"I'm not tired!"

Camden, crying and stumbling towards Aunt Amy: "I don't know why everybody says I cry when I'm tired! I do not cry when I'm tired! I'm not tired!"
Then he climbed up into Aunt Amy's lap and promptly fell asleep.

Ninja Boy

I'm going to tell you a secret. Please don't spread it around - a superhero's secret identity could be at stake.
Are you ready? Here it is... Jake is a Ninja Boy. There's something special in his blood.
I first learned about this special component in my son's blood at his last doctor appointment. See, the doctor wanted to do a blood test. Jake, of course, flipped out. Nobody was surprised. This is the same boy who brought us the famous flu shot incident, after all. The doctor left the room so that I could "help him calm down." And then Jake shared with me his secret...
The Ninja Boys (Jake and two of his Kindergator buddies) have something special in their blood! It's what makes them Ninja Boys, you know! He just could not let the doctor test his blood. It would compromise his secret identity!
I totally understood. But I had to explain to my sweet (and very serious) Ninja Boy that his health had to be our first priority. Without his health, how would he be able to perform his Ninja Boy duties? Maybe we'd have to trust the doctor...
Well, Jake wasn't convinced. He decided that he'd just have to explain to the doctor that his blood was special and could not be tested. When the doctor returned, he was met by a calm(er) Jake, who explained, "There's something you need to know. My blood has something special in it."
The doctor was convinced! (Okay, so he had decided before returning that having the screaming child pee in a cup would be sufficient, but the Ninja Boy doesn't need to know that.) We were able to get out of there without giving up the secret. Apparently, Ninja Boy DNA doesn't show up in a urine sample.

Mere qurismis

(Mere qurismis: Jake's phonetic spelling of Merry Christmas. I love it.)

Let it Snow!

This morning, Dan discovered that Camden's pockets were full of crumbled-up styrofoam peanuts. Any ideas...Aunt Lisa...

Camden's House

Camden got a gingerbread house kit from his preschool teachers. Thank you Miss Courtney and Miss Mary! I love you! You have no idea how much you helped me with that gift. I had just decided to cross the gingerbread house off my to-do list. Without doing it. I'm sure you get my drift...
But even though his mommy wasn't together enough to get that house made, Camden still got to enjoy one of the best parts of Christmas - the consumption of candy that was originally intended for the house. He was a happy little boy!

The Morning After

This is the scene that greeted me when I came into the kitchen this morning. I was baking last night. Can you tell?

I've been really busy. I mean, really busy. This past week we have been going non-stop, and on top of that I totally overextended myself. I agreed to help out/cook and bake/etc. for way too many things. It's been a lot of fun! And I promise I'm not being all sarcastic when I say that. It really has been fun. I'm exhausted, but happy. And if I can convince myself to clean my house and make 4 dozen cookies for tomorrow, I can go to sleep - and really enjoy it!

P.S. Dan cleaned it all up while I was helping in Jake's class today. I fell in love all over again!

Teacher Gifts

Oh my. My children go to school. I'm still not sure how they got that old. But that's really not the point. The point is, that my children have teachers, and therefore it's time to think about teacher gifts. Okay, so maybe the time to think about those teacher gifts was a month ago. But I like to do things my own way. And by that I mean I totally procrastinated, again.
Luckily, last week we went with the Young Women to a local nursing home - and had a great time singing and chatting and laughing with the people there. I could go on and on about the evening. So, as we were leaving, the residents gave us all a gift they had made. So sweet! There we were, trying to do something nice for them, and they just showed us up with a sweet treat! The treat was a train made of candy. So cute, so fun, and so easy... I immediately had visions of little boys making their own teacher gifts!
So tonight the boys and I dedicated our FHE activity to candy train making. I got to use my hot glue gun. The boys got to build AND taste lots of candy. I promise the tasted candy all ended up in their tummies and their teachers will be getting the wrapped stuff. Everyone was happy (well, except that we missed Dan, who is out of town this week).
And now I feel prepared. We have teacher gifts. They may not be much, but they were fun - and definitely made with love.

Photo Session

So here's the conversation I imagine our teenage photographer must be having tonight...

