is that he is sitting with his feet crossed.

Monday, 10/11 - "Mommy's Monster" ... so true :)

Tuesday, 10/12 - Curly painted a tie at school today. He proudly wore it around his neck the rest of the day!

Wednesday, 10/13 - I never posted a pic of the mostly-finished fort. I am still looking for a slide that is long enough, but for now this is it. The boys love it!

Thursday, 10/14 - A common sight in our yard - light saber fights.

Friday, 10/15 - I took Curly to the guy that cuts my hair today. He needed a cut so badly but it is a little short for my taste. Hoping it grows out soon!

Saturday, 10/16 - E promised BigBoy a campout on the second story of the fort. They made it outside until about midnight. Stay tuned to next week to see what happened....!

Project Life - week 40

2010-10-12T11:10:00.000-07:00

Sunday, Oct 3- After pricing play sets for the backyard, Daddy was extremely motivated to make one of our own. He made great progress in a few hours!


Monday, Oct 4 - Daddy brought home some tree stumps from a neighbor's house to use as seating around our new firepit. No, we don't have a firepit. Yet.

Monday, pic2 - Daddy taught BooBear how to get down off the deck without just falling off.

Tuesday, Oct 5 - Daddy had a work dinner, so the boys and I went to Ch1ck-fil-a for dinner. BooBear had his first chocolate milk.

Wednesday, Oct 6 - I was working on my Project Life album. I walked away for a few minutes and this is what I came back to find. Lesson: Never walk away from a mobile 1-year-old!


Thursday, Oct 7 - Hello? How are you? Bye Bye!				BooBear loves playing with my phone!

Friday, Oct 8 - At BigBoy's school carnival, he impressed us by almost making it to the top of the climbing wall. 3 times! (He is on the left, all the way at the top!)

Saturday, Oct 9 - We made a spontaneous trip to the Arboretum to see the pumpkins. Sweet family of 5!

Book review - The Map

2010-10-12T06:23:00.000-07:00

If you have known me for more than, oh 5 minutes, you know that I love to read. I constantly have my nose in a book. I always have 3, 4 or 5 books that I am reading.
Recently, I heard about this site called booksneeze.com. You sign-up, request a book, read it, review it. Repeat. So, free books to feed my ~~addiction~~ soul.

The first book I chose to read is The Map by David Murrow.
The online review sounded great. It promised a map hidden in the book of Matthew. I was quickly drawn into the story as it read like The DaVinci Code or like watching a Jason Bourne movie. Should be good stuff.
The book is split into two parts. The first part is the story of how Mr. Murrow learns of The Map hidden in Matthew. The second part is the description of said map. What you learn at the start of the second part is that the first part is all a fictional tale. The reader is led to believe that the first part is true, but really we are duped. My initial reaction to Mr. Murrow's confession that he made up the search for the map was indignation and I actually put the book away for a while. I was quite annoyed that we, the readers, were basically scammed. I did eventually finish the book but it was with skepticism and annoyance.

I did not fully understand The Map and could not explain it to anyone today. The author says that it is more meant for men, so maybe if I was a man I would understand. The explanation was not clear, the illustrations left me confused and they did not really work together.
The other thing that bugged me about this book is that several times the author referred to his other books. I have not read his other books and was annoyed by the references. It left me feeling like if I went and read his other books I might understand the map, even though they had nothing to do with this book.
Confused yet? That is exactly how I felt while reading The Map.

Conversations

2010-10-07T05:51:00.001-07:00

Curly: I want milk and juice in my cup.
BigBoy: Ewwwwwwww! Gross! That would taste like salt water!

Yeah, I have no idea where he gets it either! :)

Another first

2010-10-06T06:47:00.000-07:00

Chocolate milk is a treat in our house. The boys usually get it when we go out but I rarely make it at home anymore. (It used to be all that BigBoy would drink.)

Tonight, E had a dinner after work, so the boys and I went to our favorite, Ch1ck-fil-a. The big boys convinced me that BooBear needed his first sip of chocolate milk.

BooBear agreed that it was about time! Just a hunch, but I think he liked it! :)

The boys all 3 had ice cream also. I was just happy to have a few minutes of quiet.

By the way, can we all just take in the craziness that is Curly's hair? It is looking a bit out of control in this pic. It really is that out of control in real life too. Good thing he has a strong personality to support that hair! :)

Project Life - week 39

2010-10-05T18:48:00.000-07:00

Sunday, Sept 26 - BooBear already wants to color. He did a great job on his first try!

Monday, Sept 27 - BooBear has started throwing a mean temper tantrum. Usually it involves hitting his head on the floor (on purpose). Not sure how to stop that!

Tuesday, Sept 28 - So sleepy. I SURE do LOVE this sweet boy! He is down to 1 nap most days. Some days he still gets 2, but we are rarely home for 2 naps.

