Once a year...

Once a year, (at least that it seems) my dad brings out his old `47 suicide shift Harley that he had restored. I love this bike. I love how old it is, the original sound that it has, and even a little family history. My dad got his love of motorcycles from his dad, who brought home his first bike in pieces and in boxes and restored it with my dad and his brothers. It was a `47 suicide shift (that means that instead of shifting with your foot, the shifter is by the gas tank, and you have to take your hands off the handlebars to shift gears. It's pretty wild...hence the name suicide shifter) and without much thought, my grandpa didn't think it would be worth much so he sold it. Well, little did he know, right? My dad has always wished he could have had that bike because of the memories and for sentimental reasons. A few years ago, he was at the Harley dealer and heard about this bike that a guy was thinking about selling, but wasn't sure. To make a long story short, my dad convinced the guy to sell it to him. And to make a story even shorter, some research was done and found out that this particular bike that my dad now owns is the only one registered in the state of Utah. Needless to say, we like to believe that this is the bike my dad, his dad, and my uncles all restored (minus the side car) This bike is also a lot of fun for me because my kids get to have a ride once a year. (The sidecar is definately a ride of a lifetime...very fun) Here are pictures of the boys ride for the year...

Santa baby

Unfortunately, Camden was given my wonderful genetic eczema that has plagued his cute little face. I am leery to put any medicine on it...I don't want to hurt him...so this is what my mom told me she used to do to me (I had the same thing only worse). I made a little corn starch paste that helps for a little while, I just wish it would last a little longer!

 

I love how much Ethan loves this new little brother of his. I sometimes wish that the same thing would have happened when Aiden came around...oh well. If any of you know my Ethan, you know he has this frog blanket that he has slept with since he was a baby. And that it is his prized possession. He also had a soft blanket that he loves almost as much. Yesterday he wanted to snuggle Cam (and thank goodness I trust him enough to know that he won't hurt him) and when I walked back in the room, I found Ethan had wrapped Cam up in his blanket and snuggled him with his frog. I thought it was pretty cute.

 

And last night when everyone was in bed, I couldn't resist this picture of Cam. I really wish that time didn't go by so fast and that they would stay little just a little longer. I am all for the extra work. He is getting so big...he has an amazingly strong neck that he loves to put to work when he is on my shoulder. I can't believe that it has already been 7 weeks. I love my boys so much! I am one lucky mama!!!!

 

We love it when the bear comes over...

So, my nephew Matt goes to piano lessons around the corner from my house and has been told on several occasions that Ethan would love it if they came over after and hung out or if his mom couldn't get there in time. No big deal. So, today, someone knocked on our door and it was the bear. He is such a cute kid...and tries to act so tough. Ethan thinks he is cooler than sliced cheese. Seriously, stars shine in his eyes around the Bear. He was only here for about a half an hour, but here are a couple of things he said:

"Is anyone else thirsty?" Not, "Hey aunt Jen, could I have a drink of water?"

He also took it upon himself to teach Ethan how to do a 360 something or another off the stairs...Don't worry Cath, Ethan has been jumping off the stairs for a while, he just needed some flair! And now all Ethan can say is "Dad look at my 360!"

And the one that made me laugh the most was, "Hey, do you have a computer that's just for kids?" To which I replied, "No." "Well, I think you should get one. Ethan really needs one."

Thanks for making me laugh Bear! And by the way, I have never met a kid that refuses a cookie!!!!

The great outdoors!

This weekend Scott took the boys camping at Marsh Lake with his family. Camden and I stayed behind because of lots of reasons, mostly because I felt that he was too little to go. And let me tell you, my house was really quiet. I was a bit nervous about Aiden and how he would do, but I have to say that the kid has done a lot of growing up these past few weeks and surprised me a ton. I sent Scott with a bunch of jingle bells to attach to his shoes so that if he ran away, we could hear which way he went. Come to find out they weren't necessary at all, and he was completely entertained with a set of stairs that were in the campground. I also sent Ethan up with strict instructions to be nice to his brother, help out Dad, and if you see Aiden running away, call for help. I am so glad that those things weren't necessary. Both of the boys went fishing and Ethan put a real hook on his line this year. From what I understand, Aiden got bored pretty quickly because he didn't know how to throw out his line...but he's only 2. I am sure he will catch on soon. They spent a little time in the canoe too. And Ethan also shot his first gun, which I have decided is pretty cool, but I am glad that I wasn't up there...I need to let my boy mom skin grow a lot more if I want to survive all the things that I am unsure of letting my kids do, like shoot guns. I still don't know how I have three boys. Guess I have a lot of growing up to do as well! Of course the boys had a great time with cousins and their grandparents and aunts and uncles. I am grateful for a great family that was so willing to help out. Hope you all know that I am very appreciative of all you did for my family this weekend!



The stairs that kept his attention....



Aiden and Grandma McFarland



Future fishing buddies...



Enjoying a snooze in the tent.



Aunt Natalie and Ethan working on a craft...



And in case you were wondering...
I was bored. My house was quiet. I could take naps. And I could read a book. But it just wasn't the same with the small amount of chaos that I deal with every day. I didn't want to do those things. I kept worrying that everyone was a frozen popsicle. I guess what I am saying is even though it's hell sometimes, I love being a mom.

