Updated Pictures of our Boys

Since all of our boys have birthdays that fall between the end of September and the middle of December I took all of them last week to get their new pictures taken. I figured I might as well do it all at once so it was only one trip.  The hardest part was making sure all 4 had their hair combed and clean faces at the same time! Well, Thomas is pretty good about taking care of that but the others need some help!

Glow Sticks and Bathtime

Grandma Powell sent the kids some glowsticks in their 4th of July box.  She gave us the awesome idea of letting the kids play with them in the bathtub with the lights off.  Today I needed something to keep them occupied as they were kinda stir crazy from being inside due to the excessive heat and humidity so they got in the bath and we broke out the glowsticks.  It was a HIT, to say the least.  I did think ahead and lined the entire bathroom floor with towels because I knew splashing was inevitable.  They had a blast and played in the water for over an hour.  It was the perfect boredom buster and gave me a few minutes to relax as well.  We will definitely be doing this again sometime.

Dentist

All 6 kiddos had dental appointments today for routine cleanings.  I love how excited they are to go to the dentist and am so grateful for a wonderful dentist that makes it an enjoyable time for all the kids.  They do so well with the kids and get them in and out quickly.  I don't even go back with them.  Today, the 3 older kids had all finished and they called me back for Gideon's turn.  As I was walking back all the different hygenists kept telling me I had to come see Mary and Josh.  I guess Mary had finished her cleaning when Joshie came back for his.  So, she just climbed in the chair next to him and stayed with him.  They all thought it was so cute.  They asked if they could get a picture for their website and then they emailed it to me.  This is the best dentist for kids and well worth the 40 minute drive to get there!

Screen Saga

Joshie has had a newfound fascination with his screen.  Well, actually, I think he just wants to be looking outside all the time even when he is supposed to be taking a nap or going to sleep at night.  It actually scares me because he is in an upstairs room with nothing to break his fall until he would hit the hard patio 2 stories down.  I really need to find a lock for his window...but I digress.  He has learned to unlatch his window and push it open so he will do this and then presses his hands and face against his screen trying to see whatever he can outside that is much more fascinating than closing his eyes and going to sleep.  A few nights ago all the kids were in bed and Joel and I went out back.  We found his screen on the ground.  Joel took it up and Joshie confessed that he has pushed it out followed by an, "I'm really sorry Dad."  Joshie was reminded that if he were to fall out his window he would die.  We were hoping this threat would mean something to him and magically cure him of this habit.  A couple days later I went out back while they were supposed to be napping to pick up the countless shoes that had been left by the trampoline when I was nearly hit in the head by a screen falling from the sky.  I looked up to see a curtain quickly close and a head suddenly disappear from sight.  I took it back up to his room and as soon as I opened the door he immediately said, "I sorry Mom.  I won't do it again.  I promise."  After talking to him again I left the screen against the wall and figured I would put it back in after he woke up from his nap.

Well, of course, I forgot I needed to do this by the time he woke up from his nap.  Later that afternoon, just before dinner, I went upstairs to check on him because he had been playing quietly for a little too long.  As soon as I walked into his room I was greeted with yet another, "I really really really sorry Mom."  Then he moved a little and I saw his screen bent in half.  "Joshie, what did you do?"  I said, with a little more frustration and anger than I probably should have.  He matter of factly replied, "I just wanted to slide down it and it bended, Mom.  I really sorry."  Then he came and gave me a hug and I told him he needed to go downstairs.  I was upset and needed time to cool off.

That is his window all the way up there.

So, yesterday I still had not been able to fix the screen well enough to get it back in his window.  We were having cub scouts at the house in the afternoon and he was getting into everything and picking on Gideon so I took him up to his room and told him he needed to play in there until I came and got him.  Well, cub scouts was over and the boys were in the backyard eating their treats and jumping on the trampoline.  The parents were out visiting with each other as well.  Then, oddly enough, with a clear blue sky, moisture starting to fall from the sky in just one part of our patio.  We looked up to see our beloved Joshie peeing out his bedroom window!  Yes PEEING out his window!  He told us he had to go really really bad but he couldn't leave his room!  I was mortified!  I was laughing!  I was crying!  I was bright red!  the parents were all laughing hysterically as well.  A few parents, amidst thier laughter, told us, "We're so glad to hear your family is normal!"  I never knew this was the definition of normal!

