Halloween 2013

 This year's costume plan was a total whim and it turned out so fun.  I wasn't sure what they were going to be - all I knew was that I really wanted to see my boys in TIGHTS. I know, I'm an awesome Mom.

We dressed up and headed to the pumpkin patch for some photos, had roasted corn and headed home to watch... PETER PAN! Thanks a ton for your help, Amy... the SHOES. come ON. 

Happy Halloween!

Fun friends, Big Bad Wolf and Little Red Riding Hood.

cherishing this moment

The best things in life really are free.
Lucas idolizes ALL of his cousins and would do anything for them. We are so blessed to live close to almost all of them. Aside from Virginia and Idaho, we have quite the number of loved ones living close and that truly is a blessing. I thank God for them daily. I don't think they know how much they all mean to us. Underneath the crazy and the chaos when we're all together, there is a rock solid foundation of love and support in our family unit and for that I am truly blessed. 

Something's Missing...

"MOM. My tooth is loose, and bloody. I'm going to wipe the blood away."

"Lucas, Did it occur to you that your tooth might WANT to come out?"

"MOM. DON'T PULL IT OUT."

"Ok, let me just wiggle it and (TUG) see."

I am actually so excited for this. Mostly because I was young for my grade and I remember everyone losing teeth and getting special recognition at school. It never happened for me in Kindergarten. My biggest fear this past year was my dilemma to start him in Kindergarten or wait. I know it seems insignificant, but ALL I want is for him to have an enjoyable learning experience and to feel like he belongs. Feeling behind in any way can be so rough.

Well - he's started the toothy big kid "look" and I can't wait to see his smile transform in my photos through this phase of life. 

His first words upon seeing himself in the mirror?

"Will the kids make fun of me?"

Oh, here we go.

Lucas is FIVE!

Happy Birthday to my first-born and the light of my life. 

Thanks for always making me smile. You keep me on my toes, but I'm so glad for that. Your energy and cleverness should serve you well in life. 

I hope you enjoyed your day with family.

His Tune

"Humming a tune is a sign of a content heart."

That's what Dad always said. He would catch anyone humming or whistling and let them know of the peace they emulated while in quiet song.

Today I prepped dinner. It was early afternoon, sun was beginning to shine through the kitchen window and country music played softly in the background. 

A familiar tune came to mind, as it often does when I'm remembering my Dad.

You see, this was when we shared our time together. Babies would still be napping, the carpet freshly vacuumed and the oven preheating as Dad and I prepped dinner, usually using food fresh from the garden. He would lean through the pass-through window of the kitchen and start his whistle. 

If I could write the tune, I would. 

I never, ever want to forget it. 

I whistled it today with tears. 

Hopefully I can whistle it soon with a smile. 

I love that man and his whistle. 

FIVE

The day has come. My little boy is all grown up. 

It's funny how I used to think things in regard to Lucas being older, like:

Someday he'll fit into these size 6 pajama bottoms, Like when he's in gradeschool. (as I boxed them up)

When Lucas is old enough to go to a friend's house to play, That's old.

or, When Lucas is old enough to remember things later on in life - that's when he becomes a little PERSON instead of a child.

Sad to say, the time is here.

I wish I were more excited to let him grow up.

He will be FIVE on the 25th.

We'll party. 

I'll shed a tear and try to force a snuggle.

 FUTURE KINDERGARTNER: 

 Just when I think I'm good at getting these kids to cooperate... they both turn into ninjas.

 Happy 5th, Lucas!