Slumber Party with the Hollands!

Tonight the boys had a slumber party with the Hollands! It was #6 (Cade) and #7 (Bode) first sleepover, and we were so blessed to have them join us! Bode and Noah have been friends since they were 6 months old...hard to believe it's been that long! And Cade has always been such a good "older" and wisesr friend to Noah. He has such a sweet heart, and is already so responsible! The Hollands have always been a blessing in our lives, in many different ways over the years.

So tonight we had dinner that they all gobbled up, played, took baths (there's nothing like clean, naked boys running wild around the house), attempted to read books (we only made it through one), made brownies, and watched a movie. They are all tucked in bed now, although as you can see from the first picture, the Holland boys are laying nicely, and mine is making mean faces at the camera with lots of energy. Great.

Reading a story that didn't have much focus...
Heather, here are your babies all snuggled safe in bed.

At 9:30 tonight, I realized that I had not done Valentine's with Noah for his party tomorrow. Fortunately, we had bought them a few days ago, so we just needed to sign them. It only took him about 10 minutes to sign this cards, and I popped a sucker on them...done! I can get so into projects sometimes, and care less others. This was obviously a care less. He concentrated so hard, he's really been into coloring and writing, which is good, because he used to HATE to color!
Andrew was laughing at our boys tonight just watching how happy and excited they both were, but especially Jakey that they were having friends for the night. It's fun to see them creating those memories. And just as a side not, Jakey is CHUNKING up! We noticed tonight for the first time how chunky he's geting...he had better spring up soon! Although he is only a few inches and pounds smaller then Noah, and he's almost 2 years younger!

Current Happenings...

Here is Jakey with his latest injury. The boys were wrestling and Jakey fell into a chair at the end of our Superbowl party. We have a great nurse friend who helped us glue it back together, thanks Anne! It saved us a lot of money and time and a trip to the ER. Yay! He is doing great, and back was back to his old self within minutes. It has opened back up with some of the swelling, but we went to the doctor again yesterday and she said it was fine...maybe just a bigger scar. I think Andrew and I are going to be good at gluing our kids back together...

It seems like every day at some point around here, someone is drawing on their face with marker. Mostly washable, but not always! Something else that seems to be happening a lot is Jakey climbing. He's always been a jumper and a climber, but now he is reaching new heights. He is climbing up on our bar stools, and on counters left and right. I walked in on him the other day in my bathroom like this:

The Hot Tub....

We've been using our hot tub more, which has been fun. A little bit of a hassle, but fun. The other day I took just Noah up there. There was a lady who walked by with a scowl on her face. I smiled and Noah said, "Hi!" But still just a glare. After she had passed, I told Noah how sometimes people are sad, and sometimes they are happy. When people are sad, we need to try and make them happy. I asked him how he could make someone happy. He said he wanted to give oranges to Jesus, and take them to heaven for God and Jesus. But he was sad because he couldn't go to heaven to make them happy. Then we talked about other ways we could make Jesus happy. I don't think I'm describing the story very well, but it was one of those moments where he tugged on my heart and I want to remember. I love that he is getting old enough to really let me in to his mind and see his understanding of things. I love that one on one time with my boys.

Play Time...

We've been loving this nice weather! Yesterday, we headed over to the turf fields by our house that have a crystal clear view of Mt. Hood, so pretty. I love seeing our kids and how far they've come since last year developmentally. It's fun. I have some pretty awesome kids, and a pretty fantastic husband.

Today we went up to Mt. Hood and went sledding with some friends. We forgot our camera on the bed after charging it this morning, and so did they. So we only have those memories in our head, but it was fun. We went back to their house and had the best Zuppa de Scana (I know that spelling is wrong:) soup, just like Olive Garden. Yum. I have been so tired the past few days, and just out of it, so it was good to get away. Although now I'm exhausted and ready for bed...

Finally Getting Around...

Here's a little bit of what we've been up to...starting with Noah in a dress. Yes, this makes Andrew very proud...or shall I say uncomfortable:) He came out to me one day wearing a blanket and asking if I liked his beautiful dress? Of course I did;-) But it kept falling off, so we had to make our own with one of my tanks...and he loved it. He liked to spin and watch it twirl...it was so cute. I may or may not have encouraged it...

Here he is just playing in his messy playroom, looking through his binoculars backwards...hmmm. And here's this little treat, Noah in action. I am so excited I'll have this for years to come!

And then I have this munchkin. He is so funny these days. He's been in to coloring on himself with markers, so tonight I was finishing making chicken soup in the kitchen and Andrew asked me, "Do you think Jakey is going to go through puberty early?" I thought it was such a random question until I looked over at Jakey...covered with facial hair. Nice.

These last few days have been busy, but I'm not really sure why, we haven't really been doing much besides school, the gym, and people's houses. I just feel like I need to get caught up with life (and my house) so I can relax and enjoy my time with these hilarious boys. We're looking forward to sledding Saturday with some friends, and then Superbowl Sunday!

A Little Surprise!

The beautiful woman that usually writes these blog posts is not the author of this one! Its Andrew and I decided to hijack her blog for a quick post.

I just wanted to let everyone know reading this blog that I have the most amazing wife! She is the best mom and is always caring for others before herself! The boys and I would be lost without her constant love! I love you so much sweetie and we love you very very much!

Coming Soon...

Every day I've been meaning to take some pictures, but just haven't done it! We've been enjoying this beautiful weather...although I feel like it's going to be a let down realizing that spring/summer is still a ways away! Ok, actually, we've been out rain or shine, but enjoying the shine especially. I also have a few crafting projects I've been inspired to do, but have them on my counter still...maybe tomorrow? Enjoying this season of our lives, spending lots of time with each other and with friends.

So...coming soon, I will try and get some pictures up tomorrow...we'll see what the day brings!