All Boone Wants For Christmas

Uphold Peet

Hudson has started consoling himself. I noticed it first in the Target shopping cart while I was checking out. He was crying, rubbing his eyes and reassuring himself, "I know. I know." He does this when he's getting his diaper changed if he has a sore bottom from teething. "I know. I know," through his tears.

When he would like to be picked up, he will now exclaim numerous times "Up. Hold. Up. Hold. Uphold. Uphold. Uphold peeeeet!" (Peeeeet means please.) Just this week, he has added to this and will squeal "Weeeeeeee!" as he's lifted off the ground. Even if he's crying while being lifted! Our favorite new Hudsonism!

To Lincoln On Your Fifth Birhday

Dear Lincoln,

As I lie here in bed, eagerly waiting for you to wake up, my eyes are filled with tears. It was five years ago today when your dad and I were changed forever. Changed for the better. It was the day we became parents.

You were born via c-section at 12:35 in the afternoon. When I heard your first cry I was done. Melted. Madly in love. Your dad brought you over to me, wrapped like a burrito, your gigantic blue eyes were pretty much the only things visible under that enormous beanie. You were very alert. I couldn't stop kissing your soft, perfect, little face as dad held you on me. Due to the surgery, I wasn't able to really snuggle you for a little over an hour. When I was released from recovery and finally rolled to my room, you'd met the grandparents and Auntie Casey. Already they were completely smitten.

Over the next year and a half I ate up every minute of our alone time together. It was an incredible time in my life. I know I was meant to be a mommy. Your mommy. When Boone joined us, you were such an amazing big brother. Loved helping, kissing and cuddling him. I could see your strengths and pure acts of kindness really developing.

Watching you mature with your brothers makes me unbelievably proud. Sure, there are tough times, days I feel more like a referee, but I know that this too is a season. A season I will never get back. I am constantly trying to remind myself to capture these moments, and hold them as long as I can. I was in awe of you last night, when you asked me to dance to Tangled's "I See The Light" because "This is your favorite song, right, mom? Are you gonna cry?"

You are such a tender, loving, generous young man. Countless bouquets of wildflowers, jars of bugs you eagerly bring me, these are the best tangible gifts. The depth of our conversations about God, His creation, and the random rabbit trails you go down are some of my favorite memories that I will forever hold tight to.

Whenever I leave, even to run a 20 minute errand, you don't let me go without a hug and a kiss. Sometimes multiple hugs and kisses. You've chased me out the door countless times, yelling, "Wait! A hug and a kiss!!" I hope that never stops.

You, my boy have moves. Watching you boogie to anything with a beat makes my heart weep with joy.

Your eagerness for learning new things is a wonderful challenge for me, one I hope to encourage and nurture, never to stifle.

Everyday, at some point you explode with a "I'm SO EXCITED we're having a baby girl!!! She is gonna be so cute and so little!!" Your joy is contagious. You are constantly reminding me what is truly important in this crazy season of our lives.

So often I let my emotions and my stress take over, yet you will come up to me, crack a little smile and stare at me with those same gigantic blue eyeballs. "Can you snuggle me?" Of course.

Please never stop asking.

Happy Birthday, Five Year Old. I love you whole heartedly. Let's not rush it to six.

Mom

Eenie Meenie Miney Moe!

We have a big announcement to make!  It comes in two parts.

This April we will have a new little Gillespie!  Wait...that's not all.  The most exciting news is...IT'S A GIRL!  I am still in complete shock.  After discovering that I was pregnant, Johnny and I were absolutely thrilled.  We discussed when and how we'd announce the big news, and agreed that it would be fun to do it differently.  In the past, we pretty much announced it five minutes after the second pink line appeared.  We could never contain our excitement!  This, being our fourth and final, "Let's have some fun!"  We did a pretty good job of keeping it a secret, didn't even tell the kids.  Around seven weeks the nausea and food aversions hit.  It hit hard.  We were about to spend a weekend away with both sets of grandparents, and Johnny's sister's family.  I knew I would not be able to explain my running out of the room at the smell of beans or if someone picked up a bell pepper.  I made shirts for the boys saying "eenie," "meenie," and "miney."  We had them wear their shirts into breakfast the first morning and waited for a reaction.  It didn't take long for Grandma to take notice.  What about moe?  What a wonderful moment.  My dad teared up and my mom screamed!  We swore them all to secrecy as we wanted to wait to announce it to the rest of the world. We had hoped to find out the gender first.

