Sibling Love

Today's exchange while playing Wipeout on the Wii:

Jack: Good one, Annie.
Annie: Thanks, Jack.
Jack: I didn't really mean it. I was just being pathetic.
Annie: Do you mean sarcastic?
Jack: Whatever. I mean you stink at this game.

Yeah, he's pretty much got it right.

So earlier today, Will was asking Cat questions about pregnancy. One exchange went something like this:

W: So, why is the bump in the lady's tummy?

C: What do you mean?

W: Why is the baby up there if it comes out...you know. (And he gestures in the vague direction of the Southern Hemisphere.)

C: (Playing him like a mackerel) What do you mean, down there?

W: You know, the baby comes out the sweet spot!

Oh lord. You'd think he'd already seen the 4th grade sex ed film.

[But I do have to note, when this little exchange was repeated for me, we did determine that he said "the weak spot" rather than "the sweet spot." In any event, still priceless.]

Brotherly Advice

Last week, on the way home from one of the thousands of baseball games inflicted on us (like locusts in Egypt), Will announced to Jack and me that he had made two New Year's Reservations. (He was going to stop saying "burn" and "jinx," both of which pleased me greatly. But that's not the point.)

I had a hard time holding my tongue, but I am glad that I did. Jack listened to Will's "Revolutions," and then (relatively kindly) said, "Will, those aren't New Year's Reservations. They are New Year's Revolutions."

Absence...and guilt...make the heart grow fonder

OK, so it's been a while since I've posted anything new. Or old. Or anything at all. Someone who used to read this little blog on occasion blames it on that internet Satan, Facebook. And she is, in part, probably right. I tend to share pictures there that I might otherwise put up here.

In any event, here are a few new pics of the kids from the last day of school, courtesy of my friend Dewey, that were taken at our second annual Buzz Party.*

Our new fifth grader!
Now in third grade!

A kindergarden graduate!**
The newest WRE kindergardner!

*There is actually some legitimate debate over whether this was the second or third party. The first year, 2008, was not actually called a Buzz Party, and it was not an organized party at all. It was the last day of school, and it turned into a pretty big and wild gathering at the house on the last day of school, but I don't recall there being any haircuts. Last year was the first "official" Buzz Party--there were buzzes, and an Evite, and "Come and Get Your Buzz On" cups...

**This is what I call Will's Wallace (as in http://www.wallaceandgromit.com/) face.

WRE's Got Talent

One of the highlights of the WRE school year is the kids' talent show. We had three participants this year. Luckily, the performances have been recorded for perpetuity on YouTube.

Fourth Grade Copacabana

Second Grade Boys jump rope routine

KG boys Kung Fu Fighting

Rock and roll afternoon....

Will, Sam and our new neighbor Gray have been listening to the radio in Jack's room, rockin it out dance party USA style all afternoon...

Annie went in to see them after choir practice. Here is the conversation that took place:

Annie: do you boys want to hear the song i learned in choir today?
boys: not really
annie: it's really good
boys: oh all right
annie sings a song in dutch (kinda crazy sounding)
annie: well what do you think
gray: i think i'm worried about my ear drums
annie: what do you expect it was in dutch
gray: no it wasn't, it was in jack's room and it wasn't good

gotta love it!

Steroids are not your friend...

I know everyone already knows this. I'm not talking about the make-me-look-like-some-monster-pro-wrestler-turned-Incredible Hulk. I'm talking about the steroids Sam has to take when he gets croup. I know they are necessary. It is the only thing that even comes close to giving him relief from the terrible seal-like coughing. But...WOW! He has been bouncing around this house all day like a ping-pong ball! Running in circles through the front rooms singing "'cause I'm so happy, so very happy, I've got the love of Jesus in my heart" over and over and over. Then, hiding in different room and jumping out at me as I walk by with this demonic Chucky laugh. And bobbing up and down in his carseat, taking off the seat-belt because he JUST CAN'T SIT STILL and kicking the back of my chair with both feet until I think I'm going to cause the airbag to deploy! And did I mention the barking! No, not coughing, barking...like a dog, and running up and down the hall on all fours....FOR HOURS!!! Now, let's talk about the eating....OMG! Before 10:00 this morning, he had eaten the following:

2 slices turkey bacon, 1 bowl cereal, 1 bag of chips, 1 slice of pizza, 1 box of nerds, 1 fruit roll-up and a string cheese...wow!

