Sneaky

The kids around here refer to Thomas as being 'sneaky.'  That is just a nice way of referring to the fact that Thomas is always trying to get into and/or do something he shouldn't be doing. 

Since school started, we stocked up on some fun goodies (bags of chips, cookies, etc.) to put in their lunches.  We normally don't have stuff like this on hand for numerous reasons.  I just wanted to make things a little fun, and get the kids excited about bringing their lunch.

These snacks have been designated as 'lunch food'...as in they are not to be eaten except for school lunches.  We have even resorted to packing a lunch for Thomas everyday so he can participate in getting to choose from the loot. 

Well, sometimes just packing the lunch is not sufficient for our little Thomas.  He tells me that 'they are not just for school!' (picture a furrowed brow, pouty lips, and a very stern voice.) Then he tries to take matters into his own hands. 

The other day while I was nursing Grayson, Thomas thought he would be 'sneaky', and try to pilfer from the snack stash.  Unfortunately, it didn't work out too well for him this time... 

(Ignore the unorganized mess of my pantry)

While Mom's away the Kids Will Play...

Sometimes I wonder why I even attempt to clean my house.  Kids have an uncanny way of undoing all your efforts almost before you are even finished.  I know there are times that my hunny may think I do nothing all day yet in reality I have cleaned up numerous messes along the way.  After today he may think a little differently.

Tonight was 'curriculum night' at the kids school.  Anna, a friend of mine, also wanted to attend, but her husband would not be home in time.  I volunteered my husband to watch her kids so that she could go.  Anna has five kids, but they are all pretty much aligned in ages with my 4, and they all get along great.

Dallin is the same age as Thomas.  Since they were 2 they have LOVED playing together.  I have never had a child bond a friendship at such a young age.  They are so fun to watch together.  Along with the fun they have...brings alot of mischief.  Today was one of those mischievous days. 

When the kids got dropped off, Shawn put on 'Hop' for the kids to watch.  He figured they would enjoy it, and stay out of trouble.  The boys had gone upstairs to 'play'...or so he thought.  A little while later he found them in the downstairs bathroom and thought it was 'cute', and taped them. 

After he filmed this he sent the boys outside to jump on the trampoline in order to dry off. Minutes after they went outside, he heard water dripping....from the light fixture in the DINING ROOM.

Apparently before the boys got into the bathtub, they were in the upstairs bathroom (instead of playing with the toys in their bedroom like Shawn had thought).  They had plugged both sinks and left the water running!!!  Shawn went upstairs to find water everywhere (all over the counter, floors, cabinets, it even seeped into every drawer)!  Of course he went to work trying to clean up that mess.  

Minutes later he went back downstairs to bring some of the soaked towels out to dry only to find that the boys had thrown all the pool toys, our barbecue tools, and all of our recycle trash over the fence into the pool!!!!  (I so wish he would have taken a picture!!) 

Luckily the damage was minimal, and despite Shawn's initial frustration, he was able to laugh the whole situation off.  Anna's oldest, Austin, jumped into the pool and emptied it of its unwanted contents.  Then later in the evening Anna came by with a few bags of fruit so Shawn could make his much loved smoothies.  We also have a great story to tell them when they get older!

Don't let those cute smiles fool you...Those two little rascals sure know how to get into trouble. 

My Own Little Curious George

My dear little Thomas,

I would have never thought to have a child that is as silly, and curious as you are.  Not a day goes by where I am not surprised by your different antics.  To some they might get frustrated, but for whatever reason to me, all they do is make me grin and love you more.  (Don't get me wrong...there are times that I do get frustrated)

You are always into everything, and trying to figure out how things work.  We moved Daddy's office downstairs so that we could make room for Grayson.  You are facsinated with the computer, or anything electronic...and lately you have enjoyed 'exploring' on Daddy's computer whenever you get the chance.  I always know if it is quiet, and I don't see you around you are sitting at the desk clicking away.  You don't actually know what you are doing.  I think your mission is just to open as many files as possible.  The other day you got a hold of Daddy's phone, and changed the language to chinese!  How you are able to do these things...I have no idea.

You are also my pickiest eater.  Atleast for anything that is actually good for you.  But if it has sugar, or is complete junk you stuff yourself silly.  I find you trying to 'sneak' things constantly.  Your 'sneakiness' makes me laugh because you will hide things and then come tell me that you did.  Your cute little voice says, "You'll never find it now....hahahaha" (Think, Swiper from Dora).  I laugh, and ask you where you hid it, and you immediately show me exactly where it is. 

You are always quite resourceful.  You climb all over my counters, and up to high places to get what you want.  You really are my little monkey...I never seem to be able to keep you down.  Unfortunately your craziness gets you hurt from time to time.  Yesterday you dropped a stapler on your foot.  Your poor cry was sooo sad.  I just hope that it doesn't take too long to heal. 

You have stopped taking naps, but still really need them time to time.  So instead you resort to falling asleep in some of the most amusing ways.  

I often wonder how I got so lucky to have such a wonderful boy...even if you are a little 'curious'...it keeps my life interesting.  I am gonna miss having you around 24/7, but at least you get to go to Pre-school with your cousin, Dylan. I love you little man!

Thomas at his first visit to the Dentist.

