Big Thanks To My Peeps!

Hi there!

It's me, Jack Jack.

I want to tell all of you how much I appreciated the cards, balloons and gifts you sent me for my tonsillectomy. It sure did help make my recovery a lot more fun!

It's been two weeks since my surgery and Mommy isn't spoiling me anymore. I'm still trying to milk it as best I can, but she's catching on. It was fun while it lasted.

Love to all,

Jack Jack

PS-My friends, Erin & Riley, made me a gazillion homemade cards. Aside from the ones you see hung on our wall, there were 17 more that Mommy couldn't fit!

First Communion!

Evan made his First Communion on Saturday.

We are SO proud of him!

Here are some pictures of his special day~

Balloon Wishes & An Athletic Dream Come True

Yesterday the boys and I spent a greater portion of the day soaking up the warm rays of the Colorado sun. Yes, I said SUN. It's finally here!

Evan, Luke and Jack love to release balloons into the air and make wishes as they float to the sky. (If you saw the pictures of Jack's balloon bouquet he received for his surgery, you know we haven't a shortage.) Evan and Luke approached Jack as nonchalantly as possible and were able to convince him to donate some of his balloons for wishing purposes. Jack gave each boy 2 balloons and outside we went.

Here's a picture of the boys releasing their balloons.

And here's a picture of Logan making a break for the house once he figured out the logistics of a balloon release.

Later that afternoon, while in the backyard, I made my rounds with each boy, playing their sport of choice.

And it hit me. (No, it wasn't a ball in the face, but just as profound.)

To my boys, I am an athlete. I can throw a frisbee with great accuracy and precision. Each football that leaves my hands spirals through the air (almost every time). I know the rules of 'pig' and I frequently win.

If you know me well, you know I don't have an athletic bone in my body.

Not one.

I wince at anything that flies towards my face, and I lack coordination......big time.

But as I played with my boys, I realized that at this particular time in their lives, they think I've got skill. Do you know how many times I heard "Mom, you're really good at that!" over the past few days? It feels good. So good.

All my life I've dreamed of being more of an athlete. I have a few talents that I'm very grateful for, but a little athleticism sprinkled on top would be a great tool as I raise 5 boys. As they grow older, they're bound to discover that this 'all pro' mom is a phony. That terrifies me. What else have I to impress them?

Today I plan on asking Jack to loan me one of his remaining 37 balloons. I have a wish to make. I want to remain 'a star' in the eyes of my boys for as long as possible.

Call my current rise to fame luck. Call it whatever you like.

I call it my balloon wish come true.

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

God took the strength of a mountain

The majesty of a tree

The warmth of a summer sun

The calm of a quiet sea

The generous soul of nature

comforting arm of night

The wisdom of the ages

The power of the eagle's flight

The joy of a morning in spring

The faith of a mustard seed

The patience of eternity

The depth of a family need

Then God combined these qualities

With nothing more to add

He knew His masterpiece was complete

And so,
He called it ... Dad
- Author Unknown

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DADDY!

WE LOVE YOU SO VERY MUCH.

LOVE,

EVAN, LUKE, JACK, LOGAN & BABY WES

(and mommy too)

My Surgical Journey...

Leaving the house at 7:00 AM

Getting prepped and looking cool!

Cozy in Mommy's lap with my new hospital bear!

Ummmmm.....VALIUM!

My cute room!

Post-op!

Mom & Dad were ready to leave, but I didn't intend to leave any jello behind!

Heading home!

The biggest balloon bouquet you've ever seen!

Thank you Pocky, Dee, Papa, Uncle Mark, Aunt Sheila, Austin, OB, Zach, Gabe, Uncle Al, Uncle Peter, Lolly, JP & Uncle Big Dan!

Safe and warm in Mommy's bed...just like she promised.

THE END

Can I save them, mom?

Hi there. It's me, Jack.

Tomorrow is my big day. The Dr. is going to take this big 'fwoat' out of my mouth.

People keep promising me jello, pudding, ice cream and popsicles. I'll believe it when I see it. Mommy says I can sleep in her bed as many nights as I want. I want that in writing.

Dr. Walker told me no climbing, running, wrestling or jumping for two weeks. (I don't think Dr. Walker remembers what it's like to be a boy) I've been busy getting it out of my system all day.

Gotta go. I found a better chair to jump from.

Love,

Jack Jack

Am I The Only Mom This Happens To?

You know it's a Monday when your son's teacher sends you an email saying he's been singing 'Rock Me Amadeus' in class all day.

We try so hard, pretending to be as normal of a family as possible.

(You know.....like the Walton's or the Cleaver's.)

Way to blow our cover, Ev.