Wednesday, Sept 29 - We had family game night. We played Hungry, Hungry Hippos for the first time. The big boys loved it and BooBear even played (with his foot and some help from Daddy).

Thursday, Sept 30 - The big boys were doing a little early Christmas shopping at leg0.com.

Friday, October 1 - Mommy's little helper! Cleanliness runs in the family :)

Saturday, October 2- BooBear is turning into such a big boy so quickly. He wants to ride the trike already!

Project Life - week 38

2010-09-29T19:02:00.000-07:00

Sunday, Sept 19 - BooBear loves to ride in his car.
He will go up to it in the garage and try to climb in all by himself.

Monday, Sept 20 - The boys made mudpies in the driveway. Too bad they didn't get out of school clothes first.....

Tuesday, Sept 21 - I love my new shirt - "BoyMom". I wear it proudly!

Wednesday, Sept 22 - A neighbor had some trees installed today. The boys were so excited to go watch the tractor that was doing the install.

Thursday, Sept 23 - BigBoy had to make a person using 4 shapes and recycled materials. He did a lot of the work on "Tanker" himself and I am very proud of him!

Friday, Sept 24 - My High school homecoming was Friday night and the whole family went to the game. Kids are allowed to run on the field behind the players. My nephew, niece, BigBoy, Curly, E and Papa are all running down the field in this picture.

Saturday, Sept 25 - One of our Saturday morning traditions is for Daddy and the boys to go get Kr1spy Kreme d0nuts :) Chocolate glazed and chocolate glazed with sprinkles! YUM!!!

Project Life - week 37

2010-09-23T12:20:00.000-07:00

I know that this is supposed to go up on Tuesday. It has again been a crazy week.
Don't ask what week I am on in my actual album. It's not pretty!
Anyway, on with our week!!!
Sunday, Sept 12-Curly insisted on being covered up with ALL the blankets he could find. He should be plenty warm :)

Monday, Sept 13 - Curly is always up to something.  Today, he wanted to lay down in

BooBear's crib.  OK then.

Tuesday, Sept 14 - I have been working on a few crafty items this week.

Party favors, a board for BooBear's room, sewing a pillowcase for BigBoy.

Wednesday, Sept 15- Such a happy boy!  Love the smile and how even his eyes shine!

Thursday, Sept 16 -Happy Birthday BooBear!  You are 1 today.

You light up my days and always make me smile.  I love you sweet peanut!!!

Friday, Sept 17 - BooBear had his 1 year appt today.  23lb 2 oz (60%), 31" (85%),

head 47 (70%).  Very similar sizes to his 2 older brothers at this age.

Saturday, Sept 18 -  BooBear's first birthday party.

Singing to him and having him look up and me and E was my very favorite part of the day!

Full heart!

2010-09-18T12:45:00.000-07:00

We are so blessed to have so many wonderful family and friends. Today, we celebrated BooBear's first year of life in a BIG way! We had so many kids at the park playing, laughing, eating cake and loving on each other!

BooBear and Nana getting in a few cuddles before the party

Papa is a good sport to take BooBear on the slide

The birthday boy and Mommy

Singing Happy Brithday

Birthday Buddies - BooBear and Uncle Kelley
Uncle Kelley got BooBear a fishing lure and a promise to take him fishing when he is a bit older :)

Kisses for Mommy and posing for the camera :)

In leiu of gifts, we asked everyone to bring a pair of shoes to be donated. We received 18 pair of shoes.

We are beyond blessed by our family and friends. Thank you to everyone for coming out on a warm, humid morning to celebrate with us! Our hearts are overflowing today!

How to eat cake

2010-09-18T06:30:00.000-07:00

Sneak Peek!

2010-09-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

Operation giraffe is in full-swing!

Can't wait to celebrate BooBear in a BIG way!!!

Happy Birthday BooBear!

2010-09-16T14:33:00.000-07:00

BooBear,

Today you turn 1!!! It has been one whole year since you joined our family. And yet, I really do find it hard to remember what life was like before you.

You are almost always happy. Your big, beautiful brown eyes with the crazy long eyelasher charm everyone you meet. Your smile lights up a room. And my heart!

Your whole being changes when you hear or see either one of your brothers. You adore them and idolize them already. I cannot even begin to imagine the trouble you 3 will get in one day!!!

Now that you are 1, you love food. I can feed you just about anything - pancakes, avocado, pickles, PBJs, tomatoes - and you love it all!! And, you do it all with just 5 teeth. Oh, and that 5th tooth - BigBoy had to tell us that it was there the other day. Daddy and I totally missed it and had no idea until he told us. Oops!

You have been confidently walking for several weeks now. Like Curly was on his first birthday, you have very little hair and we all wonder if it will be stick straight like BigBoy's or curly like, well, Curly's! It does have a serious redness to it though!!

You just moved up to size 12 month clothes but you seem so big to me. I am anxious to find out (tomorrow) what you weigh now and how it compares to your brothers. (Not that I compare, of course. They tell you never to do that. Ahem.)

