Lindy turns 4!

From the second Lindy's eyes opened on her birthday, she was all smiles. She was elated to see her 4 birthday balloons she picked out the night before at Walmart, and anxiously awaited her #4 pancake. :) (Again, sad that the downloaded pictures are so much darker here than on my camera!)



That night we celebrated with just our little family. She requested cheese pizza and cake. She distinctly remembered having a pink cake last year, so this year she wanted a purple cake and for our family to go see a movie. Then she started planning next year's birthday: a blue cake, and going swimming. :) Then she changed her mind and wanted ALL of the colors on the cake this year. I convinced her to have a pink, blue and purple cake. Those are her favorite colors, and what she most uses when she colors ANY picture. She helped me decorate it, and kept ecstatically kept telling me that "I'm the best maker!" We sang and opened presents and she was so thrilled I thought she would pass out from happiness! I love that she is so easy to please. The smallest things make her feel like the luckiest girl in the world. I hope she hangs on to that quality.


That Saturday we went as a family to see "Ferdinand the Bull" at the cheap seats. (Benson's first movie!) We splurged and got popcorn, but we weren't feeling extravagent enough to let them do the photo booth. We were, however, kind enough to let them take a picture in front of said photo booth. :)Aren't we such nice parents? We rarely go to see movies in the theater, so the kids were looking forward to it. However, the movie got mixed reviews. Lindy got tired of being in the theater and was whining to go home towards the end, Benson was understandably restless, Miles enjoyed himself, but Gwen decided she didn't like it because it had mostly boys in it. :)


That Sunday we celebrated Lindy and Grandma Garner with our family. Lindy requested cheese pizza again :) and I found a yummy (healthy) Nutella-banana-cream pie. Lindy was thrilled with all of her presents-thrilled! It was obvious that she felt so special. So incredibly thankful for my beautiful, sweet, expressive, shy, smart, intense, hilarious, hard-working, positive girl. What would we do without her??

First bit of March

Our lovely chickens are still adjusting to having Ginger around. The 2 black ones both lost a considerable amount of "butt feathers" as Gwen calls it (tail feathers), but we are working on corralling them in more, so they should be safe from the likes of the dog very soon. And our backyard should remain mostly chicken poop free! Hooray! We have still averaged about 3-4 eggs per day, even in the winter. They are really sweet chickens. And every time I open the nesting box and find a beautiful, brown egg, I can't help but hear, "I love to hunt eggs!" in my head. (7 brides for 7 brothers)


Homeschool group at Makenna's the other day. She went all out to celebrate Dr. Suess day!


And then the next day, another friend who homeschools invited me over to celebrate Dr. Suess day at her house! I had no idea is was such a special occasion! Ha! Good thing there are other moms around who are more creative and on top of things than I am at this point! I'm getting to that point in the year when I feel like I should be congratulated at the end of every school day.


Chemistry! I ordered this chemistry set at the beginning of the year, but these aren't the only science experiments we do. So when we pull out the actual chemistry set, the kids get very into it. Test tubes, safety glasses, pipettes...it's all very serious business.


I don't know what says, "Mother of Boys" more than this. Miles literally had major holes in every single pair of pants he owned. (More than pictured here) We've since remedied the situation.


Benson's first day of nursery!! (I don't know why some pictures look totally fine on my camera, but when I download them they come out much darker. ??? ) He did great! Usually when my kids get to nursery, I breathe a great sigh of relief. However, this time I think the sighing will be done by Richie. Since I'm in primary, Richie's been the one to walk the halls with him most of church for the past year or so. Benson has no complaints about nursery so far. Yay! And Lindy couldn't resist a little photo bombing.


Lindy working on her "school" and Gwen helping Benson with his "school". :) It's now become quite routine that when I'm working with Miles, Gwen will pull Benson up on the chair and read all the board books to him. They both love it so much, but I think I love it most!


The girls were invited to a princess party of some little girls in our homeschool group. They couldn't believe that real live princesses were there!!!


When Ginger killed our favorite mama, we brought her kit inside and took care of them in a big Tupperware in our wash room. It was fun to have them so close at hand during the cutest stage. That is, it was all fun until they got big enough and smart enough to jump out of the Tupperware, and Ginger claimed 2 more victims. So back outside they went after we were sure they were sufficiently weaned. Such a sharp learning curve going on with that dog and the other animals! Oy!


Homeschool day here- learning about the rise of factories in England and then in America. Instead of an awful factory situation, we tried to simulate a pleasant one. Cookie factory for the win! Every person had a specialized job. It was fun.


Had enough cans to make another run to the recycling center. The kids are still tickled pink with the $8 or so, they get every time.


Miles wrote this to a girl in his primary class.:) :) :) It says, "Dear Rachel, You are a wonderful girl. I love you. Miles." I'm choosing not to send it...is that bad?


