The "Sex" talk

Trenton and I were in his room straightening up when he says quite loudly, "SEX." Cough choke, "What did you say?" He says it again, "SEX." Gasping I think to myself where in the world could he have heard that from?! So I ask him, "What is that?" He matter of factly tells me, "A numba." PHEW!!!! (wiping hand across forehead) crisis averted...for now.

My kids and Spencer this week in a nutshell

Trenton comes up to me just now saying; "Mom, can I watch Build the Bobba?" Knowing he was saying it wrong he tries again, "I mean Build the Bobba?, wait what is it called again?" I tell him "Bob the Builder." "Yeah Build the Bobba. Oh, I just can't say that."


Tyson finds an object he sees as a telephone and carries on quite the conversation, unfortunately that object is....Easton's cup.


I picked Spencer up from preschool yesterday and he and Trenton were discussing who their Grandparents are. Trenton told Spencer who his Grandparents were and then asks him, "Who are your other Grandma and Grandpa?" Spencer replies, "Grandma Goude." Trenton keeps on, "No who are your other Grandma and Grandpa?" Spencer then says, "Well I call Grandma PJ my Grandma." (That's my Mom.) Trenton asks him one more time and Spencer finally says, "Wait, be quiet for a minute, let me say my name so I can remember my other Grandma." Very quietly he says to himself. "Spencer... Buchanan." Ding Ding Ding the lightbulb goes off and he says, "Grandpa Buchanan and Grandma Buchanan!" Good thinkin' Spence, good thinkin'.


Graycie is an animal when it comes to playing soccer. She is passionate and intense. I have never seen another child try harder than she does out on the field. It is crazy watching her play because you can litteraly see it in her face how hard she is trying to kick the ball, run, or play defense. I could try and try to explain the look on her face, but luckily with the help of my new handy dandy camera you can see for yourself. I couldn't be more proud.
Click on the pictures to see them larger...this way you can see her face and get the full effect.

Goal kick. Her coach usually has her do this because when she gets a good kick it goes clear to the other side of the field.

This was one of her "good" kicks.

She's quite the dominant player.

Kick off. Check out the wind up.

Pretty much an all around super star.

Easton is a good kid. Unfortunately he has been having some struggles showing that to some of the adults at his school. And by adults I mean everyone other than his teacher. He has a problem with authority and protests when he is told to do something. Usually that protest comes in the form of him telling the teacher, dutie or whoever, "You're not my boss, I don't have to listen to you." GASP! I know, I know... what the Jhonny is he thinking? That is what we keep asking ourselves. We have been working our butts off trying to figure out how to resolve this little issue we have been having. I am proud to say that he is doing better. His Vice Principal called me yesterday and told me, "I want to start this conversation positively, Easton has been doing SO much better at school, I am proud of the choices he has been making, and I know that he will continue on the right path." Thank you Mrs. Whitney. Usually our phone conversations went a little something like this. Phone rings. I check the caller ID. It says Pasco Public School District, CRINGE.
I answer-What now?
Mrs. Whitney-How are you?
Me-I don't know, you tell me.
Whitney-Well Easton blah blah blah. (going into detail the terrible things my child has done)
Me-Awesome.
Whitney-He will lose his afternoon recess this week and be on lunch clean up.
Me-Well don't wear him out too much, he has to have some energy to clean toilets when he gets home.
I am hoping those phone calls are long gone, but I know in my mind Easton will always have struggles with school. Whether it is with respect or getting his work done on time, this will be our lives until he graduates from highschool. He is such an amazing kid. His capabilities are unmeasurable. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that if we can keep this kid on the right track, and confident, he will do amazing things. That alone makes the hard work worth it. He has been a joy at home, and I love being around him. I think that is the hardest thing about this whole situation. Having to discipline him for things he has done at school, when he doesn't act that way anywhere else. He wrote me a note yesterday that about made me curl up into the fetal position and cry. This is what he wrote.
To Mom
From Your loved one Easton
I love you so much you can't even imagine how much I love you. I'll always be your littil boy.
Yeah, that did it for me. Dude you are so not grounded from the Wii anymore. ;)

Doing his homework.