Trains

When I was pregnant with Thomas we didn't know if he was a boy or girl.  So we had to have both names picked out.  If it was a girl, I had decided Lyla Isabelle.  For the boy name we were trying to choose between William or Thomas.  We gave Caden the choice, and obviously he chose Thomas.  I don't know if it was because he knew of Thomas the Train, but ultimately the name really suits our little guy.  

Who would have known that years later that Thomas would be the one to really be infatuated with trains.  Caden liked trains, but never was fascinated with them like Thomas.  A few months ago, my brother Jimmy, gave us a huge box full of train tracks that he had gotten from a friend.  Jimmy's kids are a little too young for them right now...so instead we have been able to enjoy them.  

This is one of the fun things that the kids will do instead of using their 'time'.   I love seeing what design they come up with.  I wish that I would have taken a picture of each and every one that they have done...because really they are never the same.  They would put one up, and take one down each day...sometimes if it was really big we would let it stay for a few days.  

These are pictures of the same track...they used EVERY SINGLE PIECE, and covered the entire Living Room, Entry, Dining Room, and Hall!

I love the creativity it provides for the kids, and they are always so proud.

This one went all the way down the hall, and into each of their bedrooms.

While we were sick

First off, I wanted to thank everyone for your thoughts, prayers, and acts of service towards our family this past couple weeks.  I have been overwhelmed by the outpour, and extremely grateful for the love we felt from all.  From the bottom of my heart...THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

Since Sunday, Caden has been doing great.  He has been able to keep everything he eats or drinks down!  His spunky personality is back.  He continues to improve, and although he thinks he is totally better...his body tells him otherwise.  He has ended up falling asleep by 5 or 5:30!  We went and saw the pediatrician on Tuesday, and she ordered another set of labs.   On Wednesday she called to let us know that his pancreatic enzyme levels had dropped down to 247!!! (They were nearing the 1200's when we were discharged from the hospital)  So we are so glad to see that things were finally going in the right direction. 

While we were sick...life still went on.  We spent alot of time trading off at the hospital, and trying to make sure our other 2 kiddos didn't feel neglected.  Sydney had her dance recital on Saturday (before we were in the hospital, but when Caden was still sick).  She has been taking lessons from Liz in our ward, and has been loving it!  It was so much fun to see her perform. 

Shawn, I and the 2 older kids were supposed to go to an evening showing of Annie at Broadway Palm, but it ended up being a Mommy & Syd date.  We had a great time.  Sydney really loves to sing, and loved watching the 'little' girls up there. 

On Monday (Dec. 13), Shawn worked from home so I could go in and help Sydney's class decorate gingerbread houses.  I love going to my kids classrooms.  I am thankful that I was still able to go.  We had such a fun time.

Shawn took the 2 younger ones to see our neighborhood Santa. 

Sydney had a stockpile of pictures and letters that she had written for Santa and was so excited to give them to him. 

Oh...and this is what happens when your husband dresses your kids. hahahaha

Thanks to Amazon, I was able to get most of my shopping done! I braved the crowds yesterday to get some last minute things, but I am thankful to say that we are ready! Wahoo!

I hope that your Christmas is filled with joy and no sickness!!!

They were smart...

We went to a children's museum while in London, and they had an exhibit all about chairs.  It was interesting how the chair has evolved with time, and how many different types of chairs there are.  I particularly found this one awesome...

It is a potty on wheels! Do you see the belt!? hahaha...Maybe that is why they got trained so fast in the old days.  They were forced to stay put!

I laughed out loud when I saw this picture...poor kid...but yet another ingenious idea!

Instead we have the plastic potties that kids can get up and down with ease.

It probably is better that way, but sometimes I wish I had a belt. :o)

Wish me luck!

730 Days

It is crazy to think that I have had this little guy in my life for a whole 730 days!

For all you non Math whizzes out there...it has been 2 years.

(Saying 730 days just makes it seem longer)

We plan on celebrating with extended family tomorrow evening.

Today our little family will shower him with attention and love.

Tomorrow I will reflect on how he came to be in my new segment

Feel free to join in with me.

It doesn't have to be a birth story.

Just a moment in your life that has had impact either for good or bad.

I can't wait to curl up and read about your stories!

Caden & Thomas

I got back from my trip on Saturday early evening, and am feeling great. It is amazing at what a few days can do to revitalize yourself! I am busy now spending some time with my family, but thought I would post a few of my favorite shots of Caden and Thomas. I'll be back soon!I know I may be biased, but I think I have some of the cutest boys around! I just hope that I can raise them to be as good inside as they look on the outside!

I think he liked it

On Saturday we had a party to celebrate for Thomas.

We had lots of yummy mexican food.

Thomas got lots of fun toys (what he liked) & lots of cute clothes (what mom liked)

We then sang "Happy Birthday" to him.

Which made him cry (Sydney did the same thing!)

Then it took him a bit to calm down, but in the end...I think he really liked it!

Yummy!

Dear little man,

This time last year I looked like this...

Only a few more hours and we were "Surprised" by your entrance to this world. Everyone thought I was crazy for carrying around that envelope, but it really just made me grin every time I saw it. In the end I really didn't care if you were a girl or a boy. I knew I would love you no matter what....and I was right. I really can't get enough of your infectious grin. My heart melts each time I hear you giggle. You are the most content and happy baby. I love you more and more each day. My how you have grown!!!! Here is a little blast from the past!

Happy Birthday Thomas!!!

We love you, and are so thankful to have you in our family!