Examples

I married an amazing man.  Seriously his goal every day is to make me and his kids happy.  He has been out of town this week.  This week has been a horrible week for him to be gone.  School started.  Not only did my kids start, I started back too. I will spare you the crazy details, but lets just say I really missed Brett's help this week.

Brett usually takes care of the kitchen and without him here, and it being a busy week, it got neglected.  I tried my best, but by this morning it was horrible.  I have a presentation I have to give tomorrow, so I don't have time to tackle it.

I went out to make dinner and my sweet 14 year old son had completely cleaned the kitchen, mopped, and started a load of laundry (mind you it was a clean load that I hadn't taken out of the laundry room yet, but at least he tried).  He could tell I was stressed and wanted to help me.

It brought tears to my eyes because I am so proud of the man he is becoming, and because I have an amazing husband who is such an amazing example to my kids, especially my boys.  He is teaching them with his actions how you take care of each other, and to be aware of others needs.  I hope my boys grow up and love their families, especially their wives, as much as their dad does.

First day of School 2014

Gavin and Brynn are in the same Junior High together this year. Gavin is technically a Freshman. A Freshman in High School! Blows my mind. This is Alec's last year of Elementary School. Blows my mind again! Every year I wonder where the time goes.

Zelda Party

(My brother Spencer called Alec on the night of his birthday to wish him a Happy Birthday.  I fully expected Alec to tell Spencer all about his Zelda party.  Spencer would have really appreciated this party.  Not many people are up to snuff on Zelda, but a couple of my brothers are.  Alec forgot to tell Spencer about his party.  So this post is partly for Spencer's benefit).

I tried with all my might to talk Alec into having a party at the Jump Zone.  An hour and a half of boys jumping around while I sat there watching sounded like fun to me.  He wanted nothing to do with it.  He was adement that he have a Zelda party.  Of course I obliged.  I actually love doing theme birthday parties for my kids.  I may or may not go a little overboard. 

I have to admit though, I think I am getting partied out.  I have roughly done 20 parties for all 3 of my kids from 4 years old to 11 years old.  Alec is my last child and I am feeling a little bit of party burn out.  Honestly I am glad I am feeling this, because a couple of years ago I was feeling sad that birthday parties were coming to an end.  I am not sad anymore.  I think I am ready to be done for awhile.

So we went all out on this party (our probably last party).  Oh who am I kidding.  We (mostly I) always go all out.  And I have to give Brett most of the credit on this one.  He put together all of the bows, whittled all of the arrows, cut out all of the shields, and created an awesome target.

We decided to do this party at the park.  More room for boys to run around, and more room for bow and arrow practice.

 The refreshments:

 We had 4 stations set up. (I forgot to take pictures of the quiver and arrow stations)

1.  Build and decorate your bow

 2.  Create a shield

 

3.  Make a quiver (out of a Pringles can and felt and a leather strap)

 

4.  Decorate your arrows (Brett pre-glued the feathers on dowels, and we used pencil erasers for the tips)

 Brett then gave a quick shooting and safety lesson and the boys tried to hit the Zelda enemy target.

 

  

 Even big brother got in on the action.

  

 Presents (I love the happy look on his face here)

    Noah, Garrett, Kyron, Alec, Rome, Jackson, J.D., Tucker, and Jaxon

Alec is DOUBLE DIGITS!

Did you realize that most of your life is spent in double digits? You only get 9 years of single digits, and if you are lucky you will see triple digits. But for the most part we are always double digits.

My "baby" turned double digits today.  TEN!!!  That is so crazy to me.  After 10 they become big kids really fast.

He wanted a Zelda theme

Triforce cake!

(he informed me a couple days before his birthday that he doesn't like cake.  He does however like cupcakes.  So I made his cake out of cupcakes this year).

Alec it has been fun to watch you this year.  You aren't scared of much anymore.  You are much more bold and willing to try new things.  I have often sat back in awe as I watch you come out of your shell and try things you would never have tried before.  You are much more confident and happy.  You have a very smart sense of humor and make us laugh a lot.  You are a deep thinker, very smart, and take everything literally.  You love video games:  Pikmin and Zelda are your favorites.  You love Legos and helped mom with Lego club this year.  You are so sweet to little kids and babies.  You still love to snuggle with your mom and still fit on her lap.  You finished 4th grade and are about to start 5th grade, your last year in Elementary School.  You are growing up so fast and are a joy to have in our family.

Floating the Oneidas

We went with Steve, Angie, Ryan, and Emily to float down the Oneida river. Charlotte was staying the week with us so she came along too. We all tried to stay together but we got split up. Gavin, Ryan, and Alec were together. Emily and Brynn were together, Steve and Angie stayed by us for the most part. Charlotte was on a tube with me and we stayed with Brett. The girls were way behind us and the boys were way ahead of us. The float took a couple of hours and was fun and relaxing.