Moral of the story...I really need to find a way to secure his window TODAY!

Playin' at the Park

Yesterday was so beautiful.  It was a little overcast outside but really warm in the morning.  After the little ones ran some quick errands with me we went to play at Silver Springs Park.  We all absolutely love this park.  It is hidden back in a clearing and surrounded by tall trees.  There is so much equipment to play on as well and all centrally located so I can see all the kids even though they often spread out at the park and go in so many different directions.  Too often I don't bring my camera or take time to record these simple everday things we do.  I want our children to know that I love spending time with them and we find so much joy in these little things each day.  It is really so good for me to get out and just play with them as well.  Gideon loved being able to follow Mary around and Mary was so kind to help him (even when he didn't want the help).  It was funny though because he would not go down a slide unless he was on her lap.  He would pull her to the top of the slide and then push on her shoulders until she sat down. Then he would sit in her lap and start lunging forward until she went down with him.  I'm so glad we took the time to go play in the morning.  By evening we had a storm come in.  The thunder and lightening storms here are amazing.  I think it is one of my favorite things about Ohio.  The rain was torrential and the sky would just light up.  For a while it was so close to us that we would hear the crackle of the thunder while the sky was still lit by the lightening.  It was awesome!

Hydrant Flushing

The city has begun the annual hydrant flushing throughout town.  Last week Sammy and Joshie had just gotten up from naps so we headed outside to play.  Sammy noticed water gushing down the street from a nearby fire hydrant.  He ran over and was talking to the man that was flushing the hydrant.  Sammy and Joshie were in awe of all the water and how far it sprayed.  They started jumping in the water that was gushing down the road.  Then they started running around the neighborhood as the workers would move to each new fire hydrant.   You would have thought it was the biggest attraction in town.  I am sure the city workers have no idea that they made the day of 2 young boys.  Joshie and Sammy were soaking wet and muddy by the time they were done with all the hydrants in our neighborhood so they decided it was time for a bath.  They spent almost an hour in the bath afterwards.  I'm so glad such simple things still bring them such immense joy.

Baking Bread

Bread baking occurs a few times a week in our home and I always have so many volunteers and helpers to make the bread. We have lived in this home for almost 2 years now and finally put a lightbulb in the oven. It was burned out when we moved in and we just never thought of buying a new bulb when we were at the store. Well, the kids think it is the coolest thing ever to be able to see what is baking in the oven. Even though it takes extra time to have all my little helping hands I am grateful they are there with me. I am also looking forward to summer vacation when Thomas will be home to bake the bread for us! For some reason it always tastes so much better to me when he bakes it than when I do!

My Kitchen Help

Last week Mary and Joshie wanted to make some new kind of treats and since I needed Cub Scout treats I figured it was the perfect combination.  We found a recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars with Oreos and Cookies and Cream Hershey Kisses in them.  They all loved helping...including Gideon.  Everytime I turned around Gideon had another cookie or Hershey Kiss in his mouth.  The cookie bars were a hit.  Gideon really liked them and all day would bring me by the hand to the kitchen and point at the pan of cookies. 

