Happy (Crazy) Days

If you could see my calendar you wouldn't see much white space- we are a busy crew these days. With so much activity, the days are flying by really fast. I want to make sure I appreciate and acknowledge all the big and little moments.

Ryan is such a great young man- he turns 18 in 2 1/2 weeks, will be going to the prom and is getting all of his school records (and grades) in order so he can be prepared to go to college. He is looking hard for a job, but no luck yet!!

Nathan's mind and world are expanding. We can see so clearly who Nathan will be as he grows up. Unless he gets amnesia (and forgets all that he loves), we bet he will be a scientist, an engineer-- something to do with creating, building, taking a part, experimenting. He had to do a book report at school last week and he chose to report on a book about the life cycle of a butterfly. He is the only kid in his class who picked a non-fiction book. He also picks non-fiction books on library days (hot topics:space, how to build or draw, science). He did start taking a drama class (which he really enjoys) after school once a week- hoping this keeps his personality outgoing as he focuses more on introverted activities.

Jason is a roller coaster. He is loving you, thinking you are the best thing EVER to hating you, stomping his foot in anger. He is hot and cold in the same minute and it is quite exhausting. I do love when he says "You are the best mom in the whole wide world", but not loving it when I am "Old mom buried in the dump". We are preparing him for Kindergarten in the fall and reminding him how big boys behave in school (easier said then done).

Dan and me- we are great. I feel like I have known this man my whole life. We finish each other's sentences, we can read quietly beside each other, have long conversations, enjoy or kids and so much more. Hey, we can even disagree and make up (my favorite part). I am just so thankful that he is my sweet husband- I love him dearly!!

Thank you Lord for the many blessings- for love, health, family, friends, shelter, food, transportation and most of all for You, God, in my life.

Ryan's growing up!!

Last night Dan and I heard something that we knew was coming, but it still took us by surprise. Ryan said, "Dad, can I borrow the car tomorrow night?" Ryan got his license on April 1st and it came in the mail last week- he is officially official.

Today is Ryan's 1 year anniversary with his girlfriend Daisy. Unfortunately due to the laws, they can't drive together in a car because of their age. So, they were meeting at a restaurant and having dinner together. He got all dressed up and off he went- so handsome!
Ryan won't have to borrow our cars much longer since a member of his step dad's family has given him a 2005 PT Cruiser (a nice deep red)- lucky kid. He won't be taking it to school with him, but can use it while he is home. Now, we just have to get it registered and pay for insurance (oh JOY).

Nathan- Mad Scientist

Okay, so maybe not MAD, but definately into science, machines, building, destroying and all other fun stuff.

Our printer died on us a few days ago and Nathan was so excited when we told him he could take a part the machine. He has spent several days taking it apart and then he has tried to invent something from the remaining pieces- so cool!!

machine in the beginning

Nathan beginning to take it apart

Hooking it up with wires and power to see if it can work
(and it does)!

Spelling Test

Yesterday Nathan came home from school with his list of spelling words. The teacher gives the kids a pre-test at the beginning of the week to see how they do with the words without having studied them. He got half right and half wrong, but when I gave him a test today he got them all spelled correctly.

Build and Grow- Part 2

The boys, joined by their sweet friends, got to go to Lowe's for their Build and Grow program. I can't tell you enough how awesome this is and it is FREE!! Lowe's will be doing it every weekend till the middle of May and then the last two weeks of May (and then twice a month for the rest of the year). You can go on their website and see what they will be building for the next two sessions.

Today's project was a mini-baseball game. It wasn't too hard to do and the kids had so much fun playing with their toys after wards. Next week they will get to build a planter with a clear front so they can watch their plants grow and the week after that they will be making bird feeders-so cool!!

Go out there and get building!!

Jason-Claire-Maddie-Nathan
Mini-Baseball Game

Just Waiting

Nathan wanted his turn on the computer (something the boys BOTH want to do now) so we agreed on 20 minutes. He wanted to set the timer on the computer. I told him that was fine, but then he wanted to watch it count down. I told him he should go do something else, but he was adamant that he watch it go down to zero. This picture just cracks me up- just waiting-waiting-waiting. Such patience when we want something!!

The Great Hair Debate- Part 3

Well, it has now been three weeks since the hair was first cut. It is growing- I promise. I tried to get pics that showed more head and hair, but they are a little weird. Enjoy!!

Wordless Wednesday::Dan's Favorite Pickle!

Easter 2010

What a glorious day!! Today represents the day our Lord rose from the dead- conquering death and sin!! Hallelujah!!

Nathan and Jason heading out to church- so handsome!!

A visit from the Easter Bunny!!

It's Official...and more!

Ryan has his driver's license. We spent several hours (and that was with an appointment) at the DMV yesterday, but the boy passed his behind the wheel test and his actual license will arrive in 2 to 3 weeks. We were both relieved!!

Also, Ryan has decided to attend ASU in the fall. Granted, he hasn't seen the campus yet, but it is the most affordable option at this point. He and his mom are going tomorrow to visit the campus, see housing, talk to the music director for the marching band (yes, he will play the tuba there) and get a feel of the place. I am sure he will be doing the lion's share of the driving out there so he will have a good idea how far it is (or how close it is).

This is a time full of many milestones: driver's license, choosing a college, turning 18 (on 5/13), Prom with his girlfriend (1 year anniv. is 4/20), graduating from high school (6/16).... this is just the beginning (or the end).

We love you Ryan- enjoy these days!!