Amazing form.

How can you be mad at that?

Memory Lane

I was going through some old video's I made and this was one of my favorites. I couldn't resist putting it up.

In the video I thought he was telling me that he locked the door. I now know that he was trying to tell me it was an "accident." I swear if this kid wasn't so cute...

E(aston)SPN

Easton started tackle football this year. Something he had been so excited to start. He did two years of flag football and was ready to move up to pads and helmets.

Looking like a pro all geared up.

In a game recently, he was getting really frustrated with this weasel who kept grabbing his jersey. After one play, the kid pulled his jersey completely off his pads. Now, I don't know too much about football, but I do know that grabbing jersey's is not okay.

So after this play, Easton decided since the refs weren't taking care of his problem he'd handle it himself. And by handle it, I mean shove the kid to the ground...

Ah, poor weasel.

Easton's coach said he is the most improved player on the team...

I say he is the freakin cutest! (of course, I don't tell him that out loud.)

DISCLAIMER: I don't really think that kid is a weasel nor do I call him that in front of children.

Boys in White

Easton was baptized Saturday the 20th of September. It was the best baptism I have ever been to. The amount of pride I felt for my 8 year old son, who was SO excited to be baptized, but still wanted to wait for my parents to come home from their mission. (He turned 8 in May.) Such a thoughtful and compassionate boy. I have not felt the spirit that strongly in so long. I was so greatful to everyone who participated. The talks and prayers were heartfelt, the musical number... no words, and the baptism, beautiful. A day I will remember and look back upon with joy in my heart. I couldn't have been prouder of these two boys.

Got Hair?

What? A post, that can only mean one thing.....

Yep that's right, I GOT A NEW CAMERA!!! WOO WOO!!! Now I just want to learn everything there is to know about photography...that shouldn't take too long, should it? (should is a weird word.) Okay so I know Tyson's hair is too long, and Trenton is throwing his classic "I'm going to whine and cry cuz I didn't get my way" fit, and yes Auberella looks like an orphan straight out of the 70's (in the cutest possible way.) But hey, I GOT A NEW CAMERA!!!!

Say cheese------y

This is what he does when I say, "Smile" now imagine what he does when I say, "Smile, harder"

NO PICTURES...NO POSTS

I am getting closer and closer to getting my new camera. I realize that my favorite posts to read and to write are the ones that are accompanied by a photo. If you notice, my post to day ratio really slowed after coming home from vacation, (way back in June.) Simple explanation...the camera that I had, flew off the top of our van and shattered into pieces. And no, I didn't leave it sitting on top of the van, we hit some pretty severe wind and it ripped the top of the rocket box off sending all of our stuff flying across the freeway, long story. Result, no more photos.

I actually have another camera that flew off with the rest of our stuff, it didn't shatter, but it now takes crappy pictures (see this post.) So until I get a new camera....or I have something I just HAVE to say, or I have something to post about that I already have a picture for, or I'm bored, or whatever. I guess this post is pointless, just me whining again about how badly I want a new camera. Go figure.

UGH!!!

I find it so incredibly frustrating being SOOOOO tired, but not being able to sleep...what's up with that? In the summertime I have absolutely no problem sleeping from the time I hit my pillow 'til the time my bloomin' kids decide they need something to eat. I sleep like a baby...LIKE A BABY! Now school starts and I can't sleep. EGAD!!! I was woken up at 3:45 AM by my daughter who was "scared." "Go back to sleep, there is nothing to be scared of." I tell her. She cries and says, "But Mom, I'm scared." "Think of happy things...and go. to. sleep." My patience wearing thin. "I can't." She says. "Do you want the dogs to sleep in your room?" "Yes." "Okay, now go to sleep...Love you." "Love you, too." Crisis averted.

