Posted on May 19, 2008 by threescurvydogs

Busy weekend….I’ll write more later but here are a few shots. We did family portraits on Saturday (can’t wait to see how those turn out) and bummed around on Sunday. Got a new tent for the big camping weekend! I got to go to the Island School auction and watch people spend staggering amounts of money for their kid’s artwork. The pieces are truly priceless, the prices are just SO far out of any range for me. I felt good, though, I did my annual financial aid donation and $10 piece of fudge (it’s a raffle for a spectacular night out in Seattle).

Soak Up the Sun

Posted on May 17, 2008 by threescurvydogs

Today was gorgeous! Record breaking temps here in the northwest and we took full advantage of the sunshine. Dee and I had a conference with the boy’s teacher to discuss behavior strategies (got some great ideas), then I dropped the big boys off to aikido and Trey, Baby X and I met up with Nana for coffee. It’s always nice to sit down and chat with my mom without all the boys camouring for things they need.

Picked the boys back up from aikido and headed to a great park that had exploding volcanos and WATER. It wasn’t deep but sure kept us all cool and the boys went nuts. We will be heading back there again for sure, I’m thinking it’ll be a new summer place to hang out for us. As you can tell by the last picture….the boys were wiped out after all the playing. Came home and played a little more in the yard and had Dee grilled up some steaks.

A really good day.

How Cool is This?

Posted on May 16, 2008 by threescurvydogs

The neighbor got a new go kart and has been riding around the neighborhood, with our boys being their biggest fans. I mean, really, big boys with cool toys…what could be better than that? We were out playing in the yard and Levi wanted to take some lilacs down to Terry (sweet little guy) and when they went down there Carlos and Levi got a ride back up the hill on the go kart. Sweet! They actually looked like little bobble head dolls since the helmets were so big.

Met up and had dinner at Mary and Alice’s place which was relaxing and nice. The kids all play so well together and a change of scenery was much needed. We’re beat…morning comes early!

A Gator, Chuck E and some Cake

Posted on May 15, 2008 by threescurvydogs

A fun filled day that started with picking up a Power Wheels John Deere Gator for the boys. Someone had it on craigslist and I’ve been wanting to get one for the boys to ride around the yard. It was bigger than I expected so in order to get it in the van we had to take all of the boys and their carseats and maneuver the Gator in. Let me tell you there was some NASTY stuff underneath the seats.

We did a quick shopping stop at Fred Meyer and picked up clothes for Baby X while the boys played in the playland then headed for games and lunch at Chuck E. Cheese. It’s always fun and the boy’s favorite.

Came home, cleaned out the van in a huge way and let the boys drive the Gator around awhile. Nana and Papa came for dinner (Sawatdy noodles and meat…sorry, Nathan) and Carlos opened his gifts. He got some great stuff, he especially loved his new camera. He took a bunch of pictures of his presents and even a couple of the floor which he was equally proud of. He also got a Leapster (like Levi’s, which he loves) and a Pirate ship and a skateboard. He’s our daredevil for sure.

Levi had a rough time with Carlos’ turn opening presents. It’s rough not being the birthday boy. There were some tears, but all was ok once the presents started to get opened and there were plenty of new toys for all to play with.

Better get some sleep…tomorrow is MNMs and I have to make “worms and dirt” for Carlos’ class for his birthday celebration at school.

Happy Birthday, Carlos

Posted on May 14, 2008 by threescurvydogs

Happy Mother's Day

Posted on May 12, 2008 by threescurvydogs

It’s been just about the perfect day. No breakfast in bed for us yet, but Baby X slept through the night and the boys were decent this morning. We had Nana and Papa over for brunch and the boys gave Nana a treasure chest with some painted canvas that they had each done for her. Mama Dee also got a set. They really did a stellar job with it and took lots of care to make it extra special.

We delivered some pumpkin bread to the Godmothers and the boy’s teacher (she’s been so good to us…she’s a great friend and really makes us better moms) and just hung out this afternoon. It was fun tonight because after dinner we took Dee on an “adventure” (sounds much more fun that “car ride”) and had her blindfolded until we got to Dairy Queen for some chocolate dipped cones! She was surprised and the boys thought it was a riot to keep telling her to put her blindfold on and not peek.

Everyone’s all tucked into bed, sleeping soundly. All in all a perfect Mother’s Day.

Birthday Madness

Posted on May 11, 2008 by threescurvydogs

What a day for a party! The treasure hunt was a hit! The weather held out (only a tad cold and windy) so all of the activities could be outside, that was one of my main concerns. We’ve got 5 acres for kids to run around and play but our house is tiny. The kids were mesmerized and led on their grand adventure, collecting trinkets in their loot bags as they went. It was also a treat to have Linda, Scott and the girls come for the party. Of course, the boys loved having their friends come play at their house. The end of the post has a little video of 1 clue (of about 15) in the hunt. You get the idea.

Mary made us an incredible chicken dinner and it was the perfect end to a crazy, fun day. We opened the boys presents (you all shouldn’t have!) and eventually got them settled them down to bed.

Looking forward to brunch with Nana and Papa in the morning and hopefully a kick back kind of day for us mamas. Happy Mother’s Day to all of you wonderful moms who inspire me daily to be a better mom to my boys. For some I read your blogs, for others it’s a phone call just to chat or vent about life as a mama, and for my mom, the biggest inspirational of all for me…it’s just about all the love and support I feel every single day. I love you, mom!

Make It Stop

Posted on May 9, 2008 by threescurvydogs

It’s really hard to hear your child scream and cry your name for what seems like an hour when he doesn’t want to go to bed. “I want my mama” and “I’m scared” and “Please come” For all you moms out there, you’ve been there. Your heart breaks for him, but also fills with anger and frustration. It’s a strange mix of emotions and spinning round together. Wouldn’t you think at some point he’d quit crying from mere exhaustion?
The hard part is knowing that if I cave and let him come lay on me that he’d be asleep in 2 seconds. But…he’s not the boss.

Posted on May 8, 2008 by threescurvydogs

It’s been a LONG day…too tired to blog for real, thought I’d throw out some pictures. The boys delivered a birthday present to Caroline and saw a field of “blowing things” and couldn’t resist. They are hoping to get back there soon to blow each and every one.

The next picture is Carlos at aikido last Friday…he decided to help lead the class, big suprise!

Last is Carlos asleep behind the couch…hell, I don’t care where you take your nap as long as you take it!

Got the lawn mowed today in preparation for the birthday party on Saturday. Also got a “pirate” lined up to come entertain at the party. He’s a guy that does some programs at the KiDiMu and my boys LOVE him. Better than Cowboy Dan (from the movie Parenthood….if you haven’t seen it, rent it!). I really can’t wait, it should be really fun for them to go on a pirate adventure.