All Before 8:00 am...

I talked to friend this morning who lamented that on her first day of summer her girls woke her up by jumping on her bed at 8:00 am.  I wanted to say (but didn't): dear friend, we had already accomplished so much by then!  What can I say, the boys are early risers just like their parents.

My first morning with no carpools and I still rose at 5:00 am.  Got the pot of steel cut oats cooking so I could slip out for a run when Chris returned home from his.  Back home from a good 30 minute run at 6:15 am to find all four boys awake!  Good thing breakfast was ready!

When Chris left for work at 7:00 am, we all headed outside.  It reminded me of another friend who used to call me in the summer around this time.  She claimed it was the best time because she knew the boys and I would be outside and her teenage boys were still fast asleep!

In the summer, outside time has to happen early.  By 9:00 am, the sun has made it over the trees and my backyard begins baking.  It continues to do so until 4:15 pm.  I love being outside and truly don't mind the heat, but I really need shade to be comfortable.  So out we go early.

I had a ball watching the boys play happily!  I enjoyed my coffee and perusing some kitchen design magazines.

Early morning outside time sets our day in the right direction.  Energy is out and once we return indoors, we are ready to sit and play calmly and quietly with something.  Or take a nap as this one obviously needed...

I love summer!!!!!!

Highlights

It's been at least a week since I have last written, and I'm sitting here trying to think about what I need to tell you.  What have we done??

First, it was Philip's last week of school.  I enjoyed having Daniel and William home all week.  I felt as if I got so many things accomplish simply because William had a friend to play with!  We snuck in a playdate for Daniel at our house and a trip to the pool, but other than that we spent our days at home.

Philip participated in SPS's baseball camp.  I have lots of thoughts on this subject, but not enough energy to write right now.  In a few words....it was rough...I don't like how after school activities mess with naptime and dinner fixing time...he had fun but did declare after the second day, "it's no fair that Daniel gets to go home and play."  A good experience...don't regret it...but it sure makes me hesitant about venturing out into the crazy world that is extracurricular activities.

Philip's last day...

What can I say.  He had a great year, a great teacher, and made some great friends.  There are no words to express how proud I am of the boy is growing into.  He's gracious, polite, well-mannered, and seems to have just the right amount of self-confidence.

Memorial Day weekend brought some trips to the pool for the six of us, a shrimp boil, church (in which Daniel wore 'big boy' clothes for the first time!)

Red is for Pentecost!!

a trip to the hunting camp for Daddy and his three older boys, dinner with friends,

a visit and lunch with Aunt Elizabeth, and dinner from the garden!

So glad to have all of my boys home.  Tomorrow starts swimming lessons and our first day of Mom and her boys home alone!

Slow Down, Big Boy

Chris' work schedule has kept him away from home a little more than the boys would prefer.  I was thrilled when he said last Thursday that he was coming home for dinner and not going back to the office.  Apparently, JohnJohn was too.  He took his very first step that night with his Daddy watching!  What a treat!!

I tried all weekend to get some video, but either John wouldn't perform or one of his brothers tried to steal the limelight.  Finally, tonight after everyone else had gone to bed I got some proof for you!

Slow down, Big Boy...you're my baby...you weren't supposed to be my earliest walker!

Can I get an 'Amen?'

Today was full!  Daniel had his last day of PK4.  It was a great year for him, but the last five weeks have been pretty tough.  He's cried everyday since Springbreak.  Most days the tears cleared up quickly, but some days they did not.  Chris and I tried hard to get to the root of the problem, but we never got a lot of explanation from him.  Needless to say, I am glad that I do not have to drop him off again for a few months!!

His class put on a singing program.  Yesterday, at the playground, he recited the whole program to me.  Sang every song...recited everyone's lines.  He was very excited.  Today...stage fright.  He shut down when he saw the crowd.  Ms. Tara had to carry him in and he watched the program from my lap.  

After the singing and diploma receiving (which he did with his eyes shut!), the crowd dispersed for cake and punch.  Sweet, outgoing Daniel was back.  Goofing off with his friends...hugging his teacher...etc.

For now, I just say 'amen' that both he and myself get a little break from the stress of school.

After his program, we came home.  I enjoyed a little quiet time with just Daniel before I had to go to St. Paul's to read to Philip's class.  His classmates were so cute and talkative.  When my time was up, Philip's eyes filled with tears.  Oh no...another that doesn't want to leave his mother!!  Miss Cotton assured me that there was no instructional time left, so I brought him on home with me.

By now, the stress had accumulated.  I needed fresh air...needed to celebrate this first step in beginning summer vacation.  I offered a trip to the Eastern Shore Centre to play in the fountains.  I think Daniel was back downstairs dressed in his bathing suit before I completed my sentence!

The boys had a blast...even the littlest.  GranGran and I enjoyed watching them play.

Hello, summer, we've missed you!!  So glad you have returned.

PS - stay tuned for some breaking news from JohnJohn...there are first steps involved!!

On Being a Mother

Mother's Day is quickly becoming my favorite holiday.  You see, Chris and I are not gift people.  We don't exchange gifts on birthdays, anniversaries, and even Christmas.  There was no baby bling or pushing prize in this house.  We are extremely practical people and just aren't great gift givers.

But Mother's Day is different.  Teachers today really do a great job having their students remember Mom.  And what's a better gift than something your child has made just for you!

On Friday, I attended Daniel's Mother's Day tea.  I received a hat...

and a delicious ladies lunch!  He even painted me this canvas...

But my favorite was the series of questions that he answered about his Mom.  They are too cute not to share.  (His answers are underlined.)