Last Wednesday was a big day.  I was going in for a 14 week ultrasound.  That was the magic week we discovered Hudson was a HE!  I knew it was still early for a confirmation, but the moment the ultrasound tech put that wand on my tummy it was obvious.  It's a girl!  I could not believe it.  My dreams of pink, now a reality!  Immediately after, I went to Target, bought a little pink dress, wrapped it up in a neutral colored bag and headed to Johnny's work.  I took video of his expression as he opened it, "It IS pink! Is it really?!?"  Priceless moment captured forever.  Saturday, I dragged him and the boys to a 3D ultrasound facility to have a confirmation ultrasound.  I wanted to be absolutely sure.  Again, it's a girl!  No doubt to any of us.  I could finally start announcing!

My parents were in Los Angeles visiting my sister, brother in law and new nephew.  Four boys for my parents so far. This is the first girl on the Pelot side in 27 years, me!  I jumped in the car early Monday morning with three sleeping boys and made the five hour drive.  I arranged it with my awesome brother in law, they had no clue we were coming.  I tied a pink ribbon around my waist and we quietly tip toed to their front door.  What an awesome surprise when they saw those little boy faces peeking through the screen door!  It was about a minute later after the hugs and "what are you doing heres" when my sister noticed the pink ribbon and the joy continued.

Since then a few close friends have been told.  Along with the congratulatory cheers, I've gotten questions like "What? Is this a joke!?  I thought you were done!" or  "Why did you wait so long to tell me?"  Ha!  Gotcha!  Ever since we were first engaged, four was our number.  When we discovered Hudson was going to be our third miracle boy, I had second thoughts.  Did I want four boys?  After much prayer and discussion, we both felt our family was not complete.  Someone was missing.  As for not announcing the pregnancy until the gender reveal?  The reason was twofold.  One, it would be a double surprise!  "We're pregnant and it's a ____!"  Two, it would bypass all the comments I received while pregnant with Hudson, "Oh, wow. I really hope it's a girl for your sake. " or  "This one BETTER be a girl."  People meant well, but it was discouraging.  To clarify, we weren't trying for a girl, we were trying for a fourth, and of course it would be wonderful it was a girl, but in no way would we be disappointed with another boy.  We completely trust that God knows what is best for us.

So there you have it! We're pregnant and it's a GIRL!!!"

It's a NOODLE!

Lincoln just ran in from the back yard, telling me all about the neighbors new dog.  "He's black and his name is Percy and he's a NOODLE!!"  Do I correct him?  :)  I think not.

Boone on Speech and Halloween

Boone: "Mom. Mom! When I gwow up, I don't wanna talk wike me. I wanna talk wike da ice cweam man."

"Wincoln, maybe for Hawoween you should be a SPY!! ...you wook wike a spy..."

Clouds

"Mom! Look! That cloud looks like a monkey banging it's head with an elephant drum!" - Lincoln age 4

"No, it's a boat wiff wegs! Can I eat it?!" - Boone age 3.

"Boone, they taste like ice cream." - Lincoln.

The Laundry Thrones

Sitting in their "king chairs!"

We tricked daddy!

Sent this picture to Johnny without a caption.  

This may in fact be the most unflattering photo I've ever taken of him.

About thirty minutes later, I got a frantic call from him, asking if we were at the dentist and, "How is Lincoln? What exactly happened?"  Momentarily confused, I erupted into tearful laughter, realizing the reason for his call.  I explained that he had NOT in fact bit the concrete, but only into a piece of Panda Licorice.  After a few seconds of silence, he exuberantly scolded me then joined me in my laughter, grouchy for leading him on, as he was tremendously concerned that Lincoln was currently having his baby teeth pulled or something more severe.  I loved that I unintentionally tricked the trickster, especially since he's always the calm headed one, telling them to "shake it off."  He exclaimed, "He didn't look puffy, tear stained or anything! I thought, 'Wow! He's being so brave!' GAH! My blood pressure is still SO high!!"  We both got a good laugh over this one.

   

Hairy Balls??

There is nothing more hilarious in my current opinion, 
than listening to your 4 year old son innocently describe the 
"hairy balls at VBS."  Boone provides the image...

He is his father's son.

Boone got his head stuck in his sleeve while trying to dress himself. After watching him flail blindly, I stepped in to assist. Once he was freed, he took a deep breath, looked up at me and sighed, "Well. THAT was an adventure!" Aww...the sarcasm.

Mustache Monday

Mustache Monday is our newest tradition.

. . . I hope it "sticks."

To Hudson On Your First Birthday

Dear Hudson,

November 2nd, 2010: I had a very vivid dream that I was pregnant. I woke around 2am with crazy insomnia which has only ever happened when I was pregnant with your brothers. I randomly decided to take a test. When the second pink line appeared I instantly burst out laughing! It was in that moment, I understood first hand why people say, "God has a wonderful sense of humor." I also knew right then, that you were meant for something great. We had been told I would need assistance to have children, as I did with your brothers. We wanted you so badly, but honestly, I was dreading the fact that I'd need to go through all those blood tests and hormone treatments that had been so emotionally painful for me in the past. No need now. You are our miracle.

