Surprise Ending

It's been a really good Spring vacation. If the kid's have to write about what they did over the last week they will have plenty to say. They had a sleep over at Grandma and Grandpa's house. They went rock climbing. They had a fun day out with Paul's dad. We went swimming and to the movies. They had a whole day of fun with some old friends who had moved away, but are now back. And we got a visit from the Montana cousins. We didn't really have anything planned for our last weekend of vacation, just rest and get ready to go back to school. Then Saturday morning we got a call from Paul's brother saying that they had just decided to come to Oregon for their vacation, and they'd see us in about 10 hours. The day just could not go fast enough! We were so excited that they were coming. Thanksgiving was a long time ago, and waiting until the family reunion in June to see them has been feeling really far away. We knew it was going to be a really quick visit, but we made the most out of every minute. The kids picked up right where they left off, playing like they'd never been apart. Unfortunately Aunt Barb had to stay home and work, we sure missed her!
The weather on Sunday was gorgeous, so we even got out of the house and took Buster for a swim at the river.



It was so great seeing the kids pal around together. They have such great relationships with each other. The dad's get along pretty well too. They were able to team up later in the evening and "school" the kids on the basketball court.





We sure love these two. We're going to kidnap them for awhile again this Summer.

And now they're off on their way to the beach and we're back to our school routine, and feeling blue. We can't wait to see them later this week, before they head home.

"THAT WAS SO COOL!"

Today I was the best mom in the world. Everyone loved me. I received many hugs, kisses and thank yous. The boys have been dying to try out the rock climbing gym that recently opened near us, and this cold and dreary spring break day seemed like the perfect time. They loved it. I mean they REALLY loved it! I payed for a day pass for each of them, which at first seemed a little expensive, but was well worth the money. The boys climbed for about 2 and 1/2 hours when we first got there. Then when they were getting tired we went home for lunch and to rest for awhile. Then late in the afternoon we went back for 2 more hours. I really hope this place is able to make a go of it. The people that work there were really great with the kids. They were super patient and encouraging. The kids had THE BEST time, and pretty much used up every scrap of energy that they had for the day.


Climbing out and over this ledge was a big challenge for Fuller. He looked really beat when he got down.








This was about the maximum height that Rowan would climb to. The guy that was working with him really tried to get him to go all the way to the top, but he got a little too nervous.






Grayson was really getting a kick out of hanging upside down. We've always thought he was part monkey.






Fuller's hand were really getting a workout on this one, he had one hand in a crack and the other on the side of the wall. This was one of those times where it was good that someone was holding him with a rope, because he lost his grip right after I took the picture.


It was a little freaky having Grayson hanging so far up in the air, but he LOVED it. The guy that was belaying him said that Grayson has really good natural instincts. He looks up at the path he wants to take and doesn't have to think too much about where the holds are. He said some of the stuff Grayson did just on his own they usually have to work to teach people how to do.

A fabulous day!

No rest for the weary

Buster may be an energetic dog, but he is quite accustomed to spending much of his day in peaceful slumber. He makes napping an art form, and his snoring generally resonates through the entire house. Having the kids home all day has put a kink in his schedule. Yesterday morning Grayson and Rowan interrupted his mid morning nap by blasting "Hamster Dance" and chasing each other around the house with light sabers. He was not pleased. He chased them and barked at them for awhile, but then decided going outside was a better option. If it hadn't been pouring he probably would have stayed out all day. In the end he came back in and just lowly growled from his bed every time they ran past.
Today he should get a good nap in though. Paul's dad is coming to get the boys for the afternoon. (Have I ever mentioned how much I like Paul's dad?) They're going to Chuck E Cheese. What a brave man. Buster and I will have hours of peace and quiet. Pure bliss.

Spring Vacation Day 1- Off to a bad start

I woke up shortly after 5:00 this morning, to the sound of children in my living room. Two of my children were up playing the Wii. They were both fully dressed. One of them had already showered. I sent them back to bed, but they never did go back to sleep.

It's going to be a LONG week.

