A Little Bit Of...

HEAVEN

And, a little bit of NOT Heaven

Magnet Madness

April has been very busy for Chandler. He decided to participate in the Science Fair. We've never done this before.  Thankfully, Ben and his mom have. So, thanks to Marcia (Ben's mom) these three boys had a good time learning about magnets. The experiment involved testing magnet strength at different temperatures. They also put together an impressive display of their experiment, and placed 2nd for the third/fourth grade entries.  Good job Chandler, Damon, and Ben!  And, great job Marcia for handling the boys and putting it all together!

Football, Flags, and FUN!

Chandler has started a new activity this past week--Flag Football. I made a deal with him that if he played this sport for at least one "season" I would seriously consider allowing him to play tackle football.  So, here we go!  He has had two practices, one in the rain, and loves it.  It's a short season, only four and half weeks, but very busy with practice and two games each week. You're invited to cheer him on, we'd love to see you!
Games--
4/13, 6:30               4/17, 10:00 am
4/20, 6:30               4/24, no game
4/27, 5:30               5/01, 11:00 am
5/04, 5:30               5/08, 11:00 am
5/11, 5:30              
I believe his jersey is white.  You can find him at the North fields at Dimple Dell Rec Center on 10600 South in Sandy.  Yeah Team!

Growing, Growing!

Chandler from five years old until almost TEN!  wow!

From Then Up to Now

Watson, September 2009 to April 2010.

Easter Duds

As you know, from previous entries, I love hats for Watson. So, of course I couldn't pass up this cute little number as part of his little Spring Sunday outfit:

He's so dang cute! I can't stop munching on his cheeks!

GROWWWWL!

Look who got his Bear!!

I'm very proud of Chandler's hard work (and a little proud of my own gently prodding) that led to his earning his Bear rank.  We had fun doing different activities--one of the most memorable being a trip to Tracy Aviary. Chandler and two of his friends learned a little about different birds, watched some eat dead mice and rats, and tormented a few others by trying to touch their feathers.  Scott did a great job with Chandler as he did his first soap carving and they put together a great emergency escape plan for our family.  I love that he is enthusiastic about this part of his life (most of the time) and has great Scout leaders.  He's very much looking forward to being a Webelo and I'm looking forward to a month's break before starting a new Scout book!

Great job Kiddo! I'm so proud of you!

I need a head lamp, AND, I think I'm Becoming my Mother

It is about 9:20 pm, I was just outside--working in my yard! I put Watson down for bed around 9 pm and really was kicking myself for not using my time more wisely today. I did attend a gardening class at Thanksgiving Point--thank you, Scott, for spending time with Watson while I picked the brain of the instructor.  However, not much else got accomplished. I've been itching to get out to my yard and get my hands dirty and my plants in order. Due to my massivity last August and my C-section and brand new baby recovery through September and October and November, my yard has been a bit neglected. It bugs me every time I drive home. I still have plants that need cutting back and the weeds are starting to green up quick. I can't seem to figure out the best way to keep Watson busy outside while I work (but last Saturday he managed an hour or so staying occupied and happy in a little exer-saucer.) And, he isn't consistently napping for a long enough period of time where it makes sense for me to get dirty and get something done.  I've got to get this figured out because a pretty yard and a little vegetable garden are part of what makes me me.
So, this leads me to tonight, gardening by the porch and street light. I didn't do much but cut a few things back and clean up some of the leaves I could see. I think I'm a little crazy for doing it at this time of night. But, it reminds of the time my mom wanted to paint her mailbox--it was summertime, and warm outside, and my mom always has a list of "to do's" that take a little while to "get done." I think she finally got to the mailbox around 10 o'clock, out there with her paints and water and flashlight. I remember thinking she was a little bit crazy, but now, I get it. My priority is my kids. I love spending time with them. I feel joy EVERY SINGLE DAY because of them. So I guess the next 18 years or so will be with me doing some little crazy thing because I can't quite fit it in while the boys are up and about. IAnd I guess I need to dig out Scott's headlamp so I'm better prepared the next time my gardening itch needs to be scratched after dark.

On the Other Hand

Watson is SIX months old! He doesn't mind my picture taking and really is his genuine self--at all times. Why can't we stay this way forever? Love it!

It happened at NINE...

I've been reviewing my pictures taken the last five years or so and have noticed a major change with Chandler.  The transition from "happy go lucky, take a picture of my smiling face" to "i don't really want to smile too much and how does my hair look?" really started happening this year.  When did this happen? Why did this happen?  He really is concerned about what he wears (skinny jeans are preferred but he only owns two pair, both of which was bought by the other mother) and his hair is growing, growing, growing. He complains about his teeth and remarks frequently of his need for braces.  In due time, we tell him. He is only nine, ok, almost ten, but still. I long for the days when he would just be happy most of the time and didn't mind my being a shutterbug---

It is so hard for me to get a genuine smile from him once I pull out the camera nowadays. He'd prefer to be hidden, just so you have to guess what he's really thinking---

I guess I'll just have to be sneakier.
I remember a time I didn't like my picture taken, it probably started around ten years old. It took me a long time, until my late twenties, to decide that I really did want to be myself in those forever images so I decided to smile more genuinely. I hope Chandler decides this too, but earlier than his twenties. A good reminder to me too, to smile more in pictures and just accept the extra wrinkles and life weight residue and be happy!