Joshie Time

I thought it was time to record some fun things that are important in Joshie's life right now.  He loves to have stories read to him and his current favorite book is "Pinkalicious!"  I can't wait to remind him of this when he is about 10 years old...thus the blackmail picture with this post!  Joshie is all boy and loves to wrestle, run, talk loudly, climb anything he can find, play with trucks, jump, and be crazy.  Amidst all this crazy boy energy he smothers me with hugs and his deep voiced, "I love you Mommy!"  It melts me everytime.  He loves to wipe off my kisses too!  Whenever I kiss him he immediately wipes off the kisses...a huge smile showing off his cute dimple on his face.  He wants me to see him wipe them off though so if I'm not looking he will first call my name and then when I look at him he giggles as he wipes them off.  He also will wipe his lips off after he gives me kisses!  Silly boy!  Another thing I want to remember is how he when he wants to tell me something he will say, "Mommy look at me." and then when he is sure he has my full attention will then tell me whatever it is he wants to share with me.  He really struggled with going into Sunbeams this year.  He was sad to leave nursery and every Sunday morning he would be sad that he had to go to primary.  It was a struggle each week to get him to Primary and he often was so sad when we left him.  Fortunately our consistency has paid off and he now goes willingly and even with his trademark Joshie smile! We are grateful for that!  Joshie loves to help me cook and he loves to vacuum.  He is a master at pouting and for some reason he thinks if he pouts then he will get his way.  It hasn't happened yet but he still tries.  Luckily it is usually rather easy to get him out of his poutiness (is that even a word?).  He still often says "OK" in his very deep voice when he is agreeing to do something that he really would rather not do!  I love this guy and I love how much his smiles and hugs brighten each of my days. 

Life of the 6th Child

I thought I would share a couple tidbits from Gideon's life today.  Sometimes people allude to the fact that our children must not get much attention since there are so many of them and only 2 of us.  I like to try to help them understand that with more children there is more love to share.  There may not be as much one-on-one attention time devoted to each child from Joel and/or I each day but there is definitely not a lack of attention to be had from someone in the family.  The kids always have someone to play with or pester...despite what our children believe those two words really aren't synonyms!  I am grateful for the fun times they have together.  I know I was blessed to be raised in a family with siblings to share life with.  When I think back on my life growing up the memories that I recall most quickly and fondly are those when I was with my family just doing "simple" things.

So, here are some glimpses into the life of child #6!  These are, by no means, exclusive events that I just happened to capture.  These things, and plenty more that I probably never see, are a normal part of Gideon's everyday life.  He really lights up when his siblings are around and it is fun to watch him seek them out and get their attention.  Rarely are Thomas or Spring doing homework and Gideon is not on their lap or trying to climb back up after he scrunched their paper!  Joshie and Gideon are often seen playing cars or chasing Scout through the house...ok...that reminds me of something that is worthy of a tangent story....

     This morning Joshie asked if he could take Scout for a walk.  I told him he could take him but he had to stay where he could see our house.  He agreed and out headed Scout and Joshie.  Mary went outside too, but "only to ride her bike."  A couple minutes later Mary came rushing into the house telling me she told Joshie not to but he said he was going to take Scout on a REAL walk all around the block.  I ran outside and couldn't see them so I started running down the sidewalk to the corner thinking when I got there I would see him and could call him back.  I got to the corner and couldn't see him...so I kept running.  As I got to the next corner I still couldn't see him.  So, I kept running.  I eventually ran the whole block and my heart was pounding not only because of being out of breath but because I was getting really worried because I had not found him.  When I finally got back to our house I saw the door open.  Joshie and Scout were in the house getting a drink of water because they were thirsty from their REAL walk just like Thomas and Spring do it!  He was so proud of himself...needless to say I didn't share in his pride!

OK, back to Gideon.  Mary loves to put him in his swing in the basement and he loves it even more.  Today I found him in his swing and Sammy giving him underdogs.  All the while Joshie and Mary were on the couch dodging Gideon's feet as he swung back and forth and Sammy was trying to aim Gideon's feet to knock them over.  Gideon was just laughing so hard out of pure joy.  I wish I had captured that on video...but I am sure tomorrow I will have the chance again!  How refreshing and wonderful it is when I take the time to enjoy the little moments and see life through the eyes of our children.

My Cute Chef

 I love that our children enjoy cooking and baking and helping me in the kitchen.  Although sometimes it is more work and definitely more messy, I have seen the benefits of it as I now watch the ease and confidence that Thomas and Spring have in the kitchen.  They can independently make meals, cookies, treats, and follow recipes very well.  Joshie has had a very high interest in helping me cook the last couple months.  He was given a "Lightening McQueen" apron from Grandma Powell at Christmas so now he runs to get his apron as he is calling out, "Me help you cook, Mom."  This morning he helped me make these yummy Spinach Lasagna Rolls.  I love the website these come from so I thought I would try them out.  He loved pushing the button on the food processor to grate up the spinach.  It was the perfect recipe for him because he could do all the stirring and he could help me spread them out and roll them up.  I had to be careful so though because I kept catching him sneaking a bite out of the lasagna noodle before we put the filling on it.  I would catch him and he'd smile with that dimple in his cheek and say, "Sorry Mommy.  It's just so yummy."  So, yes, he still needs to learn to not bite off of the things he is cooking!  Oh, well he has time to learn this lesson and right now that darn smile of his usually gets him off the hook!