From the beginning, you definitely knew how to make an entrance. Fashionably late. The moment your big brothers met you, you had them wrapped around your finger. Especially Boone. Maybe because you share a birthday month.

Today is your first birthday and I still look at you in amazement, and immeasurable gratitude to the Lord for blessing us so abundantly. That adorable chin dimple, your giant brown eyes that water when you smile...you got that last part from me. I treasure the special bond that we share. Although at times it is exasperating that you solely want me to comfort you, I know how quickly this too shall pass. I repeatedly regret the frustrations that I allow to overcome me when you MUST be held STAT. However, just a suggestion to make our frequent grocery store outings a tad easier? Maybe work on sitting in a shopping cart sans screaming? ;)

I love your voice. Wherever we are, you surprise strangers with that sweet, sing-song "Hi there!" Other times you look up at me with that big drooly grin and whisper babble. That's my favorite.

I love your quirks. Most littles have a healthy fear of the vacuum and avoid it like the plague. Not you. You sit in the middle of the rug, shoot it a look as if to say, "Oh yeah? I dare ya!"

I love your dancing. You, my boy, have moves! Whenever the music starts, so do you. The knee dip, booty bumpin', the arm flapping with elbows at your sides? Priceless.

I love your current way of communicating. I could definitely do without the commencement screech, but it's always succeeded with eyebrows raised, chin to chest, arms stretching forward, and both index fingers pointing at exactly what you want, eyes locked on on the target until you are acknowledged.

I love how you love your brothers. And vice versa. You attempt to join them in their wrestling/tackle piles, certainly expecting to get clobbered, then bursting into giggles after they make sure you're okay.

I love that this list could go on for hours, but it's time to wrap it up, as I can hear you waking from your nap (and I'm pretty much dying to scoop you up and "nuggle you" as Boone still calls it.)

My prayer for you, Hudson, is taken from The Message Translation.

"So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life -- your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life -- and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what He wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to it's level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you." - Romans 12:2

Or in other words...

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is. His good, pleasing a perfect will."
- Romans 12:2 (NIV)

I could not be prouder to be your mom, more honored that we have been entrusted to be your parents. We eagerly anticipate your growth in spiritual maturity. I cannot wait to see who you become. Remember that your dad and I will always love you unconditionally and have no greater desire for you to fully seek out and follow God's good, pleasing and perfect plan for your life.

Love,
Mom

 

My New M.O!

Delighted to discover a new strategy. When the boys bicker with one another in the car, start speaking to them in a funny accent. This morning's choice was English. It worked like a charm. They are currently trying to keep their facial expressions grumpy, whilst masking their giggles. Do I sense their first "Mom, you are so embarrassing" moment? Nah...

The Vocabulary Debate

The boys have been politely debating whether the correct word is "spice" or "spices." Johnny and I weren't really paying attention until about 10 minutes into it. Lincoln asked "Mom, Dad? Can we watch Ratatouille when we get home, because Boone thinks the mouse adds spice but I KNOW it's spicES?"

Papa Don's Visit

Boone was getting dressed into a colorful striped shirt. Lincoln, "Wow! Boone, when you put that shirt on, you're nipples and bellybutton will be very colorful."

I told the boys that my grandpa, their Papa Don was going to be at Guppy and Papa's to play with them the following day. Boone squealed "Mom!!! Can we westle him?" Lincoln responded, "No, Boone. He's kinda an old guy. We don't wrestle with old guys. We have to be fragile." Maybe they don't remember the amount of energy their 81 year old great grand dad has. A few months ago he and my gramma were here from Kansas. He galloped through the house, the boys taking turns as his giggling jockeys. This conversation did not however stop Boone from asking him just after arriving, "Hey! HEY! Papa Don! Are you an old guy?"

We had a lovely albeit short visit with Papa Don. Wish we could spend more time with him and Gramma Gigi.  Hopefully we can convince them to move to the West Coast eventually.  ;) Here is a video clip from his visit. The boys absolutely adore him.

I am so grateful for technology allowing me to capture and treasure these as tangible memories. I love listening to my dad play the piano, especially when Johnny pics up the guitar and the boys start dancing. Here's a peek into one of my favorite moments of this day. Papa (my dad) and Johnny were jamming in the music room while Lincoln and Boone wrestled with Papa Don. Hudson must have been feeling left out so he politely [asked] Guppy (my mom) to escort him to join in the fun. This clip is after the wrestling had died down. Apparently this took a lot out of Hudson...

