Their Just…… Boys

I love how my boys love the outdoors. They are so active and their imaginations are perfectly wild! We went down to my sisters for Thanksgiving, and all they wanted to do was be outside.  I honestly have stopped telling them to not climb. It is a waste of my precious time and breath.  I’m sure this annoys other people to death.  Actually, I’m positive it does.  After dinner we took a short walk to the river, you know, to make room for dessert!  The boys were so happy. They could have skipped dessert if it meant staying there a little longer.  Running, jumping, climbing, exploring, inventing new characters to be. They just love it there. The English language doesn’t have the words fully express how much they enjoy their time outside…. especially when water in involved!  If they are anything like their father this love will follow them into adulthood.  I love to be out there too, but at the end of the day, I’m ready to return to my house and relax.  Not those three. They could pitch a tent and live happily ever after, out in the outdoors. It makes my heart happy to see them in their ‘natural habitat’.

 

Halloween

It’s never to late post our Halloween pictures right?   Good because we’re late!

Fred dressed up as Indian Jones and Bam was a puppy.  We didn’t get a whole lot of pictures this year.  This year at the harvest party they were off running around doing their own thing.  No more Mommy walking them from booth to booth. But still young enough to want to go to the Harvest Party.   On Halloween, the boys had their last soccer game of the fall season, and then we were off to Nana & Papa’s to trick or treat up and down their street. 

All the cousins before they all got seperated and had to trick or treat in groups.

 

Corn Maze

Believe it or not, but this is the first year we have gone to the corn maze.  The boys and I went last week with the preteen Sunday school class, but Jason was unable to meet us there. So we went this week. We have gone  to pumpkin patches, and straw mazes before, but never the corn maze.  The boys and I had bought pumpkins earlier in the day while we were grocery shopping, so we just went on the tractor ride for fun.  We were going to do the scary maze, but that was before we were told it cost more money, so we just stuck with the tried and true unscary maze! We gave the flash light to the boys and let them lead. They did a great job. It only took us about 15-20 minutes. Of course since tomorrow is Halloween, the path was pretty worn down and obvious, but whatever, they got us through.  They took turns holding the light.  Jason kept trying to fall back and cut around to scare them, but it really was too busy.  So I just told them someone had been murdered in the corn field.  They laughed and said I was lying, but before they went to bed, Bam told me I sacred him! Bad mom award!  After a good game of hide and seek in the straw maze, some posed pictures, one where Bam dropped the camera taking a (blurry) photo of Jason and me, and some fresh doughnuts we headed home so the boys could get a good nights sleep for their last soccer game. All of this after it snowed yesterday, today was almost a perfect fall day! They are beyond excited for trick or treating tomorrow. I’ll bet it has nothing to do with going to Nana & Papa’s house. But it probably does.

Some nice man realized he bought to many glow sticks so he gave one to the boys.

Bam found a good hiding spot, then Daddy found him and pulled him out.

Jason was laying down hiding when Fred came around the corner. When Jason took the picture his breath made this cool fog effect!

 

Fall = Soccer

Now all I need is a picture of what Jason and I look like completely bundled up on the sidelines cheering them on!

This year we decided to try out our local soccer league, instead of the one in Nampa. We love this league! The boys are very happy with their coaches and team. Fred is definitely more serious about soccer than Bam is. Fred will be joining a winter indoor team, and Bam is just going to watch. Fred wants to keep up playing, using it for practice, so when he comes back in the spring, he is ready to go. Bam wants to try out baseball this coming spring, so it’ll be interesting how that schedule plays out, but I just know he’s going to have a blast. Until then, we have one more game to freeze through enjoy.

 

Swim Lessons

We just got done with swimming lessons for this year. Fred was in the same level as he was last year, level 3, but Bam moved up to level 1. They say it’s pretty common for a kid to spend a few sessions in level 3. Fred will be doing it again next year, but Bam has moved up to level 2. Fred is a little disappointed with himself for ‘failing’. I keep telling him that he didn’t fail, he just needs to be a little stronger in the water. For someone who needs to excel in everythingthat he does, this isn’t a good enough explanation. I’m sure by next year he’ll be over it. I hope.

Since it was one of my New Year’s Revolutions to take the boys to the park more often, we crossed the street to the city park quite a few days after swimming lessons were over. There is also a baseball park across from the park. The boys had a lot of fun playing one on one baseball. It’s hard to follow the game. Believe me. Rules were being made up and changed constantly. I’m honestly surprised they could remember all of them. But hey, they were having fun. A few days ago we were still at the park when the lunch truck got there. I didn’t realize our town did lunch in the park. I had seen on a website that two schools were serving lunch during the summer but nothing about the park. I asked if they wanted to get in line and they did. We were expecting PB&J, or cold ham and cheese, but no! It was a full hot meal! Two taquito/burrito things, pears, carrot sticks, graham crackers, cheese stick, and chocolate milk. They were FULL. For 20 minutes. Maybe a little longer.   We will definitely be hitting that up again. The best part?  FREE!!  I love it. Only I need to pack my own lunch. Since we weren’t expecting to stay, my stomach was growling smelling their lunches!

