Downpour

As I am writing this, I am looking out my front window waiting on a boat to float by! It is absolutely pouring right now!!! We have had quite a wet Spring, and I should be very thankful for that, but I am looking forward to some more consistant sunny weather, and the low 70's would be nice!
Ashley left for Vegas today. He is there with some friends that he grew up with and is there for a bachelor party. Meanwhile, I am here with the kids, and puppy (who is very much still a puppy, but more on that later) in the rain! I am sick and have been so exhausted today, so I thought a nice bubble bath for the boys would keep them busy for a while. I was wrong! I raced upstairs to the screaming of "NO NO Marley" to find the dog, covered in bubbles, trying to get into the bathtub. Two kids were out already, covered in bubbles themselves (no need for a towel when you have mom's clean carpet to run and drip on, right?) and headed to the shower (after a run around my room and hallway), and Drew was in the tub, up to his waist in bubbles, throwing them on Marley. The water had drained, there were bubbles everywhere, and in the middle of the bathroom, a chewed up roll of toilet paper (Marley's favorite chew toy!). At least she's not chewing our shoes...yet!!

Mommy's a princess

This morning, Drew stole my heart! He is so sweet, and talking all the time. I was working in my office, and he ran across a picture from our wedding on the bookshelf. He pointed to the picture and kept saying "mommy's a princess and daddy is big!" So FUNNY! We were kissing on a dock, and AJ is much taller than I am and from the angle of the photo, he looks even taller. All morning, he just kept repeating "my mommy's a princess!" I love it!

Fun Run

Thank you to all of your who made contributions for Jackson's school fundraiser, the Pirate Fun Run!!! It was very successful, and we raised about $13,000 that the school gets to keep for themselves. With all of the budget cuts, this money comes at a great time to help our children! It was great seeing how excited the children were about running also! Jack ran 34 laps, almost 2 miles!!

Muffins for Mom

About a week ago, Davis had "Muffins for Moms" at school. The teachers went all out and the children had a little performance, and sang three songs. They were ADORABLE!! "Tony Chestnut (Toe Knee Chest Neck)" was my favorite song. Davis is the tall kid with the green shirt!

He also made me a cute jewlery box, and it even has his photo on it! He was so proud of this, and it now has a special place on my vanity. There is something about a homemade gift from your children that truely melts your heart.

It worked!

It worked! The "No Bite" stuff worked for Davis. It has been 5 days, and he is thumb sucking free! The stuff tastes terrible, and I am pretty certain it would wake him up if he was trying to suck in his sleep. I do know for sure that he hasn't sucked his thumb during the day all week. This afternoon, I rewarded him with a cool Star Wars Light Saber. He was thrilled! We also had a long talk about the dentist, and what braces were, and how important it is that he try not to suck his thumb. When he found out braces were metal wires in your mouth, he said he never wants to get that, and if the No Bite starts to wear off, will I please put some more on! He is asking for more! Wow, that boy has determination!!!

No Bite!

The time has come to start working on Davis and his thumb sucking habit. He has sucked his thumb since birth, and it is a great source of comfort to him. However, we just took him to the dentist, and it is time to stop! Last night, I asked Davis if he was ready to stop sucking his thumb, and he amazingly said yes...probably before he thought about it. Either way, we took it and ran with it! I have a bottle of "No Bite" handy, and Davis got his thumb nails painted. Ashley decided to stop biting his finger nails as well, and he also got a coat. Davis has done good so far, and hasn't even complained. He was so proud of himself this morning when he woke up, he ran to me and said "Mommy, guess what you asked me to do and I did it!!! I didn't suck my thumb last night!" He says he didn't even try, which is probably true, because AJ has been complaining about the taste of that stuff all day! I told Davis if he really does stop, he can get a suprise. He chose a purple light up light saber from Star Wars. I figured it's a good incentive and a heck of a lot cheaper than more time in braces. He already has an open bite, and there's no telling what his adult teeth will look like. Now if we can just get the dog to stop biting!

It's already happening...

