Random

Not much to update here. We're eating a lot of frozen treats and trying to all stay sane. As promised to my sister, here are a few random picts of what we've been up to.

No--a bird did not poop in E's hair. This is what you look like when your brother helps you put on suntan lotion.

H and me hanging out doing a self portrait. Love those cheeks!!

She's learning to smile and it is so fun! She loves to smile at and talk to her brothers.

Mom's favorite time of the day--nap time.

Rainbow Bright

When I put this on H, all I could think was that it is sad it's not close to Halloween because this outfit makes her look like Rainbow Bright.

I don't think she was as amused as I was because then she pooped all over it.

A few random G stories

The other day, during a shopping trip, G was whining that I was taking too long. As a now frazzled mother of three, I turned to him and said, "99.9 percent of the things we do in this family are for you. You just need to suck it up and realize that there are other people in this family who have needs too." He stopped complaining and was very pleasant after that. As we were finishing up I turned to him and said, "Thank you for not complaining and being so cooperative." To which he responded, "Well you told me to suck it up...so I am." (Jeez, I love this kid!!!)

For those unfamiliar with the movie WALL E, part of the theme of the movie is that WALL E is lonely and wants companionship. He loves to watch a love song from the musical Hello Dolly and it is a repeating musical and visual theme throughout the movie. As this scene containing the love song came on yesterday, G snuggled up to me and said, "This part just makes me want to get married right now."

Today while I was rocking H and the boys were watching a show, G turned to me and explained, "Mom, when I grow up I'll have to work. But I'll get days off and then you can come over to my house and visit me and we'll eat dinner together."

Brother's Barbershop

Well it finally happened. One of our kids got the sibling discount on haircuts. Monday I noticed that E's hair was looking a little bizarre. Since I am the one who has cut the boys' hair lately I started questioning myself. "Did I give him that super uneven, weird haircut?" I wondered. Then I noticed that one section of it was almost buzzed. No way I cut almost down to the scalp and didn't notice.

"G," I asked, "What happened to E's hair?"

He came out of his room slowly, "I think he found my scissors and cut it."

I considered this, as it could have been a possibility and I wouldn't put it past this crazy child. After a thorough inspection, though, it was pretty clear that the haircut was not self inflicted. The cuts were at the wrong angle and honestly, I doubt E currently has the dexterity to shave his hair so close to the scalp without drawing blood.

"G, are you sure? I don't think he cut this himself. Do you want to tell me the truth please? Did you cut your brother's hair?" I asked.

G slowly nodded. The poor kid was terrified. I thought I handled it well. He is currently banned from the use of all household scissors. Thankfully E is a boy, and the difference between a bad haircut and a good one for a boy is about 2 weeks.

When we asked him later why he did it G replied, "Well I asked him if he wanted his hair cut and he said yes." Can't fault that logic.

It might be hard to see the detail but I tried to take some pictures.

The destruction of our screen door in 3 parts

Dog...

Cat...

Kids.

The best of our family photo shoot

Can you believe how grown-up these kids are looking?

E in photos

I tried to take some pictures of the kids yesterday. E wanted to be in everyone's pictures except his own. These were the pictures he let me take of him. Heaven help us with this nutty child.

H in a series of pre-teen pictures

Hi Dad, I just want you to know that you are my favorite and I love you!

What do you mean you won't buy me a car when I turn 16?

Forget it, I changed my mind. Where's Mom?

Blessing

While we had our family in town we blessed our sweet little baby H. She is such and doll, we love her so much. It's amazing how much love you can have for someone you have known for such a short amount of time. Here are a few pictures of her blessing day.

She was blessed in the dress that my grandmother handmade for my mother to be blessed in. Both my sister and I were also blessed in the dress. It was really special that we have been able to use it through 3 generations now.

I think this is our first family picture since H was born.

This was her reaction when I tried to take her picture without being held. Little stinker!

My parents and our family.

Thanks to everyone who came and helped make this day special. We love all of our different families!

We were fortunate enough to have family here for the fourth of July again this year. We started out by going to see the hot air balloons. It was really windy so we got to see about half inflate only to deflate again rather than take off. G was so upset, he told us that he had waited all year to see the balloons and he was super mad at the pilots for not flying them. Luckily some were able to take off later and we could see them floating through our back windows (phew)!

I actually think this is starting to become one of my favorite 4th of July traditions. I mean hey--if you are already up at 6 am everyday, you might as well go see something cool while you are at it!

What a handsome guy huh?

After the balloons we went to the local booths and displays set up around the downtown area (whoops no pictures of that) and headed home to hang out and have a bbq.

The boys beat up on their Uncle B for a while.My sister and I just sat and laughed.

Then we had an early fireworks show that my family and hubby's Dad and wife were able to come to.

The boys trying to blow the smoke away.

E did not want his picture taken.

I think this is starting to be one of my favorite holidays. Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate, we had a great time!!