Frozen

Wednesday, we surprised our kids with a movie at the theatre.  We DO NOT do this on a regular basis, only on very special occasions, so the kids were SUPER excited.  When we said we were going to Frozen, let me just say the decible of sound coming from Shelby could only be heard by dogs.  We got there at the perfect time to get the perfect seats.  Do you realize how very difficult that can be for a family of 7 on opening day?  Talk about lucky!  I had never seen a preview that actually hinted as to what the show would be about, so I was very surprised when the first song started.  About halfway through that first song I leaned over to Randy and whispered, "It's a buyer!"  It only got better as time went on.  I was completely blown away by the power of the music in this movie!  When we got in the car, our whole family was gushing about how much they LOVED the movie.  We couldn't stop talking about the music.  Randy got home and went straight to iTunes and got the two songs that were my favorite.  We have been listening NON-STOP since.  Shelby in particular.  She is obsessed.  Her favorite song is sung by Idina Menzel (Elphaba from WICKED, for those of you that don't know.  Shame on you if you don't!) called Let It Go!  She really belts in this song, and our little Shelby has it down.  She hits those high notes with the best of them, on pitch, and with her eyes closed for emphasis.  That girl has some serious talent!!  It makes me love that show even more, as if that was even possible.  So, here's a plug for Disney... GO SEE FROZEN!!  You'll be crying  by song two.  That is if music affects you like it does me!

Secret Sibling

Saturday, I had Caden and Keilie choose names from a bowl for our Secret Sibling this year.  Caden chose Tyson and Keilie chose Caden.  So, we headed to Craft Warehouse to pick up some kits I'd seen for them to sew a pillow case for their sibling.  I want this year to be more homemade instead of taking them all to the store and hiding gifts under coats for each other.  Insane.  So, there are two stories that go along with this sewing project.

First, I took Caden and Keilie together to pick out the stuff.  I didn't realize this was going to be a problem until Keilie started looking at Baseball pillow cases.  Obviously it was for Caden.  However, Caden was right there and this was supposed to be a SECRET!  I felt like such an idiot as Keilie fretted about what to do.  Then, her brilliant mind started working overtime and she said, "I'm sure Tyson will love this design.  Tyson loves this kind of thing.  I know Tyson is going to love it.  Don't you Mom?"  I was dying inside for her.  I told her a few times that she needed to remember to keep this a secret, even from other siblings, so she needed to stop.  Caden caught my eye and gave me the briefest of grins.  He had Tyson, he knew she was trying to lie.  I was crushed.  Why didn't I just take them individually?  She still has no idea that he knows.  She may even figure it out come Christmas morning.  The intentions of the whole thing were honorable.  The process, not so much.

We got home and got straight to work.  Caden was all-too excited to just get down to business and figure it out by himself.  He asked me to walk him through the sewing machine one time and then did the rest by himself.  He's going to do just fine on his sewing portion of Home Ec. this year.  He did great.  Keilie did well, but had a little more reserve about doing it alone.  I sat with her and helped her with a few things, but for the most part, she did great!  It was SO much fun doing this with them.  I think they have more confidence than I do!

Second story!  Sunday morning, Caden had found a box and wrapping paper and had Tyson's present ready for Christmas morning.  Mind you, this was NOVEMBER 24.  That is one month and one day to Christmas.  Tyson was beyond thrilled to see his name on the present.  Come Monday morning, Tyson said, "Mom, I've been waiting a long time.  Can I open my present?"  And so it has been every morning since.  What was I thinking doing the Secret Sibling so early?  Man, I'm staring to question my sanity!!  My sanity may be even more scrutinized come Christmas morning if he keeps up this line of questioning:)  Happy Holidays!

Whisper

We recently watched The Elf as a family. I love laughing as a family, and we find that movie very funny. This afternoon I was whispering something to Randy when Brennon walked up and whispered, "I like to whisper, too!" right in our faces. He saw it on the Elf and used it to make a joke. We looked at each other and just started laughing. It was so witty and FUNNY! Love my jokester!

