Let's Carve Pumpkins!

Or NOT!  Let's be real, pumpkin carving at this age basically means the kids want to "help" but the parents go to town on carving pumpkins, while making sure the kids don't kill each other with sharp objects, or start fighting while our hands are full of goop and we are trying to organize a fun family night...  Brody was not really getting into it at all, Crew was totally grossed out (big wimp) with the goop, just wanted the seeds and was being a whinny about having to touch anything he just wanted to carve...Good lesson point on having to do things we don't like to do first, before we can get to the part we do like... :)
But once the initial wake of energy made it through, we ended up with some great final products, thanks to my role of finding some good designs that Crew and Brody got to pick from off the Internet.  Just a fun little Sunday night, now the excitement is VERY high about dressing up tomorrow, should be fun!

Buzz and the "Angry Birds" pumpkin

Crew and his "mad man" pumpkin

Chris put the final touches on the carving, good job! Left handed and everything :)

Love a little fall front porch...and the smell of my pumpkin marsh mellow Scentsy burning in the house....


Have to show this picture of  Kendallita from the weekend...Probably the only time we will get her with a Lion, a little blackmail for her parents being teachers at Meridian ;)

Frosting some cupcakes, yummy!

I can't believe we are getting into November already...But that means we can start focusing on some very cold, windy, and stormy weather... :)

Mask Making!

Finally getting caught up on some posts with all the fun fall activities going on...

Memi and I took the boys to the library for their "Mask Making" activity.  It was so fun to spend some time just with the older boys and doing something creative, which is something I am not good at all!  Good thing for Memi and her 2nd grade skills, these boys had a blast and Memi jumped right in getting them just what they needed to make the perfect masks....

Brody the lion, roar!!!! Crew the alien, scary!

They ran around off and on the rest of the weekend with their masks on, and thought they were pretty cool!  Crew had to make sure his alien mask was mad, by drawing lines on it to make it look mad.  Funny where they pick up these ideas.  I sure hope my kids are more creative than their mother!

THANKS MEMI, we had a great time, and we look forward to visiting your class for more holiday parties to come!  The boys are already talking about gingerbread houses...

Brody's Fall Preschool

Little BoBo's is loving preschool and is having fun doing his own school now, and not just watching Crew get to do it.  LC Preschool does a great job of adding fun days, for dress up, and the activities they plan...  He was a little shy when he first started, but now does great.  It helps that his buddy Dane is in the class too, and he talks nonstop about how much he loves to play trains there. 
I also catch him singing to himself a lot, and tells me a lot more about his day than Crew does. 

SPOT Day!

They also got to go the pumpkin patch.  I took a period off from school to go with him, after all this was a big deal, because they got to ride the BUS!  He sat right next to me and talked the whole time about the bus and everything he could see out the windows as we drove, so funny.  It's hard not to compare Crew's experiences with Brody's now going through the same program/activities.  But I was a lot more worried about Crew's behavior when I was with him on these sort of things, and less worried about Brody, but really Brody was a lot more off task at times and wanting to do his own thing than Crew ever was...  But Brodes did great, he just has a lot of energy, and him and Dane know how to build off each other!

He picked out the perfect one...

Dane's pumpkin

Can you find Brodes way in the back?

Nope don't want a picture with you mom!

We are very pleased with how Brody has responded to school, he looks forward to it every day he gets to go, and is really into picking out his own idea for show in tell and doesn't need our input....  It's also a huge deal that Grandma Biv gets to pick him up!   : )

Stoney Ridge 2011

This pictures sums up our experience at Stoney Ridge this year, it was fun, it brought some battles and tears, and not everyone got to do what they wanted, when they wanted...

My 3 boys, I just crack up at this picture, because this is our life and the many emotions going on just make me smile!

Really!!?  Each of them and the looks...Lane got to come along, which made Crew and Brody extra excited! 

Good buddies Lane "wane" and Cruisey, they don't have the same teacher at school but they don't miss a recess playing together!

Let's all stay together :)

Ky's put on quite the chase...That kid was on the run and fast, didn't want to be carried, didn't want to do anything but run... Well he cried a lot too because we couldn't just let him run free.  Not quite the easy going, non stressful, relaxed trip to the pumpkin patch. I am sure we will always hold this years visit in clear memory!

The wagon ride to and from the pumpkin patch is always a favorite...They also had a great time in the corn maze.  Stoney Ridge keeps getting better, but also busier every year.  We got there right when it opened and there was a line down the street.  Chris doesn't particularly like crowds, or maybe he was just super antsy to get home to watch the Huskies play! 

