alex really does go to school

I have always managed to forget my camera when taking Alex to school. I really love his school-- Bellevue Heights Nursery School for those in Syracuse. It is a bit pricey but well worth it. Anyway for the Christmas program they had a cute little program with cookies after.


Seth, Sue, and Alex (Seth went to school here last year and loves Sue too).

the perfect snow

We had the perfect snow storm. It was very wet snow so Seth made himself a fort or barricade all by himself. It is pretty big for a little kid to make alone. Then the 3 little boys had fun destroying it.

First snow

The first snow came early in November this year. It only lasted a couple of hours, but the boys enjoys it none the less. I will admit that as I gathered all the snow gear for the boys my shoulders sagged and bit as I signed, "It begins." However we haven't had snow again for a month. Tonight we should get our first really storm. Hopefully we will get a good layer that will stay more then a few hours.

Alex getting ready to sled down the hill in the backyard.

Trey, a friend, and Seth.

What a blur.....

October has been a blur. It started with Jeff heading to San Diego, CA for an ENT conference. When he got back the family headed North to go camping. We didn't decide until very late if we'd got because of the weather. It was supposed to be cold and wet. But we ended up braving it out and had a great time. We camped at Fish Creek Pond-- one of the last campgrounds left open for the season. We also visited Lake Placid on Sunday and had wonderful time at church and seeing the beautiful town. We got back Tuesday and had Wednesday to get unloaded and ready for Jeff's parents to get in town on Thursday. They were coming for Oliver and Alex's birthdays over the weekend. Mix a bit of the flu in there and I think you have our October. Plus we still need to have Halloween!!! Anyway here is a fun picture of Jeff and Spencer in San Diego. I am going to put our pictures in the next several posts.

I'll never hear this again.....

Each of my boys, except Dane, have said something I thought never to hear from them. It just so happened that it was all in a few days time-- (a week or so ago). I just kind of laughed at each of the boys and said, 'What are the odds?!?'

Each afternoon Dane goes down for his nap after lunch. On Wednesday and Fridays the little guy I watch takes a nap too. Trey loves his naps and as soon as lunch is over he asks, "Can I take my nap now?" Well of course I take him up and let him take his nap-- usually 3 hours long. On this particular day Alex was walking upstairs with us and said, "I want to take a nap too." I didn't really take him seriously and tucked in Trey. Alex got in Oliver's bed, pulled up the covers and said, "Good night mom." I laughed said good night and went downstairs checking on him about 20 minutes later. He had switched to Bryant's bed. Then came down a few minutes later. Thanks Trey for helping Alex take a little rest.

Seth just started taking piano lessons with me. We sit together at the piano as he practices each day. About one week into this he asked, "Mom can I practice now. I am really good." I know that this sentiment of wanting to practice will not last long. We will enjoy it while it lasts.

Bryant is my studious thoughtful guy. He will lay out his clothes and is thoughtful about getting everything he is asked done. All the boys know that they don't get screen time or to play with friends if their jobs aren't done. That includes about 8 or 9 things they need to do each day-- get dressed, make your bed, eat and clear your dishes, practice piano, homework-- you get the idea. Not really a lot from my point of view but a lot to growing boys who are learning to take care of themselves, their stuff and responsibilities. Finally I get to what Bryant says. He gets out of bed calls me to the bottom of the stairs and says, "Mom get me up at 6:45. It really isn't that early." You heard right that was 6:45am. He wanted both Oliver and himself to practice the piano before school. I told Jeff the wake them up in the morning, but not to try very hard. Those two boys got mad and kept requesting the early wake up call. They even went so far as to say what we could do to they to wake them up. "Twisting noses, water, yelling" were some of then suggestions. I am waiting to see how long this lasts.

Oliver and Bryant just got new carpet in their bedroom. We rearranged the furniture leaving the room, clean and open. One night we sat in the room ready to read scriptures. Oliver was putting away the last few legos on the ground. As he finished he look at Bryant and said, "Bryant let's clean up our room every night." I have to say that their room has stayed clean for over a week and a half. Here is to another 10 days.