This presentation of Gillespie cuteness is brought to you by the letter R!

Lincoln is learning the letter R today, so I asked him...

Me: "What are some of the first words you can think of that begin with the letter R?"

L: "Hmm...let me think.  Roller coaster annnnd...rrrrrrRUM!"

That's my boy!

Clark Klent

Lincoln frequently dresses himself as "Clark Klent." The cape is hiding under his clothes awaiting the quick transformation into Superman, hence the bubble butt. He is sad here because he couldn't find the glasses and I wouldn't let him wear jeans over his superman pants. I'm such a bad mom.

Paintasaur

I purchased this dinosaur painting kit awhile ago at Ross, hoping it'd be fun down the road, when the boys showed a little more interest in art. Yesterday, while spring cleaning, I pulled it out and boy, did they have a blast?

Boone certainly surprised me with his meticulous painting skills. Even held his pinky high, while daintily applying delicate brush strokes. 

Tada!

Lincoln said his was a polka dot bumblebee dinosaur.

Boone made a "Superman dinosaur."

5/14/12

Taking a second to brag about my boys. I asked Lincoln if he thought he was old enough to go fetch the clothes out of the dryer all by himself. "Um, sure!" I watched him cheerfully run to grab the hamper, skip outside, cross the patio into our landlord's garage. All the while humming the Superman theme song. Boone ran out to "help." Oh dear Lord, what was going to happen next. I decided to keep my distance, peering out the window, and observe my little men interacting, half expecting I'd soon be breaking up yet another fight.

A few minutes later, Boone excitedly appeared, holding the screen door for his big brother. "Here, Wincoln, I got da door." There he was, my scrawny 4 year old. All I could see of him were his bare legs underneath the mound of clean sheets. When he finally made it inside the house, he shot me the look of pride and accomplishment for completing what to him was a big deal. It may not seem so to you, but for a tired mommy, when the children start doing chores and helping out joyfully? Big deal! Welled up with joy, I planted a big wet kiss on his cheek, while daddy rewarded him with an extra banana muffin. Eyes widened!!! He hadn't expected a reward. (These were major big deal treats today!) Boone looked at the muffin, than at me with sad eyes and a big bottom lip, "I held open the door." Before I had a chance to give him one, Lincoln broke his coveted muffin in half and gave it to his bother. "Mom! I'm turning into a good boy now!!! My heart is growing big! Like the grinch!"

Going Back To My "Roots"

Well, it's official. We've gone vegan cold turkey. No pun intended. The other day I was browsing through Netflix. Intrigued, I selected a film in the documentary genre "Forks Over Knives." I was only able to view about 20 minutes when the kids awoke from naps and the tv was turned off. It only took that 20 minutes to give me the conviction and inspiration to reevaluate our nutritional goals and and more importantly, our lifestyle. I'm now going to share my experiences for those of you who have seen my Facebook post and asked me about it. In no way am I suggesting that if you nourish your family differently you are doing anything wrong. This is a personal decision we have made for our family. Period.

1995, my dad had his first emergency heart surgery. Due to a heart condition he was born with, the cardiologist discovered he'd need a pacemaker. It was also recommended by this doctor to make some dietary changes for his heart and overall health. Done.

As a 10 year old new vegan, it wasn't a difficult transition. I didn't do the cooking nor did I dive into the research behind why this was really healthier. I just ate what was given to me. It wasn't until several years later, when I began preparing my own food, that I opted for convenience and reincorporated small amounts of animal products. Later on, I met my man. He and his family were meat and potatoes kind of people. Hmm...lets face it, vegetables dripping butter, steak seared to perfection? This stuff tasted much better in my opinion then the lentils and tofu! Eventually my parents rejoined the carnivore club.

Ever since our 3rd son, Hudson's birth, I've been trying to get back my pre baby body, and I'm proud to say it only took me about 4 months to see that number on the scale. It was definitely a record for me. He is now 10 months old and I've dropped an additional 10 lbs. That recently inspired Johnny to start exercising nearly every day to get back into his prime swimmer body. When I told him about Forks Over Knives, he rolled his eyes and said "But lean meats are good for you. It's just a matter of opinion." I didn't feel like discussing it any further. I decided it wouldn't be as practical for me to make such a huge decision on my own, if I'd still be feeding meat to 4 boys. This needed to be his decision as well.

Backing up...over the past several months, his parents have begun a strict, plant based diet. Newly diagnosed health issues, as well as my vegan sister Amanda's nudging to a healthier lifestyle were huge inspirations for them. They are much more hard core than my childhood vegan diet. No sugar, salt, or even oil. Strictly vegetables, fruits, nuts and grains. Wow. Sounds intimidating and limited, right? That's what I thought.

