During my Break...

We spent Thanksgiving at the Reid's house this year. They are not "technically" related, but they are family to me. They have an amazing place in Green Bluff...just past Spokane, the kids love it there. So while Denise and I prepared Thanksgiving dinner, (comedy) Steve, John, and Makenzie took the kids to the high school where John works to let them burn off some energy in the gym. Once Denise and I had gotten everything ready to go in the oven, we had some down time, so I grabbed my handy dandy camera case and walked around their yard to find some cool pictures. (I don't know if yard is the right word for their unbelievable land...more like park.) Here are some of my favorites; (I should probably state that dinner turned out fantastic ;)

I know this one was not taken in their yard as mentioned before, but whatevs.

Halloween was...

Preschool parties. Trunk or Treating. Harry Potter, Unknown Phantoms, Sidekicks and Power Rangers. Eskimos and Boxers. Family and treats, candy for weeks, er....days. ;)

P.S. Couldn't be happier it's over. ;)

Loving me some.....

Freckles!

(..and the fact that he has been giving me so many hugs and kisses lately.)

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. ;)