5 Big Ones

Bingham turned five this week, and I keep having flash backs to Eve's 5th birthday. She seemed sooo grown up, I was so excited for her. Now it's Bingham's turn and I'm having a hard time putting him in that grown up category.

But he is.

He is quite capable of all those big boy things; dressing himself, cleaning up his toys, getting his own snacks (ketchup sandwich is the current favorite) and a myriad of other things.  Not so grown up as to not be able to finagle and extra treat or favor from his brother and sisters. Something tells me that skill will last for many years to come.

This year Bingham wanted to go to the dinosaur museum with his friends and then to McDonalds for ice-cream. I gotta say, easiest party ever.

All his friends love dinosaurs too (I know, so strange for little boys), so we brought a lot of excitement to the museum on a slow winter afternoon.  It was a fun place and as a mom who has read all the books and been to many a dino museum, even I learned a thing or two.

Then to McDonalds. 

And ice cream.

This is Bingham's friend Shark Boy. 

I'm not kidding, that's what they call him at preschool. I had to track down his mom durning pick-up time to get his real name and of course a phone number, because apparently they're inseparable at school

Buddy number two and Bingham's partner in crime every Friday afternoon.

And we all know Soni...but what in the world is she thinking?

After McDonalds we went to the park and froze our nay nays off while the boys let the wind blow bubbles. It was well worth it though since it rated in Bingham's top three for the whole day.

NINE

So Austin had a birthday this month. Actually, it was yesterday, but we celebrated it 2 weeks ago.



Nine years. That’s a lot to celebrate. Especially when you live your life like Austin does…10 feet off the ground and 90 miles an hour.  Now if we could just figure out how to apply that “zest” to his spelling homework….seriously….I’m open to suggestions. I made the mistake of telling him that I have always struggled with spelling so now he blames it on me; says it’s in his DNA.

But really, what a loveable kid, and our world would be a pretty quiet place without him….too quiet.

This year we’ve had warm weather all season…and have really missed the snow, but it sure made the wiener roast we planned for Austin’s party a lot more enjoyable. We had a few friends over, several different kinds of weapons, plenty of ammo and fire.

Good times for all.

We even got a hold of some of those mondo marshmallows to test out. The verdict is…WOW, so cool, but really…that’s a LOT of mallow. Very scientific, I know.



(here’s Bingham trying to eat a mallow all in one bite…and I’m guessing from the ketchup all over his face, this is how the hotdog went down too.)

All in all it was a great way to celebrate another year with Austin, and I’m so looking forward to whatever the 10th year brings.

Three!

Yep, Bingham is three!

I was talking with the kids yesterday and they said even though Bingham has only been with us for 3 years, it's hard to remember life without him. Well, I do. I remember feeling very comfortable with three kids, very content, but I couldn't stop myself from wanting one more round of tiny toes, chunky legs and sweet baby smells. I was feeling a little selfish in my endeavors until I announced that #4 would be a boy. Austin literally leaped into Phil's arms out of pure excitement, and I knew this little guy would play an important part in our family. I remember at one point holing little Laser Boy, and a little memory of being content with three drifted through my mind. My heart almost broke with just the thought of almost settling for not having this sweet babe in my life.

His kingly manner is not something that is demanded, but that is given willingly by his brother and sisters, and usually his parents too.

Always up for an adventure and rarely left behind. As I was looking through some of his baby pictures, it surprised me how much he was included in everything, even if he was only being carried in the Bingham bag.

He got a bike for his birthday, and I couldn't believe the focus and determination of this kid to figure those pedals out. Now, I'm not naming any names, but other children in similar situations would have completely lost their cool or given up completely, but he just kept pluggin' away until he had it down.

We have had some crazy moments with markers, potty training and kitchen knives, but for the most part Bingham has been a very pleasant 2 year old, and we all are looking forward to chasing after this laser boy for another year.


Happy Birthday buddy, love you!

8 + 4 days

This is a post I started the week before Christmas, because I knew I wouldn't get to it on Austin's birthday, better late than never.