The day after I had watched FOK, my mother in law brought over several reading materials for us to check out. Johnny is not a big reader, but within just over an hour, he had completed The Engine 2 Diet by Texas firefighter Rip Esselstyn. That sealed the deal for him. He told me he wanted to jump in completely if I did! I was so curious as to what the book was about, I read it that same night. Highly recommended.

I cannot express how thrilled I am to explore and bond over this new lifestyle choice. It's overwhelming at first, like learning a new language. We spent several hours cleaning out the fridge, freezer and pantry, replacing it with all whole, natural, vegan foods from Trader Joes and Harvest House, our local health food store that my mom used to drag us to.

It's only been two days, but it's pretty exciting! Giving up meat won't be the hard part, it's going to be the sugar and oils. I'm certain we can stick to it, though. One day at a time.

Now, this is not going to become an all consuming topic of discussion, nor will I pressure or judge anyone who eats what we no longer do. Simply, we have made this personal choice. We have decided not to let this affect our social life i.e. going out and entertaining. If we need to cheat a little, add a little oil etc., it will not be the end of the world.

However, I have learned just how many delicious simple and pure food options there are out there for us, and if you happen to be some of our dear friends who will continue to come and dine with us, get ready for some yummy, healthy recipes I'm excited to try out. But be prepared for some possible flops as well. Lunch today was pretty gross. Hey! I'm new at cooking tofu!

The kids are loving it too, not really a surprise though. They are addicted to fruit and would hardly ate meat before. Boone requested some "arbongo beans" for breakfast yesterday. If you don't speak toddler, that's garbanzo beans.

Some of Lincoln's Hopes for Heaven

I pretty much adore how Lincoln's brain works. Today he told me, "God is a superhero! He can do anything and He made everything. I think we should get a costume that is small like Hudson so we can dress him up. We should dress him up like Jesus with a little baby beard! Okay, mom?"

L: "Mom when I get to God's house (heaven), can I take my cape with me? Oh, and I can't forget my bed too."

Me: "No, we can't take your cape or anything else with us, and you don't need your bed but don't worry. God has a new special house for us! It'll be really big and beautiful!"

L: "Will God make me a new cape? Does he have a sewer (so-er) room? And a garage?"

Lincoln's Guppy, my mom, has a workroom in her garage where she sews beautiful fabrics and most importantly little boy superhero capes. In his 4 year old mine, why wouldn't heaven be like Guppy's house?

Spiderman's Actual Powers

The boys are currently obsessed with the Superman. They've watched the first three Christopher Reeve's movies countless times. I mean I wouldn't even be able to try and guesstimate the number of viewings. Their Auntie Casey bought them superhero capes a while back. They have been worn nonstop, and they must only be worn with underwear or pull-ups, otherwise they don't fly properly. They eat in them, ride scooters in them, sleep in them. Needless to say, picking a theme for this years birthday party was a piece of cake. Hudson and Boone will be having a joint superhero birthday come July, as their birthdays are a mere 11 days apart.

Spiderman is also a favorite, however they haven't ever seen the movies, (way too violent for their ages) or the cartoons yet. Lincoln does however have the talking action figure. We were riding in the car and I hear them playing "Superhero." Lincoln tries his best to impersonate Spiderman's low, authoritative voice. "I. Am. Spiderman. I. Kill. Spiders. Because...I can." Of course! Why wouldn't Spiderman do what they themselves are praised for? Killing spiders for mom!

Pluto Pancakes

The boys were asking for Pluto pancakes this morning. Pluto? As is Mickey Mouse's dog pancakes? I am not that talented so we compromised and made them the size of Lincoln's head. And that's saying something!

Dear Lincoln

Dear Lincoln,

I love the way you bring me flowers whenever you are playing in the yard. I tell you, "Okay, that's enough! No more flowers." You run outside, "Okay, mom" but moments later, I see a giant, blue eye peeking around the wide open door, followed by a tiny hand clasping another yellow bunch, roots and dirt attached. "Mom? Can I just give you flowers one more time because I love you so much?" How can I resist. "Okay. One more time."

This goes on for quite awhile, with the beautifully heartfelt pickings of daisies and dandelions continuing to pile up. I'm a tad bit bugged that "last time" never registers, and you are blatantly disobeying me. I am always very consistent with discipline! This moment, this is when I begin to feel guilty. I cannot be annoyed at your genuine sweetness. How long will you bring me flowers because you "love so much?" When will these flowers be meant for another? You say I am your sweetheart. You will always be my sweetheart.

