Blue and Gold Dinner

Last night was the Blue and Gold dinner for the cub scouts. We have a new Cubmaster and he is excellent. They had so many fun activities planned for the cubs and their families. Thomas was so happy. Spring, Sammy, and Mary loved playing along as well. The theme was "ABC's" so they had a Dr. Seuss Theme complete with a dinner of green eggs and ham. Thomas didn't stop eating all night. We brought cinnamon rolls with blue and gold frosting for dessert.

Thomas was awarded many things last night. He received his computers, chess, bowling, and communicating beltloops. He also was awarded his computer activity pin. He was so excited that he put on his beltloops while we were still at the church.

Spring's Patriotic Program

Spring participated with the other kindergarten classes last night in a Patriotic Program. They sang patriotic songs and recited a poem about America. She has been learning these songs for about a month now and has been singing them at home as well. It was so fun to watch her last night. She was so excited and so happy. We were grateful that the school is still willing to have these children sing songs about God in school!

Joshua's Monumental Week

Joshua has been quite busy this week. He has begun crawling, much to the dismay of Joel and I. All the kids think it is so fun that he is crawling but I am sure they will be regretting it soon! Then, yesterday, we took him to the doctor. He is now almost 17 1/2 pounds. We also found out that he has a double ear infection. Then, earlier today, I was holding him and talking with him. Much to my shock...he has two teeth already...both of his bottom front teeth have come through! So, we are on to new adventures. I just don't want him to be growing up so quickly...he isn't even 5 months old yet!

Here is a video I got of him today. I was trying to get him crawling but he became very interested in the camera so he didn't crawl as much as he usually does. Oh well, it gives an idea of it!

Pet Lizard for a Day

This morning Thomas and Spring were sorting their recycling and Sammy and Mary were "helping." Joel was in the garage changing the brakes on the van and I was helping the kids a little bit. I picked up a garbage can to dump out the water. As I picked up the can I saw something curled up in the dirt under where the can was. I hurried and called Joel because at first glance I thought it was a snake. Joel came over and, much to my relief, let me know it was just a lizard. He picked it up and let the kids look at it. Then he said to me, "Do you think we could keep it as a pet for the kids?" I thought it was a good idea and the kids really thought it was a good idea. Spring, especially, was so excited to have a pet. She loves animals so much and has such a tender heart towards them. So, we brought it inside and put it in a big bowl. Joel finished changing the brakes and then he and Thomas went to the pet store to get a tank and all we needed for the lizard. Much to our dismay, and incredible disappointment of the kids, we didn't realize how much all the stuff you need to keep a reptile costs. We just couldn't bring ourselves to spend that kind of money. Spring was DEVASTATED. She cried for so long. After our explanation and some hugs from Dad she adjusted. We talked about learning about different pets and finding one that would fit our family's circumstances for now. She was excited about that. It was fun while it lasted and they wanted to be sure we got pictures of them with their lizard before we set him free in the yard again.

Looking for Food

Mary has learned very well from Sammy. Yesterday afternoon I was nursing Joshua and couldn't see Mary. Then I heard the crumpling sound of plastic and the sound of cupboard doors being opened and closed. I went into the kitchen to find Mary going through the cupboards. Now, we just recently put locks on the cupboards with the crackers and other snacks. I thought this was a safe cupboard because there really aren't snacks in it. Well, she had found the brown sugar and was eating that. She was sure happy though and loving it until I got her down!

Silent Sammy Strikes Again...

I decided I would paint the bathroom this morning. Joshua was napping and Mary and Sammy were in with me for the most part. I hadn't heard from them for a while so I realized I better go see what they were doing. Any guesses of what Sammy was doing this time?

This really is Alanna and Mom's fault. If it weren't for them this stuff wouldn't even be in my home! :)

Joshua's 1st Ice Cream Cone

For FHE on Monday night we had ice cream cones for dessert since we have so many leftover cones from Thomas' sandcastle cake creation. Joshua was eyeing everyone's ice cream so we decided to give him his own. He seemed to really enjoy it but I think the kids enjoyed watching him even more! He was very sticky by the end but also a very happy boy!

The Problem with Quiet

This morning I headed out into the garage with Thomas and Spring to help them get their bikes down so they could ride to school. Mary came right out with me and was riding her tricycle around the front yard. I was really surprised Sammy wasn't out there with me too because he usually comes and rides his bike too while the kids are leaving. So, after the kids went off to school I came back into the house with Mary but I didn' t see Sammy in the family room. I started to call for him but he didn't answer and it was really quiet. At this point I knew something was wrong. I walked down the hallway to see his bedroom door shut but the light on. As soon as I opened the door I was hit with a very strong odor. I recognized the smell but couldn't put my finger on what it was. I asked what he was doing and he just looked up at me and smiled but his hands were in his pockets. I asked to see his hands and he pulled them out of his pockets with such pride and excitement. I then figured out the smell...let's just say I was glad it didn't get anywhere other than his fingers and hands! Any quesses as to what he had been doing??????

Ten Years

Joel and I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary last Friday. I say "celebrated" even though it didn't turn out quite like we expected. Joel had set up to have a babysitter come Friday evening so we could go to dinner together but at the last minute she wasn't able to come. So, we stayed home. We made the kids hot dogs for dinner and then Joel went out and brought home some Mexican food for us after the kids went to bed. We spent the evening enjoying our meal together and being with each other. It is getting more difficult to find a babysitter that is willing and comfortable to watch 5 children, especially with the ages of our three youngest. It all worked our fine though. We are so blessed to have each other and to share our desire to continually make our relationship stronger. We were thinking back to when we were first married and counting all the wonderful blessings that we have had since that day. The decision we made to be sealed together 10 years ago has brought countless blessings and joy into our lives. We have 5 wonderful children, a best friend in each other, strong testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, and the start of an eternal family. There really isn't anything more we could do to celebrate than to reflect on the wonderful blessings our marriage has afforded us.

FOOD!

We decided to have Joshua try out rice cereal today. He has been so hungry lately and we can't seem to get him full. He wasn't sure how to swallow it yet...but he made progress. As you can tell in the video he was very interested in the food though. I don't think it will take him long to master the art of eating!

4 Month Check-up

Joshua had his 4 month check-up on Wednesday and I am finally getting around to posting about it. He is growing very well! He is now 24 1/2 inches long and 16 pounds 6 ounces. He is in the 50th percentile in his height and the 75th percentile in weight. He has the chubbiest thighs. When I was bathing him the other day I realized I can't even wrap my hand around his thighs! He is so happy though. He has really started scooting around on the floor. We are amazed how fast he moves. He just doesn't want to miss out on the action of his siblings.

Two Peas in a Pod

This evening we were all in the family room listening to Thomas play the piano and Spring sing songs. Amazingly enough, Sammy and Mary were quiet and we were enjoying that as well! All of a sudden they appeared with their bodies covered in markers. They were so proud of themselves and we couldn't help but smile. At least they are washable markers! And the towels around their necks...they were playing superman tonight too...running around the house and jumping into the air before falling to the ground.