We are having such a fun and relaxing summer. It is going by way to fast.  But I am enjoying every minute of it.

Bam learning to float on his own. He now thinks this means he can swim. He is wrong and it’s kinda scary! He just jumps in now, but can not swim.

Fred learning to do the dolphin kick. He’s pretty good, but a little slow. He tires out quickly.

One on one baseball. I think it’s going to catch on and be the next big thing. Mark my words.

What a meal!!

 

My Attempt at Being a Photographer

So I took some pictures of the boys to try to save some money.
I’m thinking that I’ll not be going professional anytime soon. I like the last one best but it’s pretty shadowy. the first two Bam has a strange look on his face! I definatly need more practice. At least the test subjects are nice to look at!

 

Busy Spring

As usual our spring has been very busy. Not a single day on the calendar was blank!  It’s fun and exciting to stay so active, but it is very draining at the same time. Since I’m not a spring blogger, I thought I should consolidate it all down to one entry. You know to keep everyone from being bored to death.  I would hate to be the cause of such an unfortunate event!

First, Bam went on his first ‘real’ field trip. That’s what he called it because he went on a bus, and it wasn’t just to the local civic center. We went to the zoo. He loved looking out the window, being so high up. He could see the truck drivers! He sang to himself most of the way. I’m so glad I got to be a part of that. I just happened to get done with work the day before!

Fred turned 9 this May. All my family came up for Memorial Day, so we celebrated his birthday a day early. He was overjoyed to be turning 9. One more year ’til double digets. That’s all I was hearing from that child! I am so blessed and greatful that God has chosen me to be this boys mother. He is really amazing. I love him more than any words would ever do justice to.

Fred was also in a church play. It was called Camp Wallaballa. The bus broke down on the way to church camp, and all the kids had to rely on God for all their problems. It was super cute. He did a really good job. My batteries died so I wasn’t able to get all of his parts on video, but I was able to squeeze in a few photo’s.

The last day of school is Field Day. Jason was able to attend this year, so I put him to work on camera duty. I am so glad I did too! I am never able to get pictures because I’m always working a station. While I was working the water balloon toss, Jason followed the boys around and got some awesome shots. Bam was beyond excited to finally be able to participate! Fred won his classes sack race. Jason got this on video, so no pictures. Luckily for me this station was close to mine, so I was able to cheer him on! Bam is very much like his mother so this day was just a wonderful exuse to be social!

After field day we went out to lunch, and then Jason was off to Cascade for a fishing retreat. He didn’t catch anything, but he came home refreshed and rested. He had a good time, which make me very please. While he was gone the boys and I went to go see ‘Up’. Cute cute movie.

And finally, this Monday, Jason and I celebrated 11 years if marriage bliss. Ok well not all 4015 days have been bliss, but it’s been prety darned close! Fred was our anniversary photographer.  He did a good job!

That wraps up our busy spring. Typing it up it suddenly doesn’t seem so busy! But I guess I was just hitting on the main points. Summer break has begun and the pace of our lives has definatly slowed to a crawl. Now it’s all about enjoying every second before we are all wisked away, back into the busy schedule of the next school year.

 

Fred rocks the soccer field!

Fred’s soccer coaches put together this little collage for us.  He was awarded best improved from fall to spring season.  I am so very proud of him because I know how hard he worked to improve his skills.   His whole team has grown so much, and they are an awesome group of boys that anyone would be proud to cheer on every Saturday!!

Way to go Fred, I love you!

 

All About Mommy

So I saw this cute little survey on a few different websites, and I got to thinking, I would like to journal my boys answers to have when the are grown and I’m old and lonely.  A little piece of their young thoughts. I just asked the question and typed exactly what they said.  I was quite surprised to see that some were  answered right away and others they had to think over. Very interesting to see myself through my boys’ eyes.   Also because they are boys, they had to answer with the shortest answer possible. Neither one put any explanation to any answer. They gave the answer and moved on.  Boys!  I also noticed that Bam answered as if we were talking about someone else. He always said ’she’ and ‘her, whereas Fred answered directly to me with ‘you’ or ‘your’. I don’t know what that means.  Anyways……

Bam Bam (age 6)
1. What is something mom always says to you?
Sometimes yes, and sometimes no. 

2. What makes mom happy?
Us giving her hugs.

3. What makes mom sad?
When we’re bad.

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
 Be silly

5. What was your mom like as a child? 
Good  (What he doesn’t know won’t hurt.)

6. How old is your mom?
29

7. How tall is your mom?
30   (I have no idea what that means)

8. What is her favorite thing to play?
computer

9. What does your mom do when you’re not around?
go to work

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
singing   (this is sooooo far from true)

11. What is your mom really good at?
driving

12. What is your mom not very good at?
playing x-box

13. What does your mom do for a job?
make lunch

14.What is your mom’s favorite food?
potato soup  (the answer should be Mexican)

15.What makes you proud of your mom?
making me lunch and breakfast and dinner  (!?!?!  What does that mean??)