Tonight as you decorated my hair, you wrinkled your forehead, realizing you were running out of room behind my ear. "Oh! I've got an idea! We can put 'em in your nosslers!" I think you meant nostrils. Daddy and I didn't have the heart to correct you, as we tried to conceal our giggles. "Nosslers" they will be, from now until you figure out the real word.

I love you, my quirky boy.
Mommy

hi-YA-kee-ya

It's the name of the newest ninja game. You shout "hi-YA-kee-ya!" 

They've been watching Jackie Chan.

Car seat comfort

Lincoln is riding in his new booster seat got the first time today and Boone traded up to Lincoln's old one.

L - "Thank you, mom. I just really LOVE my new car chair!"

Me - "Is it comfortable?"

L - "Hmmm...Not so much."

Me - "Where does it hurt? What will make it more comfortable?"

L - "No! Nothing hurts, I just think a blanket would make me more comfortable."

Boone chimes in from the third row "My seat isn't a wittle comfortable. It's a BIG comfortable!"

This is how we watch cartoons over here...

Ka Chow!

Boone is flying through the house in his superman cape, fist in the air shouting "Ka chow! Ka chow!" Lincoln rolls his eyes, "Boone, please stop saying that. It's kinda freakin' me out."

Boone's Urban Dictionary Continued...

"Wincolnwookadiss" (wink/in/wuk/ad/iss) not exactly a noun or a verb.

Definition: Anything (as determined by) child number two necessitates, or demands that child number one place full attention on and or acknowledge.

Examples:  "Wincolnwookadiss, I have a milk mustache!" "Wincolnwookadiss somersault!"

"Arm wrestle" - n

Definition - The section of a couch, or love seat generally used as a resting place for an upper extremity, typically the arm. 

Example:  "Mom, can I run and fwip over da 'arm wrestle'?"

"A rubber nose" - n

Definition - A nose that has been steamrolled across the floor, leaving a somewhat red, gnarly rash on the upper portion of the proboscis.

Derivative:  "Boone, you got a rug burn on your nose from playing 'bulldozer' on the carpet!"

Boone's "rubber nose"

Dis Banket

One of my favorite Boonisms. When anyone gets and owie, he runs to his bed to get his "animal banket" to lay on the owie, whatever it might be cause "Here, dis banket weow feew you betta." It has real magical powers, dontchaknow?

Bad in dem shades!

Lincoln wanted to know if he looked BAD in his sunglasses. I answered, "No, sweetie, you look really handsome!"

"No, mom. Do I look BAD in them? Like the good kind of bad?"

"Oh, well sure! You look bad dude!"

"Thanks! Hey," he takes them off to inspect them. "Do you know who makes these shades?"

Oh sweet Jesus, who is this child?

Genius Alert!

Picking my jaw off the floor. Johnny just asked Lincoln if he could spell his name backwards. Without missing a beat he did it perfectly, as if it were nothing. Then, to make sure it wasn't a fluke, we had him do it again. And then asked him to spell Boone's backwards. Yup, my 4 year old is a genius! What does this mean, I wonder!?!

A Moment In The Car

As I drove home this evening I looked up to see that Lincoln was gazing at me in the rear view mirror.

"Mom, I don't know why I can see you in that mirror. When I grow up I'm gonna look at my kids in that mirror."

"Oh? Are you gonna have lots of kids? What are you gonna name them?"

"Yes, I want four children because I am four years old. Um, I'll name them all 'Daddy.' And maybe 'Oscar'."

"Okay. What about next year when you're five?"

"Well then I'll have five children! When I grow up big like Daddy will I be five years old?"

"No, Daddy is 29 years old."

His eyes widened as if to say "Uh oh! I better rethink this."

It's back on the table!

Thank you Johnny for hanging the new chandelier, providing the boys a true Pollyanna moment.  They have just discovered prisms.  The awe on their faces was precious.  I asked them, "Wow, isn't God creative?"

The next few minutes, Lincoln had some very inspiring questions.  "Is God the sun?  But He is Light?  Is the sun like a light bulb and God turns it off at night?  Does God's light go off at night?"  I wish I had better explantions for him, and understood it completely myself.  I told him that God's light is in us, and we are beacons of it, reflecting His Son's light like the prisms reflect the sunlight.  "Ok, mom.  I'm gonna go play with my dart gun now."  He clearly wants to figure out where God's "light" is.  The tangible light.

John 8:12 " When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life'."

Matthew 5:14-16 (excerpt from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount) "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Matthew 17:2 "There he was transfigured before them.  His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light."

I am in awe of God's parallels of Christianity with his creation.  After all, he is the Creator of science and all things so why wouldn't it parallel?  The ability I have to teach my children these little daily verses, explaining God's majesty is something I will continue to do, especially when we do start studying the earth, science, math, biology etc. in school.  Maybe homeschooling isn't completely off the table.  I mean, I turned out alright!