Photographer's Mom: "Hi Honey. How was work?"
Photographer: "Well, it was going great until this one family showed up. When they walked in I thought, 'This is going to be so easy! They look so nice and those two little boys are so cute!' Boy was I wrong!"
Mom: "Oh no! Did the kids cry?"
Photographer: "No! The little one kept making this horrible face and closing his eyes. When I'd tell him to smile he'd get all upset and tell me he was! The big one couldn't sit still. His hands were always in front of his face...and sometimes up his nose!"
Mom: "Were you able to get any good pictures?"
Photographer: "Well, I got one pretty good one. Lucky shot! I was posing the dad and one of the kids when the other kid just started climbing on his dad like he was a jungle gym or something. The mom just grabbed the climber and threatened everybody to stay still and smile. I think she said they'd better smile or they wouldn't get any of the cub scout popcorn she had stashed in her bag. I guess it worked... Of course the cheapskate had a coupon and since there was only one good picture she almost got out of there for free."
Mom: "Almost?"
Photographer: "Yeah, she was totally embarrassed by her family's terrible behavior, so she bought another sheet, too."

Every Party Needs a Pooper...

That's what we invited [Camden] for...

Yesterday we had Jake's birthday party and it was lots and lots of fun! He had six friends over, and they all went through Jedi training. By the end of the party we had eight (including Jake and Camden) Jedis who were able to navigate their way through an obstacle course, keep balloons in the air using their light sabers, and summon an R2D2 cake using the force! They handled a thermal detonator and (drum roll please) destroyed the death star! A fun time was had by all...and Jake got some seriously cool presents, too. I've got three boys who are really enjoying all the tiny pieces. Me, I'm just obsessing over not vacuuming them up...

He's 6! (and I'm eating my words)

It seems like just yesterday that I was holding my brand new baby boy. But it wasn't yesterday. It was SIX YEARS AGO yesterday! That's right, Jake turned six, and I still can't believe it! He is really turning into a big kid - and a good one!

So it only took six years for me to eat my words as a parent. Okay, so it's happened before. You know, I used to have such high ideals when it came to parenting. I believed in things like making one dinner for the whole family (I promise you, my kids WILL starve themselves - I don't care what the experts say) and cleaning up toys before more came out (I haven't seen the playroom floor in weeks). Needless to say, I've learned to bend a little. But there was one thing I would never give in about. Until yesterday.

Yesterday, we gave Jake a skateboard for his birthday. It was all he wanted. We've heard about nothing else for the past three months. And he is a very happy boy.

Have you figured out yet what I was never going to give in on? That's right. My children were never going to have skateboards. I mean, come on, my dad - a grown man - fell and broke his arm while trying to impress some pre-teen girls on a skateboard. My children were not going to be doing that.

Jake has to wear a helmet, elbow and knee pads, and wrist guards if he so much as thinks about that skateboard. He thinks it's a small price to pay. And me? I still cringe a little (okay, a lot) when he gets that thing out. But it's a small price to pay to see my boy so happy. And you know what? He's actually pretty good at it!

I Am Thankful...

...that my house no longer smells like vomit.
...for my husband who fixed my vomiting sink.
...for Playstation's Rock Star.
...for people who still love me after hearing me sing.
...for almost-six-year-old Clone Troopers.

Staples

Our Sunday was too boring. At least the boys must have thought so. That's the only explanation I can come up with for what happened this evening.
After a full five minutes of spinning in circles in the kitchen, Jake headed off to put his socks in the laundry room. That's when we heard the "crack" which was followed closely by the screaming. He had fallen (due to extreme dizziness), busting his head wide open.
Now, four hours, one ER trip, and two staples later, I have to say that my little boy has redeemed himself of the flu shot spectacle. He's earned the title - Tough Guy!

Mama Bear's Not Happy

Why are lunch ladies so scary? Is it a job requirement? Do applicants have to prove their hatred of children? Really, I want to know.

