Hair Today...Gone Tomorrow

First of all I don't even know if this is worth blogging about, BUT I got a haircut. I think it was halfway down my back, and is now above my shoulders. It is definitely different!! But for the past four days...I haven't had it pulled by the kids, stepped on, puked in, or tangled by the wind. I think I love it, but it is different and strange trying to fix it. I grew accustomed to my mommy ponytail. Anyway I guess I will decide if this is going to me my new look.......or if it will be like my body size and forever fluctuate!

Halloween

Halloween was fun this year just like every year before. It is so fun to see the kids get so excited about dressing up and candy. This year we have had to tackle some tough questions from our philosophical Tyler. The other day he walked up to me and said "Mom the neighbor boy told me if we dress up for Halloween, we are worshiping the Devil." I of course responded as any loving, caring, concerned mother would. "Tyler go ask your Father what he has to say about that." Ok not such a good response I know. It really got me to thinking though. I remember going to church on Sundays, VBS, praying before dinner and bedtime, and making God a huge part of our lives...the focus of our lives. But I also remember getting dressed up that one time a year and getting "free" candy, then coming home and scattering my candy all around and picking through to find the good stuff. I don't recall any sacrifices or witchery going on. Just some good fun. Aren't we taught as Christians to not be scared of "evil" things, but instead to be joyous in the fact that when we are with God what can be against us. I found an article about this subject and here is one of the quotes from it "provide an environment that also makes room for heaps of fun while using the day as a “teachable moment” to celebrate God’s protection, provision and purpose for our lives." After reading that it made me feel so much better about my allowing the boys to dress up, and get some candy instead of hiding out in our house afraid of pint-sized little pumpkins, supermen, and dinosaurs roaming the neighborhood.

Benjamin seemed very confused about the costume. He kept unzipping it, pulling the pant legs up, and he refused to wear the dragon hood. Best picture I got people!

Tyler loved being an astronaut. He says now he might want to be one in real life. Along with a police officer, super hero, zoo keeper, and firefighter.



Ben and I had a blast. Our pastors had a party at their house. We enjoyed food and fellowship! What is better than that!



I had to put this one up. A very clever costume, a black-eye pea. Took me a minute, but ha ha very funny.

Where's Grady? Well we didn't make him wear his pumpkin costume for too long. I am going to relive the moment and put it back on him for a picture though.

Cupcake anyone?

The boys shared a birthday party at Pump it Up this past weekend. It was a lot of fun! Not just for the kids, but for mommy and daddy too!

Tyler had Pirates of the Caribbean cupcakes and..........

Benjamin had Sesame Street

Watching Tyler open his presents was a hoot! Tissue paper and bags were flying everywhere!

Tyler loved this gift from Jacob and Emma. He thought it was so neat how his hand shows up on the pin push!

The boys........

Tyler is now in second grade! I can't believe it! He started school on Monday. I packed his lunch the first day, but he is now requesting a tray lunch. He told me on Tuesday afternoon when he got in the van (yes the van people! There are 5 of us now!) and said "Mommy.......guess what.......I got a choice for lunch today." Apparently this is a huge deal to all of the second graders! So out with sack lunches, he will now be choosing between two meals! He is loving being back at school so far. Benjamin keeps saying all day long......."wheres tywer?"

What can you say about this beautiful baby? He is so fun and sweet. I am enjoying him so much!

Ok...lets talk about this kids hair. It stands out and up . Never ever down. No matter if I leave it alone, condition it, blow dry it, or put some of my products in it.

I have taken him to the barber, and they just crack up. I think I will let it grow out.......then maybe it will eventually lay down.

(picture taken by mr. tyler)

What is so funny Grady?

This picture cracks me up! I know it might not everyone else, but if you could have seen Tyler and Benjamin making Grady laugh and smile I think you'd feel the same. This baby loves his brothers! Tyler loves him and ask to hold him a lot, Benjamin.........well he is too busy trying to impress Tyler. But when Tyler isn't here he pays a lot of attention to him.

Camping............

We went on a camping trip this past weekend to Roaring River. The kids had lots of fun. Ben had a bit of fun, and I have said I am never going camping again. Well I guess you should never say never, but it is going to take me years to recover from this one.

Roaring River was freezing cold, but the kids wanted to get in so bad. It was soooooooo cold!!!

The highlight of the entire camping trip was this water slide. We were trying to get cell phone reception and just happen to drive by this place. We immediately turned around paid our $5.00 for an hour and had the best time. Tyler was cracking up the whole time.

Benjamin loved it too. He giggled the whole way down every time. I have to say the ride down was fun, but the walk up was so exhausting! Poor Ben did it every time carrying Benjamin with him. He said I am so tired "carrying an extra 30 pounds...." I was like can you imaging being pregnant........and 3 times! And I don't just gain 30 pounds! ha! After our hour was up we headed to the snack bar for the best sno cones any of us have ever had! Ben says we are driving back just to get one! As long as we don't camp that is fine with me

The Park had a snake exhibit Friday night at 8:30. And of course Tyler wanted to go. At the end of the presentation they got the black rat snake out for anyone to touch. Benjamin and Tyler both touched it. After Benjamin touched it......he smiled and said "kitty kitty." Oh it was so funny. I know the picture isn't the greatest.......but I was scared to turn the flash on because what if I made the snake not so happy? ahhhhh!!

What are these guys with bowties doing here?

For Ben's birthday this year I hired a barbershop quartet to serenade him. It was hilarious. I had arranged it with his co-workers ahead of time, and they let the quartet and me inside the building. I snuck around the back of the aisle and one of Ben's coworkers walked around the other end of the aisle and told him that there were some people there to see him. I popped out after I heard her say that and although I didn't see his face at first.......I did see his ears..........and they turned beat red. It was adorable! Then he turned around with a huge grin. They sang a total of 3 songs, and did a wonderful job! We finished his birthday up with dinner, gifts, and one of his best friends came over to hang out. I can't believe he is 27! I have known this guy since we were in Jr. High!!

The 4th

We had a wonderful 4th of July, right here at home. Usually we go to my grandparents house and join the rest of the family for a cookout, swimming, and a firework show. But this year my grandparents took a much needed long vacation..........and left everyone to make their own 4th of July plans. So we cooked out and had one of Ben's best friends over for our own "mini" firework show. If you are wondering why Benjamin is in the stroller........well..........you must not be acquainted with him. He had to be in there for his own safety. Buckled in and all.