Smarty Pants

During lunch, I'm telling the boys the dangers and repercussions of putting food or small items in their ears and their noses. The only things allowed in their ears are whispers, sweet nothings etc.

Lincoln interjects, "And music!"

Boone pauses from cracking open his peanut butter filled pretzels and eating just the filling. He thinks they are pistachios. Sternly he corrects his older brother, "No, Wincoln. Den da doctors will have to put a weawy wong needle down dere and get da music outta dere. Ouch!"

I adore the Boone accent.

Boone is in the back seat. "Mommy, Wincoln is not seeping."

I messed with him. "He's not sheeping?"

"No! Seeping! He not aseep."

"He's not a sheep?"

"Noo! I'm not TALKING 'bout dat!! ...Wincoln is awake. His eyes are not cwosed."

Next sentence, buzzing his tongue (spitting) "I'm twying to get da bubbles outta my mouf." (?)

Do they have Kara's in the Caribbean?

Woke up to find a box of Kara's Cupcakes missing....assumed the huz took the last two (I'd set aside for myself) to work.  I'd deal with him later. Later I found it empty in the giant cardboard space ship the boys have turned into their new bed.  The 2 and 4 year olds are now grounded from sweets, movies, toys, and anything fun today.  They have been sneaking food into their beds early in the morning all week and I'm running out of ideas!!!!

Sigh...at least all this quiet time in their room, reading books will finally give me chance to pack for the BAHAMAS!  Three days from now I'll be on my way with my awesome sis in law to soak in the sun, and do nothing but sit on a beach for, umbrella drink in hand. Six days of not having to wear my mommy hat? Yes please!

How old is this kid?

Lincoln is in the other room shouting information at me. 

He's giving me a play by play of his and daddy's smoothie making.

"Mom! Mom! Moooommm! Acknowledge me please!"

"How do you know what 'acknowledge' means?" I shouted back.

"Mom, it means listen to me and respond!!!"

He's only four right? Did I miss a few years?  

"Mom, you're really pretty.  I wanna marry you and be your sweetheart."  

"Daddy is my sweetheart. But you can be my little sweetheart until you meet yours."  

"Okay.  But when I grow up big I'll go find my own real woman."

Up to no good

Being parents to three boys, we knew the time would come.  It has arrived.

A couple months back, Auntie Katy was in town and had been staying in Grandma and Grandpa's guest room. Lincoln and Boone were "napping" in said guest room. About 45 minutes after I kissed their precious heads and tucked their little bodies under the blankets, the door creaked open and Lincoln announced with a questionable expression, "Good morning, mom."

Warning.  Whenever he greets me this way I know he hasn't slept, but only waited what he assumes has been approximately 2 hours, or a decent nap. He paused in the doorway, darkness from the room behind him. Something was wrong, but what could it be? He looked as though he might have a slight bruise on his eyelid and partial cheekbone. Hmm.  If only.

Then I saw it. It hit me like a bag of bricks. Boone. Guilt in the eyes. Wait, what else was on his eyes? Oh, that would be Auntie Katy's MAC waterproof eyeliner and mascara. Scribbled on hair, cheeks, stomach, ears. I turned on the light, fearing what I knew I was about to discover. Walls, carpet, furniture, curtains, clothes all got a liquid makeover (his sound asleep infant brother was the only thing left untouched). Foundation smeared in the carpet, pink lip stain on his shirt and eyelids. Katy and I stood, there trying to pick up our jaws that were now lying on a pile of pressed powder. I've discovered one of the most difficult things about parenting is keeping a straight face while trying to discipline. Why did I start laughing immediately after the shock set in? Probably so I wouldn't burst into tears.

Ok, fast forward a few months to yesterday. Kids took a pretty good nap at Guppy and Papa's house. I should have realized something was up when, hearing their sweet little voices, I wasn't immediately welcomed to them wandering down the hall asking for food. They must be talking to one another, playing innocently together, right? There wasn't anything in that room that they could get into, right? Oh, Phoebe, why are you still so naive?

Slowly but surely they made their way out to the living room were Johnny and I had been enjoying the peace and quiet of three sleeping babes. Blissfully unaware.

Hang on, I didn't give you those long cardboard tube remnants.

"Hey, boys? Where did you get those?" Two deer in headlights...I knew it.

Well Guppy, I owe you two large Costco Christmas wrapping paper spools. Make that three. Poor Johnny tried so hard to hide the I-am-laughing-because-that-shouldn't-be-funny-but-it-really-is face. Especially when Boone, confused by seeing dads "joy" in what he expected to be a certain spankable offense, told him, "Don't worry dad. There are three 'swords.' One for you too!"