When I was a little girl, our lunch lady was the oldest woman on earth. I promise this is true. And she was also the meanest woman on earth. Again, I promise this is true. I was scared out of my mind of this woman. She patrolled the cafeteria, wobbling along, peering at us with her beady little eyes, just hoping that we'd slip up and talk to a friend, or worse, have the nerve to ask her for a straw. Believe me when I tell you that I never asked for a straw. Or anything else for that matter. That woman was scary!

When I was in college I worked as a substitute teacher, often at my old elementary school. Guess who was still there... You got it. The oldest woman on earth was by then the oldest woman in the galaxy. And the meanest. I was a grown up, educated, married woman. She still scared me senseless.

And now I'm a mom. A mom who likes to go into school to have lunch with her little kindergator. A mom who is still scared of the lunch lady. Only one difference. Now, she's scaring my little boy. And that just makes me mad.

So here's my little rant. Why does a person who clearly does not like children even apply to be a lunch lady? What goes through her head? And how on earth does this person get hired for this job? Please, people. If you don't like children, don't work with them. If you can't handle noise, don't spend your days in a school cafeteria. And most importantly...

DON'T MAKE MY BABY CRY!

Weekend Fun...and an Announcement

On Saturday we headed up to DC to see the dinosaurs. We rode the metro, saw the Washington Monument and the Capitol, looked at dinosaurs and mammals, and spent a lot of time in the insect zoo. Nobody wanted to hold a bug, but there were three boys there who thought it was really funny to make Mommy look at big hairy tarantulas. Thanks, guys. I've still got the shivers.

And now, for the big announcement... Drum roll please... I'm getting a new sister! And we can finally officially call Christine, Aunt Christine! That's right, the Boy (my brother Clark, not to be confused with the boys...) popped the question. And she said yes. Phew! We're all thrilled. Well, except for maybe Jake. He's starting to realize that he might not be able to woo Pretty Christine away from Uncle Clark after all...

I Missed This

In our years away from ol' Virginie, I missed the fall. True, Massachusetts puts on a pretty good show, but Seattle...? Not so much.
Good ol' VA. I'll put up with the 200% humidity all summer and the freezing cold winter. I'll even deal with the fact that we get only one week of spring in between the two. It's all worth it for the beautiful fall.
So this is where I live. Pretty, huh?

Superman

"I'm not Camden...I'm Superman"

Not too many U6 soccer teams can claim Superman as a fan. But he was there for Jake's last game of the season!

Obsession

Mayo has a bit of an obsession. In her canine brain, sticks do not belong in water! And so she carefully and systematically removes all sticks from any body of water she has access to. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, there's a catch. Mayo is also terrified of water. You should see her freaking out when we, her people, get in water... So, to get the sticks out takes a lot of courage. But when the fate of the world is in your paws, a dog's gotta do what a dog's gotta do! That is, if you can reach the sticks without getting your knees wet. Any farther than that might be pushing things a bit too far.

Uncle Bob's 50th

This is what happens when your camera won't use it's timer feature unless you're holding it. So you trick it into thinking you're going to hold it. And then you drop it onto the nearest table and run. Came out better than we expected!

Happy birthday Uncle Bob! We had a great time at his SURPRISE birthday party. Complete with a silly-song sing-a-long, a poetic recitation by Poppy, and lots of meat. But the highlight of the evening? Seeing Bob jump when Poppy shouted "Surprise!"

I wish I had a picture...

of Camden the Scorpion chasing his brother around the house. And then backing into him and in that cute little voice saying, "sting!"

Trick-or-Treat! Halloween!

