Catch Up

Well I guess that since it has been a number of months since I have posted much of anything, I figured it was time that I at least type up an update for those who check this blog periodically.

We haven't been up to too much lately. Kids have been growing like crazy and making a mess of things in the process! We moved them into the same bedroom downstairs with bunk beds! They both absolutely love it! We should have done it awhile ago, since they both sleep way better down there than they did in seperate rooms.

Sam has been busy with a few side jobs outside of the house and a couple inside as well. He installed a wood fireplace in our house and now that it is done- I really like it! It should help with heating this winter. He also built another cabinet to go in our bathroom- a lot more storage space in there.

I have been doing the usual stuff. I am still involved in MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) as the creative activities leader and AWANA as the Cubbies director. This year they both seem a bit easier since this is the 2nd year doing them both and I have some awesome help with both as well.

We did decide to do a homeschool Kindergarten program with Silas this year. We want to wait until he is 6 to go to Kindergarten, but Alaska schools like them to know their letters and a few other basics before enrolling. So this is a great way to stay home but do something fun each day. Silas is enjoying every minute of it and is bummed on days that we don't do it. Brookie likes it as well. She is not quite into ALL the aspects, but she participates everyday.

The only other thing that I can think to update you on is the expected arrival of baby #3 in April of next year. Just when we thought we were done having kids- the Lord decided to tell us otherwise. We are excited and so are the kids. They are both kind of rooting for a brother, but I think they will be happy no matter what. We should be able to find out before we head to Arizona for a Christmas time visit on Dec. 9th. We will update on that when we know.

Well I am not going to make any guarantees, but I truly hope that I can get on the ball and update this more often. I have a ton of pictures that I would love to share- it just takes forever to upload to the site (since we are still dial-up and most likely will be for a long while- the joys of living where we do in AK). I hope that all is well with all of you and I hope you continue to stop by and check for new picts and posts. God bless!

Birthday Party

After rescheduling and moving things around like 4 times, we finally had Silas' 5th Birthday Party yesterday at Redoubt Elementary playground. I was so thankful that the rain didn't decide to show up!! Not much sunshine- but at least it was kind of warm!!

Silas and all the kiddos had a good time playing on the playground, eating cake and busting open the pinata!! The parents enjoyed conversations and watching the kids have fun!

This year's party theme was 'The Flash'. He is one of the Justice League super heros- his friends are Batman and Superman. I was worried that I wouldn't find anything that would work with the theme- and I was pretty much right. Unless you want a full-blown Super Hero party you are out of luck for just Flash. But we decided to just take the colors of Flash and go with it- Red and Yellow! Although I couldn't find a pinata that went, but I was able to come up with a cake design.

Silas said, "Mom I like turning 5!" I said "Yeah it is pretty cool, look at all this cool stuff that you got." He replies so sweetly, "I know! I have some cool friends, huh MOM?!?" and I said, "Yes bud, we have some really cool friends!"

Everytime we have a get-together with friends, I am just amazed at how blessed we are!! We truly have the greatest friends! Thanks to all who came and for the great gifts! We love you all!!

New Family Toy

Ever since Silas got his 4-wheeler last year, Sam has been wanting one of his own to ride with him. But we always found other things to spend the money on instead. Well recently we sold our plow truck so we were definately going to need to get something before winter so we could plow our driveway.
So the solution was thought to be a 4-wheeler with a plow attachment. I was bummed because then all of us couldn't go out together. So since Sam went shopping on his own, he solved the problem for everyone and got a Polaris RZR!! 'Sand Buggy' as Silas calls it!

He did call and ask if it was okay with me and he even said he would get the pink one for me, but since my favorite color is red anyway he went with the red one.

The kids couldn't believe their eyes when they saw Daddy drive up in it. Silas was jumping up and down, flinging his arms and yelling- "yes, yes, yes!!!!!" It was absolutely hilarious and adorable at the same time.

I must say that not only are the kids loving it- but I am as well!! It is so comfortable and easy to drive. I can take both kids in it for ride with no problems at all.

It has two seats with seatbelts and a roll cage. Sam is planning to build some more sturdy doors for it this fall. Thankfully for now both the kids little tooshies fit in the passenger seat, I'm sure we will have to come up with something else when they get bigger. But for now they are having a blast with it.