Now I'm left laying in bed wide awake. Tossing and turning, I try to find a comfortable position. I close my eyes and.....nothing!!! Ahhh, the frustration. And to make it worse, my husband is not so "sound" asleep right next to me. Snoring away in a blissful sleep. Let's see, a swift jab to the back oughtta take care of that. JAB. No such luck. How bout a kick to the knee cap? No? I guess I'll have to smack ya in the forehead. Yep, that did it. Now I know your thinking, geez, how mean. But in my defense...I'M TIRED!!! Being tired can make you do some crazy things. And there's nothing worse than trying to go to sleep when someone is laying there next to you snoring.

A few hours pass and what do you know I'm still awake and it's time for Steve to get up for work. "Joy." I give him credit, because he tries to be quiet...but seriously, how many times do you need to come in and out of the room?!!! I kid you not, he comes in and out of our bedroom at least ten to twenty times a morning. Looking for a belt, or keys, or whatever but seriously get out of the bloody room already.

I don't know what my problem is because during the summer, I can sleep through all of it. But the moment school is in session, I. can't. sleep. Go figure, now when I really need sleep...I can't.

Signed,
Restless in Fall

And they're off!!!!

Both of these kids were so excited for school to start today that they didn't go to bed until after 10 o'clock last night. I expect this from Graycie...but Easton!!! All I can say is, "Please God, let it last."

I woke him up this morning and he says, "Oh SCHOOL, YES...YES!!!" I was shocked... but oh, so pleased.

Thanks to Grandma Lando, Graycie is sporting a super rad High School Musical backpack, which she requested I take a picture of this morning.

Speaking of pictures... I know these ones suck. I blame the camera. seriously. It is the only one I have, for now. As mentioned in my previous post I am saving for a nicer camera. I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas to come, when the days feel like months, I just want it SO bad!!! Wow, that was irrelevant.

Yes, the kids are off to school. Two down.... two to go, baby.

Short is Key

So I've been thinking.....

and I decided that I don't blog enough....SHOCKER!!!

I've had an epiphany. I realize now that my posts don't have to be all long, and creative and stuff. What a relief. So I've decided to update with a few key points.

* School starts WEDNESDAY!!!! (Where did the summer go?)

* Easton is playing TACKLE football. (I am a lot more calm then I THOUGHT
I would be.)

* My parents come home from their mission in like THREE weeks!!!! (All I know is, they have like a year's worth of babysitting to catch up on!!!)

* Graycie starts soccer on Sat. and she can't wait. (You should see the size of the
calendar I bought to keep up with our busy schedules...seriously it's huge!!!)

* I am currently saving up for a Canon Rebel. (Hopefully you will see pictures
from it in the REALLY near future.)

* I turn 30 on the 30th and I must say, I am just a little weirded out...okay a lot.

Wow...that wasn't so hard. Now let's see if I can keep up with this at least once a week...or once a month.

Love you, Gramps

Grandpa, I miss you

though I know you're not gone

for now in our hearts,

you'll always live on.

I'll always remember

the life that you led,

your amazing laid-backness

the things that you said.

One of the best examples

I've had in my life,

is the way that you treated

your sweetheart, your wife.

I was always impressed

and so happy to see

that while around all of us

a big kid you would be.

You never ran out

of funny jokes to tell

a most permanent smile

we love and know so well.

Fishing and golfing,

a few things you love

I know you're still playing

just now, up above.

Thank you for treating me

like one of your own,

a more loving Grandpa

I've never known.

Always willing
to help where you could

with you in our lives

everything is, "REAL GOOD."

Laugh it out!!!

Sometimes you just need to laugh.......

Dear TYSON...

Dear Tyson, (a.k.a. Ty-Ty, Niners, Tyse, GET DOWN!!!)

