The Fam 2013

About a year ago The Beloved's cousin and his fam moved here from Utah. I knew them a little bit but have grown to love them a lot a bit! The Beloved's cousin's amazing wife became my instantaneous friend and I adore her profusely. She recently captured our family perfectly with her outstanding photographer skills - that I, of course, must share.

Thanks Candice!

Visit -

http://www.candiceandrus.com/

to see more of her marvelous work.

My Family -

a day at the park.

We're Still Doing the Same Old Things....

and a few new -

1.We help each other:

2.Ruckus is notorious for clogging the toilet with the mighty excess coming out of his very own body. 

When this event occurred a few weeks ago, he and the Baby decided to be proactive and plunge away.

After folding a load of laundry I walked up the stairs - curious and nervous when I was greeted by splashing sounds and much laughter.  Ruckus was plunging his heart out and the Baby hands were dancing in that toilet bowl water - any and every direction - having the time of his life.

Somehow toilet paper was also involved.

YUM to it all.

And a few tears from the mother.

3.Little C came to me the other day concerned with the amount of toys cluttering our basement. He suggested that we have a group meeting, allowing the boys to pick out a few beloved toys and then deliver the rest to the local thrift store.

Unreal.

And perfect.

Gotta love him.

Toys to be donated.

4.Little C came to me one day and said,

"Mom, Ruckus is looking at his hair in the bathroom"

I said,

"Okay.... that's kind of weird but really not a big deal".

"But he's cutting it all off!"

I had misunderstood Little C's first comment. 

What he had really said was, "Ruckus is cutting off his hair in the bathroom."

After my brain caught on, I grabbed Ruckus swiftly and put him in time out.

Then a few minutes later Lou walks out and proudly says,

"Mom, look what I did."

He had also cut his hair.

I think he had heard me respond to Little C's first statement that I had misunderstood  and just went to town.

My boys have pretty great hair... I dig it... so I was sad that evening when The Beloved had to shave it all off.

 5.My baldy boys on Easter Morn.

The Baby concerned about how The Beloved could possibly fall asleep during our festivities.

One word.

Okay  - maybe three -

All. Night. Homework.

6. I looked out the window and what did I see?

Not popcorn popping on the apricot tree.

But Little C and Ruckus gardening in their skivvies.  

 They really were creating a garden - notice the gardening gloves. :)

I guess the sprinklers came on while they were hard at work and the easiest solution was to dress down.... to their underwear... and continue working.

Playing it cool with a few poses after they were caught :)

Little C is extremely proud of the muscular appearance his arm is taking on. Funny.

Super underwear-boy?

We are barely just expecting Baby #5....

hopefully this explains my blogging absence.

But... energy, non-barfy-ness, and motivation is returning so you should be hearing from us soon. :)

The Lou-Dog

Let's visit the events of your 5th birthday my little man! :)

The kid party animals  -

The adult party animals -

Most of Lou's life he's been begging to hold a b-day party at Chuck E Cheeses.

I have always responded  - for your 5th b-day party.

Eventually and gratefully this day finally arrived - 

and he was not disappointed!

The party hosts giving directions

Lou rocks his crown while showing off his gifts.

Lou in the money tube anxiously awaiting the cash flow to begin swirling around him. 

Kids with Chuck E

His dream coming true....

Dear Lou,

The b-day party at Chuck E Cheeses seemed so far away in your life line and then it arrived. You're five. 

I always tell you to stop growing, that you're getting too big

and you respond,

do you want me to stop eating and be unhealthy? :)

(Because eating all of your food makes you grow big and strong and have big muscles - a regular conversational piece at the dinner  table.)

I'm always impressed by your good, thought through, logical response.

You say that when you grow up you're going to be an artist like Daddy.

I buy the cheapest reams of computer paper at the store and I think  you go through at least 30 pages a day. 
You love to draw. 
You love to ask me to look up different images on Google that you can copy and create.
If you see something magical on TV, the store, the street, you keep that little picture in your head until you can get it on paper.
Drawing is your love.
You are the perfectionist...
and the corrector. :)
If everyone could do things the RIGHT way it would bring you such joy in life.
Sometimes... well often times you and Ruckus struggle with this trait. But you also are a peacemaker so these little tiffs usually swiftly end with some compromise being made.
The baby adores you Lou! He repeats your name over and over again and you take such good care of him.
You so look forward to getting him out of his crib once his nap time is over and rush to help fill his sippy cup with milk.
You went through a Lego stage this year... spending every waking moment putting together some creation. 
Lego Ninjago.... was the biggest deal ever!
You like to design Lego models and gift them to your family members. So sweet. 
FRIENDS!
You can't quite understand why everyday can't be a day to play with friends. You are quite social and love a good play mate.
If we aren't doing something friend-wise that very moment you'll do a count down every day to see how many grueling days are left until the date arrives.
"Three more days until "so and so" comes over Mom"!
And seriously, you are so smart. 
Your recall is amazing.
We took you out of preschool because you could literally go to first grade next year and do amazing.
But I'm happy you'll only be a kindergartner.
I don't need you to grow up any faster than you already are.
You have a soft spot in your heart for your Mama and will defend my honor always.
You're such a sweet, sweet boy.
And incredibly handsome.
You'll be a ladies man one day...
but I know you'll seek out the right kind.
Your testimony is fierce.
You are so sensitive to the spirit and will break out crying when a spiritual moment arises.
You love good things.
For one Family Home Evening you drew a picture of Jesus on the cross to teach us about the atonement.
This story amazes you but breaks your heart at the same time.
"How could they do that to him?"
That was the sentence you asked your Sunbeam teacher, while tears were streaming down your cheeks, when she showed you the same picture a few years back.
It is clear you are a very special spirit and were born with a deep love for our Savior.
I love your testimony.
I love you my little son.
You bring my heart so much joy!
Love,
Mama