Hitting Double Digits

Isaac just turned 10.   

This year was a "friend party."  This was our first party with no real theme.  Isaac just had things he wanted to do.  He wanted to see Percy Jackson at the movie theater.  He wanted to make swords.  He wanted to eat pizza.  And most importantly, he wanted to have a war.  So that's what we did.  He invited four of his closest friends and they kicked the party off by going to see "Percy Jackson"  at the dollar theater.  Then the boys came back to the house and built swords.  Adam had them pre-cut and glued.  The boys  sanded them down and added electrical tape to accessorize the handle and blade.  Once the swords were done, we gave them pipe insulation to wrap around the blade.  The swords were pretty big and heavy and I can only imagine the damage they could do to each other. They were only allowed to "fight" if the pipe insulation was on.


I think they turned out great!  The boys were thrilled with them.




After the swords were built, the boys came inside for dinner - pizza, grapes, carrots, salad, and of course, cake.  While the boys ate, Isaac opened his presents.  Adam's family has a tradition that has become our family tradition called "heavy heavy hang over."  The giver of the gift recites a funny little poem and hits the receiver on the head with the present.  The receiver then has to make a wish for the giver, something they think the giver would want (like trips to Hawaii, all the Legos you could want, season football tickets, etc.).  It's fun.
 

After all of that, they finally got to have their war.  The party was already running late so they only got a 15 minute war.  But they all live in the neighborhood and they will have all summer to play war with their swords.   It was funny to watch them play.  They have rules to their game.  I couldn't figure them out, but they were running up and down the street and sometimes lying dead.  They had a GREAT time.


Isaac has AWESOME friends.  I love each one.  I am so glad they could come and contribute to making his party such a success.  And a special thank you to a SUPER AWESOME Dad who doesn't have time to tie his shoes let alone make a bunch of swords, but did anyway!

Happy Birthday Isaac!  We love you!

Lost First Tooth

72 hour kits

This weekend we have been updating our 72 hour kits.  It was time to replace all of the food.  We decided it would be nice to switch from cans of tuna to the new Tuna creations in a sealed bag.  We had never tried them before, so I bought 5 different kinds and we had a taste test for dinner.  Honestly, I am not a big fan of tuna but I thought all of the varieties we got were pretty good.

Then for FHE, we ventured to the grocery store to replenish our 72 hour kits.  I though it would be a good idea to let the kids pick out some of the things in their pack. I told them that once we had finished getting all the things we needed, they could pick something out for treat. Instead of looking for things to go in their kit, they spent their time begging for misc junk that they hoped would qualify as their "treat".  What was I thinking?  In addition, our noise level was out of control.  I don't know who was happier to have us out of the store, the employees or Adam and I.

When we got back home Ruby said, "We haven't had the lesson yet."  Adam replied,  "Yes we have.  We've had a lesson I will never forget.  NEVER go to the grocery store for family night."



Today's "Rubyisms"

Ruby was at school and the kids found a bird feather on the ground.  Ruby told everyone to stay away from it because it could have diseases.  A friend asked her what diseases were.  She replied "Things that make your mom freak out."

Adam was putting Ruby to bed.  When they had finished with her nightly routine, Ruby asked Adam to get me.  Adam told her I was busy and asked what she needed.  She replied, "I need Mom.  It's something you can't handle."
(She needed her pigtails out.  Adam can't get his big hands into those little hair-bands.)

Sharing Clothes

Ruby was helping me fold laundry and kindly folded one of my running shirts. I noticed a few minutes later that she was wearing it. I asked her what she was doing. She said that the shirt was hers now because it fit her. I told her it didn't fit.  I also told her that it was a shirt I use a lot so she could not have it. Later, she came back with it tucked in - trying to convince me of it's "perfect fit." I asked her to please put it back in the laundry room. She replied, "Please mom! Can't we just share it? Can you at least let me wear it to school once?!"


     I know I am really new to the girl thing. But isn't it a little early to be starting this?!