What can I possibly say about you, my last little baby? I LOVE you!!! You're lucky for that. I have never in my entire life known a more capable and self dependent toddler than you. If you can't do it by yourself, then chances are you don't want to do it. Swimming for example; I can pretty much guarantee that if I would have let you swim all by yourself without a life jacket you would have had a blast, or drowned. But considering you HAD to wear a life jacket or I HAD to hold you... you HAD to be miserable. Good times. You have been walking for 14 months now, and probably climbing for just as many. By climbing I mean getting onto the counter, or the table, or the bunk beds... the list goes on. Oh the many casualties of your climbing. Let's see, there was my house plant, a container of costco sized syrup, the mini blind wand thingy (the clear rod that opens and closes the blinds) again the list goes on. I pray your climbing days will soon be over, but I pray that your determination will stay with you forever. I am amazed at how hard you will work to get to something you want. When I say, "Tyson, let's get in your high-chair." and if I take to long to put you in, you pull a chair over to your high-chair and climb in all by yourself. I am amazed by you.

It is so fun to watch you play with your brothers and sister. You try SO hard to keep up with them. And to no ones surprise... you do. Dad gets a big kick out of your wrestling skills. You most definitely hold your own with Trenton and Easton. You are so tough. I can't believe that you are 2 already!!! As a matter of fact, you and Trenton can already share clothes! Your little physique is adorable. Dad's favorite feature... your meaty feet. You are one solid little dude. I have never seen a two year old run so fast. A lot of our summer days have been spent at Grandma and Grandpa Lando's house, and to watch you run from one end of their acre to the other is quite impressive. But running is just the beginning. I dare say that your passion is POWER WHEELS. God bless Grandpa for keeping those batteries charged. Talk about another ability that is well beyond your years, all two of them. You maneuver like no ones business. We got you your very own four wheeler for your birthday and you couldn't be happier.

I love that my hair is your comfort. The first thing you do when I pick you up is wind your little fingers in my hair. I also love that you prefer me to anyone else when it is time to rock to sleep. I treasure that time with you. You are getting SO big SO fast. It's bitter sweet. We are becoming a more capable family, able to do more things now that our family is getting older. Our days of diapers and bottles are very numbered. You have proven again that you are no ordinary two year old; two nights ago you climbed up on the toilet all by yourself (surprise) and went poop. I'm sure this won't be something you'll want to be reading about in about 15 years, but trust me, one day when you have a child of your own, you will understand how impressive this incident is at only 2 years old!!!

You are the perfect addition to complete our family. Life without you would be, well quieter, but not near as much fun. You are an amazing little two year old and we are so proud of you and all that you do. Easton, Graycie, and Trenton get a big kick out of you. You love to make them laugh. It is so entertaining to watch them encourage you do break dance or do somersaults. I guess that's the joy of being the youngest. Everything you do is cute...well not everything, but almost everything. Just always remember that you are capable, Tyson, you have proved this time and time again. I love you!!!

Love,

Mom

P.S. I am SO sorry that this wasn't posted on your actual birthday, so to make up for it I gave you huge pictures. ;)

Dear Graycie...

Dear Graycie, (aka Birdie,Gray Gray, Wompers, Neenie)

DAUGHTER

I am certain the Lord knew what He was doing when He sent me you. He knew I wouldn't have been able to handle a "girlie-girl" which is exactly why we are such match. You definitely have your "girly" side...which is nice. You LOVE make-up and getting your nails painted. You love helping with ANYTHING in the kitchen...cooking, baking, and even cleaning. But if you had the choice between something pink or something blue, you choose blue, everytime. You are the most UNIQUE little girl I have ever known. You are compassionate with every thread of your being. You care about others and love helping wherever you can. Before I had any kids for some reason I was sure that I would have all boys. I don't know why I thought this, I just always did. So after having Easton I thought, "here we go," Then when I was pregnant with you and found out you were a girl, I was not only shocked beyond belief, but relieved that I wouldn't be the ONLY female in the house for the rest of my existence. PHEW!!! I am SO thankful that I have a daughter, and even MORE thankful that that daughter is YOU!!!

