Wyatt is 17 and I Am Old!

 What's your favorite thing to do?

* Read

What do you want to be when you grow up? 

* I don't know

What is your favorite food?

* Chili

Who do you like to hang out with?

* My family

What do you do really well? 

* Make babies, me laughing saying no, read well, fast, and effectively even.

What makes you laugh?

* Myself

What is the best time of day?

* Between 8 and 10 pm

What are you afraid of?

* Public humiliation, sure we will go with that one.

What do you like to do with your family?

* Watch movies.

What do you like to learn about?

* Female anatomy, no I'm kidding, I uh like Chemistry.

Where do you like to go?

* No where, I like staying home.

What is your favorite book?

* The Wiseman's Fear - Patrick Rossfuss

If you could have one wish, what would it be?

* To find my wallet! Boom!

Issac Turns 15

What's your favorite thing to do?

* Play Minecraft

What do you want to be when you grow up? 

* Aerospace Engineer or Therapist

What is your favorite food?

* Crepes

Who do you like to hang out with?

* Ben (Torres), I guess

What do you do really well? 

* Science

What makes you laugh?

* Um, I don't know. Jokes, ha ha ha! My own witty humor, not really don't put that.

What is the best time of day?

* Nighttime - because it's dark.

What are you afraid of?

* I don't know, being repetitive.

What do you like to do with your family?

* I like when we go on family walks sometimes.

What do you like to learn about?

* Science

Where do you like to go?

* I want to go to Iceland!

What is your favorite book?

* I don't currently have one.

If you could have one wish, what would it be?

* To have infinite wishes, but because you never let us do that, then to never have to work again.

He's a Te(e)n!

It's his birthday!  He's officially a teen.  Although it feels like he has been one for some time.  He's a bit of an old soul and as the youngest he is always trying to keep up.  In some ways he is way beyond his years and then in others he is right on track, and then occasionally, he's a little behind - like in the height department.  But what they say is true, great things come in small packages and besides his stature there is nothing small about this boy.  He is thoughtful, valiant, stalwart.  He is a feeler and empathetic and helpful.  He is a bit sassy and spirited and I swear I see as much of the backs of his eyes as I do the fronts.  He is my social butterfly and my best buddy.  He is a perfect ten!  Thanks for being a part of our family.  We couldn't survive without you.  We wouldn't laugh nearly as much!

What's your favorite thing to do?

Video games - Super Smash Bros

What do you want to be when you grow up? 
Own my own business

What is your favorite food?
Chick Fil-A

Who do you like to hang out with?
No one, because of social distancing.

What do you do really well? 
Play video games

What makes you laugh?
People

What is the best time of day?
Time to go to bed, Night time

What are you afraid of?
The sea

What do you like to do with your family?
Go places - vacation

What do you like to learn about?
Food

Where do you like to go?
Anywhere

What is your favorite book?
Stone Fox

If you could have one wish, what would it be?

To go to bed

Birthday Interview - Mary

This was almost a big one, 39!  I can't wait for next year, but this year and every year is always a great one!

What's your favorite thing to do?

Reading, Puzzling

What do you want to be when you grow up? 
A Counselor and/or Therapist

What is your favorite food?
French Fries, Seafood 

Who do you like to hang out with?
My Family, My Friends

What do you do really well? 
Sleep, Read, Google

What makes you laugh?
My kids, Awkward Situations

What is the best time of day?
When I get to take a nap

What are you afraid of?
Not really anything - but my family dying (if anything)

What do you like to do with your family?
Vacation, Play Games, Hike

What do you like to learn about?
Counseling, Sleep, The Brain, Most anything

Where do you like to go?
Any place I have never been before

What is your favorite book?
The Alchemist, The Book of Mormon

If you could have one wish, what would it be?
An Eternal Family

Isabella Becomes An Adult

What's your favorite thing to do?
Watch movies with my roommates

What do you want to be when you grow up? 
PA - Physicians Assistant

What is your favorite food?
Uhhh, I hate this questions, mmm - a lot of foods.

Who do you like to hang out with?
My roommates

What do you do really well? 
I...um....I can cook really well.

What makes you laugh?
Stupid stuff, when me and my friends do stupid stuff that is funny.

What is the best time of day?
A little after midday, but not yet the evening or morning.

What are you afraid of?
Just falling short of my goals.

What do you like to do with your family?
Ummm, hang out with them and play wrestle with my brothers.

What do you like to learn about?
Biology, the body, stuff like that.

Where do you like to go?
The beach, the woods, on walks, wherever I just like being outside.

What is your favorite book?
Oooo - probably The Death of Ivan Ilyich

If you could have one wish, what would it be?
That my future family will be happy!

