Camping with Babies

I just love this shot of Ben. Welcome to my world, welcome to my world!

Thoughts while nursing . . .

I had all my children in even years, '98, '00, '06, '08. So all my children will turn either an odd number in the odd years or an even number in the even years. What your brain resorts to at 1 a.m.?

Happy Birthday Jeff!!

My little buddy is a decade old, he's double digits, he's one great kid!! I can't express how proud I am of my "J Dog". He makes me smile and laugh. He makes me happy. He makes me love life. He makes me grateful to be a mom. He makes me macaroni n' cheese or top romen any time I ask. (I just don't like either of those delicacies.)What a guy!! He is a super lawn boy, Jack Jack chaser, chore doer, motorcycle dare devil, friend to all, dad's shadow, lover of life. I am so happy to have him as my "big kid".

He loves motorcycles (first and foremost), fishing, camping, riding his bike, jumping on the trampoline, swimming, getting his chores done first, playing with his brother and sisters, getting his back tickled, spending time with his grandparents, roaming the woods, making forts, playing with friends, eating anything (except spaghetti), working hard and recess.

He's your all-American boy and I love him for it. I hope we all can enjoy life like Jeff does. Thanks for a great weekend up at Kingsley Reservoir buddy. I wouldn't of gone without your persistence and we had a great time.

Happy Father's Day

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Necessary Explanation of Insanity

I have promised many of you an explanation of the last blog entry. It was Memorial Day and I had invisioned a "family day" that turned into a Ben, Jeff & Hannah motorcycle day with NO thought of me or two little babies. I raked Ben through the coals in the blog with a detailed explanation of how bad the day was including Molly choking on a pebble that Jack had put in her mouth. I would love to humor many of you with the tale and will gladly email it to anyone who would like a copy, but seeing how this is a PUBLIC blog and he is a service provider to the public and I wanted to salvage a bit of the marriage, I had to use my disgression and pulled the blog. But my mission was accomplished in that I got the thick skulled man to see my frustration and he has been "kissing up" ever since. It was a rough week and we didn't speak for 4 days. I hate motorcycles for so many reasons, but the most annoying is the magical powers it has over a man's brain. It like an addiction or a spell. What it is exactly. . . I could make millions if I knew, but alas. . . another mystery I can not solve.

Ben and I are speaking again. I have got dates, dinners, flowers, naps, dishes, down time and so much more out of the annoying day. Don't tell Ben! I don't think he is tracking all the favors and I want to milk it for all it's worth. He did make the foolish comment, "I know you're mad, but I don't care, I had a great day." Moron!

I finally had a chance to catch up on the blog as he is camping on Mt. Hood with the Scouts tonight, so he can't "approve" what I say. Ha, ha!

I don't care if you're mad, I had a GREAT day.

. . . mission accomplished.

ALOHA!

Pictures of Hawaii do it no justice. This is a beautiful, addicting paradise. Our trip was so much more than I anticipated. Molly was a gem. The kids did great with Grandma Joyce. We had some great adventures and even better R&R.

I read TWO books, TWO!! I haven't read two books in a week for years. We snorkeled, body surfed, chilled on the beach, people watched into hysterical laughter, read, ate, ate, ate. We did go to the amazing aquarium, the Old Lahaina Luau, Iao Valley and DT Fleming Beach.

The Luau was a highlight. It was Ben's birthday and what guy wouldn't love watching 20 beautiful Hawaiian girls shake their hips at lightning speeds with very little clothing. The imu pit (the pig roasting pit) was an unique experience I could live without. The smell did me in. The beach was beautiful, the sunset was gorgeous, but the sea turtles swimming right in front of us was the best!!! I loved all the dances and stories. It was just a lot of fun.

Here is our trip in a nut shell. We'll torture anyone with the whole slideshow upon request. We LOVE Maui!!