Aaron's 9th Birthday

9 years ago I was handed a little bundle in a blue blanket and our lives changed overnight. We had no idea what we were in for. Maybe it was because he was our 1st born and he sensed our hesitation and fear, or maybe it was just his personality, but he was the most fussy, difficult baby we've had. Well into his first year he would fuss and whine and Matt and I would look at each other and remind one another that 1.) He didn't know he was annoying... and 2.) It was a good thing he was cute.

I am happy to report that Aaron did, indeed,overcome the fussy baby stages and has turned into a wonderful young man that we are very proud of. He is a great son and a loving brother to his brothers and sister. We all love him VERY much.

Some fun facts about Aaron:
*This past year he has discovered the joy of Star Wars. While he is completely enthralled with all things intergalactic- I must admit that some days I tire of his JarJar binks impersonations at the dinner table. :)
*Aaron LOVES books and reads very quickly. We have a hard time keeping him in fresh reading material because he reads it so quickly! I have taken to checking under his pillow every night because he sneaks them into bed and stays up way too late reading.
*He has  a love for Mexican food and frequently asks for burritos, tacos, and enchiladas.
*He still loves tomatoes and would eat them like an apple if I let him.
*He also discovered Alvin and the Chipmunks this year and likes to try to sing like them in a high squeaky voice.
*He decided that he wants spiky hair on top, so every morning we gel it, comb it up and blow dry it into his favorite style.
*He loves cookies, especially snickerdoodles.
*We still call him Aaron Bear, even though he recently has started rolling his eyes at this.

Happy Birthday Aaron! We love you!

Visiting the Fire Station

As a requirement for earning the WOLF rank in Cub Scouts, the boys are supposed to visit a firehouse to learn more about fire safety. We are very lucky in that our Cub Scout Leader is married to a former volunteer fireman and so he was able to give us the grand tour himself. The kids loved it and even the adults found it interesting.
(as a disclaimer for these photos, I must say that I was lucky to get Caleb in the pictures at all- next time I won't insist that he try to smile, and I really have no idea why none of the scouts were paying attention and looking at the camera... I blame it on being 8-10 year old boys with small attention spans!)

 Pack 206

Sister Howe, Aaron, Jake, Blake, Paedon, Jordan, Lestat, Brody, Tyson

 Brody Mayer, Max Anderson, Aaron

Aaron and Caleb

Aaron, Kellie, and Caleb

 Aaron and Caleb

Scouts and Siblings

Levi's Piggies

(Overheard in my living room tonight as Caleb was playing with Levi's toes...)

This little piggie went to THE STORE.
This little piggie STAYED HOME.
This little piggie went to GET SOME BOLOGNA.
This little piggie went to WENDY's.
And this little piggie went WEEE WEEE WEEE WEEE WEEE all the way home! 

(What exciting Pigs Levi has! I love it!)

Turning 6 "BITES"

My mother is a nice woman. Whenever I call to complain or seek wisdom about how to handle my kids when they are driving me crazy, she always takes the time to remind me how kind and generous she was when we were young and growing up. While I don't recall thinking she was so kind when the vacuum was running at 6 am on a Saturday morning- I do have to admit she was a lot nicer at the dinner table than I am.
Growing up, I was a pretty picker eater. Instead of fighting me at every single meal- she had a rule that if you didn't like what she fixed- there was always Campbells. I'm sure I lived off of Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup for many years of my life.
Ironically, now I am the adult with a picky child and I am sure I am not handling it with the grace my mother did. I have tried the "there's always Campbell's" ploy with my kids until I realized that I was making soup EVERY night because they refused to try my cooking.
I got fed up, (pun totally intended there...) and the soup went flying out the window. We now have a rule around here. When the kids decide that they are done or they don't want to eat what I made I tell them that they have to eat as many bites as they are old. Aaron gets really annoyed by this. He tells me that if he has to take 8 bites then it's gone and he's had to eat everything. Kinda the point, I think.
Caleb is by far the worst offender. He's going through a phase where he doesn't like anything. I keep telling myself that someday the food struggle will pay off. That I WILL win this battle. That Caleb WILL learn to like more foods. And so I brace myself every night for the complaining that inevitably happens when he sees his plate. This is a battle I'm willing to fight.
Before I tell the next part of this story, you should know that Caleb has a flair for the dramatic. He talks in absolutes: "I'm NEVER going to get to do that..." and "You ALWAYS say that!" and "Nobody EVER helps me!" To hear him talk, you'd think his life is so tragic.
A week ago, when he realized his birthday was only two days away, he came to us, practically sobbing in his "Caleb-my-life-is-over" fashion.
CALEB: "I DON'T WANT TO BE 6! OH NO! I DON'T WANT TO BE 6! IT'S GONNA BE NO FUN!"
MATT:"Why not, Caleb?"
CALEB: "Because when I'm 6 Mom will make me eat SIX bites, instead of 5! I just can't do it! I think I want to stay 5 forever- but Mom's not gonna let me!"