Birthday Boy - Wyatt Style

What's your favorite thing to do?
Nap, not really, ummm - play video games

What do you want to be when you grow up? 
Anesthesiologist

What is your favorite food?
Chili

Who do you like to hang out with?
Hot girls, my friends

What do you do really well? 
Lie, Cheat, and Steal hot babes {ridiculous giggling}

What makes you laugh?
Myself

What is the best time of day?
When you are about to take a nap, but you are not asleep but neither are you quite awake.

What are you afraid of?
Nonexistence, Oblivion

What do you like to do with your family?
Avoid them, like an angsty teen

What do you like to learn about?
Chemistry and Math is always fun

Where do you like to go?
Uhhh - on dates with hot babes!

What is your favorite book?
The Wise Man's Fear

If you could have one wish, what would it be?
I wish to be happy I guess.

Celebrating With Friends...

Issac is a master at making friends.  And although school is rough because he has no friends in his classes, he has still made friends in Church and school.  So four short months after we moved here, he invites 8 little boys to his party.  Seven are able to come!  They watch movies, play in the backyard, ply him with presents.  It is a brief reprieve from what has been a hard move for him.

Birthday Wrap Up and Review

So much love.  The kids are responsible for their own gifts for one another.

Sometimes they get me to take them to the store.

Sometimes they give cash,

sometimes homemade gifts.

But almost always they do good work.

All the love, you can see it.

Not only in the gifts, but the thought behind it.

Her party with friends was fun. 

They decorated cupcakes.

Her friend got her a cicada pin.

It's her nickname.

Her joy is my joy.

May she always be happy, this year and 100 more to come!



You Say It's Your Birthday and I Agree

Dear Wyatt,
I love you so much.  I am so glad that you are a perfect angel 98% of the time.  And I know that the other 2% of the time when your teenage brain is betraying you and "Scumbag Joe" has made an appearance that it won't take too long for you to realize that you have hulk raged out before you will turn right back into my angel. 

I love watching all the new changes taking place because they are just indicative of how much you really are growing, if not in height yet in every other way.  And it was no surprise to me to hear all of your answers regarding sleep and bed because my prior to this year, needs the least sleep boy, is changing.

But you don't ever seem to get to old to sneak up on me and give me kisses and hugs.  And on our Netflix nights you are thrilled to get the coveted next to mom spot, but will more often than not defer to a younger sibling.  You are a great brother, an amazing son, a sharp student, a ready smile'er' and all around charmer.  I love you so much.  happy birthday!
Love, Mom

What's your favorite thing to do? Video Games or Netflix

What do you want to be when you grow up? 
Psychologist or Neural Scientist

What is your favorite food?
Chinese or Hamburgers

Who do you like to hang out with?
Bailey, Mikey, Neil, Zeke

What do you do really well? 
Read

What makes you laugh?
Jokes, bad jokes, dumb jokes

What is the best time of day?
When I am sleeping!

What are you afraid of?
Oblivion - the unknown

What do you like to do with your family?
Play video games, board games

What do you like to learn about?
Math and Science

Where do you like to go?
My bed

What is your favorite book?
The Paladin Prophecy and The Alchemist

If you could have one wish, what would it be?
Infinite wishes, but if I can't have more wishes, a successful life.

 

The Big 4-0

This man turned 40.  I considered what I could do that would be special for him.  I knew he'd hate a party and would think a big gift was a waste of money.  He just wanted to be surrounded by family and chocolate.  We fulfilled both of these and felt like we were still the ones who were winning out.  He is the greatest gift our family has ever received.  Just check out his sweet smiles and his constant caring for our family including our sweet babies.

Issac Turns 11

What's your favorite thing to do?
Play video games and play with the dog

What do you want to be when you grow up? 
A Scientist

What is your favorite food?
Tacos

Who do you like to hang out with?
Mom, friends - Chase, Nolan, Cooper, Andrei, Carter

What do you do really well? 
Smile - I don't know.  I don't really do anything well.  I can't think of anything.

What makes you laugh?
Dad's corny jokes,

What is the best time of day?
Lunch Time

What are you afraid of?
The dark, losing my friends

What do you like to do with your family?
Going to Texas

What do you like to learn about?
Science

Where do you like to go?
Texas, Hawaii

What is your favorite book?
I Totally Funniest - James Patterson

If you could have one wish, what would it be?
To be Super fast

 

Student of the Month the month of his birthday was icing on the cake.

This sweet, kind, happy child is very conscious of everything around him even though he might not seem like it.  He worries he's not as smart or good or funny as his siblings.

He loves the dog fiercely and cries most times the baby is crying hard.  It breaks his wee bitty heart.

He's handsome and increasingly like my husband, which makes him a favorite of mine.

Oh to hold on to these moments and cherish each one, taking time to absorb every second, because time is fleeting too quickly.