Somehow it happens right before our eyes, and we don't even realize it! As a mom of all boys, I know very soon that they will enjoy being with their daddy much more than hanging out with me. Jackson is starting to hit that age! Last Friday, all 3 boys were invited to a birthday party at the baseball field to watch a game. They had lots of fun, but with 2 younger children who hadn't napped well, if at all, that day, by the 4th inning, they were melting down and we needed to get out quick to avoid a total scene! Those of you with kids know what I mean! There is a fine line between whining and ready to go and the all out tantrum of crying, tears, louder whining, and yelling when things just don't go their way. Jackson was very disappointed that we couldn't stay for the whole game, so I asked him if he'd like for me to take him on a date night, just he and I, and we'd go out to dinner, and then come to the game. We'd stay for the whole thing, fireworks and all, and play the kids games and jump in the jumpy things and everything. He looked at me with a smile and said that would be great, but can daddy come instead of you? It's already happening...I'm loosing him! So sad, I need to remember this and cherish all those snuggles and hugs now!

The boys had so much fun in Florida for Spring Break. They got to go to the beach, go fishing, golfing, and to the Track (an amusement park with go karts and rides) with Grandpa and Iyah. They even got to see thier Uncle Patrick! They caught 4 spanish mackeral, 1 stingray, and 1 catfish off the dock. The older boys went to the docks with Grandpa and got to see some Cobia weighed in while eating ice cream. Jackson said his favorite thing was playing golf with Grandpa, and Davis loved going putt-putting and racing on the go karts! We are still playing catch up from the trip, and still have laundry to do! Here are more fun photos from the trip. I'll upload an album link soon.

Life has been so busy since Spring Break, but we had a great time in Florida. More updates to come, but I just got a chance to download my photos, and had to share some. I just LOVE the one of Davis on the dock!!!

The Finger

It has been a crazy week leading up to Spring Break. Jackson came down with the flu on Tuesday and started vomitting and had a 103 fever. It is lots of fun to have your children crawl into your bed when they are sick, only an hour later to be awoken by throw up! He has been wiped out, and thankfully, no one else is sick! We have enjoyed our Easter, and went to early service this morning. There are so many things we have to thank God for, and our children are just a few. Tomorrow, we will leave to see my dad in Florida. It takes us over 11 hours of driving to get there, so we are praying as well for a peaceful safe drive! Because it's so far away, we don't get there often enough, so it will be nice to visit over Spring Break. The boys are hoping to go fishing and play golf, so we are hoping for nice weather.

On a silly note, I had to share a few things about Davis. He is always able to make us laugh, and yesterday was no exception! Last night, I was driving he and Jack to get fitted for new shoes. From the backseat, I hear "Mommy, do sh** and mitt rhyme?" I was taken aback and sure I didn't hear him correctly and asked him to repeat what he had said. Again "Do sh** and mitt rhyme?" I told him that was not a good word and that we don't say things like that, and he replied "It's ok if it's a bad word, but does it rhyme??" I was hiding my chuckles! It was so funny. I don't know where he heard sh** and he said he doesn't know....let's hope it doesn't get repeated!

Also, last week, he started giving me "the finger" from the back seat. I was shocked and asked him what he was doing. It was obvious he had no idea of the meaning, but was fascinated that he could get his middle finger to stand up alone. He again, doesn't remember where he learned it! I promise it wasn't from me!!! I gave him a lecture about how that is not a nice gesture and that it means that you really don't like someone at all, and then told him that if he did it in public, or at pre-school or church, he would get in a lot of trouble. He said he wouldn't....then daddy picked him up from pre-school last Friday and took him and his best buddy out to Chick-fil-A for lunch. He said he was in the restaraunt and turned around to find Davis and his friend giving "the finger" to everyone at Chick-fil-A. He told them that wasn't nice and not to do it, but they said " we like to do this, it's really cool!" What are we in for when he hits the teenage years????