I was somewhat nervous as to whether the kids would eat the dinner with it having spinach in it.  I debated about making some without the spinach but thought I would give it a try.  So, before I took the foil off the pan I told the kids that Joshie and I decided to make green lasagna rolls for dinner so we dyed some of the cheese green.  They thought that was a really strange thing to do.  Lucky for me, Joshie didn't tell them the truth about the not-so-hidden ingredient.  To my utter astonishment, they all LOVED it and Thomas even asked for seconds!  Now, comes the dilemma...they all put in their requests for what color to dye it next time I make it...Mary wants orange, Spring wants me to dye them blue, Thomas thought yellow would be cool...they may catch on to me afterall!  Oh well, I'll enjoy it while I can!

Boys' Birthday Pictures

Thomas...Almost 11

 Gideon...1 Year Old

Joshie...3 years old

Sammy...6 Years Old

Battle Wound

The kids were busy playing some game that Sammy invented last night after dinner. All at once we heard Joshie crying really hard. You see, he usually doesn't cry even when you would expect him to. He is one tough kid that lives up to the nickname, "The Tank" in almost all aspects. When we looked at him, my stomach got a little queasy. The bridge of his nose had come in contact quite forcefully with the edge of our desk. Somehow, he didn't get any black eyes from it! It looks better this morning when I snapped this picture. Even I couldn't bring myself to get a picture last night!

Big Boy!

Miracles never cease...this little dude of our's is potty trained!  It only took about 2 days and being banned from the basement until he went potty!  Once he realized I was serious about him not being able to go to the basement until he went potty it didn't take too long.  Thanks, Grandma, for the idea!  He only had 3 accidents and those were in the first 2 days, and one of them was on purpose when he was outside playing.  He had gone into the backyard to play and was only in his underwear.  I looked out to see him standing on the patio bent over and watching himself pee all over the ground with his underwear still on.  When I went out and told him he needed to go in the potty he said, "But, Mom.  I didn't pee on the carpet.  I just pee outside like doggies do."  He hasn't had an accident in 5 days and we started 7 days ago!  He even wears underwear to bed and at naptime now!  The only drawback is he strips completely naked when he goes to the bathroom...underwear, pants, shirt all have to come off he thinks so if I don't go with him I see him bringing me a handful of clothes to help him get dressed again! 

Videos from the Parade

Here are some videos from the homecoming parade last night.

An Afternoon with 3 of My Boys

We have been having the most beautiful weather.  We are getting into the 70's during the day and clear blue skies.  Lots of sunshine!  It still cools off at night so the changing leaves are spectacular especially against the vibrant blue skies!  We are taking full advantage of this weather because we know we will soon just see mounds of snow and ice.  We have spent countless hours outside the last few days.  After naps yesterday, Mary headed to spend the afternoon with Sue Ann so the boys and I had a fun afternoon before Thomas and Spring got home.  When they got home from school we all stayed outside playing until Joel got home and we had to have dinner.   Gideon absolutely loves being outside as do his brothers.  I love the time to play and enjoy with my kiddos.

It's Joshie's Birthday, I think!

So, before we get to the fun details of Joshie's birthday celebration we had this evening I have a confession to make.  I figured I should record it for posterity sake even though I know it will come to haunt me in the future.

Yesterday afternoon my mom called to wish Joshie a happy birthday.  I laughed a little and said, "That's fine, Mom, but his birthday isn't until tomorrow."  I thought to myself that it was a little funny that she had called a day early, especially since she did that to Isaac a few weeks ago.  Then Mom said to me, "Jen, I really think today is his birthday.  Dad checked his geneology records and he has today down as his birthday."  When she said that I started to wonder because Dad is pretty accurate about those kinds of things.  At the same moment a few other thoughts came to mind such as:

    

 *A few weeks ago the kids said Joshie's name was on the bulletin board at church for the 27th.  I just told them someone probably made a typo because his birthday is on the 28th.