Baltimore Woods

In Marcellus NY is a fabulous nature preserve called Baltimore Woods. Oliver, Bryant, Seth went to day camp for a week this summer. They all had a fabulous time. They could not have gotten dirtier or been happier. I think that children who are allowed to get dirty are happier and more adjusted in life. They each had a day to go in the mud pit and in they did. I didn't recognize Seth at first. You can tell by the pictures. I don't have any pictures of Oliver-- Sorry bud. They found tons of frogs, crayfish, build animal habitats, played games, had a tug of war, made candles and hiked and hiked and hiked. They slept great that week. While the three big boys were playing so did Alex, Dane and I. Marcellus park was a hit. So to anyone who lives near Syracuse I highly recommend heading to Baltimore Woods. The day camps are a bit pricey, but well worth it. They also have other activities as well. We went to the star party and were able to check out the stars, planets and milky way. Very cool!!

Funnies

New funny stories

Oliver was saying the prayer and asked the we could all "be happy and whatnot". Do you think my children are too casual in their prayers?

Next Oliver and I were at the store to get him some new shoes, then we looked at the clothes. He found a few shirts he liked then I moved to the next section while he kept looking. Next thing I know I here my son say he wants the pink shirt. I looked up from the pants and gave him a funny look. "Pink is a manly color." he said

Alex had a banana and handed it back to me saying, "I'm afraid I don't like it."

There are a few other funny things the boys have said lastly, but I didn't write them down. As soon as I remember then you all can hopefully have another laugh.

gross

In my attempt to keep my kids from fighting and making me crazy this summer we have a very full schedule. On Monday we were hiking in the morning (to keep the boys moving) and that evening we went to the Syracuse Orchestra outdoor concert(to try and keep them cultured). Both were very fun and went great. We did have some bathroom calls though. On the hike we stopped to use the port a potty. I was grossed out by how cool my boys thought they were. I kept saying, "Don't touch anything. It is dirty!!" We used a lot of hand sanitizer at the car. So that night at the concert Alex said he needed to poop. The concert was by Green Hill Grocery Store. I was walking by the port a potty to go into the store for a hopefully cleaner place. As the two of us pass by, Alex yells out, "I want the dirty bathroom!" Gross!!!! is all I can say. I went into the store anyway, but had to come back out because the store bathroom was for the musicians. Alex was happy to be back to the port a potty. I just don't quite know what to think about my son for this one.

alex has my genes-- poor kid

Alex got two bug bites and unfortunately he has my genes. I used to swell up like this. We were at Seth's last soccer game when he got bit. I saw the mosquito and it took a few seconds for me to get it. I squished it. Gross... blood was all over my palm and Alex's forehead. I probably pushed whatever it is that makes you swell into Alex. Saturday night it was a bit swollen but I had to point it out to Jeff so he noticed. However Sunday morning... well you can see the pictures. This was Father's Day and the Primary was singing to their dads. I was trying to have Alex go up, but Jeff was like, "Don't make him go up there." I think he thought Alex would be more of a distraction. Luckily Monday morning I could see some eyeball. The swelling kept going down all day. Today, Wednesday, there is just a bit of discoloration-- red and blotchy. Thank heavens for Benadryl.


He got a bite on his opposite cheek too.

Alex is trying to open his eyes to see.

Alex and Dane

I thought these two videos where cute of the two youngest boys. Alex is talking about the tools from Handy Manny-- or as he calls them Manny Manny. Dane loves to eat. We had rice and beans. He eats 3 or 4 of his little bowls. More than Alex by a ton. What can we say but that he loves to eat. Not a surprise his first sentence was, "I eat." (See earlier post). Dane is also using a spoon and fork now as well.

Birthday

It was my birthday this last week. I had a great day. I was cleaning out closets. I know not your typical birthday activity, but it felt very good to finally have it off my to do list. Plus we are planning on having a garage sale next week.

Thanks everyone who called with birthday wishes and tokens. Everyone asked, "What are you doing for your birthday?" As a point of principle I don't plan my birthday celebrations. I don't bake my cake. I will however make dinner. So I didn't exactly know what we were doing that night. Plus we weren't sure when Jeff would get home. We were hoping for between 6 and 6:30. He made it at 8. To try and keep this short. Oliver and Bryant made my cake. Oliver, during the prayer that night, asked for a splendid day and blessed the cake that it would be good so he wouldn't be embarrassed. Oliver and Alex decorated the cake words and all. Seth had a present he got from our friends garage sale. Don't worry it wasn't bad. It is a cute little candle holder for when we have homemade pizza at the 'Nelson Pizzeria'. He was very excited. Alex told me I was princess. He was looking at my bridal shot. I was still in my sweaty running clothes when he said it. I didn't look like a princess, but my picture did. It was cute.