Like your brothers, you love trucks, cars and tractors. You also have much more interest in balls and throwing them than the other two did at this age.

You love being outside but don't really like walking in the grass without shoes on!

You are the calm one (so far) in the family and seem to balance your brothers nicely. I cherish the last 365 days we had together and look forward to all the amazing memories we will make in the next year!
Love, Mommy

Tomorrow

2010-09-15T15:04:00.000-07:00

Dearest BooBear,
Tomorrow, you will turn 1. It is a day that I have both anxiously anticipated and dreaded for weeks. I have counted the days, refused to talk about it and had emotions all over the map.

When BigBoy turned 1, I was thrilled that we made it a full year and I had not managed to accidently harm or kill you. When Curly turned 1, we all breathed a sigh of relief that the first year and all the trials and sicknesses that came in his first year were behind us. With you, it feels different. I was more confident in myself and my parenting. I was not overly concerned about every little thing that happened and enjoyed the everyday.

Today has been filled with soaking in the last few minutes of you being a baby. I have cuddled you, kissed you, smelled you, rocked you and squeezed you every moment I could.

We continued the tradition of making the "1" cake this afternoon. I am actually making 2 for the first time. One for you to enjoy tomorrow on your actual birthday and one for your party on Saturday. I figured you would enjoy two cakes and I need a trial run on decorating it! It has been 2 years since I did it after all!! :)

Speaking of your party, I have been such denial about your first birthday, that I have refused to make plans for the actual day. I sent invitations, so the date, time and location are secured. Otherwise, I have nothing. It makes my eyes well up with big crocodile tears each and every time I even think about the plans.

So, tomorrow, we will go to the party store and purchase all the necessities for a party - plates, cups, forks, streamers, balloons, cupcakes, #1 candles! We will celebrate you and your first year of life. We will eat more cake than we should. We will blow out candles, take pictures and make tons and tons of memories.

But tonight, I will drink in the last few moments of your baby-ness. I will look back at the maternity pictures we had taken. I will remember writing down the times of ALL the contractions I had all day long. I will laugh as I threatened your Daddy that if Dr. C sent me home (again) without a baby in my arms instead of in my tummy, I would be throwing a tantrum Curly would even find impressive. Tonight I will be sad that my baby is no longer considered a baby. Tonight I will allow myself to finally let those tears fall.

Because tomorrow? Tomorrow I want to be all smiles and celebration about you, BooBear!

Height!

2010-09-14T15:11:00.001-07:00

This has been a rough week, so I thought this would be fun to distract me!

According to babycenter.com Child's height calculator and the boy's weight/height at 2 years old and my height and E's height,
BigBoy will be 6'2" at 18
Curly will be 6' at 18

I may need to buy a step ladder :)

Project Life - Week 35

2010-09-08T14:42:00.000-07:00

Sunday, August 29 - I hate to put this out there, but I am starting to think that BooBear's hair *might* be curly like Curly's. See those little wisps sticking out? That's how Curly's started.

Monday, August 30 - See how that picture of BooBear is blurry? Yeah, they are all blurry lately. Why? Because he, like his brothers, is never. ever. still. Ever!

Tuesday, August 31 - BooBear and I went over to have lunch with Mimi, Kim, Emilyn and Greyson today. We make a quick stop to see Lois and Louise before their lunch.

Wednesday, September 1 - BooBear is in his carseat all the time. And, you will normally see him with his feet crossed just like this.

Saturday, September 4 - Grandpa bought a pontoon boat and a fishing boat so we spent a few hours with them at the lake on Saturday. Couldn't resist a few pics from the day!

Long weekend

2010-09-06T07:50:00.000-07:00

I have always appreciated a long weekend. Now, I <3 a long weekend!!!
We are only 2 weeks into school and I am exhausted!
Two boys at 2 different schools with 2 different PTAs and meetings.
Plus, I still have that adorable almost-1-year-old with me at all times.

And, with me at all times = on my hip or running around chasing him.
Have I mentioned that he is definitely over 20 lbs?

But, just because of the way schedules work out, BooBear is not going to a MDO or preschool of any kind this year. I will miss a few hours of alone time, but since his birthday is early in the school year, he will have an extra year home before he starts school. So, there is no rush on these things!

So, I am off to enjoy the extra day of the weekend! YEA!!!

Curly-ism

2010-09-01T14:37:00.000-07:00

tisshme = tissue

took him pointing at his nose and sniffing to figure that one out!!!

Project Life - Week 34

2010-08-31T15:16:00.000-07:00

It's that time.... today is my weekly update for Project Life.

Sunday, August 22 - Love the smile. Love the 4 teeth. Love the big eyes. Love the long eyelashes. LOVE the baby!

Monday, August 23 - BigBoy's first day of Kindergarten. I haves so many thoughts and feelings about it. He was just 100% excited!

