Silly Thoughts

Once in a conversation about personal responsibility, Chris explained to the kids that we all have jobs, even if we don't go to work. Matthew's job is to grow big. Clara's job is to do well in school and be an example to her brothers. Jonathan's job entails him to listen to his parents and to be silly. (He seems to take the latter task more seriously!)

With kindergarten right around the corner for Jonathan, we have started to prepare him for his 'promotion' to his new job - to do well in school. As a result, there's been a lot of talk about 'jobs' around the house.

The other day Jonathan said to me:

J: "Do you know why I'm so good at being silly?"

Me: "Why?"

J: "Because God made me silly. Do you know why?"

Me: Why?

J: "Because God likes to laugh."

I have often thought that God has a sense of humor, like when He waits until I'm 32 and on my 3rd child to bless me with a child as busy as Matthew, for whom there is no 'baby proofing'. I often tell Chris that people are looking at us with Matthew now and saying, "See, that's why we stopped at 2 kids!" Yes, I truly believe God likes to laugh. Maybe Jonathan's onto something here!

Sleepyheads

When swim team was still going, I would leave the boys home with a sitter so they wouldn't be up too late on meet nights. When we'd get home I couldn't resist going in to check on them. I'm not that mom who checks on her kids before she goes off to bed herself. I value sleep too much to risk waking them up as I come in to kiss them goodnight, but when I'm not around to tuck them in, I can't help myself!

You'd never believe the hurricane this child is when he's awake!
Silence is golden (and still gripping the Spiderman web in his hand!)

Goodnight boys.
I am forever grateful and proud to be your mom.

Swim Team Picture

The swim season wrapped up while we were on vacation. Clara improved so much over the summer and had a blast while doing it. We're looking forward to next summer. Maybe by then I can convince Jonathan to give it a try as well!

Here's Clara's team picture:

Still Alive!

Surprisingly enough, our garden is still alive and there was a lot to pick upon returning from vacation!

Unfortunately, Matthew got a little overzealous when it came to picking and plucked off our 2 peppers before their time. We haven't had much luck with the cucumbers either. They all taste a little off and since they are never dark green, we've had a difficult time deciding when they should be picked. They taste bad whether they're big or small.


The tomatoes, however, are the best I've ever tasted. So sweet and juicy, I could eat them like grapes!

Cow Appreciation Day '11

I was so excited this year that Chris was actually home to participate in Cow Appreciation Day. Unfortunately, it fell on July 8th this year, which happened to be the day we drove home from our vacation at Disney. I wasn't going to little thing like that interfere with the opportunity to share with Chris the types of embarrassing things I get roped into for our kids (and FREE Chick-fil-A, of course!) We dressed in white and I brought along lots of sticky black felt to stick on us as we drove from the hotel to CFA, before getting on the road. As I stuck Chris' spots on him, he proceeded to tell me how he wasn't doing it, and would rather pay for his meal...

My only regret is that this is the only picture I got of Chris 'paying' for his meal. Matthew, on the other hand, was REALLY not in the mood!
My favorite cows!

Just ready to be home :)

Moo!

The only thing better than Chick-fil-A is free Chick-fil-A!

Leaving Disneyland

Before leaving Disney, we took Jonathan to pick out his souvenir/birthday present at Ridemakerz.

He thought about making a Tow Mater...

and a Retro McQueen

He decided on a 'Shiny Fast Lightning McQueen'. Then he got to pick out tires...

...and rims.

Time to build!

Putting on the tires.

He even got a voice box!

Time to go for a drive!

Jonathan's custom ride

Then, unfortunately, it was time to say goodbye to Teagan.

Hugs from Clara

Kisses from Uncle Chris

One last kiss for Jonathan.

We had a great vacation! It was so good to see Teagan and all her family again. I can't wait until the next time we can all get together for a new adventure!

Disney Parade

After a long day of fun, we settled in to watch the parade down Main Street

Can you tell Jonathan was excited?!

Mickey and Minnie

Pluto, Goofy, and Chip 'n' Dale

The Genie

Ariel and Sebastian

The Princesses

Cinderella and Belle

Lion King

Simba

Teagan was intrigued!

Tiana

Clara and Jonathan were captivated as well!

The Chimney Sweeps

Mary Poppins

The kids loved the parade. It was a great way for them to see all their favorite characters (and we didn't even have to wait in line!)