ANIMAL AND BABY LOVER

Pretty much from the moment you were walking if there was an animal around, you were never far away. I remember going to Aunt Jay's house and taking you and Easton over to see the horses. You were just barely walking and I figured I would carry you over to get a closer look. Fat chance, you wanted down, marched right over to the ginormous animals and started petting them. I was amazed. You weren't intimidated at all. The first time Easton saw the horses he wouldn't let me put him down, let alone touch them. For the longest time, we called you Lenny, because not only did you love animals and babies, you almost loved them too much. You were stronger than I think you were aware of, so sometimes a simple little hug, became the choke hold of death. There was another time when Aunt Amy and Uncle Jason brought back some little frogs from a camping trip and gave you a couple of them...thanks guys. Some may wonder if you can die from being loved too much...and the answer is yes, yes you can. You have definitely mellowed since then (lucky Carson) and it has been so fun to watch you with your little cousins, they adore you. You still have the love for animals you always did. Your favorite animal right now is Free Willy...that's what you call killer whales.

ARTIST

I don't think I can remember a day that has passed by without you coloring, writing, drawing, or making a craft of some sort. You amaze me with your creativity! I love to watch you making things, but I love it even more when you tell me ALL about it. You are very generous with your art. Whenever you make something you tell me, "I made this for Colton, or Grandma, or whoever.." but it is always for someone. Your creations are always most definitely one of a kind. Your favorite place to find things to craft with is the junk drawer. They weren't lying when they said, "One man's junk is another man's treasure." I also appreciate that you have been very understanding when I explain to you that we can't keep EVERYTHING. I love to watch you learn, because you are so proud of yourself when you've learned something new. You learned how to spell B-A-T-H recently and I never thought I could see that word written in more places...your toy kitchen, the backyard fence, random toys, etc. Although your artwork doesn't always stay were it should, I try to be as supportive as I can, knowing one day, when you become famous for your artwork, I can proudly say..."I never once stifled her creativity."

ATHLETE

You are the roughest and toughest little girl there is. Having three brothers suits you well. It was probably best you didn't have a sister, because if she was girlie or prissy at all, she would have been beaten up on a daily basis...and not by her brothers. You are so competitive...in a good way. You love to work hard and improve upon your skills. You are determined and have a passion for sports that is well beyond your years. It is unbelievable to watch you in a soccer game just laying your heart out there on that field. No one will ever be able to say that you didn't try your hardest. Because practice, game, or even just playing, that is exactly what you do...EVERY TIME. Soccer is your favorite sport right now. Although, I am sure as you become introduced to different sports you will love them all. You played basketball this past winter and even though I had to drag you kicking and screaming, once you realized that you were capable, there was no turning back. You are definitely reserved when it comes to new experiences, but once you try something, you can't get enough. Your work ethic is beyond impressive, not only with sports but doing chores as well. Grandma Lando was so impressed with how much you helped her out in the yard. You could put grown men to shame. I am always proud to say, "that's MY daughter out there."

FRIEND

So thoughtful you are. I love that you care so much about other people. It makes me feel SO good knowing I've at least did something right. I know this because all of my children are SO caring and giving. Children LOVE you, Graycie. I don't think you will ever have a problem making friends. It was so fun picking you up from kindergarten and seeing all of the friends you had made, quite a few boys I might add. You are a very no nonsense, no drama type of girl...which is very rare. Let's just hope it lasts through your teen years. You are an AMAZING friend and I pray that you and I will share a friendship throughout our lives that we can always fall back on. You have no idea how much I need you in this house full of stinky boys. I love that not only can we paint our nails together but we can go out and shoot some hoops. You are most definitely my perfect daughter. You are SO beautiful and I love you SO SO SO much. Happy birthday, my 6 year old girl!!!

LOVE,
MOM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LIBBY!!!

Happy Birthday

to my neice who's now two

She loves all the characters

from Winnie the Pooh.

She loves reading and Dora

and of course Tellietubbies
You can definately tell

she's a daughter of Bubby's.

She's long and she's lean

like her father once was

she sucks on her middle fingers

sometimes, just because.

Although sweet and serene

her demenor quite rare

She once had a head

of the craziest hair.

She's ticklish all over

especially her ribby
I love you SO much

Happy Birthday, Dear Libby.

(current picture of Libby...coming soon.)

Coming Soon...