Belated Birthday Interview - Kody Time

What's your favorite thing to do?
Talk to Friends, Watch a Movie, Snuggle with Family

What do you want to be when you grow up? 
A Mechanic or take over Dad's Job

What is your favorite food?
Pizza, wait - I don't have one

Who do you like to hang out with?
Luke, My Family, Payton

What do you do really well? 
Math, Having Fun

What makes you laugh?
My friends making corny jokes, getting tickled in two spots, Trixie (our Puggle)

What is the best time of day?
Afternoon - because I get to do homework and I get to play outside and video games.

What are you afraid of?
Demons

What do you like to do with your family?
Play board games, Family bonding, Road Trips

What do you like to learn about?
Math, well I would like to know more about Math Boost

Where do you like to go?
Texas, Hershey Park, My House, My Friends' Houses

What is your favorite book?
A Grimmy Conclusion

If you could have one wish, what would it be?
Easy - It's to turn invisible

My sweet, kind, snuggly, feisty, spirited, smart, intuitive boy.  I love you endlessly!

Happy "Golden" Birthday

Isa had her golden birthday.  It was a action movie inspired party this past weekend.  They all brought their favorite movies and vegged out.  Lots of Avenger type movies were watched and the individual pizza making and popcorn bar were big hits.  I can't believe she's 14.  Time is going too fast, but it gets better and better with every year. 

So what makes Bella so amazing...well on my short list, I have...she's:
hardworking, funny, kind, thoughtful, obedient, devoted, righteous.

Everyday she makes me proud.  Happy Birthday, sweet pea.  And so below:  you can read her annual birthday interview:

What's your favorite thing to do?
Read and write stories and hang out with friends

What do you want to be when you grow up? 
Be an entrepreneur and own my own café/restaurant

What is your favorite food?
Pretty much anything

Who do you like to hang out with?
Nina and the rest of my friends, but Nina best. but don't tell them I said that.

What do you do really well? 
A lot of stuff.  I'd say I'm just a jack of all trades for the most part.

What makes you laugh?
When someone is being ridiculous and I get to be ridiculous with them.

What is the best time of day?
Probably really early in the morning before everyone is awake or really late at night when everyone is asleep.

What are you afraid of?
Not a lot, but I guess not being liked at this point.

What do you like to do with your family?
I like to go hiking, when we play card or board games on the weekends or Monday nights.

What do you like to learn about?
Math, it's becoming a pretty cool subject for me.  Learning about the number e and compounding in real life.

Where do you like to go?
I'd say my bed, because it's my alone time.

What is your favorite book?
I don't have a favorite book, but my favorite subjects is American Classics with the women; so like Secret Garden, Little Women, Little House on the Prairie.  Or Fantasy like I really like the Unwanteds.

If you could have one wish, what would it be?
I'd wish for infinite wishes, because I'm that person, but if I couldn't I'd say...I'd probably wish that life would be exactly how I want it - not too easy, but not hard, just perfect.

Wy Is My Guy

He's the best piece of my heart.
He's kind, easy and almost always content with whatever.
Even if every now and again I see smidges of adolescents that terrify me,
I know we will weather this together.
He loves me fiercely and is super protective of me.
He takes his role as oldest seriously.
If Travis is gone he is the consummate"man of the house."

He puts others ahead of himself.
He loves learning.
He shivers with pent up energy when he gets into something.
He reads voraciously. 
(Like a book a day on weekends or snow days, every two days otherwise.)
He's sweet and kind. 
He embraces old fashion manners and opens doors for others,
waits for everyone to be served before starting to eat,
lets girls in front of him in lines.

He is thoughtful and intuitive.
He is snugglable and loving.
I'm so happy to have him.
Happy Birthday, kid.  I'll keep you - forever!

Wy is My Guy

What's your favorite thing to do?
Read

What do you want to be when you grow up? 
Physicists or a Nano Technician

What is your favorite food?
N/A - there are a few that I like

Who do you like to hang out with?
My friends - Bailey and Sophia

What do you do really well? 
School

What makes you laugh?
I'm not sure, nothing in specific, just funny things make me laugh.

What is the best time of day?
Wyatt: Like 9 o'clock
Me:  At night???  When you're sleeping.
Wyatt:  Yeah, when I'm supposed to be sleeping.  (sheepish smile)

What are you afraid of?
I'm claustrophobic and I'm kind of afraid of the dark.

What do you like to do with your family?
Go on trips, hikes and vacations.

What do you like to learn about?
Math

Where do you like to go?
To my room, to be alone.

What is your favorite book?
The Noble Warrior Series or The Magyk Series or The Alchemist

If you could have one wish, what would it be?
To have a million more wishes.

