F's

Shelby came home dejected today- she had a paper for a Parent to sign.  With a sad face, she handed Randy the paper, pointing to the reason why it needed to be signed.

She has an F!

After looking over the paper, Randy announced that Keilie had an F, as well.  Keilie instantly flew into a manic fit.

"WHAT?  In what class?!?!"

Shelby's Innocence & Randy's Joke: Gender.

Shelby also worried that she was getting a 3.

Grade: 3
Gender: F

Scaredy Cat

Keilie has been really into trying to scare Randy, recently.  She will hide out for a while, in different places, hoping to get a good startle out of him.  She's learned the hard way that Karma isn't fun.

Randy captured this last week.  She has a cute smile at the end, but when you look at the video frame-by-frame, you see this face...

And like a typical big brother, Caden has made that picture his screen saver.  We have all watched the video a million times.  That scream!  I hate being scared!!!  Love her, though!!

Clogged

I am not ashamed to admit that when the powder room toilet clogged this week, I turned on the fan and locked the door, waiting for Randy to get home. I am not a plunger. Randy was not impressed. Turns out, he was needed anyway.

{Twice Baked Potato}

This was the text I got yesterday. I was SO confused until I got the one almost immediately after. 

{Stuck in the toilet}

Kids.are.awesome!!! Thanks, Keilie!

Christmas Present

Frantic for Shelby to stop sucking her thumb, we set up an appointment with the orthodontist. He may be my favorite person on the planet right now, to be quite honest. I'm not sure the absolute honesty of his words, but they have done their work like a charm. 

"Shelby, your choice has become quite serious. If you do not stop sucking your thumb, I will have to do a surgery where I cut up your jaw, break the bone to fix your teeth, and then wire your teeth shut to fix them."

She cried. And became determined. We had her fitted for a metal device to be implanted into her mouth that wouldn't allow for suction between the roof of her mouth and her tongue. Just getting fitted for the spacers hurt her. I do not like seeing my children in pain!

However, since September 18th, Shelby has been a rockstar. She has asked for her thumb to be painted with the No Bite polish, and has commented on many different situations that she has not been sucking her thumb. Most exciting has been that we have not seen too much of a struggle. She made up her mind, and stopped. 

I am proud of this cutie. Sucking her thumb started at four, but she has been a "sucker" since birth. This is the girl that came from the womb with a hickey on her wrist. 

I may keep the device that has not been implanted yet, as a souvenir. Oh, I got it! As a Christmas present! Tubular!

Jinxed

On the way home from gymnastics yesterday, Tyson asked me the dreaded question.

"Mom, after my birthday in seven days, how many days will it be until my next birthday?"

My brain revolted and actually begged me to lie.  I didn't... but I wanted to.  Oh, how I wanted to.

FYI: The days between his Sixth and Seventh birthdays will be 366- because of Brennon's birthday!
Let the countdown begin.

Why haven't we invented a sarcasm font like italics, bold, and underline?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The kids got their individual statements in the mail letting them know the September Month's end balance.  Tyson came to me and said he had $92.00  Shocked to learn that he had that much, I asked to see his paper.  $70.00.  When I told him that he didn't have $92.00, he replied,

"Well, not in the bank.  I have $70.00 in the bank and $22.00 in my savings envelope.  That makes $92.00 together."

Will this kid never cease to amaze me with his skills?  He's FIVE!!!  (For five more days, as he will remind me tomorrow morning- without fail!) 

Tamed

In-between sessions on Sunday, Tyson announced that he was going to "tame the monster." He hugged "the monster" for a full three minutes. Inducement enough- I know what I'm going to become for Halloween. And every day for the rest of my life, if this is the taming technique. 

Fear

I love the feelings that accompany General Conference. I love being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I love President Thomas S. Monson. 

Yesterday he talked about fear. It made me a bit uncomfortable, to be completely honest. Because, as the date for Caden's next scan looms closer and closer, I feel fear beginning to creep into some of my thoughts.  My question is this: Is the fear that I am feeling inhibiting my faith?

I remember getting ready for Keilie's birth. As the days came closer and closer, I remember getting more and more nervous for her birth. I remembered the pain. With Caden, I had only text-book knowledge of the pains of childbirth. With Keilie (and each subsequent babe) there was no wondering, I knew the pain. I knew that the outcome would eventually end. I knew that what I was doing was wonderful, that the outcome was going to be better than I could have ever imagined, yet I remembered how hard it was. How uncomfortable it made me. I knew what was going to be asked of me. My fear was not about the change that would come because of her birth. My fear was not because of the changes to my entire life. My fear was for the pain. 

The fears that I have now are quite the same. I have Faith that everything that has happened, might happen, and could happen are all guided by a loving Heavenly Father. I know that whatever happens will make our lives better than we ever could have imagined. However, should Caden's scan on October 14 show cancer once again, it is the pain that I fear NOT the outcome or the journey.  I no longer have textbook descriptions of the pains and agony of all that is cancer- I know. I remember. And I fear what may be asked of me to witness of the babe that I delivered with blissful ignorance. I will never forsake my testimony, never, yet I am scared of the physical pain. 