Lindy trying to "read" to Benson like Gwen does. She does a really good job reading with enthusiasm! And our first picnic of the year! Spring is coming, we can feel it, and it is SO welcome!!

kid update

Miles


*You have this thing lately for re-decorating your room. I wouldn't mind so much if I hadn't put so much time and effort into putting your room together in such a particularly thoughtful way. At first it started out with you just moving things around on different shelves. Then it was switching all of the pictures etc to different nails on different walls. Today you moved your dresser, rocking chair, and desk to all new locations. (!!!)
*The other day on your way home from scouts, you stopped at Gil and Carole's house to chat. I was a little nervous when you got home because I didn't know why you were taking so long to get back from scouts. Later, I ran into Gil and Carole and they told me all about what a sweet boy you are. About how you stopped by and asked Gil "if he had a minute to talk?" And how you asked him how he was doing, and if there was anything you could do for him, and then said you'd better get on your way because your Mom would be wondering where you were. Proud Mama moment right there.
*As always, you are my naturally empathetic kid. You and I snuck out to Walmart to run some errands, and as we were driving in the parking lot you said, "Mom- look at all the people's faces. Everyone here is unhappy!" I tried to explain that maybe some of them are, but sometimes our faces pull certain expressions because it's cold outside, or the sun is in our eyes etc. :)
*Today in primary you had the scripture. You were such a ham, strutting up there, adjusting your bow-tie, etc. It keeps surprising me that you love attention and being in front of people (for the most part). That is so not me. You must have got it from your dad!
*The other day, we had a really traumatic morning. We're still adjusting to our new dog. We let her come outside with you kids to take care of the bunnies, figuring the bunnies would be safe since they were all in cages. Long story short, Ginger got into a cage, dragged one of our favorite bunnies out and killed it. All while you watched helplessly. I came running out to find you slouched into the snow, sobbing uncontrollably. It was awful. We said a prayer, I had you write in your journal to help you process, we all talked, and before lunch you had calmed down and forgiven Ginger.
*You are growing up! Physically yes, but mentally and emotionally too, you seem to be taking great strides. You really open up when you and I are one-on-one. When we went to Walmart the other day, you had lots to chat about. One of the things you brought up was Santa Claus. I kept it very open and asked you lots of questions, but before to long, you clammed up and said you didn't want to talk about it anymore. It was like your more grown up self was fighting against your child-like self. Lots of little things like that lately remind me that you are growing up so quickly. The way you sometimes respond certain ways because you know it's "the right answer". You're not so naive anymore, and that's both wonderful and sad. I especially notice it if I have to come into your room at night to rock Benson back to sleep, and then I glance over at you, so big in your bed and think, "Where did the time go? Wasn't Miles just this little yesterday?" And you and Benson look so much alike, it gets a little surreal sometimes.
*Every night you've been staying up later with a flashlight in your bed, reading Harry Potter. I couldn't be happier that we finally found a book to hook you into loving reading. You came out the other night around 10, proudly holding up the book to us, announcing that you had finished!! Today you asked if you could do a book report on it. :)
*Today, without me asking, you got Benson out of bed, changed his very full poopy diaper (your first time ever) and got him dressed for the day! You were very proud, and I was so grateful!
*The sweet tooth is strong with you. Sometimes I wonder if it's because I restrict sweets too much? So you feel like you have to inhale them when they are available to you? A neighbor brought us some cake the other day, and we kept having to remind you to slow down! :) You definitely got that sweet tooth thing from me!

Gwen

*The other day in primary, you were called upon to read a scripture. As you were standing up in the front, one of the teachers looked back at me and remarked on how cute you were. And then said, "She's an old soul. You can just tell" :) She's right.
*You and Lindy are really at each other's throats these days. Sometimes I'll run out of explanations and help and just ask you to please be a peacemaker because you're older. You work really hard at it, but as you explained to me the other day, "We're with each other all the time!" This is true. Especially these last couple of weeks because we've been taking turns being sick, so your usual outings like dance etc, have been on hold. There's been more time at home. So I'm trying to schedule some time for you guys to be apart.
*I wish I could bottle up your laugh and keep it forever. You have THE BEST laugh. It's authentic, and heartfelt and contagious. It comes from deep down in you and is so full of joy. I just love it.
*During school, I can always count on you to help watch Benson when it's not your turn to work with me. You're always more than happy to entertain him. You favorite is snuggling with him in the green chair and reading books to him. He loves it too! He'll sit for at least 20 minutes (which is practically an eternity in baby years) and let you read to him. I tried to set Lindy up with him to "read" to him, and you got sad about it, saying, "Hey! That's my special thing to do with Benson!"
*Today I came to pick you up from dance and was a few minutes early, so I got to watch you guys working on your next routine. Your teacher was trying to lead you through the moves and kept forgetting which move came next. At least 3 times, she checked with you to make sure she was getting the moves right. You remembered it better than she did! You have always had an impeccable memory.
*Over the past few months you have had a desire to master roller skating. It was very hard for you at first and you wanted to give up so many times! I would just say, "That's ok! You don't have to keep trying." (mostly because it's kind of a pain for me to tie up your laces etc) But you were determined. I don't know where this desire of yours, or the grit came from, but with no help from Dad or I, you would go out on a regular basis and work at roller skating. You fell on your behind a lot, but you'd remark that you were going to keep trying because you wanted to be the best roller skater! I wouldn't say you're completely proficient yet, but you can get out there and roller skate independently and you really enjoy it! It's been fun to watch this progression. Today, Lindy wanted to get on the smaller roller skates and try it out. She was nervous and you were trying to help calm her nerves. You said, "Lindy, it took me years to get good at roller skating, so don't worry if you don't get it right away." :)