Gotta love the FALL FESTIVITIES!!!

It's My Party....and I Will CRY if I Want To!

Just when we think we are kind of seeing a turn around in Kyler, events like this happen.... A complete melt down!!  Maybe it could be partially to blame on the fact that he had no nap because he cried himself to sleep earlier that day in the nursery at church (still can't survive that), or just because now that he is officially 2.  Who knows with this kid....
Even before people arrived at his party, he had a melt down, and wanted nothing to eat but M&M's because he saw the treat bags.  I eventually just gave in because it was his party and I wanted things to go smoothly, but that really didn't end his run of tantrums! 

We did have a GREATparty though with family and friends we celebrated KyKy's big 2nd birthday!   I did not get as many pictures as I would have liked because I was running around trying to get things set up, and taking care of  Mr. Kyler the screamer, funny how that nick name is still around...I was actually talking to his doctor about his super anxious, very intense, and active personality and she just laughed, she could of predicted that one, some babies right from birth make their presence known and continue to show some of those personality traits.  LOVE my strong willed and lovey Kys!

His four favorite things, M&M's, peanut butter crackers, his binky, and chocolate milk!

He is actually screaming through his binky right here :)

All the kids got some quarters to play games and get some prizes!

Mickey Mouse ice cream cake, can't get any better than that!

MICKEY!

He didn't want to blow out or attempt to blow out the candles, but he did clap for himself when we were done singing.  "I did it, " he said!  He got some fun gifts, and a few monster trucks got his attention right away, and who would have guessed those things were actually screwed into the plastic?  Um, who carries a screw driver around?  That didn't not help tantrum #22 when he wanted those trucks NOW!!!!

Dear Sweet KyKy:  You know what you want and I pray that as you grow we can help you channel your positive energy, intensity, your sweet spirit, and determination to do great things!  For a little guy you are pretty smart (after all, you ALWAYS want your mom.. :) and amaze us every day with new words, sentences, and ways to keep up with your brothers!  You know all of your letters, numbers, most shapes, colors, and can out smart your mom by running away from me, you are too darn quick to catch!  You look EXACTLY like your dad, cute as can be, especially when you have that naughty look in your eyes. 

You love nothing more than to be plowed over and wrestled with by your brothers, and see to them get in trouble for not being nice to you even though you love it! The rougher the better!  A good high five, pound it, and kiss are the three things you never leave us, or go to bed without.  You love to "rocka rocka" and read books in the recliner before bed every night, and make it known if we ever try to 'skip' that part of our night time routine.  You make riding the plasma car look as easy as walking, and have no problem jumping off of or climbing up anything.  You have a gentle touch to animals, and I am sure Spice and Pumpkin thank you for that!  You love to give loves and have plenty of time to snuggle epecially if you have any suspension that mom or dad are leaving... :)

**2 year doctor appointment went as well as can be expected from him.  He was pretty shaky, anxious, and cried a lot just being nervous, not even because anyone was touching him... That's our Ky's!  He weighed in at a whopping 28 lbs (40%) and 34.5 inches (55%), and we are trying to still brain storm more ways to get him to get some more weight on those lean muscles of his.  He still only likes to to eat crackers, milk, juice, yogurt, grapes, bananas, peanut butter, and chicken nuggets...It is a struggle at meals, but we are hoping as he gets older he will eventually give in!

HAPPY 2nd Birthday Kyler Christopher, we love you! 

Beautiful People..."Hold Me"

Two things I have come across lately that I just LOVE are this quote....


Since reading this a few days ago, I keep coming back to it, it speaks volumes to me.   God's plan in so perfect and the trials we face develop character and compassion.  God has blessed me some very "beautiful" people in my life, that I have learned so much from them and truly treasure their guidance and friendship in my life.  People that love unconditionally, focusing on what is important, and seeing you for who you are, and living with a purpose to love and not judge.  I pray everyday that I can be molded through life's trials and always take God's goodness from them. 

  AND this song...On my way to work after dropping off the kiddos and turning off the kids tunes, I crank this up and get ready for my day! 

3 Little Indian Boys

One little, two little, three little Indian boys...with the special of the night, the BUZZ CUT!  We don't get very creative around here with haircuts, but we have upgraded to a real cape to replace the sheet with a hole in the middle for their head...