And I am really sorry for my in laws who came home to a flooded basement. What an awful way to come home!!!!

You know your kid's a redneck when...

The only time you can get him to sit still is at a demolition derby. Aiden had a blast--and I am serious when I say that he didn't move a muscle. I guess I was a little bit fascinated by cars smashing into eachother too. However I have to say that the drivers were too polite because they didn't flip cars over and there were no fires. That is what a derby is all about. Guess we will have to stick to Logan or Heber for the good stuff. And fireworks in 3-D??? I've never heard of such a thing, but I love how Aiden held his glasses.

So much to say...

Our computers hard drive crashed on us a couple of weeks ago, so I thought I would start getting caught up on what we have been doing. There are lots of pictures and stories...happy reading!

GOOOOAAAALLLLL!!!

Ethan started soccer last night. Man was it a learning experience for me. I didn't really have high expectations that he would be the star player, but I hoped that he would at least want to play. He started off strong, but about 15 minutes into it (and right when his fan club arrived) he decided that he was done. And I mean done. He came over to me and started taking off his shoes, socks, etc. Then he decided that he would play again, and before telling the coach, he would just run in and start playing. It was really funny/stressful/a little embarassing. I have to give him an A for effort for his first game ever, but I think we have a lot to practice! After I started thinking about it, he is used to playing with his cousins and leaving the game any time he wants to, so I am sure he thought he was doing what was normal. Until next week....

 

Started out strong.... (He's #49)

 

 

 

but was happier here!

***WARNING*** Not for weak stomachs!

I can't believe that this...

 

 

Came out of this cute little nose...

 

Disgusting!!!

My runaway...

Yesterday during quiet time, Ethan came running down the stairs and said, "Mom, I'm runnin' away." Sort of baffled, I said, "Why?" "Because I'm runnin' away" and he grabbed his backpack and started loading it with random things...Mr. Potato Head's arm, a ball, a rock, you know, the most important things. He never really gave me an answer as to why he was running away, but he packed up and was ready to head out. I later learned that he was watching Little Bill for quiet time and Little Bill ran away. So, here is my dilema...I won't let him watch Spongebob anymore because A) he's annoying and B) I wanted Ethan to be learning something during quiet time. So, I guess I feel like I have shot myself in the foot. Educational? or Annoying? Don't know which route to take, I just hope that he doesn't learn to run away again!

 

 

A piece for me...a piece for the ducks!

Yesterday, I decided it was time to bust out of the house on my own and take the kids to the park to feed the ducks. I figured that was an easy activity to ease back into with three kids. Not that the third one is hard, but I get nervous about what to do with the other two if I ever needed to feed the baby. Anyway, we had a great time and the boys enjoyed a taste of freedom from the house. It wasn't too hot, but just hot enough. Scott had to be in Rawlins Wyoming for the day and I knew it would be a long day if we didn't do something. It was so fun to hear Aiden giggle so much at the ducks. The kids had a great time with their Aunt Lynell who needed a little time away from reality too. They decided that it was funny to feed the ducks and then eat the other half of the piece of bread. We had a good time. And as you can see, we also played on the playground. I hate parks. I don't know how I will survive three boys and not have a heart attack before age 40. Aiden makes me crazy there because he has no fear. Because I was running to help, I didn't get a picture, but Aiden attempted to climb across these chains like Ethan. I'm a sissy, I know.

 

 

 

 

Finally...pictures of Cherry Hill!!!

Grabbing the camera is definately not one of my priorities when we go to Cherry Hill. I am glad that Scott grabbed the camera the other day when we went. This has been such a fun place for us to go...the boys love it, I love it--but I am sad that the season is coming to an end and that fall and winter are upon us. I get really depressed about this time of year because I am such a summer person. I never realized that until I had kids. Maybe it's because it is easier to have kids in the summer...no coats, no shoes, socks and undershirts. It definately makes laundry a lot easier! Anyway, we have another whole week to cram time at the hill in, and I even think Camden might make his debut in the water.

 

We love the lazy river!!!!

 

Cam enjoyed the fresh air and I read a book. We had a great day!!!!

Funny things said this week...

So, another week gone, and a few things funny were said/remembered for the week. Ethan is starting soccer on Tuesday, and is really excited. We were getting him cleats the other day, found the right size and I was ready to go. Ethan said, "Hang on Mom, I need a mirror." So, whatever, right? He found the mirror, looked and said to himself, "Looking good Ethan." Humility is a big thing around our house!

And, as a mother of three boys, I have realized that cooth and my attempt to teach manners regarding bodily functions are out the door. I realized that when Aiden farted at the dinner table and laughed at himself and said, "I poop." No chance.

Time flies....

when you are a little sleep deprived. Camden will already be a month old tomorrow, I can't believe it! It's definately hard to imagine my life without him, and a lot easier to have three kids than I thought, but then again, he can't move yet. I have been building up my arm muscles from constantly having someone in my arms, and that is so great. I love this little guy and I am so happy he came to our family. I have learned that there are not enough hours in a day anymore, and that things will get done tomorrow if I can't get to them today. I only wish that they wouldn't grow up so fast...even though they get easier as they get older. I am glad that the transition with my boys went pretty smooth...I think we are seeing some of the needing attention now and not anyone else phase now. But all is good, let's just keep it that way!