Tuesday, August 24 - Curly and BooBear enteratin each other while BigBoy is at school. I love the look that BooBear is giving Curly. I have the same pic of BigBoy and Curly from about 2 years ago. Seems like yesterday!

Wednesday, August 25 - Curly had meet-the-teacher at his preschool. He was so proud of the tower he made with the blocks. I think he is going to have a great year!

Pic 2 of Curly and his teacher Mrs. R. BigBoy had her 2 years ago and I think she is going to be great for Curly.
Thursday, August 26 - Curly's first day of preschool! My literal child -- I told him to stand by the door so I could take his picture before going in his class. He stood facing the door. I finally got him to look over his shoulder at me! :)
Friday, August 27 - BooBear has had a rough week. Nap and lunch schedules are all off as we have to go pick up big brothers. He rarely naps in the car, but this week wore him out. (And, it makes me laugh his feet are crossed!)

Be still my Heart!

2010-08-25T09:43:00.000-07:00

I took this photo the other day....
Curly and BooBear - August 24th, 2010

My heart could only see this picture...
Curly and BigBoy December 9, 2008

I love love love love love how each of the little brothers is looking at their big brother and smiling in such a sweet, adoring sort of way.

Makes this Momma's heart swoon!

Project Life - Week 33

2010-08-24T14:59:00.000-07:00

I have missed a few weeks this summer, but am just going to jump back in where I left off.

Sunday, August 15 - We finally bought me a new laptop. My old one was no longer playing nicely and is sitting in time-out for a while. I plan to clean it up and let the boys use it.

Monday, August 16- Evidence that school starts very soon! School supplies - from now on, I WILL buy the prepackaged sets!

Tuesday, August 17 - A sad reminder that summer is coming to a close! This has been the view of our fence most of the summer.
Wednesday, August 18 - Those eyes - they get me every time.
Thursday, August 19 - Happy 43rd Anniversary, Nana and Papa!!!!

Friday, August 20 - Best way to get a picture of 3 boys, put on a movie. They won't be looking at the camera, but at least they are not blurry :)
Saturday, August 21 - No pic. Oops!

BigBoy - First Day of School

2010-08-23T09:13:00.000-07:00

Our morning - in pictures!
I got up early, had a shower and got ready for the day! (That will totally NOT happen again, I am sure!)
BooBear woke up, so I fed him and put him back to bed.
Woke up BigBoy and he had breakfast.

Then, he got dressed and wore a belt for the first time! He was not sure about the belt, but was ok when he saw Daddy had one on too! Pics with Mom and Dad :) Here, he was telling me he was holding his heart because he loves me so much. Yeah, apparently he thinks it is funny to make Mommy cry!

We had a few minutes, so we went into the back yard to get a few pics. Curly and "Fred" (the monster on his shirt) wanted in a few pics too.

I drove him to school and parked down the street so I could walk him in.

Outside his classroom - Ms. William's class

His table - 6 boys. Either the teacher is AWESOME or crazy! Time will tell!

Finally, it was time for the parents to say goodbye (read: the teacher kicked us and our cameras out!). Mason gave me a quick hug and kiss and went back to playing with his play-doh. I am so glad that he was ready and excited for his first day of Kinder.

I held it together and went to the front steps for "Boo-Hoos and YaHoos" (aka coffee and donuts for the parents). Once I got to my car, I let myself shed a few tears before heading home and to the two little boys.

I think we all feel a little lost without BigBoy around to guide us. Curly told me a few minutes ago that he misses BigBoy. Me too, Curly. Me too!!!

Worst Blogger Ever

2010-08-20T13:07:00.000-07:00

OK, so I suck at blogging lately.
You should see my pile of laundry, dirty toilets and the inside of my car.
Yeah, not posting pics of those. Way too embarrasing. Yes, more embarrasing than the inside of my fridge.

School starts Monday for BigBoy. Hoping that frees up at least a few minutes to write, think, shower? Yeah, that might be asking a bit much. Thursday though... oh swqeet Thursday. Curly starts preschool. Hallelujah!!! No tears on that one. (Sorry Curly. Love you but you are a bit much to handle 24-7 lately!) So, Tuesdays and Thursdays are mommy and BooBear days. I can hardly wait!!!

OK, just realized BooBear is digging though the left-overs of Chick-fil-a trash from lunch and is chewing on something. Sweet - it is a 3 hour old waffle fry. (This is why I am SOOOOOO behind on blogging, laundry, cleaning.... everything!!!) Must run now!!!

True Confessions

2010-08-05T12:25:00.000-07:00

1. I cannot sew a stitch. My mom is an AMAZING seamstress. (Mom, please skip to #2. This one might make you embarrassed of me!) I have not even touched a sewing machine. I even worked at a fabric store while in high school. Tuesday night, I took a sewing 101 class at a local fabric store. I made a pillow case. It is not perfect (kept forgetting to put the foot down!), but I chose the fabrics for Curly (tractors, of course). He LOVED it.

