Happy Boys

Watson thinks he can walk. In fact, he thinks it so much that when he scoots or crawls he gets mad. Because, he should be walking! I have a hard time keeping that going all day for him. He is getting better about getting to something, standing by himself, and walking around a bit. But, his favorite thing is when Dad or Chandler are there to help him explore on 2 legs instead of 5 (including his bottom.) I think both Scott and Chandler are more excited for Watson to walk independently than I am. I'm glad they are willing to appease him for the time being by helping.

I Need to RELAX!

I've been thinking about myself a lot this past week. Not really about how much I want a pedicure or how I could use a massage or that I really should be getting into some kind of exercise routine. I've been thinking that I really want to be a fun mom and make sure to give my kids plenty of opportunity to enjoy childhood. Of course I want them to be happy, healthy, and understand they are sons of God. I also want them to be honest and true with a strong sense of right and wrong. I want them to want to work hard because they enjoy it and know that it is a gospel principle that will benefit themselves and others forever. These are all good things but sometimes I think I take them a little too seriously. So, I've tried to be more conscious of how I respond to things that irritate. I mean, will the world end if Chandler goes to bed at 9:30 instead of 9:00? Does my home need to be in constant order even though I have a curious nine month old baby discovering the world? Does my yard need to be immaculately manicured no matter what?  Really, in the long term, these things don't matter. But, my kids and husband do.  As part of this work in progress of my relaxing and enjoying my life more with my family, I've temporarily given up hope and ownership of the courtyard. I envision it to be something very beautiful and ready for socializing.

Something like this:

Now it looks like this:

That is an R/C car track, if you couldn't tell. Complete with berms, whoop dee do's, and tight corners.

But now my husband and son look like this:

If you have an R/C car and want to race, come on over. But be prepared, you'll be asked to help keep the track groomed.  And I'm here, to help cheer you on!

Childproofing?

I think it's time.

A Little Vaca

Our family played a little 'hooky' from normal life a few weeks ago. It was our first road trip together--all FOUR of us. I guess you could say there were actually 11 of us. We met up with our good friends, Bill & Sadie Pierce and their five amazing kids, in a little place called Moab. It was really the perfect little getaway. Thanks to Scott's experience with this area we stayed at a cute little RV/Camping/Cabin campsite. It is the one right on the entrance to Moab. Our little cabin was perfect for all of us. Watson slept OK in his little portable crib, Chandler had the bunk beds to himself, and Scott and I rested on the double.  It was actually pretty cozy--but I don't envy those pioneers or anyone else from long, long ago who lived all together in a one room house.  Here was our agenda:

Bike as much as possible

Swim as much as possible

Relax as much as possible

Eat as much as possible

I can safely say we accomplished all, in one way or another.  Scott and Bill got in great rides in the wee morning hours--perfect weather for it.   Chandler was up every morning by 7:30 and headed to the pool with the Pierce boys. He said the water was warm, it didn't matter to me. I just wanted him to have fun and really enjoy himself.  I hung out with Watson during nap times and definitely got some relaxing. I also got to spend lots of time friendshipping with Sadie. We love the Pierce's! If only we lived closer to one another....

This was a great trip with them as well as with Scott's mom and brother. Brenda and Mike came over from Cortez and spent some time hiking and eating and chatting with us. So, now, Watson knows both of his grandmas!  The campground was so great, the company was so great, the weather was so great! We plan to be back again next year, although a little later--I guess you can't play hooky as easily as a sophomore in high school at the end of the school year during testing.  Oh well, I know we'll have a good time next year too. I wish I'd taken more pictures of everything. I'll be better next go around.

My "Big Kid" is 10!!!!

I am totally amazed what five years does for a kid! When I became Chandler's mom he seemed so little--he didn't know how to tie his shoes yet and slept with a night light and many, many stuffed animals. Now, he begs to ride his bike to school, go to the store with his buddies, hang out in the neighborhood. He is almost as tall as me and seems to be growing up so much faster than I ever thought possible. Chandler is still the tender hearted boy he was when I first knew him. He is sensitive to others feelings and really wants people around him to feel good. Watson loves him to pieces--it's like a whole ray of sunshine enters the room when Chandler is around. Chandler is the best brother a kid could have. He loves to make Watson giggle and helps with what ever I ask. He is smart, loves anything related to math and still loves to build and create things. I love to watch him play with his dad, whether it be R/C cars, Legos, Erector sets--they build on each others ideas and creativity. Chandler likes to try to make new things, he recently did his first little backstitch project. He is always ready for fun and can play a pretty mean game of Monopoly. Other times he just likes to rock out on Band Hero. I love him. What more can I say? I'm grateful to be his parent. The next five years ought to be exciting!

8 Months and Ready to Run

I think it won't be long before he makes his way from the trunk to everything else!

A Stepping Stone to Tackle

Chandler has been asking to play football for two plus years. I'm not completely opposed to the sport but my child lacks the aggression to really do well with a contact sport.  So, my requirement before Tackle Football was Flag Football. He has two games left of Flag, including today.  It seems he has been motivated to really show he likes to play--he's been a quarterback, kicker, and a pretty good defensive lineman(?) Still, not tons of aggression, but he does get in there most of the time and block and attempt to grab flags and he really likes to run the ball.  He still talks of playing Tackle in the fall--but has also mentioned a diversion of playing LaCrosse this summer.  I don't know, I guess it's good to let kids try everything?  I want him to have fun but to really do his best at what ever he chooses.  It has been fun to see him play and be excited about more than just winning!

(Green Pants)

A Little Bit Of...

HEAVEN

And, a little bit of NOT Heaven