Father of the year

I woke to Randy laughing at himself this morning. Apparently, Keilie had been coughing so much last night that she went to the couch to sleep. At midnight she coughed so much that she threw up. All over the floor. In a line to the kitchen. I was in a deep sleep, I guess, because I didn't hear it at all. Randy told me that as he was cleaning it up, in a seriously tired state, that he actually chastised her about "holding it in, or catching it in her hand. Anything! Just make it to the linoleum!!" He said she looked at him in an almost angry expression and said, "I had no idea!! I don't hardly throw up ever!!" I can see both sides of the story, but have to laugh at both of their exclamations. And yes, he threw a towel over the stuff that need scrubbing and went to bed. Just like I would have done! Cause who likes to deep clean at midnight??

Teeth

Shelby has a gaping hole in her mouth. She is STILL missing her top two teeth. In all, she is missing five of her teeth right now with one loose. Thankfully on the bottom!  I was looking at the soft gums where her two teeth should be, commenting that it didn't look like her teeth were close to coming in, when she said, "I have five teeth out right now. I should start selling my teeth!" She kind of does, though. What is the Tooth Fairy for after all? This year will truly be a Christmas where she wishes for her two front teeth!!

Wet hands

It is no secret that I have a weird pet peeve. I do NOT like wet hands. I keep my hands above the water when swimming if I can help it. I keep my hands out of the bath water as long as possible. I use gloves when cleaning or doing the dishes. I don't even like using Clorox wipes without gloves-they get my hands pruny. It just makes me in a bad mood. I have even been known to leave my bath water in until Randy comes home to empty it for me. It's DUMB, I know, but I can't help it. I HATE wet hands. So, when Keilie volunteered to do the dishes today, I was proud to see her using my gloves. My little mini-me. Until I went to put those same gloves on tonight to finish up dinner dishes and found them FULL of water in the drawer. So the dishes are left undone because I don't have gloves to use. And she "can't stop smiling" as mom bores holes into her head with imaginary lasers coming from her eyes!!!  My reaction borders on manic, but again, I just can't help it. I HATE WET HANDS!!!!!

Holding Hands

I told Tyson I was going to lay down for a nap this afternoon. He told me that he was going to lay down with me. I grabbed my pillow and went to lay down with him in his room. With eyes closed, I was close to sleep when I heard the best kind of interruption. 

"Mom, can we hold hands?"

So we did. And I again marveled at the gift that is being a mom!

Mornings

Life has sort of settled down nicely for us these last few weeks.  I used to LOVE naptime the most of any part of the day.  It was a little break from morning cleaning and afternoon homework.  With Tyson refusing to take naps most days, my highlight has changed significantly.  Now my favorite time of the day is morning.  Caden leaves for school at 7:00 AM, the girls leave at 8:00 AM.  This leaves Brennon and Tyson home until Kindergarten at 12:20 PM.  In this time there is no TV.  There is no screaming.  There is no arguing.  There is only giggles, happiness, fun, imagination, love, and friendship.  These two NEVER fight.  They just play.  And Play.  And PLAY!  They truly are best friends.  This week has been different with Parent Teacher Conference.  I'm not sure why they don't do what I'm used to- take a few days off to host parents for conferences.  Instead, they take a full week and have school in the morning and then parents in the afternoon.  This really gets complicated when they have AM Kindergarten one  morning and then PM Kindergarten the next morning.  Try explaining to your literal 5-year-old that he is going to school early.
"Why?"
"Mom, I go to school after lunch, not after breakfast."
"So, will I be going with Evelyn and Connor? They are in AM Kindergarten."
Finally, I just had to tell him to just get his socks and shoes on and head for the bus stop.  This left just Tyson at home.  It gives me a glimpse of what next year has in store.  Because on the mornings that Brennon has been gone, there has been no laughter between allies.  There has only been a little boy asking when Brennon would get home, asking me to read (which I love!), and never leaving my side because being alone scares him.  I love that they are SO close.  It makes our home a magical place in the morning!  I'll remember these days!