So, I ask again: Is the fear that I am feeling inhibiting my faith? 

I hope this is me. 

Countdown

Tyson has been counting down until his birthday for a very long time.  He surprises me with his number understanding.  On days that I would forget the count (come on, he's been counting down since like 60!) he would somewhat condescendingly tell me that, "Yesterday was 110, so today is 109, remember?!" 

Today, he reminded me that he has nine more days until his birthday.  As he started to tell me the days of the week until his birthday, noting that his birthday was on a Tuesday and that the Pumpkin Patch Field Trip was on a Wednesday, he made the dutiful statement,

"Yeah, I can wait nine more days until my birthday."

Good thing, too.

Maybe this is all part of his plan.  The suspense is killing us all.  We better have a grand birthday present for the boy that looks forward to his birthday enough to begin the countdown that early. 

Man, I hope he doesn't begin the countdown to Seven at 364!

Ducks

Brennon actually asked Randy if he could use the head massager on him. Randy was so gracious letting him try it out. He even said Brennon could do it for as long as he liked. The look of happiness on Brennon's face- priceless. Randy gave him a gift, that day. 

When Tyson and Brennon walked in after school yesterday, Randy caught the conversation that began their never ending game of pretend. 

Brennon: "If we play something like 'Dad and Son,' I want to be the duck." 

And the 'quacks' began, and their game continued. 

Pretty, Pretty Pictures

I'm trying to be better about getting birthday pictures of my kids in their birthday month.  I used to put together big photo shoots for the birthday child (not sure how I did that as exhausted as I always was) but that has kind of fallen off of my important/needs-to-be-done-to-survive list.  With the opening up of my schedule, I now have time to do more fun things.  It also might be because Ashlee gave me her DANG NICE camera as a thank you for letting them live with us for 6 weeks.  Here's the story...

Labor Day weekend they had come down to visit and take family pictures, since we didn't get around to it when they lived here.  I was super excited to be able to do it for them, and fell in love with their camera.  I made the comment that I had been researching which one I would buy, while Randy joked around that they should sell us their old one and that they should buy a new one.  Haha, right!  The next morning, they packed up and headed home.  They hadn't been gone for more than two minutes when I walked past the camera case, hiding among some other things on my kitchen counter.  I'm sure she knew to leave it there, because the first place I always clean is my kitchen counters.  I immediately called Ashlee and Randy immediately called Russ so that they could turn around to grab it.  After all, a treasure like that should not be left behind.  That was when Ashlee told me that they were gifting it to me.  I was in shock!  I started to cry, of course, while Randy beamed.  I was given something that I have wanted desperately for so long, yet couldn't justify buying.  I had a camera that worked, just like I had a junky oven that worked.  And now I have a dream-come-true in both.

I have been enjoying trying it out every chance I can find.  Here are a few examples...

I wished my old camera would have zoomed in on her ring and blurred her gorgeous face.

BOOM!!

See what I mean?  They have given me a wonderful gift!  I have been having a blast learning new things.  I know I probably will never fully understand it (it has about a million and a half functions) but I love what I have been able to do so far.

And when you have such a handsome October 13th birthday boy, the perfect camera only enhances his infectious smile.

 

I am still in shock that my Ty-Ty is going to be SIX!!  

I'm going to enjoy this new hobby.  I need to research working with the edit functions, as seen in the different color variations of my sweet boys' skin, but the quality of the pictures is far superior to my old camera.

My kids may need to be a bit worried.  I have a many different ideas for pictures.  SQUEAL!!

Man of my dreams

While skimming through Pinterest today, I saw this story and thought it was so cool.

Hearing my, "hm..." Randy asked what I was looking at. Pointing back-and-forth between the babies, I told him that they are twins. 

"What's burr...a...key...el?"

"You mean bi-ray-shull?!"

And then we laughed and laughed.

Reminds me of the time he said, "This phone book does not have Sears!! It goes from Sa to Sc!"

Or when he told me his boss had named their daughter "Ch-Low!"  Chloe, to those of us that speak English.

Ladies, he's taken!

Prayer

As we were kneeling down for prayer tonight as a family, I heard a camera shutter go off as soon as Caden was about to begin. Anger flushed my cheeks as I whipped my head up to see which child had been playing with their device instead of folding their arms. When I found out it had been Randy?! Oh, no.he.didn't. I'm ashamed to say that I was pretty darn upset at him for setting a bad example before the prayer. And then I saw what he wanted to capture. 

A moment. One to be proud of and cherish forever.  My anger has been put to bed, along with the children. I wish I could change my quick-to-anger nature. I guess that is why I teach my kids to pray. I'm a good person to teach about repentance!

Love Me Some Laces

I love the simple moments that I get to witness when I take time to just rest, sometimes. This morning it was Brennon concentrating so hard to tie his shoes. 

