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.

SNOW!!

Life's been hectic, so we haven't had an update in a while. Sorry! We were suprised to find out after 2 long days of rain, that Sunday night, it started to SNOW! The kids were so happy and excited. They were the most beautiful large flakes, and perfect for catching on your tongue. By morning, we had about 5 inches on the ground. The kids had a blast throwing snowballs, building a snowman, and going sledding. Poor Drew didn't have much luck sledding. He was terrified on the way down, and even more so when he flipped over and did a face plant into the snow. I don't think he'll be doing much sledding for a while. It was pretty while it lasted, but it sure is cold here. We are not used to this for March, but have to enjoy the last few bits of snow that remain on the ground.

Sleepless Nights

Ok, so it's getting worse! 4:45 am was bad, but this morning, I awoke at 3:13 am and was so confused. Ashley was out of town, and it was just me and the boys. I remembered going to bed with all of the lights out and peace and quiet. However, what woke me were sounds of sirens and choo-choos coming from the hall and the lights were ON! Drew had again, climbed out of his crib, turned on the lights, and was happily playing in the hall and in Davis's room. Thankfully, Davis has already made the switch to the bunk room with Jackson, so he didn't wake up. That is until 4:45 am when Drew was so loud and crying because of course he was tired, and I was still trying desperately to get him back to bed! No luck there. At 5:40 I finally gave up, turned the tv and lights on and let the kids play. I don't know how much of this I can take! My kids usually sleep, and sleep well. This is a first for us. I'll keep you updated, but until them, I need a nap!

Escape Artist

Ok, so we have a little escape artist on our hands! At 4:45 this morning, my sweet baby Drew was standing next to my bed calling my name. He did it again! He escaped!! Although he has climbed out a few times, we decided to put him in the crib until we can locate the bed rails. However, we did decide to leave the side of the crib down, and placed a bean bag on the floor next to the crib, just in case he did escape and fall, he hopefully wouldn't get hurt. Well, I guess it worked, he didn't get hurt, and was delighted to see me so early this morning! Too bad he wasn't interested in going back to bed. What are we going to do???

TWO WHEELS!

YAHHHH HOOOOO! As Davis would say! The training wheels are off, and so is he! He can now ride his bike with NO training wheels! It only took about 3 tries, and he can do it, and boy did he take off! He is so proud of himself and says that it is so much fun! He has not mastered starting from a stop, but I only have to hold him for a second to get him going before he is yelling, "let go mommy!" I had no camera, but my cell phone captured this proud moment! His 1st ride down the street alone! Look out world, here comes Davis!

Ball Boy

Jackson loves to play ball, it doesn't really matter what kind of ball as long as it is a BALL!!! He loves it! He had especially taken to the game of basketball now that he is playing for our church. Today we were practicing and playing HORSE, and I took a few shots of him that I thought captured his love of the game!

The END...

Last post for today, I promise!

We are reaching the end of the baby stuff...at least for now! I am not sure if that is forever, in fact, most of you know that I hope it is not, but for now, it is. We bought Jackson and Davis bunk beds in anticipation of this day, and it is here! I put Drew down for his nap this afternoon, and about 5 minutes later, he opened the door to my room. My first reaction was suprise! I asked him how he got here and how he got out of his crib, he was crying and holding his "ruff ruff" and told me "Drew Drew fall down, Drew Drew hurt!" Poor little guy. He took me to his room and showed me where he had tried to climb out of his crib and was successful, but he did fall down, right from the top of the crib! So we will be moving Drew from the crib, probably in the next day or so, before he climbs out and really gets hurt! Jackson and Davis want to share a room, and bunk beds, and we will once again have a play room. It makes me sad, but I am enjoying seeing the boys grow up. This will be the first time in 7 years that we haven't had a crib in the house! Wow!! Diapers are next...that will be nice, not to buy so many diapers, although I am not looking forward to potty training again!

Author's Celebration

Yesterday was a BUSY day for us! Ashley and I both worked, Jackson had his author's celebration at school, I had lunch with some girlfriends, Davis had his four year old check-up, basketball game, and then Ashley and I had a date night!

Here are some photos from the Author's Celebration at school. Ms. Bunchman has done such a good job with the class this year, and they kids just adore her. Each child wrote and illustrated their own books, and then got into groups. They read their books to the parents, and were so proud of their writings. I know that it was a lot of work for Ms. B, but it was worth it! The kids did great!

Shots

Yesterday was Davis's 4 year old visit to the doctor. Although Jackson had warned him of the inevitable shots, he was still upbeat when we left.