2. Curly loves loves L-O-V-E-S to be naked. It was funny for a while. But it is starting to be a problem now that he can strip all his clothes off at will. At the park. At a play date (sorry, Monica!). I am a little afraid he will do it at preschool. You know, the very sweet, Christian preschool he is starting in a few weeks. Yeah, I am preparing myself for quite a few phone calls from the school this year.

3. In BooBear's closet (his room has been the nursery all 5 1/2 years we have had kids), there are several outfits that I just don't know what to do with. Specifically, they are girl outfits. I had received a few and bought a few with each pregnancy. I assume that we are finished having kids, unless God has another surprise planned for us. But the outfits still sit there. I have given away a few. But there are a few that I just can't. Like the girl outfit I bought and took to the hospital for Curly. I can't get rid of them, but I just don't know what to do with them. So they hang on the top rack of my son's closet. Weird, I know.

4. I need a nap. 2/3 of the boys are napping. I'm off to nap too! :)

Project life - weeks 29 and 30

2010-08-04T17:46:00.000-07:00

I know I am behind on posting my Project Life photos. I am taking them and keeping my files up to date though. That is most important to me.
Here goes, 2 weeks (again) to catch-up!

Sunday, July 18 - Sweet BooBear is growing up so fast! He loves Cheeri0s and he loves to feed himself!

Monday, July 19 - Curly needs his morning cup of ~~joe~~ juice to get the day going.

Tuesday, July 20 - BigBoy and Curly still love their jeep! They are so funny riding down the street together.

Wednesday, July 21 - For the first time ever, I bought not 2 but 3 kids meals. BigBoy eats his plus half of BooBear's nuggets, so everyone is happy!

Thursday, July 22 - Sunday, July 25 - My friend Keely and I decided to take our 5!! children to her parent's house while they are away. (The hubbies came down the next day.) They are near the Gulf (no oil) and the kids had an awesome time playing at their house and in the ocean!

Sunday, July 25 - BooBear has discovered a love of the shower :) Not including photo of baby in shower.... he'll thank me later :)

Monday, July 26 - Curly started swim lessons with Ms. Arie1. No, the irony is not lost on me :)

Tuesday, July 27 - BigBoy also started Leg0 camp this week. He loves it! He is in 2 classes and in the second one, they connect the things they build to the computer and program them to move. He's 5! Amazing!

This is the car he built. And added guns to the side (yes, the really long black things on each side are guns.) . Apparently, you can keep the guns out of the house but you can't keep the hunter mentality out of the boy. Sigh.

Wednesday, July 28- BooBear has had a rough week driving the 2 big boys to their camp and swim! (But aren't his shoes SO cute???)

Thursday, July 29 - BigBoy and Curly may fight, but they sure do love each other!

Friday, July 30 - 5 minutes. That is all it took to make this mess. 5 minutes.

Saturday, July 31 - BooBear and Cousin M. So happy together! :)

Summer craziness

2010-08-01T19:32:00.000-07:00

I never understood when other blogs I read regularly would either take a break for summer or go for weeks at a time without an update. I mean really, how hard is it to type a few words about the day or your kids?

Yeah, I am figuring it out. Three kids keep me running in more than 3 directions at a time. How does that happen?

For example, last week, BigBoy had swim team practice (for the last time until after school starts, thank goodness!!!) on Tuesday and Thursday from 8-8:45. Then, he had leg0 camp from 9-12 Monday through Friday. So, we had to hustle to get him changed, check the other 2 out of childcare, rush everyone in the car, 30 minute drive up the tollway to get to camp, all 3 out of the car, walk 10 feet inside the building to his class (can't leave them in the car, of course), 2 back out to the car, 30 minute drive home (usually with BooBear screaming the whole way because he is tired), home for babe's nap, 2 back in the car for 30 minute drive, 2 out of the car, into the building 5 feet to his 2nd classroom to pick him up, see the day's project, pics/video (when I actually remember the camera), 3 kids through the parking lot, back in the car, 30 minutes home (again with BooBear screaming because he is hungry), lunch, naps for the 2 littles, snacks, swimsuit for Curly, 3 into the car, to the gym (again), 2 to childcare, Curly to swim (if it has not been canceled after we get there due to thunder/lightening), get BigBoy and let him swim for a little while, into dry clothes, pick up BooBear from childcare, 3 kids through parking lot and into carseats, home, dinner, showers, B-E-D.......

I know it sounds ridiculous to complain about spending time at the pool but come on... the effort it takes to get all the boys there, in suits, with sunscreen (assuming I remember to bring it!) and goggles, swim a while, get them changed back to dry clothes and get home.... well, it makes me really tired just thinking about it.

But, I don't think I would have it any other way. It wears us all 4 out and ensures easier bedtimes for the boys and me! Ha!!