We've had a great Halloween, and we've managed to spread the festivities out over the past week.
Wednesday we went to our ward's Trunk-or-Treat. The highlight of the evening (other than collecting a ton of candy two days before actually trick-or-treating) was definitely the young men's gross-out room. The boys spent the majority of their time in there, watching others touch pig hearts, maggots, and bat guts. The boys touched nothing.
Thursday, Camden wore his by-then-dirty costume to preschool to parade around the high school. He was pretty thrilled that he was able to scare "a really big boy" when he said "boo!" Then he ate a cupcake and a cookie and was "too full" to eat his carrots. Uh huh. Oh, and his two little friends, "the fast boy" and "the fastest boy" (no, I do not know their given names, and apparently neither does Camden) ate cupcakes and cookies, too. Good to know.
Finally, Halloween rolled around and we started the day with playgroup at our house. Actually, we started the day by washing the floor because at breakfast someone poured syrup all over the floor. But I'm moving on. So playgroup was fun - and loud. Then in the afternoon we went to a great party at a fun neighbor's house. Camden and I had a great time, making googly-eyed jack-o-lanterns and playing musical tombstones and mummy races. Jake missed his down-time after school and was not a happy party guest. Oops. Sorry buddy. We left after an hour because we were having friends over for yummy pizza and trick-or-treating. We covered the neighborhood with two knights, a cuddly lion, and Spiderman. They were too cute and way too excited! And finally, our evening ended with four little boys racing wildly around the house. Sleep-deprivation and sugar - a winning combination!
Happy Halloween!

Horsey Lovin'

More proof that Camden really does belong on a farm.

Political Commentary

The views expressed in the interviews and commentary are solely those of the individuals providing them and do not reflect the opinions of The Nugget, its parent, affiliate, or subsidiary companies.

A political conversation with Jake.
Tell me about John McCain: Well, you see, he's not really being nice to Barack Obama. Actually, he's not being nice to himself, I mean. By making people think, 'uh oh, we're not going to vote for him, we're gonna vote for Barack Obama."

How is he making people think that? He's making people pay more for health insurance.
Tell me about Barack Obama: Barack Obama is being mean by saying that he will make them pay more taxes. Who will make you pay more taxes? Barack Obama. I don't know why. He just wants to make people not vote for John McCain, but really he's making people not to vote for him!
Who should people vote for? Well,maybe people who are gonna vote should vote for someone, but I don't think it should be Barack Obama. Cause you see, he's doing the baddest thing - making you pay more taxes like I told you.
So who are you going to vote for? I can't vote cause I'm a kid!
Who would you vote for if you could? I think I would vote for John McCain.

Why? Well, you have to vote for someone. I would make myself rich if I was grown up, so then I wouldn't have to pay so much taxes.
What do you think about Sarah Palin? Well, she's not even answering any questions! I don't think I would vote actually, because if I vote for John McCain I will have to get Sarah Palin.

Ladies' Lunch

Yesterday I got to have lunch with some girlfriends from my Young Women days! Though we attended three different wards and four different high schools, we remained great friends all through the years. It's been ten years since we were all together, and boy was it fun catching up - and reminiscing about all those crazy times we had back then. It was great to see you ladies! Let's not let it be another ten years!

(left to right: Sokphal, Susie, Socheata, Rachel, me)

Tough Guy

Camden's a tough kid. And he proved it to me yet again yesterday at the doctor's office. We had gone in for flu shots. Naturally, I had to go first to show the boys how easy and pain-free it is. Now I'll tell you, I'm not afraid of needles. Years of weekly allergy shots and way too many blood tests to count have cured me of that fear forever. But that allergy shot - it hurts! Don't worry, though, I was a good, brave little mommy. I didn't even flinch - even though I wanted to - because I had two little people watching. It's the same concept as when I am able to kill huge spiders and even bees with a smile on my face. Only when they are watching. No boys around and I'm screaming loud about those yucky things! Okay, so now that I'm completely off-topic, let's see if I can find my way back there. So, I got my shot. Next was Jake's turn. Nobody touched him. He started screaming. Then he ran away. I had to pull him out from under the doctor's desk. And remember, this is a big - and very strong - boy! So, amidst the screaming and crying, the nurse gave him the shot, I whipped out the piece of candy I had brought as a bribe, and then I had to work on detaching his strangle-hold so I could pick up his brother. I figured that, although Camden is usually a little braver about shots, I'd still need to hold him on my lap. Well, when I finally freed myself from the big one, I turned around to see Camden climb up into the chair, pull up his sleeve, watch the shot go in, pull down his sleeve, and hop off the chair. Oh, and he did say "ouch" when the shot went in. Tough guy.

Even Better

Remember Jake's tee-ball picture from last Spring? You know, the one where the photographer made him choke up on the bat and that made him grumpy? Well this fall's soccer picture is even better.

School pictures are on the 30th. Think he can learn to smile by then?