     *Monday morning, after checking the calendar and seeing that I had Joshie's birthday written on the 28th, Thomas told me, "I guess with so many siblings it gets harder to remember birthdays because I was sure Joshie's birthday was on the 27th.  I replied that it's a good thing we write them down on the calendar at the beginning of the year.

     *On Monday Joshie got a birthday card in the mail from my Grandpa.  I chuckled because Grandpa had written on the corner of the envelope "27th".  I just thought it was great he remembered and figured one day off wasn't bad!

I wasn't at home when my mom had called so she suggested that I go home and check his birth certificate.  I did just that as soon as I got home.  I looked at his birth certificate and saw 9/27/2008 listed as his birthdate.  My mom was right!  I didn't know the birthdate of our son!  I was a little sheepish as I called my Mom back and confessed.  I told her I was just glad she let us know so we don't continue to celebrate his birthday on the wrong day each year!

Unfortunately, Joel had a work dinner last night so we just continued as planned to celebrate Joshie's birthday today.  He has been so cute today as we tell him happy birthday and ask him how old he is. At first he would tell us he was "2" with his cute little smile and giggle.  Then he'd say, "I just kidding. I 3!"  He had a huge smile on his face as he went to pick out his balloon and a balloon for each of his siblings.  He loved his chosed dinner of homemade pizza and his "blue car cake."  He only ate 2 bites of his cake though because he just wanted to get back down and play with his new toys.  Although we missed his birthday yesterday, I think he will remember today fondly and hopefully we will be able to celebrate on the correct day from here on out!  We love you, Joshie!

ABC'S

Joshie loves to sing his ABC's and he sings them all day long...ALL day long!  Today I decided to get a video of him singing.  If I thought I would be missing the silliness when Sammy was in school, I didn't need to worry.  Joshie has definately helped fill that void!

Sand

Yesterday our Family Home Evening lesson centered on the scripture, Helaman 5:12.  We discussed what it means to build our foundation on the rock of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.  We talked about continually increasing our testimonies.  We reminded the kids that all we do in life is to help us continue to build our foundation on the rock.  We also tied in the parable of the wise man building his house on the rock and the foolish man building his house on the sand.  We even built houses on sand and on a rock and used water from the hose to show what happens when "storms" come to us in life and how if we are built on the rock of our Redeemer then we can withstand these blows.  Although we will still have trials and at times we will struggle, we will be able to withstand all that is sent our way.  It was a fun afternoon and I hope our kids will remember the reason we do all that we do is to be sure we are building ourselves on the rock and not on the sand.

After it was over they all loved playing in the sand and we forgot to clean it up last night after they went to bed.  After naptime today, Sammy and Joshie headed outside for some more fun in the sand.  They played for at least an hour in the sand and, of course since Joshie was involved, water was turned on and used as well.  We even found sand on our driveway tonight!  When it was time to come inside Sammy, Mary, and Joshie all had sand in their hair, clothes, and all over themselves.  They thought it was great though because they were able to get a bath in the afternoon!  Again I was reminded of the joy in simple things.  I love watching them play and enjoy each other.

Brothers and Buddies

I was just looking through some of the pictures from Spring's camera from our trip to Washington.  A couple days before we flew back home we had a picnic at a park.  Joshie loved being able to push Gideon in the swing and give him "underdogs!"  I just love this video and picture of our youngest boys.  They are really becoming great friends.  Gideon loves to be with Joshie.  If he sees Joshie head to the back door Gideon drops what he is doing and follows as quickly as his little hands and knees can take him.  Usually, though, the door is shut before he gets there so he will stand up at the door and jabber to Joshie who is playing outside.  Joshie is quite protective of Gideon and often stands "guard" in front of Scout's food and water dishes calling to  me, "Help, Mommy!  Giddy getting Scout's food.  HELP!"  I hope they always enjoy and love each other.  I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to spend my days watching our children grow and learn and develop their love for each other.