I don't know when...but I promise I will be posting about our amazing and eventful vacation very soon.

...post ya later

Yeah, I really did stop for two seconds to say...

LATE-A HATE-A'S!!!

XOXOXO

Just Trenton this week in a nutshell

Trenton is a funny kid, and for those of you who know him....can totally agree. He says funny things ALL the time, but it's not just what he says, it's how he says them.

Ex: A while back Steve and I had finished putting the kids to bed and were ready for some much needed down time. This is usually done by popping some microwave popcorn and watching our shows...exciting, I know. So we're eating popcorn and watching our show (Smallville, don't judge) and out comes little Trenton. This is what he says,

"What's that may-ell (smell)?" Once he saw what that may-ell was he then says, "I want some pop-a-coe-in (popcorn)" I only wish we had that on video because Steve and I laughed so hard. It's just so freaking cute. So of course the little package gets a handful of popcorn and sent back to bed.

Ex: Steve and I were folding some laundry on our bed the other day and little Trenton ALWAYS has to be right in the middle of it. Anyone with small children can back me up when I say that you don't want your kids anywhere near your already folded piles of laundry. So the mean Mom that I am would not allow Trent on our bed and I told him, "Trenton, you can't be on our bed because you cannot control yourself." So Steve and I had both left the room for some reason, probably to make-out or whatever, and come back to Trenton perched on our bed in the middle of all the laundry. I go to take him off and he says with his arms raised like he was under arrest, "I twolling myself, I twolling myself!"

Ex: My kids have come to find this statement to be true; Grandma Lando always has gum in her purse. Knowing this Trenton was asking Grandma for some gum in her purse. Well Trenton can't really say his R's so I'll leave it to you to figure out how he says purse. So Grandma was trying to get Trenton to say puRRRse. She would say it and then he would well try to say it. She tried about three or four times to help him say the word purse correctly when Trenton finally gave up and said, "My body dis can't do dat."

Ex: Easton and Trenton were having a conversation about superheros and Easton tells Trenton, "you don't know anything about super-hero's." Trenton says, "Uh-huh!" Easton says, "Well then what is Superman's weakness?" Trenton tells him in his most confident and "so there!" voice..."Bee-stings." Booyah!

I know I usually do "My kids this week in a nutshell" but let's face it, Trenton is the funniest one. ;)

AHHHHH

Uh, just wanted to point out my little counter to the right. You see it? Yeah, the one right under my flowers. Yep, you read right. About a week to go, and I couldn't be more excited!!!!!!



Now...picture me on an excerball bouncing with my arms raised while saying this.)





WOO WOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dear TRENTON...

Dear Trenton, (a.k.a. Noodle, Mr. Noodle, Forshniggity, T, Trenny)

Man, I Love you!!!

You still seem like the baby to me. But already four years old, I can't hardly keep up. I can't even begin to tell you the countless compliments I get about you. From the day you were born up until now, they haven't slowed a bit. People look at you and tell me All the time, how freaking cute they think you are. Or how you could melt a heart by a simple smile. Heartbreaker. And for the people that know you tell me how they think you will be able to get away with anything just be giving a certain look. I have been told that you smile with your whole face, which is most definitely true...I think even your ears smile. Those big blue eyes are your ticket to anywhere. You do have a kind of mischievousness about you. Always thinking and always figuring out ways to be included or getting attention. Nine times out of ten you accomplish what you've set out to do. Effective. I love that you are finally finding your way. It's so fun to see you gaining confidence everyday in the things you do. You work hard at things and are easily motivated. Dad or I could get you to do anything if we start with, "I'll give you a dollar if..." It is so funny because now if we ask you to do anything you ask, "will you give me a dolla?" I usually answer with, "Sure, I'll give you a dolla if when I take you to Grandmas, you'll give me a dolla." You always say okay and then do what you've been asked. Motivated.