Austin is officially 8. I was just talking to Dad about when he was helping us move to SC and he had Austin in the moving truck with him. All of a sudden, Austin opens the door like he wants to get out. Sure, Dad drives slow, but not that slow. In fact, if I recall, he hit the exit pretty fast to get Austin secured again in his seat. Such is the story of his life. Austin continues to take our breath away, or just plain scare the bajeebies out of us. Being his mom is a bit of a balancing act, but most of the time I'm just so thankful to be along for the ride.

Austin has been a little obsessed with anything camo lately, we were teasing him about ability to blend into the background so he took it up a notch and disguised himself as a cattail.

This is back in the day of Super Popper. Austin would put his socks on his hands and transform into Supper Popper. I can still hear his little voice telling me about flying around the universe and blasting off like a rocket.

Go, go, go....containment is not an option, my only goal is to keep him pointed in the right direction, cause there is no stopping this kid.

This was his first race. He didn't want to do it, so I was running with Eve and pushing him in the stroller, until we passed this old man who pointed to him and said, "You should be running." So he hopped out and ran the whole rest of the way.

It was so fun to see him yesterday as he was baptized, and for the last few months as he has been preparing for this. He's put a lot of serious thought into his decision, and has asked a lot of good questions. His thought process intrigues me and I know it's my job to keep him safe and teach him what's right, but the longer I do this "mom thing" the more I'm amazed by their ability to teach me and keep me pointed in the right direction. Good stuff.

Sweet Times

I feel like I've been a little out of the loop. We had a SWEET Christmas...busy, but it was a good busy and very enjoyable.

I've always wanted to do gingerbread houses, I think I even tried once with lousy drippy frosting and everything just slid off. We did one from a kit with Joe and Tawny one year, and that was fun, but I wanted to try it with real gingerbread. It worked out so well. My baking skills are hit and miss, but the gingerbread turned out perfect and my house smelled so good for at least two days. I did mini graham houses for the kids, because I had very little faith in my gingerbread making capabilities, and I wanted a backup. It was a lot of fun, and I loved how different each little house was. Next year I think we'll just all work on one big one...see if we can bring all our different styles together.

Bingham loved having everyone home to play with, and he did a pretty good job keeping up, but after a late afternoon hike he couldn't even make it to the couch, let alone his bed. He sat down on the kitchen rug, took off his shoes and fell asleep.

I love Christmas Break! Crazy....yes, but I love NOT sending my kids to school every morning. And the weather was perfect....everything from waterguns to snowmen...never a dull moment. I'm so glad we have a whole other week to kick back...who knows what it will bring.

I had to sneak this picture in. Austin has always been our climber...the kid can reach anything, but Bingham, he's all about jumping off everything. He has learned that the bunkbed is a little high for a comfortable landing (thank goodness) so I'm hoping his common sense is growing in porpotion to his desire to fly.

It was so great to have family here...and getting here was no easy task, we are so greatful for their sacrifice and braving the winter storms to be with us for Austin's baptism. I'm so proud of that kid. Believe it or not, he does have a serious side, and a strong desire to do what is right. On the way home after his baptism I asked him how he felt, if he felt any different. He said, "Well, yeah! I feel a lot different....everything feels different." I remember after my own baptism, falling asleep in the back of the van on the way home feeling so warm and completly at peace. It wasn't how I thought I would feel, but it was perfect all the same. As I was tucking him in, I told him he needed to write down his feelings before he forgot. He said, "I feel good, warm, clean, good, washed, just good." Not a kid of many words, but he's all heart.

Stuck at home blogging....

I'm home from church today with Bingham and Austin. I can't remember the last time I stayed home from church. Phil usually does the deed when we have kids sick, but now that he teaches the Gospel Doctrine class and I.....well, I guess I'm still trying to figure out what I'm supposed to be doing on Sunday since they moved me to Relief Society, so here I am.

Last weekend the primary took a trip to the temple. It was bright and sunny, especially for November. My kids even looked a little sunburned that night.