Titles

I've been thinking lately about life with my boys, and about writing those experiences down. One thing I've thought about is what would I call a book about each them. Here are a few of the possibilities I'm considering:

Rowan:

-"Raising MacGyver- Life with the Overly Resourceful Child"
-"Living with a Loved One Who Turns Tape, Glue and Your Possessions into Art"
-"Role of the Family Baby - How to Charm Adults and Irritate Siblings at the Same Time"


Grayson:

-"Life with Screechy- How to Voice Your Displeasure in the Most Unpleasant Way"
-"Second Grade Casanova- the Art and Science of Getting Girls to Chase You"
-"Always a Ray of Sunshine- Channeling Your Middle Child Attitude for Maximum Impact"

Fuller:

-"Angst- How to Make the Most Out of Every Sigh, Eye Roll and Stomp Up the Stairs"
-" Justice for Kids- One Boy's Quest to Rid the World of Parental Unfairness"
-" The Over-Scheduled Child- How to Keep Your Mom Behind the Wheel by Signing Up for Multiple Activities"

White Board Love Letter

Words by Grayson
Art by Rowan

Easter Craft

After seeing a cute Easter basket online I decided that I was going to make new baskets for the boys. I gathered all the supplies and set to work. About half way through the project I decided that this is MY basket, and that boys' old ones will do them just fine.

Mine didn't turn out quite like the example, but I like it. If you want to make one, the tutorial can be found here. And when the instructions say "you'll want to use a thimble", they mean it.

SIX

There's just no denying it, my "baby" is growing up. On Friday Rowan turned six. He was visibly excited all day. He had a certain extra spring in his step. It was a great day for him. He got to spend the morning playing with his new toys and games. Then off to school where his class sang to him and he got a birthday crown and pencil from his teacher. More playing in the afternoon, and then PARTY TIME! Rowan was very specific about what he wanted, Domino's pizza and an ice cream cake (even though we just had one last week for Fuller's birthday.) Uncle Jim and Aunt Enid came to help celebrate, they came bearing gifts, and a willingness to play UNO Attack by Rowan's rules. Rowan fell asleep claiming that it was "the best birthday ever!"


We just love this little monkey. He is wonderfully sweet and silly and full of mischief. He keeps us entertained with his wild imagination and great dance moves, and is the best snuggler EVER! I just can't imagine our family without him. We love you Rowan!

Birthday eve

If you've seen Rowan lately, then you're probably VERY aware of the fact that he's turning 6 tomorrow. He has shared this information with EVERYONE in our town that he's come into contact with (store checkers, school secretary, people in stores, etc.) He is just beside himself with birthday excitement, to the point that he's been calling today his birthday eve and giggling and skipping everywhere he goes. Since we knew there was absolutely no way he was going to be able to make it until Paul got home from work tomorrow to open his presents, we let him open them tonight. He was quite happy about that change in plans!

For a long time now Rowan has been very clear about wanting a Wii game for his birthday. You see his parents and Santa all blew it when they didn't get it for Christmas, they just didn't realized it's importance. But today, on this magical 6th birthday eve, his wish came true. Hugs, kisses and squeals of delight followed.

And there's still tomorrow, which will bring with it: birthday cereal, ice cream cake, pizza with Uncle Jim and Aunt Enid, a birthday crown at school, and who knows what other birthday magic may occur.

Here are a few facts about Rowan- at 6

-Favorite food- Hawaiian pizza
-Favorite restaurant- Dominos pizza
-Favorite TV show- Bugs Bunny
-Favorite movie- Bugs Bunny
-Favorite thing to do- Play Wii
-Best friend- Landon
-Favorite game- Chess
-Favorite toy- Wii
-What makes you laugh? Uncle Jason's "Fremos" joke
-Favorite color- green
-Most important thing you learned when you were 5? how to count to 100
-What do you hate?- hair cuts
-What do you hope to get for your birthday?- Super Smash Brother's Brawl

Completed Projects

After a brief post holiday lull in craft productivity I'm back at it. Here's a little peek at what I've been up to.
A shopping tote, made for my sister in laws birthday.

A baby kimono, made with super soft corn fiber yarn- so fun to work with.

And most recently, a pair of toasty warm wool slippers for me. Boy did I need them, it's been so cold here lately.

Hopefully today will involve a trip to the fabric store, so I can start something new.

The answers

Thank you to those who played along with my little quiz. Here are the answers

1- "Pajama day? ...weird."-FULLER
2- "I had to sleep in my clothes since I was wearing pajamas during the day"- ROWAN
3- "You NEVER help me!"- ALL THREE SAID THIS AT SOME POINT THAT DAY
4- "I think we should redecorate my room."- GRAYSON (what can I say, that boy loves HGTV)
5- "I LIKE MY ROOM DIRTY!"- GRAYSON AND ROWAN
6- "That's not fair! I want a salad too!"- ROWAN (he LOVES veggies)
7- "Goldfish crackers ARE healthy." FULLER
8- "We have to go back! I forgot to put on underwear!"- ROWAN (he actually did have underwear on, I think he just felt funny going to school in his PJ's)

And the winners are......Shannon M and Shannon B- who both got 4 answers correct! A surprise will be coming your way very soon!