I can't believe how much you have grown this past year. You absolutely LOVE preschool! The beginning of the year was a different story though. It used to be quite the scene to drop you off. You would cry and scratch and call names. Oh, I so don't miss that. You have made a complete one-eighty. Now you are always asking me, "Do I have school today?" And if the answer is no, well you aren't too happy about that. Thank you, Mrs. Kristen. I have so much joy watching you go to school. I am impressed with how much you have accomplished in such a short amount of time. Determined. I hope that your love of school stays with you forever.

You are the kindest boy I know. You have a special love for babies and kids who are younger than you. Sweatheart. You always have to hug Sophie when she's around and give her a little rub on her head. Sometimes making Aunt Amy a little upset, considering she had just fixed her hair. When we go to Easton's baseball games, you can always be found running around with all the other little kids. You talk so sweet to your little cousins and always smile when you are around them. Sincere. You have a special bond with Graycie. As soon as she gets home from kindergarten you two are off playing like the best of friends. I love to see that. Loyal. You look up to Easton and are interested in the things that he's interested in. You collect Pokemon cards simply because your big brother does. Adorable. You and Tyson are like two little bear cubs. Wrestling and chasing each other all the live long day. Boy. It's pretty fun to watch you two interact. I pray that you will always be close with your siblings. Heaven knows you can't sleep without them.

You have such a soft side. You still love to be held and cuddled...I love that. I live for the moments when it is just you and I reading a book together. You get as close as you can and smile the whole time. You absolutely love getting your back rubbed. Every time we are around Grandma Lando, you crawl up onto her lap and ask, "Gwama, will you please scwatch my bayack?" Always more than willing Grandma draws picture after picture on your tiny little back. Cuddler. You love going to your Great Grandma and Grandpa Doni's house. Always giving kisses and hugs. And when it's time to leave, you ask to stay. I know they get the biggest kick out of that. You are lucky to be so close with your extended family. They all adore you!

I remember the day you were born like it was four years ago. The first thing Dad said was, "Lis, he's really big!" DUH, as if I couldn't tell! But boy was he right. At 9lbs. 9oz. You were the biggest by far of all your siblings. I will never forget looking at you for the first time and melting over the chubbiest cheeks I had ever seen. The chub didn't last for long though. You started out off the growth charts for weight, and then completely dropped off the other end. I worried for a while but now realize that you are just skinny...count your blessings. I love your little physique. You have always been fast and coordinated. You can climb anything. Dad and I are excited now that you are finally expressing interest in playing sports. For the longest time we would ask you if you wanted to play soccer or baseball, you would always tell us no. Recently you told us that you want to play soccer and we can't wait for your season to start.

I am so proud of the boy that you are. I'm always amused that you don't ask me questions all the time like the typical kid does. Instead you make a statement and end it with, "wight MaMa?" This makes my job this much easier since all I have to do is say, "Right Trenton." You are so confident in the things that you do. Admirable. You have a certain sparkle about you that is so infectious. You make Dad and I laugh all the time. I have been so blessed that you are the person you are. You care about others and have a naturally open heart. The world is a better place with you in it. I know that sounds corny but I believe that with all of my heart. You are a funny little dude, Trenton James, and I'm glad that your mine!!!

I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU, I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!

MaMa

Just bragging

So no joke...playing city league volleyball on Tuesday night, I get the most amazing set. (Thanks Kate!) I jump into the air and crank it like I was in college again (ah, the glory days.) It felt so good to hit soo hard!!! A much needed stress relief. But wait, it gets better. We were playing against a team who are extremely talented. One guy in particular, can crush the ball so hard that when he hits you pretty much put your hands up in front of your face and plead with the Lord Almighty that you don't get tagged. Justice was served when my hit smacked him right in his chest! THUD!!! His team laughed and our team shouts, "Now you know how we feel!!!" Ahhh, feels good.

Dear EASTON...

Dear Easton, (a.k.a. Bug, Ichiro, Chubba, Eastonian, E)

First off...I Love You!!! Simply and completely.