Best Buddies

Davis and Marley have quickly become best buddies! He is SO great with Marley. Jackson has been responsible and takes her out to use the bathroom, and watches her. Drew loves to play with her, but Marley is half his size, so she nips at him and pulls on his diaper (looks like the old sunscreen ads!), but Davis and Marley are truely best buddies! Today, we were playing with the neighbors, and all 8 kids were in the back yard. Davis was in the back of the yard, by himself, with Marley in his lap just petting her and loving on her and talking to her! He is so gently with her and protective too. It is just adorable!!!! As rough as he is, it is so wonderful to see him be so nurturing! When he watches tv now, he lays flat on his back on the floor, and pulls Marley over his stomach to lay on top of him! Drew loves to hide out in the kennel with Marley, and Marley does enjoy just escaping to her kennel to get a break from the kids. I hate to be too optomistic about her, but she has been so great! She hasn't had an accident, goes to the door and wimpers to go out, and is so laid back! We got so lucky with Marley, and she is sure to get lots of love from these little boys!!!

Marley

Well the intent to not get a dog didn't last long. We caved to the boys last night, and I have to admit that I want a puppy as much as they do. We found a golden retriever puppy, and brought her home yesterday. She is 8 weeks, and is adorable. She should be a light golden color, and her mom, dad, and aunt were all beautiful. The mom and aunt had an especially laid back temperment, which we hope she inherited! We are borrowing a crate from our neighbors (thank you!) and she did great in it last night, and only got up once to go out. She cried for a little bit when I put her back into her crate, but that should be expected her first night away from her mom! The boys are having a blast with her, and I think like her crate more than she does! They keep climbing in! So cute. We are already in love with her. Oh, and of course, Davis insisted that we name her "Marley" like the movie!

Humane Society Visit

I was so proud of the kids today! They raised $11 in all yesterday, and then collected some blankets, soft toys, and some paper towels to take to the shelter. The local humane society is a "no kill" shelter, so it was neat for the kids to see what goes on there, and what it takes to maintain these animals. There was a really sweet woman who took the time to show the kids (5 in all) all around the shelter and introduce them to the puppies, dogs, and cats. It tore at my heart not to leave with at least one! So tonight we had a "family meeting" and are more seriously discussing getting a dog...well, maybe we should say we are talking daddy into a dog! We all agree we want one, it is just a matter of what timing is best. Jackson is on his best behavior though! He is cleaning up and helping out and continually telling us all about how he will care for a dog (he has named the dog, which we don't own, "Jake" and Davis wants to name one "Marley"). I was even more impressed when we got home, and the kids decided to go through their old toys to sell them to earn more money to take to the animal shelter!!! What amazing kids we are raising!

Oh, and on a side note, thanks to everyone for their well wishes for Davis! He is now walking and even running with ease, although by the end of the night, he says that his foot is sore. I have been sick this week with a miserable cold/cough, but it was a nice highlight to see the kids at the shelter!

Lemonade

Today, Jack and our neighbors decided that they wanted to have a lemonade stand. They made their own lemonade, and put together everything that they needed into a wagon and walked the two streets in our section of the sub-division. When I asked what they were raising money for, they told me "dogs in need." I gave them a walkie talkie, and they were off. It was so sweet to hear them call me on the walkie talkie and excitedly tell me about their sales! They were quite successful, and raised $9 (for only 50 cent glasses, they did pretty good!).
To celebrate, we are going to go to the local animal shelter and donate the $9, along with some old towels and leashes that might be used there. I made sure that they understand we will not be leaving there with an animal, but can see what the shelter is like and take a look at what kinds of things they do there to help the animals. It will be hard not to bring one home!

Terrific Kid

There is a special recognition at Jackson's school called Terrific Kid. I think it is for the whole district. Each teacher chooses one child a month to recognize for their "terrific" characteristics. These are: thoughtful, enthusiastic, respectful, responsive, inclusive, friendly, inquisitive, and capable. Jackson was chosen as March's Terrific Kid for Ms. B's class. Here is what she wrote about Jackson: "I have chosen Jackson as my March Terrific Kid. He is an outstanding student and a true leader in the classroom. He has a heart of gold and compassion for others. His ways to think outside of the box amaze me everyday. Jackson is an all-around wonderful boy and he definitely deserves to be honored for his hard work!" We are so proud of him! On Friday, we went to the cafeteria with the other parents and siblings and watched Jackson get his award. It is a suprise to the children, and that morning, they wait in their class as the Terrific Kids are announced throughout the school on the loud speaker. Jackson was very suprised and so proud of himself! We are too!