Lindy

*You are a volcano these days. I'm going to say it's because you need some more one-on-one attention with Mom and Dad. Hopefully we can remedy the situation. There is no in between with you. You are either super sweet, happy and funny, or you are 100% ticked off. It doesn't take you long to go from calm to exploding. And the outbursts are loud and intense.
*Anyone who really knows you probably wouldn't believe it, but you are intensely shy. You are THE BIGGEST ham when you are around people you're comfortable with. I mean, I've rarely seen someone so animated. But as soon as you're around people you're not used to being around, you bottle up so fast. And all this shyness usually manifests itself in your eyebrows. :) You'll look really grumpy, when really you're just feeling uncomfortable and shy. Your primary teachers get a kick out of it. More and more lately, you'll be nervous when I leave you somewhere, like in your primary class or tumbling class. You're always just fine and have a great time, but lately those first few minutes of separation are more traumatic. You didn't even want to say the scripture in primary, even though I know you really wanted to use the microphone. I had to say it for you. :)
*Tonight we went to a "carnival" fundraiser for our old Bishop's family. It was a great event and you kids LOVED it. You each played the fishing game about 3 times. The first time Gwen got a "My little Pony" thing. And even though you were happy about your first 2 prizes, what you really wanted was a "My Little Pony" thing. The 3rd time you played it, you pulled up a purple pony, and you were so happy I think we could have powered the building on your happy energy. You flipped! You were yelling and jumping and were so excited you even ran up to the lady running the game and hugged her as tightly as you could. Everyone near us got a kick out of it. It was pretty cute and entertaining.
*You have really turned a corner in your writing/drawing development. You frequently write out a few letters that you "know" and then ask, "What does this say Mom?" I'll say, "Looks like an H, I, A, and M! Good job!" and you proudly keep scribbling. And as far as drawing goes, it's not longer random doodles. Your pictures are becoming obvious representations. People with faces and limbs in a scene of sky, grass and sun, etc. It's like a flip just switched suddenly, and it's so fun to see.
*Your sweet tooth is waning a bit these days. You'll start a treat and then not want to finish it. I'm both proud and mystified! :)


Benson

*I don't know how you know about guns and cars, but everything that even remotely looks like a gun, you hold it and make shooting sounds. And you make car sounds for all the little cars!
*You are into EVERYTHING!!! It's destroying my sanity one library book in the potty at a time. And markers, you love markers. You love to take the top off, and suck on the tip of the marker till your mouth is all colored, then bite the top off so that the marker is unusable. That is unless you haven't used it to color on whatever is nearest: couch, carpet, siblings precious drawings, school books etc. It's so hard to keep you happy during school time. I know I can't give you all the attention you need, but I sure try, and your older siblings play with you when I can't. But it's still not enough. You are a little tornado.
*It's a good thing kids are resilient! Especially you! In the past week you've gotten your finger bitten by a rabbit, gotten a cold, got a couple of really bad burn spots on your poor little body from spilled hot chocolate, and nearly broken the pinky toe on your right foot. Goodness gracious! I realize that some of this naturally comes with your age, but can we just push pause on the accidents please??
*Every nap time, I take you downstairs to sleep in the pack n play. For the past month or so, I make sure that I don't just sing to you, but I read you one book. You don't get much one-on-one attention during school time, so I try and squeeze a little in there. Lately, you're favorite book to read is, "Teeth are not for biting." Even if I read you a different book, you'll gesture around looking for the teeth book. You have a lot of it memorized and make certain sounds on certain pages now. My favorite is when it says, "But teeth are not for biting. Ouch! Biting hurts!" And you say, "Aaach!"
*You are pro at signing more and shoes now. You also say "brrr" when I ask if you want to go outside (meaning, yes please take me outside). Whenever I change your diaper, you point to the temple picture in our room and say, "Dem-pl". Then you look at the picture of Richie and I and say, "Dada!" Try as I may, I can never get you to say "Mama". I think you've only said it a handful of times in your life. But Dada gets said all the time. What's up with that? :) All I get is "No!" and "Dop! (stop)" whenever I'm changing your diaper.