I was getting lunches ready, backpacks filled, and shepherding kids to brush teeth and get ready, when I happened to look down and see him. When concentrating, I love that Brennon sucks in his cheeks and makes fish lips. I love that he is all gangly arms and legs. 

See the lace that he has already tied? I was surprised to find that it stayed tied the rest of his time at home. I was certain it wouldn't last more than three minutes. Should I ask for repentance for thinking so little of his tying skills?!

This was one of those small moments that made me grateful that I get to watch them learn and grow. Innocence is bliss to live in and magical to witness. 

Coolest Chorister

Because of General Conference next weekend and then Primary Program practices in the Chapel two weeks after that, they sang to Tyson today.  I wish I could have gotten a better picture of him, but I didn't want to interrupt primary and draw more attention to us.  So, this one will have to do.  I truly believe that Primary Chorister is one of the hardest Sunday callings, yet our new chorister does it with ease.  She makes the kids want to bring visitors (she hands out the cutest hello- gifts and gives them all hugs with their song) and makes the kids super excited for their birthday song.  These props are used to dress them up for their special time.  Look at my boy all decked out!!

So, without further ado, I give you the new-and-much-improved Primary Birthday Boy, Tyson!

Keilie's Party...Finally

 Keilie had her birthday party today.  From the picture above, how do you think she liked it?!

 We had it at the same location as Shelby's.  The reason?  Keilie wanted to conquer the bungee jump- something only the birthday child gets to do!

 And conquer it, she did!!

 She conquered it to become the cutest "Superwoman" and flew through the air with grace.  And just a bit of squealing.

 "Happy Birthday, to you! Happy Birthday, to you!  Happy Birthday, dear Keilie!!  Happy Birthday, to YOU!"

 Love this cutie!!

 This girl makes every gift opened The Best Gift Ever!

 This one was from our family.

 Would you say she was surprised?!  Why, YES, yes she was!

 I guess she meant it when she said she wanted Rollerblades all of those 100 times.  Score one for the asked-for gift!

 I wanted to make the gift bags more than just treats and nick-nacks, so I filled them with all the things a little girl would like: Nail Polish, Emory Board, Loofah, Body Wash (the good scent kind), Lotion, Chapstick, and Gum.

 It was fun hearing their little-girl voices, excited about their different colors and scents.

 It had been quiet as they were eating their cheesecake (Keilie doesn't do cake) but once they got to talking, it was quite fun to hear their excitement bounce off of these acoustic walls.  The walls that were too loud for Shelby's maniac birthday party, just 8 months ago.

 Eight 12-year old girls can make the most beautiful noise.

Today was SO MUCH FUN.  Not only for Keilie, but for everyone that was able to attend.

So, even though this party is one month late:

HAPPY 12th BIRTHDAY, KEILIE!!!

Infinite Value

Our family store is still going strong. My kids have lulls once in a while, but all-in-all they love to earn their tickets. So much so, that Caden found himself with 106 this Monday. I went to Walmart and FILLED the store to overflowing with snacks, nick-nack, and little trinkets that I thought they might like. It was like Ariel's treasure trove at the Dirks' house, I tell you. Caden was left with 106 tickets after. He said he wasn't interested in spending that many tickets on nothing. I needed to up my game plan. This shouldn't surprise me. This is a boy with over $1,500 in his bank account because he saves every cent he earns.

Yesterday, on the way home from school, Caden asked if we could go to the Mormon bookstore to get him a new Holy Bible, his baptism-day scriptures have pages that were falling out and that just does not work for the boy that craves perfection. He gave me all of the money in his wallet and promised that he would do extra chores and give up all of his tickets for the nicest set. His yearning was so sincere, that I had no desire to even contemplate walking out with the bare-minimum set. He was all excitement for his new scriptures on the way home from the bookstore. 

"I'm glad that I didn't buy all snacks with my tickets. I got something of infinite worth, instead."

I had made a list of a few chores I needed done (you know the ones that you procrastinate, although you are home all day, with no kids or excuses) and threw them all out after hearing him say this, all the while watching him caress and cherish his new purchase. 

He is so much more valiant than I could ever imagine a teenage boy being. He teaches me so much. With this recent cancer find, his plans of going on a mission at 18 are gone. We are hopeful for a call at 19, now. Even so, this boy is a missionary NOW. 

Proof

3:48PM- "Hello, this is the Kennewick Scout Office, letting you know that we received the Eagle credentials for Caden Dirks. You may pick them up at any time. Congratulations!"

3:49PM- We are in the car, on our way. 

4:07PM-

4:27- Caden came home for a photo shoot of his very own. He took this with his own cell phone. 

With this setup and execution, I now have proof that he is my son. For, surely someone that loves a good picture as much as I, must be my flesh and blood!

Eagle Court of Honor will be October 17th at 4:00PM. Message me if you would like an invitation.

Some additional pictures I was able to take on September 27th