Tonight at the Dinner Table..

Camden wanted syrup on his french toast. "I want syrup!" he screamed as he slapped his hand onto his already syrup-soaked plate. "Aahh! Sticky!" And he ran crying to the bathroom to wash his hands. Or should I say to "scrub in," since Camden can rival any surgeon in handwashing thoroughness. Upon his return to the table, Camden yelled, "I told you I wanted syrup and you didn't do it!" my reply: "First of all, I already gave you syrup. And second, you did not tell me that before you started screaming." To which Camden answered, "Yes I did! I said, "euhh!"
Oh, silly me. Somehow I missed that.

Preschool

Camden started preschool today! He was so confident and ready to go that he almost forgot to say goodbye to Mommy... But don't worry, I made sure that didn't happen! Hey, he may have been confident and ready to go, but I'm not quite there yet.
He had a great time. He told me so when I picked him up at lunchtime. He didn't, however, tell me what he did. "I forget," was his answer to that question. I think I'm going to be getting that answer for many years to come. Better get used to it.

10 Years

This weekend we went to my 1o Year High School Reunion. Really, I cannot believe I am that old! And you know the craziest part? This year's high school freshmen were BORN the year I was a freshman!
No, actually it was really great. And it didn't make me feel old. Well, the reunion didn't. The fact that I left, exhausted, at 10:00 - just as the party was really getting started - well, that made me feel a little old.
So in honor of a really great weekend, I thought I'd share some interesting things I learned.
1. Ten years after high school, people look really good! Or maybe the ones who don't are the ones who just didn't come. Hmmm. Something to think about.
2. Watching your high school win a football game is really fun! That's an experience I never had while actually in high school. We were that bad. But we still had fun, and lots more spirit than they do now.
3. There was only one person that I seriously cannot remember ever seeing before in my entire life. But then he knew me... Even after coming home and looking through yearbooks I promise I don't know this man!
4. I now know what a hookah looks like. But I still don't quite understand what it is. And I especially don't understand how it works. I guess I'm still the innocent little Mormon girl. Some things never change.
5. I completely skipped the 20-something scene. Saturday night was the first time I've ever seen a bouncer in real life. Of course, I was leaving as he was starting his night, but at least now I can say I've been to a club with a bouncer out front.
6. I cannot believe I've lost touch with so many great people. And I must not let it be another ten years before I see them again!

Beating Around the Bush

I think Jake's growing up. How can I tell? He no longer needs me. He does, however, make sure I don't get too tired. "Mommy, I think you need a rest." Translation: "Mommy, I really need you to come cuddle and talk with me."
I guess growing up isn't so bad. As long as I can keep up with the lingo.

If You Give...

Have you read the "If You Give..." books, by Laura Numeroff? Well, they are some of our very favorites around here, and if you haven't yet experienced them, go do it! So fun!

So way back when we were living in Seattle - when my boys were two and three, instead of four and five - I tried my hand at writing like Laura. And then today I came across my little story. And since I think it is pretty clever - and Dan and the boys do too - I thought I'd share. And really, if you don't think it's clever, that's okay. Just don't tell me. I'd like to stay in my little dream world and think I'm great. Thanks.

Oh, and I guess it'll make more sense if I tell you this last little tidbit. It's all true. I promise, this was my life for most of Camden's two-dom. (And I know that's not a word. But you know what I mean). Okay, so here's my story:

If You Give A Camden A Muk-Muk

If you give a Camden a muk-muk, he'll want some duff to go with it. You'll give him two-eeze, a dog, and a monkey. He'll probably tell you it's too heavy, so he'll want to be carried. You'll carry him to the couch. When you sit on the couch, he'll probably ask you to read. You'll have to find his mazawine. The mazawine will remind him of baseball. He might want to play some. He'll want you to play, too. He'll look through the playroom for a batting helmet. Then he'll look under the bed. When he's under the bed, he'll find his brother. They'll decide to play outside. Camden will turn on the hose. Then he'll get all wet. So you'll have to change his clothes. When you put on his shirt, he'll ask you to fix the tag. Then he'll want you to fix the tag again. You'll have to do it ten or eleven times. He'll take off the shirt. When he takes off his shirt, he'll feel cold. You'll have to give him a blanket. The blanket will remind him of his duff. He'll probably ask you for it. And chances are, if you give him the duff, he'll want a muk-muk to go with it.

