11

Jman is 10...what?

Seriously...what? How did these years fly by so quickly. Of course I know that every parent says this. But when I look at our one year old and then look at my 10 year old I'm blown away when I try to wrap my mind about one of them being the same size as the other was or is now. (Does that make sense anywhere else besides my mind?)

Jman requested a military themed birthday party and it's been a while since I went all out for him like I have for the girl. It's the big 10, we're talking double digits here people!

I tie dyed a sheet for a camouflage effect and I made the banner out of some jeans I've been saving for a project. Do not ask me how long I've been stock piling old jeans. Finally being able to use that which I saved is not good for the mini pack rat in me.

Burger & dog bar, watermelon, layer dip pasta salad

Water bottles (yes this is a way after shot, but I had to take a pic because I loved this detail :)

Lemonade

After eating the boys began their military training under the command of...

this guy. He did such an amazing job of "encouraging" the boys.

He lined them up.

Made them warm up (push ups were included).

Then they had to complete an obstacle course and E demonstrated.

When they completed their training they received these tags. (made by the sarge himself, aka my bro in law)

Next, if they chose to accept it was their mission. Armed with weapons of mass water destruction they hunted for these criminals.

and gave them a proper soaking. They loved that they had permission to attack their dads with super soakers and water balloons.

This was all followed up with sugar reinforcements. Mint chocolate cupcakes and ice cream. Presents and then playing until dark.

Vman especially enjoyed the card that played music, over and over again.

At school...

J juggled scarves at the school book fair. He was scheduled to do this for 15minutes. He probably did this for 2min. and spent the other 13 bopping around doing who knows what. He's a social bug.

While we were there I was finally able to E's art on display at school. They have what are called outstanding artists and their art is displayed either for the whole year or for a month. She is here with art that has been chosen to be up all year, in a frame.

This was a piece chosen for a month. These skills she gets from her daddy.

J had his 2nd cello concert and did great! He started playing it cool when mom's around. I'm not sure how I feel about this. He wasn't please with me taking his picture here. I don't think he really cared, but he acted like he did. I'm not having it.

Yesterday was J-man's 9th birhtday. He spent the first half of the day with Dennis. They went out to breakfast and then worked on some fence at the farm. Guy bonding stuff. While they were away, E and I did some decorating, made a birthday sign, wrapped presents and decorated the cake.

At one point I was upstairs and E and V came up the stairs w/ boxes on their heads.

So I drew them faces.


Then I caught her doing this. She cracks me up. (she lost her other front tooth on sunday!)


When the boys got home we let J open a couple of presents.

Then we took a friend and went to Cracker Barrel for dinner. (that's ketchup on his friend's forehead)

Then we went home for cake. This year's creation... an X-Wing fighter. Like me it isn't perfect, but I was generally pleased and J loved it, and that's what counts!

He always gets overwhlemed with love when everyone sings to him. So sweet. (he's definitely my son)

Then, V decided it was time for presents.

The bummer about this pic is that the moment before this moment, he was holding the legos over head cheering a big "yes!".

From grandpa and grandma.

Then everyone left except Grady and they went to bed with their glow sticks (around 9:45ish)

But they didn't go to sleep until after 11pm.

Thanks to all who sent greetings, gifts and love to make his day extra special!

this week

Yup...gave in to the summer buzz. Said I'd never, but we did it. His hair grows so fast, it's so thick and it's been so hot. He loves it.

Yesterday we played in the rain.

We had planned to go creek stomping and swimming w/ Den's mom and a couple cousins and we kept those plans despite the rain.

Notice V has no pants. They kept falling off so we ditched. He don't need no stinkin' pants.

They kept running back...

...and forth.

Then a quick plunge in the pool.

Praying that there would be no thunder and lightning. (there wasn't)

Some of us were plumb tuckered out.

Last Sunday I made great great aunt hank's (Henrietta) camp pancake for the kids. I had been describing it to E, my lover of questions, and decided that it would be easier to show her. YUM. (I know these pics are blurry...my hands shake like a drunken sailor when I try to take pics w/ no flash)

Today during J's cello lesson I took the others plus cousin Ethan to a park to feed geese & ducks. Those buggers are aggressive! The one white goose was hissing at us. So ungrateful, in my opinion. We quickly finished off our few pieces of bread and got out of there.