TWELVE

How can it be that my first born is 12? I just don't know where the time has gone. It seems like just yesterday I was getting him ready for kindergarten. Now he's got feet as big as mine and pre-teen angst. Like most kids his age Fuller has his "moments", but he really is a fantastic young man. Fuller is a hard worker, a good student, a sweetheart and a total crack up. We love this boy, and are so blessed to have him in our family. Fuller spent his birthday demonstrating his very best self. In the morning he volunteered to come along and help the cub scouts pick up bags for Goodwill/Goodturn. He worked hard lugging heavy bags and walking many blocks with no complaints. And in the afternoon while we were celebrating at "Safari Sams" he was a patient and helpful older brother, lifting and pulling Rowan through the advanced climbing course. As sad as I am to have him grow up, I sure like seeing how he's turning out.

As is our tradition, he started off his special day with a healthy dose of sugar cereal.

After our cub scout activities we took the kids to "Safari Sams", which is pretty much like Chuckee Cheese on steroids. They have an arcade, glow in the dark mini golf, bouncy houses, a gigantic jungle gym and really overpriced food. The boys loved it! Once the kids were exhausted we headed home for a family party with some of our favorite grandparents.
Fuller and Grandpa showed that sometimes rivals can get along.

Presents were opened. My parents thrilled Fuller by getting him the Star Wars Wii game he wanted.

We were happy that my parents and Paul's dad were all able to join us for dinner and cake. Fuller picked ice cream cake this year.

Happy Day sweet boy! Hope your wish comes true!

Since Rowan's birthday is this Friday we went ahead and celebrated his birthday too while the grandparents were here. Although we will do something on the real day too.

He was very excited to get to open presents early.

The lego power miners from grandma and grandpa were a big hit!

Rowan was really good at giving everyone hugs after he opened his present from them.

Fuller's new game has quickly become a favorite at our house. I think it has something to do with the Wii light saber that you get to play with.

So far we've only had one injury.



Here are a few facts about Fuller- at 12

-Favorite food- potstickers
-Favorite restaurant- TODAI
-Favorite TV show- anything on ESPN
-Favorite movie- Napoleon Dynamite
-Favorite thing to do- Play sports
-Best friend-Dylan and Trey
-Favorite game- Cribbage
-Favorite toy- Wii and legos
-What makes you laugh? -Uncle Jason's "Fremo's" joke
-Favorite color- green
-Most important thing you learned when you were 11? locker combination
-What do you hate?- When Grayson says "your being a parent" and cleaning
-What do you hope to get for your birthday?- Duck clothes and Star Wars Force Unleashed

A little quiz

Guess which child said what- actual quotes from today

1- "Pajama day? ...weird."
2- "I had to sleep in my clothes since I was wearing pajamas during the day"
3- "You NEVER help me!"
4- "I think we should redecorate my room."
5- "I LIKE MY ROOM DIRTY!"
6- "That's not fair! I want a salad too!"
7- "Goldfish crackers ARE healthy."
8- "We have to go back! I forgot to put on underwear!"

Go ahead....Take a guess...You might win a prize.

The boy who loved numbers

Rowan loves numbers. When I say he loves them, I mean he REALLY loves them. He talks about numbers day and night. He loves seeing numbers, whether it be on a clock, a cash register, or anywhere else he may find one. For a while he counted. Everywhere we went I heard counting behind me in the van. Soon after, he began asking for math problems. Simple addition satisfied him for a time, but then he wanted subtraction. Now simple problems aren't enough, he needs 2 digit numbers. Paul was quite surprised one night to have Rowan correctly solving 2 digit addition problems in his head, even ones with regrouping involved. Rowan says problems like 16+16 are easy. "You just add the two tens, and then 8+8 is 16, so you have another 10, which is 36." His latest fascination is negative numbers. He just loves doing subtraction problems where the answer is a negative number. He especially likes ones where it's a big negative number, like 1-100. Rowan asks people to ask him math problems all day long, and not just family. Today he was asking the school counselor and his teacher to please give him a hard math problem. He really liked showing his teacher his knowledge of negative numbers. It really is wonderful, but he does drive me crazy. I feel really awful when I just have to say "no more math Rowan." For the last few weeks this is pretty much the last thing I've said to him every night at bedtime.

If only he felt the same way about words and letters.

Little bits of fun

Happy Birthday Dr Seuss! I hate to imagine a childhood without Horton, Yertle and Things 1 & 2.

Fuller's new shoes, a very exciting early birthday present. He's super psyched about how well they go with the Oregon Duck shirts he wears almost daily.

And cub scout cake decorating. Grayson entered his first ever cub scout cake decorating contest. He won an award for the "grassiest" cake.