Riley Walking

Riley took his first steps on his first birthday.

3 New posts below this one.

You can't hear it, but Riley was laughing hysterically. He LOVED being on the trampoline and playing hard with the boys. Mom would have never put him out there like that. I guess that's what Grandpas are for.

What else??...

Grandpa brought the boys a large puzzle with a fox (cool!). Levi is lying by it to show the size. The other two boys have been hamming it up.

That's a lot of wood.

Since his dad was in town, Matt rented a wood splitter and had help in tackling one of the huge problems in our backyard. We had this very large pile of really big pieces of wood from our trees that were removed 4 years ago. Since we have no heater and the winter is approaching (eventually), the wood needed to be cut into smaller, wood burning fire place size. Hence the machine and heavy work. Dylan really wanted to help. He got on his gloves and everything. Riley trembled in fear anytime we went outside by the loud chopper. I ran as soon as Budd unearthed a colony of red ants. I left with the boys and when I returned they told me all about the creepy crawlies they found in the mess. The pile of wood is the after picture. I wish I had taken a before one, but I didn't. They were quite productive. Good job Matt and Budd!

Exhausted.

Grandpa Fox is in town visiting us. He's done a fabulous job of distracting and watching Dylan. We have been busy with soccer. Matt is a referee and Levi plays (#22). Riley is content to sit in the stroller and watch all the people run around in organized chaos. I like to sit and talk. It's lovely.

Dear Anonymous,

It is true that my children are rarely in clothes while they run around the house. Currently (at 7:36pm) it is over 100 degrees outside and we only have air conditioning in one room. They have only been sleeping in their diapers (or underwear) at night since it is so flippin' hot. Honestly, I am jealous. If I could run around my house in nothing (or close to it and look cute), I would in a heart beat. The problem with that is one time I was wearing a sports bra and my boys saw cleavage and couldn't get over pointing it out, but I digress....

Anyhow, my mom taught me to pick my battles. When we are in public the boys are clothed. I even try to make what they are wearing match. Dylan is CONSTANTLY covering himself in mud/food/water/sand/unknown substances, etc so why even bother trying to keep on top of the laundry? It is much easier this way, trust me.

I hope that has sufficiently answered your inquiry as to why my children are never wearing clothes. I appreciate your comment on my blog, so please, comment again anytime. I hope you have a good evening.
Kindly,
Shannon

Riley Gus is ONE!

We opened Riley's present this morning so we would have new toys to play with. They are perfect for chewing on! Riley enjoys his birthday song. We are so glad he's in the family!

First Day of Kindergarten

(If this picture is sideways, it's the computer's fault. I had it upright.)

So, Levi started school today. He is afternoon kindergarten, which doesn't start until 11:20. He woke up at 6am and it was a long 5 hours of him asking if it was time to go yet.

When I picked him up, I asked him how his day went. He said, "They didn't have art."

Then I asked him if his teacher was nice. He said, "I lot of really nice, but a little mad." (okay, sounds normal to me).

He says he'll go back tomorrow.

Welcome to the world of being a soccer family! Whoo Hoo!
Levi had his first game on Friday night. Watching little 4 & 5 years old play is pure comedy. They all run in a swarm and stay together the whole time. Levi was devastated when he tried to kick a ball, ended up on the ground, and "someone sat on my head!!! (sob, sob, sob)". It was fun to watch. Levi even made two goals! Really!!

Playing Around

Riley likes to play the drums. He is especially fond of this metal bowl that we have. Riley also loves to get his brothers. When they all play together it is SO nice! In case you couldn't tell, Levi and Dylan are hiding under the fishy blanket and Riley is trying to find them.

Do you like our new header picture? The boys were trying to help Riley stand, but he pulled them down. It was quite fun!

My 10pm Ponderings

It's rather interesting what you can find on the Internet... pretty much anything. I tracked down a few people on facebook and through whitepages.com. I think that if anyone is stalking me, then surely I've been found (please comment if you are).

Today was Levi's first day at soccer practice. He LOVED it! I found it quite comedic to watch a bunch of 4 and 5 year olds run around chasing balls and trying to do stretches. It was so cute! I took a picture or two to post (but they are on my phone). Sometimes I can't believe how old he is. We constantly have pictures running on our television at home (like a slideshow), and I just look at my little Levi's baby pictures (and Dylan's) and am amazed at how quickly time went by. I mean, some parts of the last 5 years dragged on and on and on, but in all reality it was fast!

Dylan is going to get away with so much when he is older. He just does something to make me laugh and then goes ahead with what he planned originally. He does it so well though! He's very goal oriented/motivated/stubborn/focused. That will be good, and that will be bad.

Riley Gus is adorable. He so wants to be running around with the boys. We have a pool in our backyard and he can sit in his floating circle thing (so he doesn't die) and his feet touch the bottom so he can run. He loves going around and around and try to get his brothers (the floating thing around him prevents him from falling). It's fantastic!

Matt is my superhero (without the tights). He cracks me up! I just love being with my husband and I thank my Heavenly Father for him everyday. We've had LOTS of quality time together and we are trying to embrace this next phase of life. I think he's wonderful and I am incredibly happy with him.

I have been sorting out Medi-Cal mess. I am grateful for the programs out there for people in need (both governmentally and with our church). I truly appreciate all the help we have received from individuals and programs. I never wanted to be poor, especially at the age of 31. There's nothing wrong with being poor; I just have to use self control, be more creative with foods, household items, etc., etc. I'm okay with it. Really. It just causes some minor stress. But hey, that's okay. I like change and challenges because they build character and strengthen my testimony. It's sad to think that maybe there was a reason we needed to be humbled. I am grateful for the reminder, and grateful for the chance to be home with my sweet boys.

My dear friend had something interesting to say at church on Sunday. All her kids are leaving home now (college, missions, etc), and she said that she was thankful she got to serve them for the last 18 years. I hadn't thought of being a parent like that. It has sort of changed my perspective on staying home and constantly leading, teaching, corraling, and separating my boys. I just hope my boys turn out as good as hers have so far (she also had 3 boys and then a little girl... maybe I'll follow that example).

Well, it's late and the little people are sure to wake up multiple times in the night (they just love me that much and want me to hold them). I hope all is well with everyone out there reading this! Happy day!

Other stuff

Let's see... Matt and his Dad ended up being twins one day (unintentionally). I finally took a good picture (it's of Hannah, my niece). We love to see the boys playing nicely together. Another picture is of my cute boys with Grandpa W. playing a game. Riley was eager to help. Love my family!