(at this point I am trying not to laugh and am thinking, "gee, I didn't know I even HAD the power to turn birthdays off"... but I digress)

Poor Caleb. I don't think he's yet realized that he's not gonna win this battle. His Momma's just too mean I guess. Maybe he should go visit Grandma J... I hear she has soup. :)

Caleb is 6!

Our blue eyed boy turned 6 TODAY!

 
It's hard to believe that it's been six years since Caleb joined our family. In honor of this grand day, here are a few things that make Caleb...well, Caleb.

• Caleb likes cereal, and has grown especially fond of Raisin Bran. The more raisins, the better. This works for him, because he generally eats his breakfast fast enough that the flakes don't get soggy (yuck).
• Caleb is reading more and more. He sometimes surprises us by reading something that he wouldn't have given a second look six months ago.
• Bearing that in mind, Caleb is very reluctant to do something unless it's on his agenda. This is improving as he gets older, but it's funny to see how he subtly refuses. For example, if you ask Caleb to give you "five," he will usually do it with his forehead rather than his hand. Ask him why; you'll only get a sly smile.
• Caleb likes having blue eyes. Our other kids all have brown eyes, so Caleb hit the recessive gene jackpot. This little difference is something that he is very proud of.
• Caleb would rather eat green salad than mashed potatoes; wear shorts rather than pants; sleep in rather than get up early; and hug his baby brother rather than his sister.

Caleb, we love you and are so happy to have in our family! Happy birthday!

Celebrating Levi...

LEVI is 1 TODAY!

GIFTS...

 OPENING GIFTS...

PLAYING WITH NEW TOYS!

THE CAKE

"HMMM... WHAT IS THIS?

"LOOKS GOOD!"

"TASTES GOOD..."

"FEELS SQUISHY!"

"CAKE FINGER PAINTING IS FUN, TOO!"

LEVI IS 1 TODAY!

1 year ago today Levi was born! 

He is such a blessing in our lives. They say every pregnancy and every child is different and I know that is true. Even before he was born he was rather quiet, never kicking a lot or raising too much fuss.  Levi has stayed pretty much true to his beginnings this last year. He tends to be rather quiet most of the time, preferring to observe a while before jumping in the fun. He spoils Matt and I with his snuggling addiction, (not that we're complaining!) and is just such a sweet little spirit in our home. He has been cruising around walls and furniture for quite some time now, and has even ventured out for 2 or 3 steps at a time. I am sure he'll be running soon. He has 8 teeth with more showing signs of emerging soon. He loves chasing his brothers and sister around the house and has the best laugh when he is excited to see them. He really loves them all! He is eating well and has recently begun removing his bib when I try to put it on him before meals, which iis kind of annoying but he really isn't normally a messy eater so we get by okay without it.

We feel so blessed to have our little Levi Bear, there is no doubt that you were meant to be part of this family and we love you so much!  Happy Birthday, sweetheart!

Kissing Caleb's Hands...

My little Cubba-Bub has LOVED going to Kindergarden. About 4 days in when he got in the car after I picked him up he showed me a great prize. He proudly lifted his little fist to show me a slightly melted, very much cherished Hershey's kiss. He was one of only TWO kids who got one because they were the only two kids in the whole class that she hadn't had to correct, ask to pay attention, to sit down or be quiet in the four days they had been in school. He was SO PROUD. "Way to GO Caleb," I am thinking!
That was why it was such a surprise when the next morning at drop-off when he started sobbing hysterically and didn't want to go. I pulled over, started to get out of the car and walk him to the playground until I realized that Kellie hadn't put shoes on that morning and so I couldn't go with him after all. I did the only thing I could. I hugged him and sent him on his way, watching him sob and feeling like such a horrible mother. I came home, worried about him for a few hours...called the school... (yes I am THAT mother...) and left a message for his teacher.
He seemed fine when I picked him up that afternoon and his teacher did call me back that night. She assured us that Caleb was doing very well. He is bright, attentive, and helpful but when things get slow he starts to think about me and gets a little teary. Something that is perfectly normal, and should ease up in a few weeks once he's acclimated.
That's when we got out the Kissing Hand book again. (For those of you who have read this book, I am sure you see where I am going with this...) The book is about a young raccoon who is worried about going to school because he is afraid that he might miss his mother. The mommy raccoon kisses the palm of his hand and tells him that if he gets sad and worried while he is away to put his hand up to his cheek, remember her kiss and that she always loves him, even when he is away from her. The little raccoon even kisses the mommy's hand, so the mommy will know that he loves her while he is away, too. The book is the stuff Kindergarden literary legends are made of and is a blessing for all mothers with anxious 5 year olds.
So now every morning when I drop my little guy off he offers me the palms of both hands, which I quickly kiss before he hops out of the car.
"It really works, Mom," he assures me. "I start to miss you, but when I put my hand on my face the love just comes pouring right on out of it...like MAGIC!"
I am so glad he's doing better, and yet I can't help but wonder how long I'll be kissing his precious little hands every time he leaves me. I have a feeling that he'll stop wanting me to kiss his hands long before I'm ready for him to stop kissing mine.  We Love You, Caleb!

