OOPS

So, Jake and Caleb were playing volleyball in the familyroom... I reminded them they weren't supposed to be throwing balls in the house but unheeding, minutes later, they knocked a plant over the wall and down to the stairs. I didn't even yell and they quickly went to clean it up. It took two hours to vacuum all the dirt out of the carpet. I wonder if they learned their lesson this time...This took more effort than when the broke the lamp playing football in the familyroom, they just had to pay for that and it obviously didn't deter them. Life with boys is never boring.

first day

Today was the first day of school for Jake and Caleb. As you can see by Jake's expression, the newness and excitement have worn off. It went well except for a snafu at pick up. No major problems. AJ was pretty upset that he didn't go with his brothers. I packed him a lunch also since he was feeling left out. Ryan gave the boys a father's blessing to start the year off right and of course, AJ couldn't be left out of that either so he climbed up into the chair for a blessing too. Ryan gave him one also. I was so happy.

The End of Our Summer

Yesterday was the end of our summer. Jake and Caleb started school again today. Bittersweet. We went hiking in the White Tanks. This is the end of the trail. Sometimes there is a waterfall coming down the rocks. As you see, yesterday there was only a pool at the bottom. It was still great to go.

too much fun

We like to go swimming. Jake and Caleb have always been fish in the water. AJ hasn't. At the beginning of the summer he wouldn't go near the water. Now, he doesn't want to get out and doesn't want any help either. He loves to jump in and swim to the edge and climb out. Luke likes to do the "high dive" with the boys and AJ isn't one to be left out. We have to throw him lower than the other boys but he swims up and out and says " more". They have so much fun and I have fun watching them have fun! Even Levi loves the water and splashes all over the place. I have to be careful because he tries to put his face in the water, soon he'll be swimming around with the other 3.

dog tricks

Jake and Caleb, with the assistance of a couple neighborhood friends, taught Jazmin to climb into the fort today. She is so big when she stands up to climb in that her front feet are on the top step. Then she climbs up the ladder with her back feet. She goes down the slide too. Neptune just jumps in with one leap and goes down the slide. The boys are so excited to have accomplished something fun. I'm just glad they actually did something together that wasn't at my expense. They have no problem working together to torture me but at least have fun with it. They also got the dogs to fetch they said. They ran in to tell me. "Are they bringing it back?" I asked. "Sorta. Jazmin keeps taking it away from Neptune." they say. I just laughed.

Silly boys

So, Sundays are always crazy here. I try to keep it mellow but really, come on with 4 boys is that really possible? Today was the best so far and that only because there wasn't any complaining about no tv or video games, the boys got along for the most part and I didn't yell at anyone at all. That is the most amazing part. As you can see, even after they were ready for church the goofiness is still there. I woke Levi up to load him up and take this pic, can you see the enthusiasm? Caleb is winking at me, AJ is trying to do something, I'm not sure what, and Jake sticks with an oldie but goodie, sticking out his tongue at me. So much for a good picture. This was my 3rd attempt. I gave up. I am so thankful for them and all of their goofiness. I think if we all were a bit less serious and laughed and fooled around more life would be more enjoyable. Who says we can't have fun while we do our work? I'm going to try to be more silly! Who cares what people think as they drive past me driving with the kids all singing and being a rock band on the freeway. I just keep both hands and eyes where they need to be and the boys have fun. I need to do that more often.

Chores

So, Ryan and I decided that the boys need to be more responsible about helping out. Mostly we decided because we got tired of the complaining when we asked them to do anything. So... they have to feed and brush their dogs daily. They have to clean the bathrooms weekly and make their beds daily. They also learned that complaining about the chores or being bored results in more chores. It's amazing how fast the complaining stopped. They are actually doing a good job. I have to share a funny experience. Caleb, after finishing his chores on Saturday said to me, "Mom what is that thing you get every week when you do your work? That thing that we don't get." I answered him "Allowance?" and he said " Oh yeah, allowance. Can we get that now? And I mean alot!" He is quite the bargainer my Caleb. How can you say no to that? They get a dollar a week now for a week of completed chores. He wasn't quite satisfied with that but agreed to revisit the matter after a trial period to make sure he is doing them faithfully and discuss a raise then.