It's Great To Be 8

Kody turned 8 this year.  My youngest got baptized.  Where has the time gone.  He's growing up.  So much happened that I just haven't taken the time to record it all.  But we are very proud.  The last of the kids has made the first of their covenants with God.  Here's to many more along the way and through the years.  We love you, buddy!

 

P.S.  This all happened in September, I'm just now getting to blog abut it! Ooops!

 

He's Mr. Incredible

He's a genuinely happy, always helpful, easy going, laughter loving, lady slaying "boy next door" charmer.  At his birthday party yesterday all of his friends agreed they had never seen Issac mad.  It didn't surprise me, he next to never is.  He's the perfect combination of my husband's mellow with my happy.  I love him endlessly.  Can't believe he entered the double digits and tween land. 

Keep doing you, Issac, because you're pretty incredible!  Happy Birthday.

Bleck, Bleck, Bleck

I started the day really early, even though the kids had off school.  I knew it would be just that busy.  So I headed out for a quick morning run.  20 minutes, couldn't even spare 30 - but I got 2.5 miles in.  I arrived back home just in time for our monthly foster visit/home inspect.  Afterwards, I did the quickest shower and wardrobe change before heading to the dentist with a kid in tow.  Stopped on the way home for party supplies and milk and cereal - no groceries were in the house, since we had been gone ten days - I needed something to tie us over.

Last minute detour trip to library to return some overdue books and pick up a prize one of my kids had won.  Get home to some boys being delivered.  (10) 9&10 year old boys descended on our house for a birthday party.  Pizza and junk food filled lunch and then to the movies in two cars.  After the movie a dead battery that couldn't be jumped force 12 of us into my 8-seater Honda Pilot.  Glad we're all friends here.

After dropping off each of the boys at their homes, we did world's fastest turn around to pick up two kids for their first of many Christmas Orchestra Ensemble Performances around town.  Got them set up, while Travis went to auto parts store.  He returned for us to head back to theater to change out the battery.  Four minute battery swap, he is a super stud, and a return trip to pick up kids who are finishing up.  All home to cram in bed times, belated all be it, a late dinner of a tuna fish sandwich to keep me from starving to death as two pieces of pizza was all I had eaten all day.

Finally a rewarding donut run to end the evening.  Yes I eat my stress away.  But you see I run for sanity in the morning and eat for relief in the evening.  It's why I can start tomorrow as energetic and chipper as I did today and most days - running and donuts.  This week/month is gonna be crazy.  If only I could find a way to make my donut costs this month tax deductible!

Issac Birthday Interview - 10 years old

What's your favorite thing to do?

play on my tablet, Terraria

card games with Mom

What do you want to be when you grow up? 

a YouTuber - this is hard - I don't know

I want to make Legos

What is your favorite food?

Tacos

Who do you like to hang out with?

Chase and Nolan and Brycen and Seth

What do you do really well? 

Play Video Games

Play with the Dog - Dog Whisperer

What makes you laugh?

When Mom tickles me

What is the best time of day?

Probably like 11:30 because that is recess at our school

What are you afraid of?

Lots of stuff

I don't want to admit I'm scared of the dark, that's just sad.

What do you like to do with your family?

Play card games, Family Home Evening and games

What do you like to learn about?

Social Studies because we learn about Indians

Where do you like to go?

Skyzone, Laserdome and the Movie Theater

 

What is your favorite book?

I Totally Funniest

James Patterson 

If you could have one wish, what would it be?

I don't know, because I'm having a perfect life right now! 

Birthday Interviews

Kody is at a perfect age and stage - a wonderful mixture of little boy and beginning man.  He is filled with a wonderful sense of honesty and genuineness that makes me smile.  His face is a window to the myriad of emotions he experiences within every moment of living.  In some ways he is so mature and in others, I see the little boy peak out from behind the man he is becoming.  I love both sides to him.

And nothing better illustrates this than his birthday interview:

What's your favorite thing to do?
Play with the neighbor(s)

What do you want to be when you grow up? 
Game Show Player

What is your favorite food?
Pizza from Little Caesar's for dinner, milk gravy for breakfast
Note:  He asked for tacos for his birthday dinner (hmmm?)

Who do you like to hang out with?
Avery - when can I have another playdate with him?

What do you do really well? 
Math amd reading

What makes you laugh?
I’m not really ticklish; ugg I don’t know – yeah nothing
Note:  He is very, very ticklish.

What is the best time of day?
the afternoon because that is when we get to play the most

What are you afraid of?
darkness and zombies

What do you like to do with your family?
Family Home Evening and play together

What do you like to learn about?
math, reading and science

Where do you like to go?
to Hawaii

What is your favorite book?
The Black Lagoon Series

If you could have one wish, what would it be?
It would be to have a great day, no to have a pistol.

Love you to the moon and back, little man.  You make me proud!