Preschool "Practice"

Kellie was so excited to go to Preschool today! She doesn't officially start until next week but each child has one early "practice" day this week where they get to go, get used to the classroom, teachers and helpers. Only 4 kids get to go each day, so it really is a lot of one on one time, which helps. It also gives her teacher time to do some basic assessments, too. Kellie was SO excited to go, and she didn't even cry when I left.  I don't think she even noticed me leave, even though I gave her a hug and said goodbye. She was too busy looking around the classroom, wide-eyed at all the fun stuff to do. I'm sure she'll just love it!

Levi's "Leisurely" Lunch

This picture makes me wish that I was relaxed enough to fall asleep anywhere! What a skill to have, my Sweet Little Levi Bear...

Caleb's First Day

Today was Caleb's first day of Kindergarten! He was so excited. He was, up dressed and fed by 7 AM and then spent the next hour begging for me to take him to school! He gets to go full day and was VERY excited to finally get a lunch box of his very own!  I am so happy to see him excited to be there. He has Mrs. Alcazar, who was Aaron's Kinder teacher also.

When we got there we found his desk, hung up his backpack and then he settled into his chair and desk. (He was very impressed by the "top secret hiding compartment" where you can keep all your papers and crayons!) He then forgot I was even there and probably wouldn't have given me another thought if I hadn't asked for a hug before I left. Some kids were crying and clinging to their Mother's legs when it was time to go- but not Caleb! He didn't even watch me leave and I doubt he even missed me!

So glad he had a GREAT 1st day of KINDERGARTEN! Way to Go Caleb!

BOYS BACK TO SCHOOL!

 

Today was Aaron's first day of 3RD GRADE! I am amazed at how the time seemed to fly by...

It is kind of funny, as other mom's are crying, hugging and waving goodbye, Aaron and I have got to the point where he looks at me and says, "So... see you after school? Ok. Bye Mom."

I love it!

(Caleb actually doesn't start until Thursday, but he was so excited to go, drop his supplies off and meet the teachers for his Kinder screening. I was SO lucky to get the very 1st appointment on the very 1st day of school- saved me a trip back to the school later!)

Good Luck to my BIG 3rd Grader AARON!

Matt's Fan Club...

I remember the first time I met Matt. I was at a Ice Cream Social at our church. ( I remember the activity because I remember thinking it was weird to be having an Ice Cream Social in January, when it's freezing!)  Anyway, Matt was barely home from his mission and was back at UNC to finish his degree and I was a Freshman. I remember thinking he was rather good-looking, but far too quiet for my taste. We even ended up at the same table playing Jenga. (By the way, I WON! Go me!)

It didn't take too long before Matt was a fixture in my life. He would show up at all the same activities I went to, and always "just happened" to find a seat next to me. Even though he was rather quiet and didn't talk a whole lot- he frequently brought his guitar and would sing to us. As I got to know him better, I admit I was probably one of his bigger fans. Matt would bring his guitar and sing, and I would sit close by, listening and throwing out requests.  In retrospect, I realize that we were probably rather nauseating to be around.  Watching someone else get "serenaded" is a bit mushy. We apologize to all who had to witness our "romance" unfolding... but I digress... :)

Eventually he looked up my number and called me. The rest, as they say, is history. I decided that maybe he was more "my type" than I'd realized and he decided that he couldn't live without me! :)
(For those of you that are thinking that I am rather full of myself right about now , all I can say is that this is my version of what happened- I can call it like I see it!  If Matt want's to dispute anything here he can add his own post later!)

Yesterday was our 11th Wedding Anniversary. I am so glad that I married my best friend.  I was and still am a big FAN of MATT! I am so blessed to be your wife and to be mother to our 4 beautiful children. My life would be empty without you. I love you, Matt!

Tonight, Matt pulled out his guitar again, as he does from time to time, and I realized he has a brand NEW fan. I couldn't help taking a picture of these two.

Trip to Grand Junction

Levi in his own personal pool at Grandma's!

The "BIG KID" pool...

Aaron and Kellie

I think he likes it!

It got a bit crowded in the baby pool... :)

Boys at the Dinosaur Museum

Kellie excavating hidden bones!

Kellie and Aunt Kathy were roommates! Love the snuggles!

Aunt Kathy, Kellie, and Aaron

 The Christiansens...

San Antonio and Dallas, TX

(Before I start this post I have to dedicate it to my friend Andrea Dell... a few months ago you blogged about your love of bridges and how much you're obsessed with them- After visiting San Antonio- I get it! The bridge pictures are for you!)

This is on the San Antonio Riverwalk- right outside our hotel doors...

another bridge...

and another...

Levi enjoying our walk...

A family of ducks on the river. 

They are so acclimated to people they don't even move when you walk by...

 The Alamo

The Alamo again...

Matt and Levi outside the gates to the grounds at the Alamo...

The Dallas, Texas Temple

The Dallas Temple is beautiful. It is not as big and showy as some temples, but it was very, very pretty. I loved the pinkinsh trees in front. It almost looks more like an over sized Stake Center than a temple. So beautiful, calm and peaceful though. 

We saw trees like the ones in front of the temple all over Texas and I really loved them. Back home all our trees have finished blooming. I was surprised to see them in full bloom this late into July.

Great trip... beautiful towns.