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
I don’t know

17. What do you and your mom do together?
play

18. How are you and your mom the same?
We both like God.

19. How are you and your mom different?
she’s a girl and I’m a boy

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Because I’m her son

21. What does your mom like most about daddy?
That he’s a Christian

22. Where is your mom’s favorite place to go?
home

Fred (age 8 )
1. What is something mom always says to you?
“Will you snuggle with me”   (you better believe he said this in his girl voice!!!)

2. What makes mom happy?
When I’m good

3. What makes mom sad?
When I die    (Hmmm that’s sad for sure.)

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
Tickles me

5. What was your mom like as a child?
Bad   (That’s a little more accurate than his brothers answer, but a little harsh!)

6. How old is your mom
29

7. How tall is your mom?
5 foot 12  (this equals 6 feet, which is not true)

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Go to Costco  (I think he meant to say Target, because I heart Target)

9. What does your mom do when you’re not around?
Go to the store    (perhaps I have shopping issues?)

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
the best dress model     (Ummm, no.)

11. What is your mom really good at?
At petting dogs

12. What is your mom not very good at?
Golf

13. What does your mom do for a job?
N**** Christain lunch

14.What is your mom’s favorite food?
pot stickers   (The correct answer is still Mexican)

15.What makes you proud of your mom?
You were brave to go to school with no hair.

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Hannah Montana     (Barf x2)

17. What do you and your mom do together?
a lot of things, but not your anniversary

18. How are you and your mom the same?
We both have white skin

19. How are you and your mom different?
Your 29 and I’m 8

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Because I’m your son

21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
That he’s your husband    (smiles)

22. Where is your mom’s favorite place to go?
on vacation

 

Second Born

Second Born

Since I’m all about equal opportunity, I thought I’d do this little meme for Bam too.  I’m sure it might have a little something to do with being a second born myself, and not liking to be left out.

1. WAS YOUR PREGNANCY PLANNED?  Yes
2. WERE YOU MARRIED AT THE TIME?   Yes
3. WHAT WERE YOUR REACTIONS?   I had that same awesome happy feeling!!!
4. HOW OLD WERE YOU?  22
5. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT? This time it only took 3 months. I had used a home test on day 28 or something silly like that. I got a VERY faint positive. I took it to my friends house while Jason was at work and we sat and stared at it all afternoon while talking about baby names, eve thought we already had 2 picked out.  I bought a second test, an early response type,  on the way home… with a bottle of pepsi and a few other things to make it not look so wierd. The cashier told me good luck after I was done paying!  I came home and Jason was already home. I could not wait until morning, so I went quietly into the bathroom and tested, and when I took the very postive test to Jason, he just shrugged and said he already knew. To this day I don’t know why I spent so much money on all those tests when Jason is a walking pregancy test.
7. DID YOU WANT TO FIND OUT THE SEX? No way, but Jason did, and since I got my way the first time we found out. We told NO one, but I guess we slipped a few times. My awesome friends were wonderful not to laugh at me until after he was born. Thanks!
8. DUE DATE? Dec 26 accornding to me and the Dr.
9. DID YOU HAVE MORNING SICKNESS? Not really
10. WHAT DID YOU CRAVE? Fruit. No fruit was safe around me!
11. WHAT IRRITATED YOU?  I don’t know.
12. WHAT WAS YOUR  CHILD’S SEX? Male
13. DID YOU WISH YOU HAD THE OPPOSITE SEX OF WHAT YOU WERE GETTING?  Nope
14. HOW MANY POUNDS DID YOU GAIN DURING PREGNANCY? 25
15. DID YOU HAVE A BABY SHOWER? Yep
16. WAS IT A SURPRISE OR DID YOU KNOW?  I knew.
17. DID YOU HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY? Really bad siatica pain
18. WHERE DID YOU GIVE BIRTH? St. Luke’s
19. HOW MANY HOURS WERE YOU IN LABOR? Induced at 7:15am, he was born at 10:30 am
20. WHO DROVE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL?  Jason
21. WHO WATCHED YOU GIVE BIRTH?  Jason, and medical team
22. WAS IT NATURAL OR C-SECTION?   Natural
23. DID YOU TAKE MEDICINE TO EASE THE PAIN?  I got an epidural that WORKED!!
24. HOW MUCH DID YOUR CHILD WEIGH?   7lb 14oz
25. WHEN WAS YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY BORN?   Dec 19, o2
26. WHAT DID YOU NAME HIM/HER?   Bam Rubble
27. DID YOU NAME THEM AFTER ANYONE?   No
28. HOW OLD IS YOUR SECOND BORN TODAY?   6 years