Disgusting!!!

Sometimes I really don't understand kids.  Like at all! 

I dropped Randy off at the airport on Tuesday morning directly after dropping the other kids off at school.  We were close to Denny's so I made a rash decision and went for pancakes.  Not the most economical way to have pancakes for breakfast, but it was JUST what I needed to start off yet another week of Randy flying out of town.  We ate our glorious pancakes and got ready to pay/leave.  Both boys had to go to the bathroom, so I told them to go while I paid.  The checkout is directly in front of the bathrooms.  And, man, you could tell/smell it!  Probably not the best location to have the bathrooms!  Anyway, Brennon ended up having to go number two.  And when he goes number two he takes FOR.EVE.R!!!  Like to the point that a few minutes feels like a year kind of slow!  Tyson was quick, so we waited for Brennon outside the door.  And we waited.  And waited some more.  I was calling out to him every few minutes begging him to hurry up.  For reals!  During this time, Tyson noticed he could see his reflection in the brass push plate on the door.  He was entertaining himself by walking away and back again, changing his facial expression each time he approached.  Then he did it, the terrible-awful-no good- very bad thing.  He walked up and LICKED the brass push plate on the Men's room door!  LICKED it ladies and gentleman!!  UM...WHAT THE HECK DID YOU DO THAT FOR?  I was gagging all the way out to the car.  Even now.  WHY?????  He just giggled and thought I was funny!  Typical!  He makes me sick!

Halloween 2013

 Secret Service Agent

 Elvis

 Ballerina Bunny

 Buzz Lightyear (Year 2)

 Spiderman (Caden's 4 year old costume!)

He was going to be Woody, again.  We searched the tri-cities for a Woody hat.  Found one.  Last minute he decided against it!

 Could NOT get the fingers down, haha!

Happy Halloween 2013!!!

I also want to point out that this is the first year in FOREVER that we went trick-or-treating without snow or coats!  It was 65 degrees and PERFECT!!!

Just Dance

The Tuesday before Halloween, Caden attended his first church dance.  They lowered the age limit to 12 this year.  It was bittersweet to see him go.  Since it was a costume party, he made sure to get the best costume.  He was a Secret Service Agent.  He even showed me the call sign "The Eagle is on the move."  I had to smile at my son that pretended to me that he wasn't excited out of his mind to be going.  I was playing it down just as much!  On the way, I asked if he was going to ask a girl to dance.  "No!  I'm just going to hang out with my friends."  I was a little sad, but didn't press him too much.  When I was telling Randy I hoped he'd ask someone, Randy responded that he knew Caden wouldn't.  He even went as far as saying, "I don't know any 12 year old boy that would have the courage to ask a girl to dance!"  It ended at 8:30, but being the anxious/overprotective mother that I am, I got there at 8:15 and watched the youth of this rising generation exit the gym.  One of the first groups to leave was from our ward.  A cute girl, Savannah, said, "Your son is in there."  In my excitement I asked her if he'd danced with anyone.  "Yep.  He danced with me!" (Blush!  She actually blushed!)  My excitement to see Caden shot WAY up.  He exited the gym precisely at 8:30 (the punctual traitor) to a mom that was trying her best to look just the right amount of excited so he didn't feel embarrassed.  I actually waited till we were in the car to ask him about it.  Talk about self-control-super-woman!  The girl from our ward, Savannah, had asked him- I like a girl that knows what she wants and goes for it.  The other girl, THAT HE ASKED, was a girl from school, Allie.  So, here's how it went down...

Allie asked her friends to convince Caden's friends that he should ask Allie to dance.  SO HE DID!!!

Holy Cow!!!  I know these games- I was champ at those games!!  My son is admired!!  I'm mean, come on, can you blame them?