Also, while we were walking through the school, Jackson was able to show us his self portrait! Good job buddy!

Update on Davis

We just returned for the Orthapedic doctor, and Davis is doing ok! It was a simple fix, and they just taped his toes together and gave him a special boot/shoe. He should wear that for about 2 weeks and then will be completely healed within 3-4 weeks. Kids heal quick! I am glad that it wasn't more serious! He is still not willing to walk on it, so we'll need to work on that this weekend! It is tough to carry him everywhere and Ashley will be gone for a few days, so it's up to me! Hope you all have a nice weekend!

Broken Bones

I knew that it was only a matter of time before this happened! In fact, I had just spoken to our pediatrician at Davis's 4 yr check-up last month about the fact that with 3 boys, I was suprised that we had no broken bones yet! He said not to worry, it was just a matter of time! ...and he was right!

Last night, Ashley and Davis were playing chase through the house, and Davis tripped and got his toe stuck under the rug. Poor little guy screamed and cried, and by this morning, it was purple and he wouldn't put any weight on it. It's pretty tough to carry around a 48 lb boy everywhere! We went to the urgent care this morning to get an x-ray, and sure enough, his baby toe is broken! Davis is proud of the x-rays and did so good being still and brave! We are headed to the orthopedist in a few minutes to find out if there is anything that needs to be done! I'll let you know!

The joys of boys!

Raising 3 boys, well 4 if you count their dad, can be a challenge, but every now and then, they let in a glimpse of just how sweet they can really be. Tonight, while I was putting Jack and Davis to bed, Davis stopped me and told me "when I am 6 mommy, I want to be just like Jackson." That has changed a little from "when I grow up, I want to be Jackson!" So cute how they idolize each other! It is hard to imagine that when they are beating each other up and fighting all afternoon! When those times come, I need to close my eyes and remember this moment!

Jackson has also started writing "love notes" to his teacher! So adorable! Here are what they said:

Dear Ms. Bunchman,

I love you very, very, very, very, very, very much. Do you want to know why I love you? If you do, write back and I will tell you.

Love,
Jackson

Dear Jackson,

Thank you for your sweet note. I love you so, so, so, so, so, so, so much. There are many reasons why I love you, but here are just a few: I love how hard you work. I love how respectful you are. I love how sweet you are. You make my heart smile.

Love,
Ms. B

So sweet!!! Jackson has been so blessed to have such a kind, caring, nurturing teacher. He has truely grown in so many ways over the past year. We are lucky and grateful to have Ms. B!

Composte

So it must be a boy thing, all the dirt and rocks and collectibles that keep showing up at my house. I have a huge pile of "crystals" (you know, the shiny rocks you find on the street or in a gravel driveway which are somehow treasures to a 4 and 6 year old) in my garage now. It seems each day when I come home, there is another treasure waiting for me! Sometimes there are sticks shaped like guns, soup (dirty water in a bucket) or today there is composte. Jack and our neighbor decided to make their own composte for a garden. The are hard a work! Let's see how this one turns out!!

PS- Jackson is still impossible to photograph with a natural smile, but this comes close. Yesterday, he was in tears after dressing up in white dress pants, a white shirt, and a tie (which he insisted he wear) because he was having a hard time smiling. Poor little guy!

Great Weekend

We had a busy weekend this weekend. B and B'pa came to visit, and the weather was just perfect! The kids had a ball playing outside all day and getting lots of excersice. They even got a little bit sun burned! We also went back to the ranch where the kids got to go see lots of animals, and even feed giraffes by hand! I also took lots of pictures, so while I had the photo gear all set up, I couldn't resist taking a few of my kids. Jackson doesn't like to be photographed much anymore, but I got some cute ones of the other boys.