A necessary evil for sure, but man o man, who IS this kid!

Happy Birthday Tita

My sister--the Kids' Aunt Tita--turned 40 today. Hard to believe my big sister is that old.

Happy Birthday, Tita!

Happy Birthday, Sammy!

Five years ago today, Sam Hutton made his surprise entry into our lives--well, we knew he was coming, just not that day and definitely not the way he came!

It was as if he was saying, "I will not be ignored!"

Sam is growing up so fast--and if you see him, please wish our Sam monkey

Happy Birthday!

Thanks

On Thanksgiving morning, I ran in my first Turkey Trot. Eight miles--farther than I'd ever run at one time before. I was lucky to start the very chilly run with a fun group: David, Allison and Angela.

I found myself alone by mile 5, which was a very tough mile. However, right after the turnaround point headed to the marker for mile 6, I saw a wonderful sight: my family, cheering me on. I was greeted with very loud cheers and awesome homemade signs.

This was the front of Will's sign: "You can Doo it Dad."

Luckily, at that point in the run, I just needed to pee.

This was the back of Will's sign.

Made me feel a little like Forrest Gump!

This was Jack's sign.

"Go Ames" -- I think he knew I couldn't chase him down at that point in the race!

All of the kids were very concerned before the race about whether or not I would win--they were sweetly convinced that I would win--at the end I think that we all were just glad that I finished in one piece!

And this was Annie's sign. Very creative!

Sam's sign contained secret messages that only he and I can decode.

All of this said, I was reminded on Thanksgiving, as I rounded the turn and saw my family waiting for me on the race route, cheering and waving their signs, how thankful I am to have such a wonderful family that supports me and loves me. I am truly blessed by my family and I appreciate all that they do to lift me up and love me! Happy Thanksgiving indeed!

Be on the lookout...

If you are out on the soccer fields (as we always are this time of year), be on the lookout for.......

Lightning Sam!!!

He's fast, he's purple, his tongue is sticking out (his secret weapon)
.....it's Lightning Sam!

Busy, busy, busy....

...should be our family mantra! Yet I'm always talking about cutting back and taking it easy, saying no and just chilling out. Is that even possible with four kids? Anyway, here is a little more of what we've been up to this fall.....


Will joined an elite and prestigious club....hey there toothless Joe!


Halloween was a little scary this year! Yikes, what happened to fairy princesses and football players! :)


....and then it got scarier!



And then even scarier!!! Sorry I blocked you with my "Y", babe. Guess I got caught up in the moment....or maybe I was distracted by the short shorts...raowr! :)



The annual Kindergarten trip to the Arboretum...and a cute photo op for Willie G and me!

More to come....

School Daze....

It has been years since I posted anything...well maybe not years but a really, really long time. So much has transpired since then that it just makes sense to start fresh. The fall has flown by at lightning speed...I'm convinced October is the shortest month of the year! And, as we quickly approach Thanksgiving next week, I thought I'd share the things I'm most thankful for!


I can't believe I have 3 in school! They love it and that makes me a happy mama!


...and our future seahawk will be there next fall! (hopefully not wearing those socks!)


Could they get any dirtier!! God bless Oxy Clean!



My baby girl...not so little anymore! Wow she is growing up fast....but isn't she breathtaking!



Last but not least, I am truly thankful for their awesome daddy! You rock, babe!



WOW it's a crazy, busy, roller-coaster of a life...so much to be thankful for!

One Love

How cool to see what the world can do if we all work together.

Playing For Change | Song Around The World "One Love" from Concord Music Group on Vimeo.

Neighborhood Patrol

Anyone who drives down our street knows that you have to watch out for our Neighborhood Patrol. They're kinda like the White Rock Valley version of the A-Team. Here is the resplendent younger contingent of that group,

in all their glory:

Watch out, folks, or the Neighborhood Patrol will getcha!

PS: I love the fact that Reed has got his 'Horns up

in preparation for the big game this weekend!