Boys at home

Sometimes when the boys get bored they think of really random things to do. Strangely, Matthew really liked being a chair.

The Bball party

Our Carnton Ward team B did really well at bball this year. They made it to the final game, only to loose by a few points after a great run at the end. It was so exciting. I loved being able to help out with the girls, and actually learn a little about basketball. Another highlight was getting to spend more time with Suzette Pence who is A LOT of fun. We had the end-of-season-team party on April 1 (my bday- because that was the only day they could). We had a lot of fun coming up with the awards for each of the girls, with a candy to go along with it in their gift bags. It a lot of time, but I have to say I'm gonna miss basketball!

My birthday- 29 really?

I had a great birthday this year. I actually love getting older. I can't wait to be in my 30's! Matt and the kids did a great job this year. They had donuts for breakfast and I opened one present- the last Percy Jackson book. So, after hitting the gym, I read that for a good chunk of the day. Latter some girls from our church youth bball team came over for the team party (it was the only day they could do it), and when they left Matt and the kids gave me a great party with more presents. I also got calls from family (I missed some of them- sorry!) and like a million emails/facebook messages. I was feeling the love- thanks everyone!

Butternut squash and stitches risotto for dinner

Let's just say it was a mom moment. And let me add, if you are easily grossed out, you probably shouldn't read this post.

If you are still reading, don't say I didn't warn you. So, I was making dinner as usual a couple weeks ago, cutting the butternut squash with my very nice knife from my mother-in-law. There was chaos in the background as usual and somehow while mediating between Andrew and Owen and cutting the squash, I sliced through my finger. I quickly pulled it back (seeing the bone, by the way), spraying blood all across the kitchen floor. Owen saw it and started crying, saying, "Mommy's gonna die, mommies gonna die!" I grabbed a kitchen towel, applied pressure, and asked Matthew to come and call Matt to see when he'd be home. While Matthew made the call (leaving a message), I calmed down Owen, and Anubis (dogs really are disgusting) cleaned up the blood (I warned you it was gross). Anyway, Matt made it home about an hour later and finished the risotto while I went to get 6 stitches on the really deep part of the cut that went down to the bone. I did slice all the way across my finger, but not all of it needed the stitches. The really weird part has been getting used to the fact that I have feeling on the whole pad of that finger. It feels like it is asleep. It makes it hard to pick up things with that hand now because I can't tell if I'm touching with that finger or not! I have noticed some feeling return in the last couple of weeks, so hopefully it will be back to normal eventually. One final note though, that knife has been making my life easier for about three years now, and if I have to get stitches once every three years, let me just say- it is totally worth it!

St. Patty's Day

So, we love St. Patrick's Day. It involves sneaky little people, gold, candy, treasure hunting, and pinching. What more could a family with three boys want in a holiday? Last year the boys heard about people catching leprechauns in traps (then they have to give you all their gold). Last year's trap didn't work so they tried a new one this year. Leprechauns live in the woods, so they added sticks and leaves to make it look homey, added lots of colors to make it look rainbowish, and put shiny money inside (everyone knows they love shiny coins!). Matt was getting ready to leave when Matthew came downstairs very early. When he saw the lid was down, Matt said he looked at it with big eyes, picked it up and whispered, "Is any one in there?" When there was no answer he picked up the box and shook it. He really didn't want an angry leprechaun jumping out at him! The leprechaun had escaped, though, leaving behind some of his "gold" that was trapped with him in the box! We had some green eggs and ham (bacon) for breakfast, and after dinner had a rainbow. The boys were sad they didn't get to pinch anyone (everyone had gone to bed in their green clothes for the next day just to be sure!) Too much fun!

Family pics at Christmas

I've wanted to get these up for a while. They are from when everyone was here at Christmas. We were bummed to miss Jeffery in them. (He was supposed to be here, but ended up not getting in until later). My friend Nicole was great to come and take them the day before Christmas. Thanks Nicole! Now if only the kids would be so accommodating...

Andrew's Birthday, the 5th edition

Jump zone!



















Andrew is always really great about showing his joy. That is why I love some of these pictures!
























































The underwater (blue) cake- complete with divers, sharks, and treasure.


















Here is the replacement candy.














































Said bag of lost candy.





























































































Birthdays are just too much fun. Andrew has been really looking forward to turning 5. He has been counting down days for weeks. It was so hard for him to decide what he wanted to do. Luckily he got to do a lot! Monday (the day before his bday) Matthew had the day off from school. So we all went to Jump Zone and they ran around like crazy for 3 hours. The morning of his birthday he woke up early (he is always our earliest riser anyway). He was pretty excited. We put up a bday sign and had donuts. Then he got to open one present. He knew which one he wanted to open because Matthew had already told him what he bought for him (he had spent his own allowance and was really excited about it). Drew opened the Kirby game with much joy. He had a fun day (going to the gym, picking a movie from blockbuster, and playing Kirby were highlights). When Matthew got home we headed strait out for his chosen activity- Dave and Busters. He had a blast. The only bummer was when some guys bused our table while we were playing games and took the bag of all blue candy that Matt had brought with him for Drew. Luckily the Manager happily took him into the prize area to let him pick out some candy there (also all blue). At the end of the night we had enough tickets for Andrew to pick something- a giant blue frog (your probably sensing a theme here). We went home for a blue underwater cake and presents (a superhero squad DS game and BLUE light sabers). Everything a boy could want. It was great. The next day he was still smiling. Thank you also to grandparents who sent money, cards, and phone calls for helping him really feel special!