Let's catch up...

I've been very behind on my blogging but I recently found a few notes I've jotted down. Here are a few highlights from the past few months.

Sometime in October: I allowed the boys to pick out a movie to watch after their naps today while I got dinner ready. Lincoln wanted to watch "real people Peter Pan" on Netflix, however Boone wanted Veggie Tales. I said, "Ok, Boone, how about a compromise?" Boone: "YES! I wanna watch Compromise!" Lincoln: "Noo! I don't like that movie. Mom, I REALLY don't wanna watch Compromise."

We always joke the Boone talks like Elmer Fudd, which gave me the idea.

Most kids, before jumping off the cliff (bed) into the water (carpet) count "1, 2, 3"...not Boone. I think he feels bad for the other numbers. What I hear is "FOUR, FIVE, SIX!! Splash!!"

I often tell each of my boys that they "are my favorite {insert name}." Boone just crawled into my lap, looked up at me dearly, smiled and sighed, "Mom, you're my favorite Boone in the whole world." 

Lincoln told me he really wants to go on a plane. I asked him where he'd like to go on the plane. "Um...to Home Depot."

On the counter, helping make Link's Birthday breakfast

Mint chocolate chip pancakes (his birthday breakfast request)

11/09/11: Hey! Who's brilliant idea was it to schedule a 4 year old's check up on his actual birthday? Oh, right...mine. Happy Birthday, have three shots! But, he was so brave and didn't even cry. I'm even more proud that we got his weight up to the 25th %tile! Hudson is 4 months today and a whopping 11lbs 5oz. I love my "little" men. After Lincoln received his shots, Boone, who was just a tagalong that day, climbed into the chair, lifted his sleeve and proclaimed "MY turn!" I informed him he wasn't getting any shots today. Brows furrowed, lower lip began to quiver, and he began sobbing. "But mom, I reawy want my shots...just wike Wincoln did! Pweeease?"

Notice the socks?

With the ammount of "Why?" questions I hear each day, I realize I could save myself lots of time and just skip ahead and give him a final, sometimes exaggerated reason.  E.g. Lincoln isn't a big eater. Over this past year we have had many discussions about why nutrition is so important and that we must continue to eat daily. My side of the dialogue is usually something to the effect of, "Because if you don't eat, your body won't grow." "Because then you'll never outgrow your carseat." "Because food is important to keep us strong and healthy." "Because I don't want to take you to the hospital!!!" "Because I don't want them to stick a big iv needle in your arm." "BECAUSE IT'LL HURT!" "sigh...Because if they don't you might starve!" "Because then you could die!!" He usually gives up there.  

Lincoln, being a sometimes bossy, big brother, was informing Boone that he needed to finish his post nap snack of cheese and crackers "or else...(sigh)...you will die!!" Sure, THESE things sink in.

Thanksgiving: Boone wanted "baby Moses" from the nativity to watch the Chinese checkers game.

Late November: Papa is laying on the floor next to baby Hudson who is laying on a blanket. Lincoln walks up, lays down next to them both, places his head on Hudson's belly and whispers "Oh my precious baby."

12/9/11:  Lincoln: Mom, little girls don't have babies in their bellies because if they did, it'd be too heavy for them and they'd just fall over.

The boys slept over at Guppy and Papas on my birthday eve. When we came the next morning
to meet them for breakfast, they greeted me with a very exuberant "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

12/17/11:  I asked Lincoln to please bring me a clean diaper for Hudson. He did it so quickly and obediently. I looked at him with much adoration and exclaimed, "Wow! What an obedient attitude! I am so proud of you! What a wonderful helper." He looked at me with a big closed lipped smile, tilted his head and took a gentleman's bow (one arm behind and one in front.)

"Ice skating" with daddy at the rink his company built.

1/4/12:  I just told Lincoln he needed to hurry so please "Hustle your bustle. Wait, boys don't wear bustles. Nevermind." He responded, "Nope, but I sure can hustle my MUSCLES!"

1/9/12:  The boys were being mischievous and when I turned around to asked "Who did that? You know better." Boone looked at me shamefully and Lincoln quickly explained, "No mom. It wasn't me, it was Boone (points at Boone). This guy right here (pats Boone's shoulder.)"

Someone got big boy underwear! 1-12-12

Whenever Hudson is doing something cute Boone shouts "Mom! Come quick! Wook at your baby! He's so cute! Uh oh! Bay Husson dwipped (spit up)!  Eww, he dwipped awot."

Hudson 6 months old! Little peanut is not quite 14 lbs yet.