Vocab lesson:
muk-muk: milk
duff: stuff, as in Camden's collection of "lovies"
two-eeze: two silkies, the main ingredient in "duff"
mazawine: Sports Illustrated for Kids magazine

Busy Busy Busy

Camden and I have been keeping very busy while Jake is away at school. We have important things to do. Like being silly gooses. And we're pretty good at it, too, if I do say so myself.

Childcare

I had a phone conversation today that really got me thinking. Without going into details, I just want to share my opinion, and maybe you'd like to share yours...

Okay, I want my kids to do well in life. I want them to be well-rounded, smart, kind, healthy, happy, the list goes on and on. I want to give them every advantage to achieve all they are destined to do and to be.

But I think my methods are falling out of style. More and more, I'm seeing children who are expected to learn and do things younger and younger. Babies listen to Mozart (okay, so I actually like that one, but you get the drift). Daycares are turning into preschools. Kindergartners go to school for a full day. (Don't get me started on that one. It isn't pretty.) In short, there is a lot of pressure put on kids - and parents - to achieve, in my opinion, too early.

Whatever happened to kids just being kids? Can't we just let them play? Can't we just let them learn at their own pace?

Okay, now for my confession: I have never - not once - sat down and taught my boys their colors. Or their shapes. Or their numbers. Or their letters. But guess what? They know them! In the course of our day to day life we do chores, cook meals, visit with friends, read books, play inside and outside, and spend a lot of time together. And my children learn. At their own pace, and without any of the pressure to do it someone else's way. I think sometimes parents get so focused on "teaching" their children that they forget to really "teach" their children.

I'm glad to send Jake off to school. He is loving it and I am getting used to it. And there does come a point where more formal education is necessary. Jake is definitely at that point! So I promise this little rant has nothing to do with Jake's kindergarten experience, or any public or private schools. It's just my thoughts on a phone call. That's all.

Soccer, Take Two

So much better!

All week, Jake has been trying to remember not to throw a fit at his next soccer game. See, he really wanted to get a snack and play on the playground after the game - two things he lost out on because of last weeks spectacle. Well, I'm happy to report that he remembered! No fits!

And oh my goodness! Don't I have the cutest Boys! Sorry, that was totally inappropriate. Bragging isn't nice.

I just can't help it. They really are cute.

Sorry. Again.

Woo-Hoo! He's 32!

Yesterday was Dan's birthday! Happy Birthday Handsome! We celebrated by getting new siding put on the north side of our house. Oh, and the bug guy came to get rid of our ants. Then I ditched him to put the boys to bed alone while I went to a meeting at Camden's preschool. I know, I know, you all wish you could have been here for the festivities. We really know how to party! We did have yummy cake and even yummier ice cream and the boys and I gave him all three "Bourne" movies, so I don't think the whole day was a dud! I love this guy and I'm excited to see what 32 brings. I think it's going to be a great year!

Soccer

Well, that was fun.

The boys had their first soccer games of the season today. Camden was mad because his is very "babied-down" and he would much rather be out there with Jake's team. Jake threw one of his best fits ever because his team lost. I guess we need to work on sportsmanship.

Hopefully next week will be better.

PS. Sorry this post is so lacking in humor. I really can see the humor in it - buried way down deep - but it's just been quite a week and I'm not feeling it. Since I usually do enjoy my boys' great fits, please feel free to read about one of their greatest here.

Waiting

Waiting for Daddy.

His boys really like him a lot!
Me too.

Some Thoughts

1. I think my sister should play Bella in the "Twilight" movie. No, she's not an actress, and no, I don't think she's even read the books. But when I read them, I think Bella looks a lot like Amy.

2. Hurricane preparations around our house...let's just say we each have our own way of doing things. Jake woke up Saturday, sad that he wouldn't be able to play outside, and pretty worried about the rapidly approaching storm. Camden woke up, looked out the window, and said, "It's hurricane day! Yes!" Dan cleaned up the yard and made sure all the windows and screen doors were closed and locked. Me? I took a nice long shower. I certainly didn't want to start out dirty in case we lost water!