On a side note, one Sunday Tyson fell asleep under the pew in front of ours, the pew that Savannah's family was sitting on.  I watched as Savannah took off the scarf she was wearing, fold it into a nice "pillow" and place it under Tyson's head.  Isn't that SO adorable!  We really do have the BEST youth in this ward!  One Deacon in particular- but that's just me!

Autumn Celebrations

With a Saturday with no plans other than being together, we took the morning to look at the fall beauty.  I've been wanting to do this for a few weeks, but have either been too busy or to sick to get out with the camera.  This has been an absolutely stunning autumn!  This is the "end" of our season and the colors still take my breath away!

 My World!

  I LOVE the red! Pretty much my favorite color!

 These trees are on an off-ramp which makes it impossible to get family pictures taken here.  Can you imagine the family in fall colors with those trees as a backdrop?  With the beautiful tan grasses coming to our hips?  Walking hand-in-hand?  Man, I love this spot that can never be used!

 These trees line/separate a vineyard.  They stand as tall, green sentinels for most of the year.  I love that you still see green intermingled with the yellow. 

 Um...I want this backyard!!!  Look at the Red, then the Purple, then the Yellow, then the Orange, then the Light Green, then the Dark Green.  I think I would be content to just sit in my backyard all day enjoying this view!

 

 Don't these red bushes look as if they are glowing?!  Like they have batteries?!  I want one.  Or two.  Or fifty!

 This is the view as we leave our neighborhood.  I love the three different colors of this fall landscaping!  Such a beautiful Season!!

*******************

After we got back, Randy and I ran to Walmart to surprise the kids with a project we haven't done for years. 

Pumpkin Carving!!

 I got the BEST facial expressions from my girls!  Keilie's above, Shelby's below:)

 

 Don't you love the blue gloves?  How can I expect them to reach their hands in there when there is NO way I would do it myself.  Ever!

 These two boys refused to put their hands inside the pumpkins.  This is the main reason we haven't done this for years.  I HATE cleaning pumpkins.  I hate carving pumpkins.  I hate sticky, gooey, stringy pumpkins.  But, man, do I love those faces!

 The Finished Product!!  Caden and Keilie were too excited to add their pumpkins to our tower, hence no pictures of them with theirs.  They did such a great job, though!

 Keilie- age 10

 Shelby- age 6

 Tyson- age 4

 Brennon- Age 5

 Caden- age 12

Happy Halloween 2013!!!

Birthday Boy

October 13, 2013

Tyson turned FOUR!

 We had a party on October 5th while Grandpa and Grandma Dirks were visiting.

 Since Grandpa Darwin's birthday is the 11th and Tyson Darwin's birthday is the 13th, we sang to both.

 Tyson still loves cars!  Caden set up this photo shoot after seeing something similar.  This four was his idea.

 Tyson has also found a love of Legos.  We got him two towers of 100 blocks.  He has been in HEAVEN building whatever he can think of.  Hours of building.  There have even been times when he said he wanted to go hungry because he was playing with them!

And no, it's not because I made something disgusting!!

 He has given me so much grief about naps, that I've given up the fight and relented.  He is my only child that did not take naps until they were five.  And it makes me sad!

 However, this gives me time to spend alone with this little cutie.  He LOVES reading, as in more than cars, so we do a lot of that!  We regularly make trips to the library, where he plays for hours with the blocks!

 It's hard to believe my baby is four.  I love the independence it gives, but miss so much about babies.  He is the best "ender" in the world!

 I didn't get a photo of the cake for the blog because our camera was dead.  I found a cake on Pinterest and copied it as close as I could.  It turned out to be the best cake I've made yet!

 This picture is a TRUE Tyson.  He is such a cheese.  It's a miracle that all from this photo shoot didn't look like this!  Incidentally, it's our favorite!

Tyson, we are so lucky to have you in our family!  You make us complete.  I love your sassy, cuddly, inquisitive little personality.  Thank you for being ours. 

Happy Birthday, Mister!!