Broken Noses

Last Saturday, I bent down to pick up Ruby.  As I picked her up, she flung the other direction and since I didn't have a good hold on her, she fell face first onto the wood floor.  Her arms were stuck behind her so she didn't even have her hands to brace her.  As she fell, it was one of those split seconds where a million things run through your mind and you fear the worst.  I picked her up and she had blood all over face.  It was her nose.  We cleaned her up, gave her ibuprofen, and layed her down.  I was worried that she had broken her nose, but she said the bridge didn't hurt at all, just the front.  Within 30 minutes, she was up and running around.  I was shocked at how lucky we were that she wasn't more hurt.

Later that night we went to my friend Marie's.  Her and her husband had thrown a party for kids from our ward in Boston that were now out here going to college.  We went to see these kids that we LOVE and Adam was running the karaoke for the end of the party.  It was so great to see these kids.  Some of them I had in primary. It really was indescribleable to sit back and watch them interacting.  As I sat in grateful of awe of being in a house full of people I love half way across the country from where we all knew each other, Marie came over and told me that her daughter K, had gotten her nose hit.   She had been at a Birthday party and someone had accidentally hit her in the nose.   It was swollen but didn't show any obvious signs of being broken so they decided to wait and see how she was doing in the morning.

The next morning Ruby's nose was very swollen and we decided we better make sure everything was OK.  As I was getting ready to go to the hospital, Marie called and said that K's nose was more swollen and they were on their way to get it checked out.

So we sat together in Primary Children's Hospital with two cute girls with swollen noses.  Really.  What are the chances of that?!!

(After seven hours in the ER and a cat-scan, the doctors finally determined that Ruby's nose and face are fracture free.  They also said K's nose was not broken.  Yipee!!)

(Here is a picture of them in the waiting room.  I took the pic with my phone so it is not very clear -  but really their noses were very swollen).

Here is Ruby a couple days later.  The swelling had gone down but her face was more discolored.  Because of the swelling and blue color of her nose, we called her "Rubytar" 

A Day at the Capital

Today, I spent almost the whole day at the State Capital.  Caleb's teacher became state certified (which is really hard to do) and received recognition from the State House of Representatives and the State Senate.  She invited Caleb and I to attend.  I kept him home from school and we, along with Isaac, went to the Capital.  Mrs. H (Caleb's teacher) had been told we needed to be there at 8:00am but we didn't really need to be there until 10:30 for her presentations at 11:15a.m and 11:30am.  We could have gone home and then come back but we would have had to turn right around a half an hour after we got home.  So instead, we toured the State House and spent time exploring.  We learned some great things and I enjoyed being able to spend some time with just my older boys.

After exploring, we went back to wait in the rotunda and stumbled upon a press conference on education.  Since that is a subject dear to my heart I suggested we go and listen.  As soon as Caleb saw the TV cameras, I couldn't keep up with him.  All three local channels were covering the event and Caleb really wanted to be on the news.  He decided his best chance was to walk back and forth behind the press conference, enabling all three cameras to get a shot of him.  And that is just what he did.  He casually walked back and forth for ten minutes.  We weren't home to see if he actually made it on TV, but he seemed satisfied that he did.




Our time spent in the Senate and House of Representatives was interesting (we heard the Senate pass a bill that made it illegal for anyone between the ages of 16-18 to use a cell phone while driving).   Then we watched Mrs. H be recognized by both houses.  We are so proud of our Mrs. H and are really grateful we could be there to see her honored.

After Mrs. H was presented at both houses, we booked it home in time for me to take care of a few things and then I headed back to the Capital with my dear friend Marie.

A member of the House of Representatives was trying to pass a bill that would have greatly hindered our school district.  I had spent the last several days writing letters to all  the members of the House and sending out e-mails to others in my district.  Marie and I went to the Capital to support our school district in fighting the bill.  I was grateful to be with my dear friend.  In Boston, we went together (with babes in arms) to the Massachusetts Capital to stand against the gay marriage initiative.  It was wild to be together again fighting for something we felt was so important.  I am grateful to live in this country and for the freedoms and voice it allows us as individuals.  And I am grateful I could see it in action with a teacher, a friend, and kids I love!!

(PS. The bill failed 11-3.  Hurray!!!)

