Backyard Birthday Fun

Today we hosted Philip's "Hero Factory" birthday party.  A handful of boys (and little sisters!) arrived ready to build their own hero.

We built our men...

and then played in the yard.  We had hot dogs for lunch and then sang "Happy Birthday!"

Can you see the cupcake?  A chocolate Lego man on top...

A great day with good friends!

Crowded Tub

There's too many kids in this tub.

There's too many elbows to scrub.

I just washed a behind

That I'm sure wasn't mine,

There's too many kids in this tub.

-Shel Silverstein

Happy Birthday, Philip

Yesterday we celebrated six years with a special little boy...six years of parenthood...six wonderful years!



The day started early with pancakes and then all the boys and myself walking Philip into his class.  We went to deliver some homemade ghost cookies!  I got tickled when a classmate walked up to Philip with big eyes and said, "Oh Philip, you have LOTS of little brothers."  That he does, my friends!

After school, we got ready for the big party.  All the family came for hamburgers and cake and ice cream!  As always, it is fun to celebrate with lots of family.

The boys didn't get into bed until 9:00 and Philip and Daniel rose at 5:20 am.  They were ready to start building the three hundred sets of Legos received the night before!  Lots of fun!!

Sweet Philip, you are quite a boy.  You are kind, caring, and extremely helpful.  You set an example for your brothers that makes your Mommy and Daddy proud.  As I frequently tell you, you are the one who taught me to how to be a mother.  You are awesome!!!  Hope we tell you that enough.

Just Sayin'

I fuss at Chris almost daily for calling John "Big 'Un." 

"You're going to give the boy a complex," I say.

But the truth is, today he's sporting a new Crimson Tide outfit.  It seems the one I made William when he was John's age is getting snug.  So I pulled out the one I made Philip when he was a year old.

It fits perfectly!  Just sayin'....

Saturday Fall Fun

Philip and his buddies at school having been playing football on the playground, so naturally he wanted his Dad to play with him today. A beautiful day...wild boys...fun Daddy!

Hope your Saturday was as relaxing as ours!

Glimpses

Life's been crazy recently.  To deal with the craziness, I have adopted a new mantra...glimpses.  I spend my days looking for glimpses....glimpses of greatness, glimpses of the Almighty at work, glimpses of pure happiness in my children, etc.  These glimpses are all around me, if I take the time to look.

I smile at the glimpses of the bond between brothers...

glimpses of simplicity at a day at the playground...

and some snuggle time before a crazy day of carpools...

glimpses of creativity...

glimpses of the Almighty in a baby's smile...

and in another's prayers...

These glimpses get me through the day.  It's these moments that pull me through the crying and the  fussing.  And it works both ways...I am trying to remember that the tough times are also just glimpses.  They, too, are fleeting.  They, too, will pass. 
"Enjoy the ride!"  I tell myself often.  These boys are growing, changing and I won't get these days back.  So hang on and enjoy it...all of it!  The spit up, the fighting and arguing, the massive amounts of laundry...all of it!  I am trying hard...but it takes constant reminding!

Eight Babies??

The other morning after dropping Philip off at school, I looked at Daniel in his pajamas and commented to him, "Daniel, you are growing so fast.  I need you to stop growing and stay my little boy!"

His answer....

"Mom, I have to grow so I can move out and buy my own house and find a wife and have eight babies."

Daniel with his buddy, Penelope

Eight babies???  Dear son, I will begin praying for your wife right now.  She may be a little difficult to find.  Maybe you should head to the Catholic church?

Sweet boy, if anybody could have eight babies it is you.  You love on John so much.  I often am telling you to give him space only to see that John is smiling and laughing at you.  In fact, you bring out the best giggles in him.  You have such a gentle touch. 

I say go for it!  This grandmother would be in heaven!  Just wait until your at least thirty ok?