BigBoy starts Kinder in 3 weeks. I will miss him (and so will Curly) when he is gone all day. But, I am really looking forward to quieter, calmer days soon!!!!

Oh, and fall. When I heard someone on the news this afternoon say that the temp had dropped to 103 degrees.... there is something SO wrong about that statement!

Here's to another busy week!!!

Project life - week 27 & 28

2010-07-20T06:19:00.000-07:00

I didn't do my PL update last week, I am going to put up 2 weeks today!

Sunday, July 4 - BigBoy learned to play frisbee. He did great with it until it flew into the storm drain! (See the orange frisbee on the left side of the pic.)

onday, July 5 - Happy Birthday Mimi!! Your grandsons sure do love you! (Had to include 2 pics - the one with BooBear in the car and holding onto the mower just cracks me up! Baby Hoarder!)

Tuesday, July 6 - It just makes me laugh that BooBear always sits with his feet crossed!

Wednesday, July 7 - Dinner * 3!

Thursday, July 8 -BigBoy loves all sorts of puzzles and logic games. He also loves art projects, so this is a great toy for him.

Friday, July 9 - Rain rain, go away! Come again another day! Seriously. We're sick of the rain!!!!

Saturday, July 10 - Eric has had this couch for 13 years. 3 boys have torn it up! We bought a new couch and I will not be sad to say goodbye to this one!

Sunday, July 11 - We took BigBoy to the track to learn how to ride his bike. He did awesome and took off after only a few minutes. He gave Daddy a good workout too!

Monday, July 12 -Curly is all-boy, but he still likes a good cuddle with Mommy!

Tuesday, July 13 - The hair. Oh, the hair. It just makes my heart happy to see the curls peeking out from his helmet!

Wednesday, July 14 - Sweet BooBear is a great sleeper and just makes me happy to watch him sleep.

Thursday, July 15 - BigBoy is pretty proud of himself on his bike. We are pretty proud of him too!

Friday, July 16 - BigBoy has been at VBS all week. They did a presentation the last day and sang the songs they learned. BigBoy did not want to get up there and sing, but after the first 2 songs, he got up with his class and sang!

Saturday, July 17 - After 10 months of refusing all bottles, BooBear finally decided it is not the enemy and started taking a bottle this week. Daddy gave BooBear a bottle for the first time. BooBear seems pretty proud of himself for taking a bottle.

BooBear - 10 months old

2010-07-19T12:54:00.000-07:00

On Friday, BooBear turned 10 months old.
I can hardly believe he will be 1 in just a few weeks.
I remember BigBoy's first year went by so slowly. I remember thinking that if we just made it to his first birthday, he would be such a big boy then. I also remember how excited I was on his first birthday that we made it through the first year and we managed to keep him alive. Seriously - what were they thinking sending me and E home from the hospital with a baby. We were clueless. We had no idea what we were in for. Thankfully, BigBoy was a very easy baby.
Curly. Whew. If you were around for Curly's first year then you KNOW that we were clueless that time too. We left the hospital with jaundice and reflux (although we didn't know at the time it was reflux- it was simply notes in my nursing journal that he was spitting up and maybe he was overeating. Ha!). That led to months of medications, tests, gross expensive formula, ear infections, crazy high fevers, tubes and finally a febrile seizure. I again remember at his first birthday just being thrilled that he was healthy and still alive.
Sweet BooBear. There are no words to describe your first 10 months. (I could say there are no words because I hardly remember them!!!)

~~You are 21 lbs and have hit a crazy growth spurt in the last couple of weeks.~~ You did hit a growth spurt, but you are somehow down to 18 lbs.
You have 4 teeth.
You started taking a bottle a week ago!!!!!!!!!!!! (I plan to blog this amazing story later this week). Daddy gave you a feeding for the first time Saturday night (10 months, 1 day old).
You LOVE LOVE LOVE your big brothers.
You are busy and HATE to get put in your bed to sleep.
You love to eat, but only if you are feeding yourself.
You have learned to point.
You have started having more "stranger danger".
You put your head on the ground and cry when you don't get your way.
You have started standing on your own -just for a few seconds at a time, but walking is getting closer and closer.
You like to stand at the train table and pull the train tracks apart or just watch your brothers play there.
You wave bye-bye and love peek-a-boo.
You enjoy your k1ndermusik class on Saturday mornings with mommy.
You have us wrapped around your finger and hold our hearts!

Ps... BigBoy told E and I at breakfast this morning that when BooBear is 5, he wants to have a baby sister - that way mommy will have a girl to play with. We were both speechless.

Hard and easy

2010-07-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

It's hard living in a house full of boys.
It's easy to lose sight of the fact that God has bigger and better plans than mine.
Isaiah 55:9 As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

It's hard having E gone all week.
It's easy to get lonely and have a pity party.
Philippians 4:6-7 (The Message) Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

It's hard to prepare my mind and my heart to send my sweet, tender-hearted first born into Kindergarten, a new school and a foreign environment.
It's easy to make it about me rather than about HIM (God, not BigBoy)
Jeremiah 29:11 (The Message) I'll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.