An Afternoon on General Mills

In November, General Mills came out with these cereal boxes. Did you see them? Well, I bought some Honey Nut Cheerios but didn't realize until I came home that they had a free movie offer. Usually, these kind of deals require you to sign all your personal information away. So I cautiously went to the site and was shocked to find that they didn't ask for anything - not even my name. All I had to do was type in numbers from my cereal boxes, and I was able to print out a movie ticket that was good at several theaters near me. It was awesome. It took two boxes for one ticket and since the cereal was on sale for $1.50 a box, it was a no brainer. I went right back a bought 14 boxes - enough to take our whole family to the movies. (Honestly, now I wish I would have bought more).

My older boys are big fans of the Percy Jackson books and have been anxiously awaiting for the new movie to hit the theaters. So we saved the tickets to take them to Percy Jackson and the Olympians. The boys have known for months that it was opening on Presidents Day Weekend, but they thought that meant it would actually open on Monday. So last night, Adam and I used our General Mills tickets to purchase tickets for the 1:15pm showing today. We didn't tell the boys.

Grammy and Grandpa Mike came to watch the younger three (we decided it would be too scary for them. Besides, I didn't want to rob Aaron of the joy of reading the book by letting him watch the movie first). Adam told Caleb and Isaac we were going to Costco to buy underwear. Which they of course didn't believe, but was the cause of endless jokes the whole way to the theater.

When we pulled up to the theater they knew exactly why we were there and were SO EXCITED (obviously we don't take them to the theater much)! All in all, the movie was fun. The boys liked it. It definitely varied considerably from the book, so if you're a big fan you may be disappointed. But we all had a blast together and enjoyed the movie despite its varying from the book. Thank you Grammy and Grandpa and thank you General Mills!!

Innocence Gone

The kids decided it would fun to strap Benjamin to one of our bar stools for breakfast. This allowed him to eat with the "big kids." Benjamin loved his status change and especially loved that he had more than just his food in fork's reach.



And that is how he discovered syrup. Benjamin never gets syrup or butter on his pancakes or other morning dishes (in this case German Pancakes). He has never known the difference and so has been very content. But after one bite off his sister's plate, he gave his signature "MMMmm!!" and the innocence was gone.

So he took another bite . . .



and another bite.



Finally poor Ruby had to hold her plate away.


But when Ruby momentarily hopped down to wash her sticky hands, Benjamin made a swift grab for the plate . . . and it was over.

Age Does Not Matter

One of my favorite things about Isaac is that he is happy to play with anyone.

If I Were Five Years Older

photo from his first grade program

Everyday in school, Aaron (first grade) is required to write a 1 1/2 -2 page essay. They are called "story starters." These essay are some of the my most treasured school projects. I don't save much of my kids school work, but I have saved all of his essays. I plan to bind them at the end of the year. Periodically, I want to post an essay or two. This is my favorite essay from this week. I kept the spelling and grammar the way he wrote it.

"If I were five years older I would be twelve years old. I would be over ten years old. I would have the Aaronic prestood. I would serve the water and bread at church. The bread stands for Jesus's body and the water stands for his blood. I would be older than my brother Caleb. He is eleven years old. He is the oldest kid in my family.

If I were twelve I would be able to go to the temple. I would almost be a teenager. When I turn thirteen I want a phone and a camra and a robot that cleans my room wich would be awsome."

Klondike

This weekend Caleb had his first Scout over-night camp, the Klondike. I am still a little unsure why anyone in their right mind would want to camp in several feet of snow, but Caleb had a great time (not that you could tell from the pictures - the stinker didn't smile in a single one). Not only was he there with all of his best friends, Adam came as one of the leaders which made the trip GREAT!

They had to dig out several feet of snow in order to set-up camp. Adam mistakenly brought an air mattress which froze and cracked in the first four minutes of his attempts to sleep. Needless to say, Adam didn't sleep much. Caleb however, slept like a baby.

The following morning, the boys competed in various events with troops from 3 stakes. Events like fire building, first aid, knot tying, sled pulling, etc. To the surprise of all, their troop came in first place!!

I am thankful Caleb's first camp out was such a great experience. I am thankful for the scouting program and especially thankful for the AWESOME leaders that made it such a success!

I'm Back

Recently, a good friend kindly encouraged me to start blogging again. She gave me some good reasons and good advice and I have decided to heed it. So I am back . . or at least I'm going to give it my best. If I get ambitious, I may even do a few past posts . . .we'll see.