Friend.
I have never know a more compassionate boy. You genuinely care about others and I have always been impressed with that. You would share anything you had no matter if it was your last cookie or piece of candy, just to make your friend happy. Selfless. You love to trade Pokemon cards. I think more so for the social aspect of it. You would trade a card not necessarily to get a card you want, but to give someone else the card that they want. Thoughtful. You don't put circumstances on your friendships and you never hesitate when one of your friends asks something of you. You stick up for your friends with no fear. Impressive. I am amazed that you grasp the concept of friendship in its entirety. No one would make a better friend than you!

Brother.
Oh, what can I say...you are most definitely a brother. A brother much like your father was/is. You fight with Graycie and Trenton, and laugh when Tyson is doing something naughty. Typical. You've pretty much got the bases covered in terms of basic textbook brothering. You don't like when your siblings mess with your stuff or sometimes even look at you. According to my research this is all within the realm of normalcy as far as brothers are concerned. To this I am thankful or better yet, relieved. But all that aside, you play with your siblings. And it is in these moments I am happiest as your Mother. Your brothers and sisters admire you! Worthy. Graycie wants to do things, just because you do. You are paving the way for them and for this your path is more difficult because it's not yet been traveled. Courageous. I know you were first for a reason, and I know you are capable of dealing with the responsibilities that comes with being the oldest.

Boy.
You love doing all the things boys do. You live for the summertime. If school no longer existed this would be just fine by you. You love your dogs and have a special bond with Jett. Loyal. You have a passion for fishing and proved to be extremely talented. At Rainbow Lake, while everyone else was waiting for a nibble, you were reeling in fish after fish. You cast by yourself and improved tremendously since our last trip. Patient. Hunting is another passion of yours. Although I may have to drag your booty out of bed for school, if you know you're going hunting, you are awake even before Dad. Unbelievable. You love to be out there with Dad and Grandpa Lando. You are lucky to have that, Easton. You love to hear stories and pay attention with great detail. You ask questions about your relatives that have already passed on, but not just ask...you care. Amazing. You have played baseball now for four years. And with each year comes great improvement. Dad has been coaching you for the last two years and I know there is nothing he would rather do. He gets to share his passion with you. I see how much you want to please him, but please know that no matter what you do on the field, it is the time that you spend with him that pleases him most...not the hits. Blessed. Riding your motorcycle at Grandma Lando's house has been a highlight of your days. You are quite skilled in your maneuvers and have expressed wanting to race. Daring. When you grow up you want to be on the Deadliest Catch or in the air force. Fearless. You are such a wonderful grandson, not only to all of your Grandparents, but to your Great-Grandparents too. You have developed amazing relationships with them and have placed a tremendous amount of importance on the ties you've created. Respectful. You are a well rounded boy with many interests and talents. You know how to have fun and you have the best laugh. Your passion for life will serve you well. Don't ever stop believing and dream Big!!!

Son.
My life was never more important until the day you were born. May 16th, 2000. At 3 1/2 weeks early you made your grand appearance at 6lbs. 1oz. You were so tiny. Your tininess quickly turned to not-so-tininess. Your personality grew quicker than you did though. You were talking very early and socialized with anyone who'd pay you any kind of attention. Ham. You smiled all the time! You were the easiest kid and went everywhere with Dad and I. Even if it meant staying out 'til midnight. You never cried or complained. Trooper. Things have changed somewhat since then, and you now have a complaint or two under your belt. My favorite is when you tell me or Dad that you are not our slave. I have to laugh at some of the things you argue with us about. Partly because you are trying to argue fact, but partly because you remind me of me. Stubborn. You ask me questions all the time. I love that as you've gotten older we can talk now. You listen with great intent. I cherish the moments when you and I can conversate uninterrupted. You make me laugh all the time. You teach me how to be a kid again. Priceless. I can't believe that you are already 8!!! To me, you were born just yesterday. I remember people telling me how fast the time goes, and I can't believe that they were right. I miss holding you and rocking you to sleep. But I look forward to the relationship we will continue to build. Hopeful. I am so glad that I get to be your Mom. I could go on and on forever, but I can't possibly tell you in words exactly how much I love you...because Webster won't allow.

Happy Birthday!!!!
Love,
Mom.