It's hard to keep the boys busy, entertained, out of trouble for 14+ hours every day.
It's easy to lose sight of what is important and get caught up in the mundane.
Deuteronomy 11:18-20 (The Message) Place these words on your hearts. Get them deep inside you. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder. Teach them to your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning until you fall into bed at night. Inscribe them on the doorposts and gates of your cities.

It's hard to remember everyday that this time is short and is just that ... a stage in life.
It's easy to focus on the urgent but forget the important.
Matthew 6:19-21 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

It's hard to remember to pay some attention to my husband and to myself from time to time.
It's easy to focus on the boys and their needs for attention, time, daddy, mommy.
Ephesians 5:22-24 (The Message) Wives, understand and support your husbands in ways that show your support for Christ. The husband provides leadership to his wife the way Christ does to his church, not by domineering but by cherishing. So just as the church submits to Christ as he exercises such leadership, wives should likewise submit to their husbands.

It's hard to go outside my comfort zone and share my heart openly.
It's easy to take things inside and try to deal with them myself.
Hebrews 10: 24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

It's hard to hand things to God and trust him. Daily.
It's easy to pick those same things up later and try and deal with them myself rather than continuing to trust.
2 Timothy 1:12b I am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.

It's hard to be content.
It's easy to fall into the American dream for always wanting more.
Philippians 4:11-13 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

It's easy.
Matthew 11: 28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Two in one day!

2010-07-14T08:25:00.000-07:00

I have been so absent on the blog lately and I have a hundred thoughts in my head that I need to write about.
So, my thoughts, in bullets :)

BabyBoo cut his 2 top teeth sometime in the last couple of weeks.
Sorry BabyBoo for not noticing them sooner. And for having no idea when they came in. I understand you may think ugly thoughts that every moment of BigBoy's life is recorded, journaled and scrapbooked and yours is well, not. Being a 3rd child, I get it. Totally get it. I'm trying.
I owe a (HUGE) apology to my mother for all those ugly thoughts (and comments that surely I was adopted - she must have adopted me and not known when things happened otherwise my baby book would surely have more than just my NAME in it!). Go ahead and leave a comment and say "I told you so". You did. I didn't believe you.
I now believe you. Total and complete belief!
Sad that after 4 bullets, my mind is blank. What is wrong with my brain? It functions on about 25% capacity most of the time. I have a degree in electrical engineering and an MBA. Seriously! What happened to my brain?????
BigBoy starts kindergarten in 5 1/2 weeks. I can't even type that sentence without tearing up.
Moving on.....no, I can't! Too sad.
Will add more later :)

Ahhhhhh.....Quiet

2010-07-14T07:06:00.000-07:00

It is 8:21AM right now and I am sitting curled up on our old ratty sofa, sipping coffee, while BooBear stands near my feet eating cheerios. It was a long night in the Kimball casa. BooBear was up quite a bit for the second night in a row. I am not sure why and right now I am a bit too tired to figure out why.

It has been a whirlwind of a last week. Last week, E worked very long days and the boys did not see him from Monday night to Friday morning. So, we had lots of family time over the weekend. On Friday, we took BigBoy and BooBear to the Leg0 store to get a new set and then out to dinner (at the mall food court.... let me just say that N0rth Park needs to have a bit tighter security in the food court on a Friday night.) BooBear went to bed quickly and BigBoy stayed up until about 10:45 working on his new car. It is a set for 7-12 year olds and he did an awesome job putting it together on his own!

(Note...I did take pictures, of course, but am not totally sure where my camera is right now (and I haven't really looked for it). Must find it today.)

Anyway, Curly had his first solo sleep-over at Nana and Papa's house Friday night. Apparently, he was an angel and enjoyed the attention he rarely gets of being an only child in a place. :) We ran errands and did things around the house on Saturday. After naps, we took the boys to the track at the local high school and BigBoy learned how to ride his big boy bike without training wheels!!! He did awesome and literally picked it up within just a few minutes. We still have to work on stopping and breaking, but he really did awesome! We took curly's little bike and he learned how to pedal and stop. He also did a great job and only ended up with one skinned knee.

Sunday afternoon E left to go out of town for the week and the boys and I have been on our own a few days.

Monday, BigBoy started VBS in the mornings. Just before we went to pick him up for lunch Miss Hannah came to spend a few hours with us. Miss Hannah is a relative on my mom's side, 15, cute as a bug and the sweetest thing ever!! She is going to spend a few hours with us 1-2 days a week to help me out and give me a chance to spend time one-on-one with the boys and do crazy things like go to the grocery store with just one kid in tow (GASP!!!). Anyway, Miss Hannah helped up hop in the car, sat with the boys while I ran in to get BigBoy (walked into the building all by myself!!), we went to Ch1ck-fil-a for lunch and were able to go inside to eat. (The boys always ask me to eat inside rather than do the drive-thru, but they are just not at an age where I can do that by myself. So, for the rest of the summer, I don't have to! YEA!) We went home, the boys and Hannah painted, BooBear napped, we all went swimming and generally wore the poor boys out! Hannah left, we had a quick playdate with 3 brothers that are close to our boy's ages (yes, 6 little boys in my house at once! SO fun!)