Crew is the most annoyed with haircuts, he goes last, Brodes is more than happy to go first, Ky wants to be like Brody, and Crew dinks and dalli's around and wastes as much time as possible before he gives in.  Wuss. 

These poor boys, someone give them a decent haircut! Bringing them into a salon is just not worth it!  Oh well for now I will keep buzzing away!

Minds of Their Own

Who said raising kids was easy, man... I knew it was going to busy and challenging, but I am honestly running non stop, and I know it will just continue to get busier!  Our morning routines seem crazy some days, I swear they don't hear a single thing I say, and if they do they don't listen.  Transitioning from breakfast, getting dressed, teeth brushed, shoes and coat one is just too many steps for them to focus on... I guess the good thing is I am  never going to be bored!

We have been still spending plenty of time outside when we don't have soccer in the afternoons, and tis the season for coats and shoes, the worse part of it! I am so against socks, I can never find them, and now that they can't put their crocs on I need something to complain about, right?  Especially for boys that still try to run outside in bare feet and no clothes! 

Trucking up and down the alley, sneaking in crashes when they don't think I am looking...

He holds his own, and can keep up with his brothers zipping around everywhere. 

This is a rare occasion anymore, we are running out of room!

I wish I was better about documenting the funny things that these boys say.  Here are a few things I remember from this week... They are all about Brody, he seems to be changing so much now that he is in preschool.  Love my little BUZZ!

Brody:  The neighbor comes to the door, Brody answers the door and the little guy says hi, its my birthday today.  Brody says "Hi, my name is Brody, I am 3 years old, I poop in the potty, and I am buzz light year, see my wings?"  *I guess pooping on the potty is a cool thing, he is so proud that he does that now! 

Brody loves to say "Mom I am a good listener"  "Mom I am so proud of you", and "I like cats, Spice is a good kitty Mom" 

This story cracks me up....

I wasn't feeling well one night, and I was getting ready to take a bath and go to bed, Brody comes walking to bathroom and says "here you go mom" and hands me a Coors Light...  I starting laughing, thinking okay, I do like a Coors Light every once in a while but not frequently enough where my kids would think that would be a favorite.  Then I said "Thank you buddy, but why did you bring mom a beer?" He said "Mom I just wanted to make you happy since you are sick"....seriously so funny, so I thought maybe Chris had put the idea in his head, and he hadn't.  Brody then said, "Dad likes beers mom, you do too, right?" 

Friends and Football Weekend

We have spirit yes we do, we have spirit how bout you!?  I just had to say it... Ok we are lucking out this season with some great weather for Friday night home Lion's football games.  With me running the concessions, and Chris and the boys heading to the games, we love the atmosphere and the time of the year.  This past weekend it was the Ferndale game which made for a huge crowd and lots of fun for the kids running around.  They take full advantage of having me there thinking they can run in and out of the concessions getting anything they want!  Nothing makes the boys more excited right now than knowing they are heading to a football game, they get so pumped up!

Sarah got the kids some green hair spray!

The big commute down Bradley

Brodes and Dane

Brodes, Lane, Crew, Dane, Hailey cheering on the Lions

Bunch of dorks

Someday they may get to be out there....

The Huskies are never forgotten either, and Chris has proudly added a flag that he puts on on game day on our front porch, just a little embarrassing, but whatever.  So any excuse to have some friends over and enjoy the game!

Kys and Dane

Poor Cole, ended up with a fever and got sick...

Tazers

K-Mart, or Mart Mart

Happy 40th Shane Babes!  Ha.  The oldest of the group takes a toll... :)

Wall ball!  Jack and Crew play at recess at school too.  But the boys really saw some skill today when I challenged them to a game.  It was hilarious, I got a little competitive and Crew and Brody thought mom was pretty funny.  Games on!  It is so fun to start playing games like that with them...

Hai's trying out the new Razor Rip Rider 360, so fun!  Crew has worn through 2 Big Wheels now, so I was looking online (surprising right?) and found this, and wow, you should watch the video on this thing, it whips around and does 360's and gets you back going straight again.  It is a family and neighborhood hit, although sharing just one of these has been the challenge!

Some of us girls--Sarah, Joelle, me and Court

How many Tolo shots is this now...Do I even want to  know how long this is going to continue? :)

Our men! We are so proud....Rob, Bill, Shane, and Chris (oh and Kendall too)

Fun day, for a last minute get together!  The kids played surprisingly well together all 11 of them, and the parents had a great time too... :) 

GO LIONS AND GO HUSKIES!!!!