And you may be asking yourself the same question that I was at first- "Where is the plow attachment?" Well that is something that we still have to purchase!

I have a 5 year old!!!

Well today my baby boy turns 5 years old!!! I cannot believe how fast time goes by. This morning I was thinking of the day he was born- I can remember every detail but why have all the details of the last 5 years escaped my mind?? I am just glad that I have one more year with him at home before he goes off to school.

He has been so excited to turn the big 5! He has been counting down the days since Monday (working on our math skills). I guess that being able to hold up all the fingers on one hand
is a big deal to a little boy!!
This morning he walks into the living room and asks, "Mom, am I 5 now?" I respond with, "Yes, bud you are 5 now, Happy Birthday!" He comes and sits by me and is quiet for a couple minutes then this- "Mom, are my letters still S-I-L-A-S?" I had to hold back my laughter and just say, "Yes Si, your letters will always be the same just your numbers will change!"

He is getting too smart for his own good.

Last night I wrote down a list of reasons why I love him- here it is:

*I love that he has brought so many smiles to our faces and laughter to our home.

*I will admit that he has been a challenge at times but I cherish every obstacle and lesson that we all have learned.

*I love that he is so independent but also loves to be surrounded by people.

*I love that he loves to be with Daddy but doesn't mind hanging with Mommy.

*I love that he loves his sister- yeah they argue and fight but he amazes me at how willing he is to go out of his way to help her or include her.

*I love that he will play house with Brookie.

*I love how pumped he gets about anything with a motor! (that one was for Daddy)

*I love that he asks so many questions- it is annoying at the time, but looking back I realize that he is just trying to figure everything out.

*I love that he can be so mellow and .2 seconds later he is running laps around the house.

*I love that he would live outside if he was allowed to.

*I love that no matter how little or big a trick on the trampoline is- it is a huge deal to him for you to watch him do it.

*I love that he loves books and coloring.

*I love that he is excited about doing homeschool Kindergarten with me.

*I love that he loves going to church.

*I love that he loves to be a helper- and even more- to be given the title 'my helper'.

*I love his bedhead and sleepy smile that we get every morning.

*I love his goofball faces- except when I am trying to take a nice picture of him!!

(example: the picture with this post!)

*I love how much he cares for his friends.
*I love how honest he is- unless it's about something he did wrong.
*I love how he knows just when to give you a hug or tell you he loves you.
*I love his smiling face, bright eyes and sweet little spirit!

It makes me sad to think that many of these things will change or stop the older he gets but I needed to get them written down so I could look back one day and remember how sweet he was!! J/K. We are so grateful for our little guy and look forward to this next year of being 5, the fun we will have, the challenges that we will face and the lessons we will learn!

Happy Birthday Silas!! We love you!

Soccer

Silas is playing outdoor soccer with the Boys & Girls Club in Kenai. He was so pumped during his four practices, but since then- not so much! At his games he pretty much just runs around and when the ball comes his way he'll kick it (usually in the wrong direction). I will say though he loves to be on defense and he loves to throw the ball in! He tries to sneak in there EVERY single time to do that. He is definately learning the game and meeting new kids so I am proud of whatever level of effort he gives each time. But let's just say- it's a good thing he will be old enough for T-Ball next summer!!

Swim Lessons

This summer Silas has endured 2/ two week sessions of swim lessons so far. He starts another one next week. Thankfully, he loves the water!! He did an awesome job listening and learning new things. He is just a little fish now! He did so well and improved so much over that month of lessons. He graduated into a level 3!! I am so proud of him and his swimming abilities!! Now we just have to go swimming more often so he can improve on them!!

This video is from the second week of lessons- pretty darn good for a 4 year old!!

M.I.A

Although we are not actually M.I.A. I just thought I would let everyone who might check up on us through this blog that we are all still alive and well. Just having a great summer and have been busy enjoying it. Sam started fishing last week and is busier than ever! It is amazing how much stress, and many other emotions this time of year brings on all of us! We are just praying that everything works out for the best and we all make it through it! We hope that you all are enjoying your summer and I hope to get some pictures posted sometime this summer! So keep checking back!