Tuesday, BigBoy had swim at the Y at 8, took him to VBS and Hannah met me there. We took the 2 littles home. BooBear napped and Curly played in the sand box with Hannah and then played inside a bit. I did laundry, made beds, straightened the house, read, made a few phone calls. It was heavenly! I picked up BigBoy, we made lunch, went swimming again, boys took a short nap, had snacks, and then Mimi came over. The 2 big boys spent last night at Mimi and Grandpa's house.

Which brings me to this morning and ahhhhhhh...... quiet. The house is so quiet with just one little in it. BooBear seems to be at a loss without his buddies around to entertain him! I know that there are a dozen things I need to do, but I am enjoying a quiet house and a little downtime for mommy. The rest of the week is going to be busy busy busy. Up tomorrow - swim team at 8, vbs at 9, the class I help teach at 10, pick up BigBoy at 12, lunch, naps, something to wear the boys out before bed-maybe more swimming at the Y?

I need a nap!!!

Project life - week 26 - Half way through!!

2010-07-07T07:49:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe that we are half way through the year.
I really cannot believe that I have been able to keep up with this album. I love having so many everyday moments captured. I love how easy it is to keep up with this album!

Sunday, June 27- I love love love the scene at our table. Three happy boys ~~three~~ ~~four~~ 5 times a day. :)

Monday, June 28 - BooBear has a virus that has caused him to break out all over. Poor guy just feels miserable!

Tuesday, June 29 - As a third child, BooBear often sees life from the stroller.

Wednesday, June 30- BooBear has started throwing mini-fits. He will start crying and put his head down on the floor. Right now, it is funny. In a few more months, probably not so much!

Saturday, July 3 - We did our annual trip to the Addis0n fireworks. The boys loved it!! They played in the rain, ate hot dogs and cookies, and enjoyed being with friends! There were too many great pics to choose just 1.

(I love this one - all the kids were in their pjs to watch the fireworks then to fall asleep on the drive home. It is a very popular show and usually takes about an hour to get home!)

Project life - week 25

2010-06-29T19:44:00.000-07:00

Sunday, June 20- Two things: 1.This is NOT a staged pic. It is a common sight in our house multiple times a day. The boys are ALWAYS hungry. 2. Not sure when BooBear decided to jump in there to get himself a snack, but somewhere along the way, he has become just one of the boys.(Yes, I have now put pictures of my laundry and refrigerator on the internet.Huh.

Monday, June 21 -BooBear had his first Popsicle today. He was a total mess, but he sure loved it!

Tuesday, June 22 - BigBoy started the Cub swim team at our Y. He is one of 7 on it and also one of the youngest. He loves it and is really starting to get more confidence in the water.

Wednesday, June 23 - Two pics -- Curly had his 3-year well check and Boo Bear had his 9-month well check. Nana went with me to help corral the troops! So thankful she did because both boy had to get a vaccine. Curly us 35 lbs and Boo Bear is 20 lbs!

Thursday, June 24 - Boo Bear has progressed with his walking and now pushes toys around the house. So soon we will have a toddler on our hands!

Friday, July 25 - Curly had a very sore leg and a fever for a few days after his vaccine.

Saturday, July 26 - We put the bunk beds back in the big boy's room this weekend. Previously, Big Boy was afraid to sleep on top and Curly is too young. But, Big Boy has slept up top for several nights and is enjoying having his own space.

New pictures

2010-06-27T20:30:00.000-07:00

We had family pics done recently. All things considered (heat, humidity, 3 young energetic boys!) I think they turned out GREAT!!!

It's Time for a New Start

2010-06-23T14:34:00.000-07:00

We have not been a family of 4 in, well, a little over 9 months. However, the Kimball Family of 4 blog has lived on. I was not sure what I wanted to change the name to. I was really just stumped on several issues. Several blogs I read use nicknames for their kids to keep it anonymous. Anyone can stumble onto this blog and see the kids and figure out generally where we live and with our last name out there, I started wondering if I should worry.
So, I am going to use nicknames. If you know the boys, it will be super easy to figure out which I am talking about.
The oldest will be called BigBoy.
Middle child will be Curly. (We call him "Boogie" in real life, but I didn't know if I could handle their nicknames all starting with the same letter. Too close to real life! :) ha!)
The Babe will be BooBear. (We called his Baby Boo when I was pregnant, so this has become one of his real life nicknames!)

More updates coming soon. Promise!