He did great, but when I did tell him that he was going to get 4 shots, he did not like that at all, and stood in the corner of the room.

In the end, he did well. We did have to hold him down, and I don't care how many times I've done it with my 3 children, it is always heartbreaking to hold your somewhat unsuspecting child down on the table, knowing that the nurse is about to poke them with a shot, that is sure to hurt a whole lot more than they are thinking! Poor Davis! He was once again off the charts for his height and at the top of the charts for weight, in line with his previous growth. There is no denying it, Davis will be a big boy! Probably the tallest of the bunch. His growth chart shows that he is the height of an average 6 year old (or even a short 7 year old). Look out Jackson...he's catching up to you!

Rainy Day

It is cold and rainy today, and the boys are restless. Poor Drew just looks out the window and wants to be outside so badly. It does make for good photography lighting. Too bad my children don't like having their pictures taken!

Happy Valentines to all! We had heart shaped pancakes for breakfast, and are going to spend the day with the kids. Tonight, we are having a date night with the kids. Chocolate fondue and movies!

Space Buddies

It has been hard to stay caught up lately, so here we go! I was out of town at a work meeting in California all last week. Debbie came in to help Ashley, and that was definately much appreciated! The boys had a nice time visiting with their grandmother, and Ashley was thankful of the help. I came home on the red eye last Friday, and between very little sleep on the plane, recovering from this on going cough/cold I have, and jet lag, it took me 3 days to feel normal again!

The boys were cute when I got home, especially Drew who ran to me yelling "mommy's home!" and gave me a huge hug! That was worth the no sleep on the plane to get home sooner.

They have all been so cute lately. Davis got the movie "Space Buddies" for his birthday (late because the movie hadn't come out on DVD yet) and has watched it at least 10 times since Saturday! (On Monday night, he went to a friend's house and they had mac and cheese for dinner. He looked sceptical at the bowl, wondering why the homemade stuff didn't look quite like Kraft. When the boy's mom said that it was the same recipe as the dogs used on the movie Space Buddies, he gobbled the whole bowl up! ) The boy is obsessed with dogs! Too bad I can't break his dad and talk him into getting one. Drew's new thing is that he refers to himself in the 3rd person all the time, saying things like "Drew Drew wants juice." He also has a love of his puppy, and has named him "wuff wuff." Jackson amazes me everyday with his ablilities. He is doing great at basketball and scored six baskets at last week's game. He is also doing an incredible job reading, and homework is getting harder. I can't imagine what 2nd grade will be like!

Off to make lunch for the boys. It's been beautiful here and we have enjoyed the 70 degree weather that is so abnormal for February! More updates later.

Happy Birthday Davis!

Yesterday was Davis's 4th Birthday. He was so excited and woke up singing happy birthday to himself! We had his choice of breakfast, which was chocolate chip pancakes. He was also thrilled to go to school and bring cup cakes to the class. It was PJ and movie day, and they even were able to watch his favorite movie, "Air Bud." It's about a dog! Who would have guessed with the way my child has wanted a dog so badly lately!

In the afternoon, we had Jackson's basketball game. Davis and Drew did a great job cheering their brother one! Only 4 children showed up for our team, so the boys played their hearts out and sure did a lot of running! They still won the game, and Davis knows it was because he did a good job rooting them on!

Opening presents was a highlight of the night. Davis was so excited about each gift. He got several movies, some tracks for his train set, some books, a tent, and a big firetruck! Instead of the real dog that he has been begging for, we settled on a soft stuffed animal dog, who is of course named "Buddy". Davis loves him and slept with him last night. He has even said that he is going to give his beloved "BaBeet" the frog to Drew! We could hardly believe it!

This morning he woke up to a special delivery of a cookie bouquet of race car cookies from B and Bpa. We also had a little party today for him and some of his close buddies from the neighborhood. The kids had fun being kids and singing "Happy Birthday!" I think Davis really felt special this year!

I want a puppy!

When I went to pre-school to pick Davis up on Friday, his teacher said "I am so excited for you. Davis is so excited!" I was very confused and asked her what she was talking about. She said "Davis is so excited about his birthday next week, and the dog that you are getting him!" I laughed and told her that we were not getting him a dog, and I didn't know where that came from. When I told Davis that we would not be buying him a dog, he said "that's ok mommy, I'll just ask MaMa, because she'll buy me anything I want!" When I asked him what if she wouldn't, he said "that's ok, I'll just ask B and B'pa!" Looks like he has his grandparents figured out!!