My Mom is 56 years old.

I like to call mom Mommy.

Our favorite thing to do together is water the plants.

She is 90 feet tall and weighs 89 pounds.

She is made of blood, bones, and Jesus.

My mom loves to cook.

My mom always says I love you.

Her favorite food is broccoli.

I wish my mom would play outside with me everyday.

When I am at school, my mom goes shopping.

I wouldn't trade my mom for all the Legos in the world.

Blood, bones, and Jesus!  That Daniel can be so beyond his years!  Sunday morning Philip presented me with a card (which among other things declared that I was 'bootifl') and a adorable bird house that he painted.  William also came home with a precious  handmade card.  Best gifts ever!!

Hands down, my boys are the greatest gift that I have ever been given.  (No offense, Chris, you are still my favorite, but I don't think of you as a gift.  You were the best decision I ever made!)  Truly it's all I have ever wanted to do and I feel so fortunate that I am able to raise them.  Even on those days when life feels a little crazy!

When it Gets Quiet...Investigate!

This morning while John napped, I cleaned the kitchen.  The three older boys were in the backyard playing happily.  Their playing went on for quite sometime and I became curious as to what was keeping their attention so well.  Here's what I found...

Chris has told me before that his dad had a weakness for bungee cords.  Apparently it runs in the family.  And by the way, we are now short a pair of underwear.

Another Birthday Party

It was our third birthday party in three weeks...and it was a good one!  John decided that he didn't need an afternoon nap on his birthday.  It made preparing dinner and the house a little hard...I had to pull out all of my tricks.

Fortunately, Uncle Cameron arrived early and allowed me to finish off the last minute details.  One detail that didn't get done was wrapping John's only present.  Before everyone arrived, we decided to simply take it out of the box and give it to him!  He loves his new riding toy...

Dinner...cupcakes and ice cream...

a birthday video and presents!

A good night...a tired little one year old.  Happy Birthday, John John!

Dearest John,

A year ago today, you came into our world.

We could have stopped at three, but I knew I needed one more.  That one more was you.  You made our family complete.

What a gift you are!  You have made each of us, your brothers included, more loving, more flexible...all in all more content.

At one year, you are full of life.  You are learning your bounds and responding to our "no"...although you still like a little dog food now and then.  You are constant motion.  Hate being strapped into your car seat.  You crawl, stand, and cruise furniture.  You love your brothers...watching them closely and patiently allowing them to carry you around.  You love to eat...often times shoveling food in two hands at a time.  You drink...water and milk from a sippy cup...even your brothers' water bottles.  You talk...mama, dada, tee-tee (yes, you use the word correctly whenever you see your brothers in the bathroom!!), juice.  You clap and make prayer ramps at dinner time.  You climb...stairs and furniture.  You love "Jesus Loves Me'...you put your head on my shoulder anytime I sing it to you.  You don't like going to sleep, but once you do fall asleep you sleep for a long time.  I think our house wears you out...don't worry baby boy, it wears me out too!  You are flexible...you have to be.  You love the outdoors...you often scream when the back door opens and closes before you are allowed out.

You are a gift from God.  I remember sitting at our dear friend's, the Springfield's, lake house New Years of 2010.  Frank's mother, Norval, asked if our family was complete.  I told her that Chris seemed to think so.  Sensing my sadness, she looked at me and said, "if God wants you to have more, you will."  It was one of the last things Norval said to me and I'll never forget it.  Apparently, God did want you here and we did too!

Dearest John, in the famous words of your great-aunt, Meme, "I love your soul."  Stay little, my friend...each of your birthdays are going to be hard on this Mama!

A Generous Shower...aka Boys Weekend

This weekend, Mom and I headed north for Susan's first baby shower.  We spent Saturday night in Tuscaloosa with Meme and Neilson.  As usual, we were treated as royalty at their house.  It was great fun to visit with them both!

On Sunday, Mom, Meme, and I drove to Winfield, Rob's hometown, for Susan's shower.  It was unbelievable.  This small town showed their support for the newest Carothers.  Just look at all these gifts...I couldn't capture them in one shot!!

Susan looks great...just about 10 weeks to go!

Here's the gown I made for Baby Carothers.  I forgot to snap a shot before the shower, so this is the best I could get!  Hopefully, Susan will send me one of the baby in it when he/she arrives!

While I did all of these 'girly' things, my boys enjoyed themselves.  Chris survived...even took all four to church by himself!  Go Daddy!!

Spring is here!

Well, Spring has been here for quite awhile, but oh well.  I had some springy things to share with you today.

First, my garden.  Did you know I had one??  I hope right now you are picturing some lush space with winding walks, beautiful flowers, growing vegetables...places to stop and sit along the way.  Hopefully, you are not picturing this...

Well, that's it.  I really wanted to try a raised bed garden this spring, but with us most likely moving out sometime this summer (have you heard there's a kitchen renovation starting soon!) I just didn't think that was a good idea.  So I went with some pots.  I did my usual herbs...basil, parsley, and rosemary.  For the first time, I did some tomatoes in a pot.  They are cherry tomatoes and I am so excited that they are covered in green tomatoes.

I think there are 13 tomatoes on the plant right now and many more flowers.  I can't wait to pick them!  I've caught the bug and hope to get that raised bed going next spring!

In other things springy, I thought I'd share some cute pictures of William making bird feeders the other day.  We were bored while the big boys were at school, so we made a few of these pinecone feeders and hung them up around the yard.

So far, the birds don't seem to be impressed!

I'll end with some pictures from last night's birthday party.  Happy Birthday, PopPop!!