The most tender part of my birthday was my friend Cathy. She is trying to quit smoking. She saved her cigarette money for two weeks when she didn't smoke and bought me a very nice pair of pearl earrings-- my birth stone. Now I know that she didn't have to do this. But I also know what a sacrifice it was for her. Quitting smoking is a difficult thing to do and I am sure their are many other things she could do with the money saved. That is the part that made it so special to me.

I haven't uploaded my pictures to the computer, but I'll add some pictures when I do.

Seth is moving on

Seth finished Pre-school. He loved this year at Bellevue Heights. I must admit that I did too. So much so that Alex is attending there for two days in the fall. I had planned on doing a coop, but plans changed. Anyway there was a very cute moving on ceremony. The kids sang and recited 3 songs. Then each child got their name called and they got to walk over the bridge. After there was lunch and pony rides. I don't have a ton of pictures because I had to run like crazy from the flag day parade to get there. Alex had seen the ponies outside and wasn't happy being inside. Dane wanted to 'help' with the camera. So I didn't get a picture of Seth on the bridge.

Once the program was over the teachers were so helpful. They helped me with the boys even cutting the watermelon for Dane so he could eat it. I didn't have the stroller with me so I was holding him and couldn't do it. Mom's only have so many hands. But his teachers were so thoughtful and accommodating. Outside Seth and Alex got to ride the pony named BOB. Dane sat on him, but didn't like it-- even with me holding onto him. Maybe next time.

We finished off the afternoon with Seth's friend Tommy at Chuck E. Cheese. It was very enjoyable.

random pics

Okay this is a somewhat random picture, but Bry likes to create food art. This is get ready for it-- The Garden of Gethsemane. The trees are broccoli, chicken the rock and the carrots are Christ. It is actually a bit sacrilegious, but what do you do.


Too tired to get dressed after his bath.


Oliver working on his pinewood derby car.


Dane loves to cheese for the camera.


He is trying to get dressed---


Our St. Patrick's Day cake

Let's play ball

Alex and Dane had a great time playing ball with each other. Alex threw the ball and then they both chase it. Once in a while Dane would get the ball. The best part is is the laughter. I love spring when the boys can play outside together.

You can't win them all

No I am not referring to the SU loss in the sweet sixteen-- but rather just my life in general. Alex has finally started pooping in the toilet. How old is he you ask? More than old enough. Anyway after buying a Diego toilet seat and new Diego video that he only get to watch while 'going poop'. Not that he ever went while watching, but he would at least sit there. Anyway Monday we had success, even without the video. We have been promising him and the other boys too that when Alex pooped in the toilet we could go to Chuck E. Cheese-- not my favorite place. However I had purchased gift cards months ago (as in before Thanksgiving) so everyone was excited to go. There was something every night this week and Jeff wasn't getting home in time anyway-- So Saturday was the day. However Seth started throwing up in the middle of the night. Not good. I think he was more excited than Alex. Jeff and I decided to go later in the evening because Seth was acting fine all day. We piled in the car got to Chuck E. Cheese, parked and Seth proceeded to throw up again. Now for all of you with kids you know this is a lose lose situation. You can't take Seth inside and the other boys will by very upset leaving after waiting not only all week, but months as well. I stayed in the car with Seth and Dane while Jeff went in with the rest of the boys and Dane's binkie. While holding Dane I noticed a dirt smudge on the back of Seth's head. The only reason I can see it is because he is bald. Thank heavens for that because it is not a bit of dirt but a tick!!! This is his second tick. He gets them in our yard!! So I moved the car around to the front of Chuck E. Cheese parking in the handicapped spot. I was willing to chance the ticket. I tried to get Jeff paged and just watched for Jeff in the window. Seth spotted Jeff only after a prayer. Needless to say I was glad to get home. Oh and for the record Alex has pooped in the toilet 3 more times!!

Zoo trip

Seth, Alex and I went to the zoo. It was raining, but trying to snow and very windy. We had a great time though. The penguins followed the boys fingers as they swan under water. The tigers tried to lick the boys like a big kitten. Either that or getting ready for a afternoon snack. Alex loved going from rock to rock along the path. He was clueless of the cold weather. Oh the joys of childhood.

Ice skating in Clinton Square

We had a great time ice skating this afternoon. The boys all skated. That is except Dane who is still working on walking. Here are a few shots of everyone. Plus there is a cute video clip of Alex. He says he wants to go faster.