3. Hanna really didn't do anything but cancel Jake's first soccer game. Oh, and I guess we'll be replacing the siding on the north side of the house... At least we live on a hill and didn't flood!

Adjustment

I think somebody misses his big brother.

First Day

Today is the first day of school. And that means it's Jake's very first day of Kindergarten! As I write this, he should be lining up to go to PE. Yes, I am obsessively following along with the basic routine the teacher mentioned at orientation. Don't laugh at me!

So, our first school morning went well! Both boys woke up at 5:30. Maybe we should have gone to seminary... And we made it to the bus stop at 8:00 - with plenty of time to take those very important first-day pictures. The bus came, the kids got one, the bus drove away...and the moms cried. At least I wasn't the only one.

Now it's just Camden and Mommy. We're using brand new crayons and a brand new glue stick. And A LOT of paper. Keeping busy!

Deadwood Revival

My friend Peesha (aka Alicia) does this neat thing on her blog every Tuesday. She calls it "Listen Up" and she features one of her favorite singers/bands. So I thought I'd share one of mine, too. Only don't expect something every week - I'm not nearly organized enough to do something regularly. Who knows what will be happening around this place next week! It'll probably have something to do with a certain brand-new Kindergartner, but you never can tell. Okay, to get back on subject, I thought I'd share one of our family's all-time favorite bands.
They're called Deadwood Revival, and they're so fun! They're just a local group from Washington State and Dan discovered them at the wooden boat festival last fall. I couldn't find our very favorite song, about a girl named Pearly Blue, but click here to hear a close second. It's my "I'm missing Seattle" go-to song!

No More Babies

It's official. We've got no more babies in our house. Camden can ride a two-wheeler! As usual, the kid saw his big brother do something and then had to work like crazy to catch up. So he did it! No more training wheels...no more babies.

Pool Pics

I've been trying all summer long to get some good pictures of my cute family at the pool. Well, these are the best I've got.

Am I really related to these people?

Whac-A-Mole

We have a new favorite game at our house - whac-a-mole! Of course, since we really don't stay still for very long, our version of the game is a little different than most...

Equipment: one inflatable mallet, two little boys, and a daddy
Instructions: Daddy holds the mallet, ready to whack! Two little boys crawl/run around the room, popping up often. The daddy, naturally, has to hit the little boys on the head with the mallet. Remember, this is an inflatable mallet, so he's still a good daddy!

So far, the daddy is the only one who has been injured while playing our new game. Camden is no longer allowed to handle the mallet...

Farmer Cam

Camden needs a farm. Or at least a big garden. Not only does he love to work out in the soil, and cherish his very own tomato plant, he absolutely LOVES TO EAT the fruits of his labors!

In Lane One...

Today the boys took their final swim test of the summer. And they passed! Next year, they plan on joining the swim team. I think I see Michael Phelps getting nervous already...

A Night On The Town

On Saturday evening Dan and I joined his parents and a few siblings for a night out at Toby's. We saw "All Shook Up," a cute show using all Elvis songs. Think "Mama Mia" but with slick hair, rolled tee shirts and tight jeans. So fun! The show was great, and we were out for a night without kids...yippee!

Where were the children? They were with my brother, Uncle Tork (aka Clark) and his cute girlfriend Tistine (aka Pretty Christine). Oh, and three more 19-year-old boys. And how do five teenagers entertain two preschoolers? Well, first they take them out to dinner, where Camden eats more than he's ever eaten in his life and Jake saves his brother by reminding his uncle that Camden can't have strawberries. Then they head home to relax with a movie. Transformers. According to Uncle Tork, it was the most child-friendly movie he had. I believe him on that one. So the boys had a blast - and got to do something I NEVER would have allowed... I guess that's what family is for!

Oh, and the boys' reactions to the movie? Camden was captivated and enchanted and thrilled and... Jake hasn't stopped talking since the movie began. A running commentary that started with the opening credits. And continues today...