Little Daredevil

I was in the upstairs bathroom this morning when Liam came up the steps. He said "mommy watch this!" and proceeded to lay on his stomach and prepare to go down the stairs headfirst. I said "Liam, don't that make me nervous". He got up, walked to the bathroom door and as he reached for the door said "I'll close the door mommy so you won't be nervous". All I could do was laugh. He figured what I couldn't see wouldn't bother me! I swear he has no fear!

Busy Day

It was another full day here yesterday. Connor told me Monday night on the way to basketball practice that his teacher said he could bring cupcakes in for his birthday Tuesday but that I needed to bring them in after 2:00. So Mike picked up the 3 youngest after Landon's practice and I stayed with Connor and then he and I went to the grocery store for cake mix. We finally got home at 8:30 and then Mike made the cupcakes for me. Tuesday I got the boys off to school (Mike was working a 24) and then headed into work. It was a rainy day which always gets the kids hyped up. I hate days when we can't take them outside. I was able to leave a little early so I could make it to Connor's school in time. By the time I got there and got the boys and cupcakes into the school, it was 2:15. Connor's class enjoyed the cupcakes and in fact one little girl said they were the best she'd ever had :) Another little girl said she wanted the recipe, LOL. I told her it was on the back of the duncan hines box. Connor decided he wanted to ride home with me so I went and signed him and Landon out and headed for the van. Unfortunately, the buses were lined up already so I was stuck in the parking lot until they pulled out. We got home and I fed Noah and then Mom came to stay with the younger 3 while I took Connor shopping for his birthday present from Aunt Jean. I also had to pick up stuff for poppy seed chicken since that was what Connor wanted for his birthday dinner. He picked out a basketball return for his new hoop and an outfit. We got home and I made dinner and then we finished up homework. Baths and showers and then time forbed...finally! Thankfully, they all went to bed fairly easy. I was exhausted but it was a nice day.

Almost There

Just wanted to post Noah's 11 month picture. I can't believe he'll be one next month. He is still such a happy baby. I went to the gym this morning and the child watch workers were commenting on how sweet he is. They said he's always doing something silly to make them laugh. He'll bend down and look at them through his legs and laugh or make a silly face and then giggle. He is so laid back. He is absolutely adored by me, Mike and his brothers and I can't imagine our lives without him!

Birthday Party

We celebrated Connor's birthday this past Saturday. We took him, Landon and two of Connor's friends to see "Inkheart" and then came back home for pizza, cake and ice cream. The boys had a great time. We surprised Connor and Landon with a basketball hoop for their birthdays. We decided to give it to them Friday. We had them close their eyes and gave them the ball first. Then Mike said "too bad we don't have a basket". Sweet Landon said "that's okay, we can pretend". I told them to go out on the back patio to prectice dribbling. We had the hoop set up there waiting. They were truly surprised. We eventually would like to pour a concrete slab for them to use with it. Here are some pictures from the weekend.

Date With Landon

Wow, third post in one day! I just keep thinking of things to add. Anyway, Landon and I went on a date the other day. I really need to try and be more consistent with it. They love the one on one and so do I. We met some friends at Chick-fil-a and then had lunch. The boys love to play on the playset there. After lunch we went to WalMart to get some detergent for our new washing machine. The, Landon wanted to go to the library. He picked out three books and couldn't wait to show them to his brothers. We had a good time and I'm already looking forward to the next date!

Bittersweet Goodbye

We said goodbye to Max last night. His new owner came to pick him up. I thought if anyone, Connor would be a little upset but it was Landon who broke down on me. He started crying and saying he didn't want Max to go, which made me cry. Connor was so sweet. He hugged Landon and told him it was okay and that the new people would take care of him. I was so proud. Mom helped to distract Landon as I was loading Max up. I still cried :( I know it's best for him because he will get more attention but it was still hard. The woman who took him hugged me (she was tearing up as well) and promised me they would take good care of him. I hope they do. He deserves it. The boys were okay after she left (better than me!). It helped that I told Landon he could get a fish (I'm a sucker!). It was a compromise since he was pushing for a hamster!

Poor baby!

Noah has had a cold for the last week or so. Runny nose and a little bit of a cough. Well, yesterday there was a sign at the preschool saying that they had had a couple cases of RSV. I didn't think Noah had it but I had Mike take him into the doctor today just to be safe. He didn't have RSV but he does have a double ear infection. I felt so bad. He's been eating and sleeping fine and never had a fever. I'm just glad we took him in. The ped said that at this age babies average 2 colds a month. The other boys were never sick that much but it is Noah's second cold this month. Hopefully, the meds will clear his ears up and he can kick this cold. On a side note, he weighed right at 20 pounds(with his clothes on). Connor and Landon were both 20 lbs by the time they were 6 months.

Shopping and Snow

We finally got some snow! It wasn't much but just enough for the boys to do some sledding. Liam was hesitant at first but after the first trip down the hill with Mike, he couldn't get enough. Noah had his first snow experience. He seemed to like it. I took him on the sled with me a couple of times and he did great.I think he enjoyed watching his brothers. My mom was here for a while also. Everyone had a good time throwing snowballs and building little snowmen. The snow had pretty much melted by 1:00 but started to come down again around 4:00 and has been pretty steady ever since. They've already called a snow day for school tomorrow which mean I get a paid snow day! We went shopping for a new washing machine after we warmed up from the snow. We had decided we wanted to use our tax refund for a new front load machine. They use so much less water and energy plus a bigger capacity would cut my laundry load down. Right now, laundry is the bain of my existence. It is NEVER ending. So, we ended up at Sears and thankfully hit a really good sale. We decided to go ahead and get it and hope all our tax info comes soon so we can pay it off. Thank goodness for 12 months same as cash! After Sears we went to Old Navy. they were having an AWESOME sale. Additional 50% off clearance. I got 17 items for $34. I even got a couple of shirts for the boys for 50 cents! The most expensive thing I got was a sweater for me that was $3.50. Gotta love a good sale!