Phil went in while I stayed out to help with the kids, mainly Bingham. It was so fun getting to hang out with the primary again, man I miss those little guys. They took pictures of all the kids, and probably about 10 extra kids that were there waiting for a different primary to show up, they all fit right in. They went on a little tour around the temple and in the visitors center they stopped to talk about a few things. Austin spoke right up about being at the SLC temple the week before and even told about going through the Oquirrh Mountian temple this summer. Some of the things he talked about surprised me....details I didn't even think he would notice. Then on Sunday (during the sacrament, no less) Bingham told me all about the owies on Jesus' hands and how they're all better now. I'm so grateful for being surrounded by people who care enough to take time to help teach my kids, by word and example. I know it's my responsibility, but what a comfort to know I have some backup. (Gratitude list #6)

I could have followed these cute girlies around all day....so sweet.

Now on a completely different note......

Eve had a slumber party this weekend, and apparently Austin felt a little left out, but not for long. I swear that kid can fit in anywhere. Eve and her friends had a blast dressing him up, and I'm sorry to say, this was just the beginning.

He's such a ham, he didn't even care when his friend (finally) came over to play and caught him in the act, it just added to the show.

All in good fun, all in good fun.

Of course I'll keep track of these pictures....embarrassing my kids is just one of the services I offer.

I also posted on my other blog about a sweet little tree some of you may recognize.

Wild Mike

This is one of the family's favorite songs when we play musical chairs or even if we just feel like chanting Mike's name.....the only way it would be better is if the real Mike was here to play with us.

We miss you Mike!

Happy Birthday!

Friday's Funnies

Bingham has been ripping into his second birthday in full two year old glory. In honour of this celebrated day, he is the king (or princess) of Friday's funnies.

Lately every time I tell him something he replies with "What?"

k, I know, not so funny....the funny comes from the tone of voice. It's more like, "Are you crazy, Mom? What in the world are you thinkin', telling me this?"

**just in case your curious, the ink on his face and the decorated wall are from TWO separate events.

The most awesome gifts

I'm a little slow with this, but I had to post, for two reasons. 1-keeping a record of my sweet kiddos and 2-because I had an awesome birthday. There was no "one great event" that made it so, but I truly felt loved the entire day. The three oldest kids all wrote me notes and wrapped them in their own way. Eve with her colors and fancy cursive letters. Austin used hardware clamps from the garage. Soni wrapped hers in a beaded purse. Such individuals...these little ones that I so often lump together in one group. Their words written were equally thoughtful and very entertaining.
Soni writes her letters very well, but when she has a lot to say she reverts to shorthand, so she read hers to me and half way through she stoped and apologized for the letter being upside down, turned it right side up and continued on. Austin wished me a "Mare kresmes and a hapy noo yer" , "Mare ester", and a "hapy brfty". He also shared his testimony, "I no the sckrepsrs are troo", and many other sweet misspelled words that I will really miss as he continues to master his vocabulary.
Eve used a long standing family joke to congratulate me on my second favorite gift...fixing my washer before the repair man came and made me pay $60 to pull the 3 in screw out of one of the drain holes. Although Bingham didn't put anything down on paper he was very much a part of the moment, climbing up, down, around and in between.

One year older and completely worth it.

Slumber Party

Ahhh, we finally did it...succumbed to the pleas of our first born and granted her her first slumber birthday party. Ok, I'll admit, I was pretty excited myself. We had her birthday early this year, knowing from experience how hard it is to get excited about celebrating life with sugar only three days after Halloween. (early Happy Birthday to Joe...although, I'm sure the sugar isn't as much of a problem for him :)) We invited five giggly girls and all came but only three stayed over night...phew! They helped decorate the cake...which tasted horrible, but looked awesome.


Then we went out and did punk rock tie dye shirts...now I'm not sure how child friendly this really is, but they had a blast twisting their shirts again and again spraying with spray paint...hopefully no permanent brain damage occurred with all those fumes. We did some other painting and then the girls just played outside making up their own games. We had such a wide variety of personalities, but they all got along great and amused me all evening.
I'm sure they stayed up a little too late...even with me laying on the couch just so they would finally hush up and sleep, but hey, you only turn 8 years and 50 weeks once in your life.