A Home For Max

Well, I think we have found a new home for Max. I'm happy but sad at the same time. We just can't give him the time or attention he needs, nor can we keep up with the grooming he requires. He has become an outside dog and I hate that. I want him to be in a home where he will get lots of love and attention. We just can't do it. A young couple came today with their two young boys to meet Max. They had been talking about getting a dog and the wife had been looking at Golden Doodles. They played with him for about 30 minutes and told us they'd like to take him. The plan right now is for them to come pick him up Thursday evening. They want to take him in for a grooming Friday and then be able to spend the weekend with him helping him to adjust. I don't think it will really hit me until he goes. I know it's best for him though. I hope the boys are okay with it. We talked to them about it and I think they will be fine but I guess time will tell. They just never got attached to Max the way they did Sammie. Hopefully, the transition will go smoothly for everyone.

Baby Steps

Noah is officially walking. He took his first steps on December 29 but had only taken one or two here and there since. Today he was standing by the coffee table and then just let go and walked to one of the kitchen bar stools. It was at least 6 steps. Mike and I yelled and he just grinned. Ever since he has been trying to walk all around the living room. He is so proud of himself. I just melt when he grins. He is such a sweet, happy baby. It's hard to believe he will be one next month. Speaking of birthdays, it's that tie of year around here. Connor's is a week from Tuesday and Landon's is three weeks from that. Noah's rounds it out 6 days later with his. Three birthdays in 4 weeks. Connor has decided he wants to go see "Inkheart" with a couple of his friends and then have cake and ice cream. Sounds nice and simple to me! We are thinking of taking Landon sledding on Beech Mountain for his birthday. We found out they have a place for kids 12 and under to sled for free next to the chamber of commerce. They even make snow for it. We're going to have a small party for Noah. It will be a jungle theme and I'm going to make him a monkey cake. It will be a busy month but a lot of fun also.

Rite of Passage

Last night, Connor was laying on my lap and I was rubbing his hair. I felt something on his forehead and when I looked it was a pimple. His first one. I barely pressed on it and it popped. Connor screamed. After a look in the mirror, he came out crying. "Everyone can see it now". I told him that it was just a pimple and that everyone got them. Mommy and Daddy both got them. His response? "Yea but you're older". At least he didn't say old. After we assured him that his hair covered it, he calmed down. I had to laugh to myself but them I realized he has just experienced a rite of passage. The first of many pimples I know but it made me realize just how fast he is growing up. He is already halfway through elementary school. He'll be starting high school when Noah starts kindergarten. It's so hard to imagine. I was complaining to Mike the other day about the horrible night's sleep I had gotten thanks to Liam and his clockwise rotation he did next to me in bed the night before. The child can't stay still to save his life. Mike, who in the past has been the one to insist the boys go back to their rooms when they come into ours, has changed his outlook. He reminded me that all too soon, they won't want to sleep next to us anymore and how we should enjoy it while it lasts. He's right. So, I'm trying to ignore the bruises on my back from midnight kicks and the sore neck from loosing my pillow to the boys and enjoy the cuddle time while it lasts.

Brrrrrr!

It is SO cold! It is 11 degrees right now with wind chill of -1. School has already been delayed 2 hours in the am due to the cold. Supposed to get down to 0 with wind chills in the -teens. Just wish we could at least get some snow with the cold. At least we can sleep in in the morning. After the boys go to school, I'm taking Liam and Noah to a kindermusic class. I think they'll really like it. Noah has started "dancing" when he hears music. Liam LOVES music and is always asking for us to "please upin the radio" in the van. He clams up though at school. He sits and just watches as the other kids sing during music. It's funny how he can be so wild and talkative at home and so quiet and shy elsewhere.

Basketball Day

Connor and Landon both had basketball games today. It was the first game of the season. Landon's was at 10:00 and Connor's was at 1:00 so it was pretty much an all day thing. They both did great. Landon made 3 shots and Connor made 4. I really enjoy watching them play. I just don't know what we'll do when all 4 of the buys are in sports. Sometimes I wish I could clone myself! After Connor's game, one of his team mates asked him to go to the ice skating rink with him. He was excited but I admit, I had a tinge of panic. It is SO scary entrusting my child into someone else's care. It's so hard to let go. He was so excited though so I just took a deep breath and said okay. Then I prayed God would watch over him. I know I will let out a big sigh f relief when he walks in the door. I have no idea how I will survive the teenage years!

Getting Started

My friend Kristen has been blogging for a while now and I was finally inspired to start. There are so many little things that happen every day that I want to record. Unfortunately, memories tend to fade and I don't want to forget all those precious moments with my kids. I look at Noah, just starting to take his first few tentative steps and then at Connor, who at almost 8 is already so grown up. I know it's cliche but they do grow up too fast. They are so incredibly precious and even on those wild, stressful days, I am SO incredibly thankful that God has blessed me with my beautiful boys. So, here's to the start of my memory blog!