Sweet Simple Story

I whine, I get chores!

2012-01-19T15:13:00.001-08:00

Ben earns chores instead of timeouts when he breaks a rule or is disrespectful. Sam still gets time outs. Here is our conversation just now:

Sam: "I do my trash for a chore!" (as he carrying the trash to empty it).
Me: "Okay, do you want to get paid?"
Sam: "I not get paid." (pause)
Sam: " Oh, yes, I get paid."
Me: " Okay, 25 cents for all three trashes."
Sam: " I whine, I get chores?"
Me: "You want to get chores for whining?"
Sam: "Yes".
Me: "But then you don't get paid. It's better to do chores without whining and get paid instead."
Sam: "No, I whine, I get chores! It's a good plan!"

This is where big brother worship backfires a little.

Sam Highlights

2012-01-12T09:39:00.000-08:00

Here are a few of Sam's Proud Moments of the past month...

Sam was awarded "Most Improved" at a First Grade Assembly at his school in December. His teacher has recently said that he is reading right on grade level which is a huge leap from where he started the year.

He also brought home this math test this week. He gets 36 seconds to complete the test and when he started a couple of months ago he was answering one or two and maybe getting one right. Writing speed is a big hurdle for him, so this test represents great progress!!

Christmas 2011

2012-01-01T19:20:00.000-08:00

Our family was blessed to be completely together on Christmas this year. Here are a few pictures from Christmas morning. We had a great week together. Not caught on camera were movies, swimming, cousin time, Christmas Dinner with the family.

Sam's Recent Artwork

2012-01-01T19:14:00.000-08:00

Several times lately I've been REALLY impressed by Sam's artwork. Here are two favorites...

This is a snowman from school. They were supposed to decorate it however they wanted. Sam's is a Lego Ninjago guy. If you have boys, you know what that is. He even colored, cut out, and glued on a sword. What's a ninja without his sword?

This is a shark he made in art class. Bloody mouth and all. I think it's amazing!

My Job

2012-01-01T19:03:00.000-08:00

I remember posting a picture over three years ago of my dining room table covered in engineering papers, plans and textbooks as I tried to get my brain to kick back into gear. I'd just started my first project for VSM Engineering after 6 years of uninterrupted mothering.

Three years later, this opportunity has proven to be a great blessing to me and clearly part of the Lord's plan for softening the blow of some of my life's surprises. Valerie is wonderful to work with and for. She and I are not just boss and employee, but friends as well.

My sister-in-law Jenika took these awesome pictures. More of her work here: http://jenikaslensblog.com/

Ben's Birthday Party

2012-01-01T18:50:00.000-08:00

Ben's 9th Birthday Party!

Celebrated with Gabe, Grant, JJ, and Ethan at Coco Key Water Park.

Happy Birthday Ben!

Pediatrician Visit

2011-12-19T14:11:00.001-08:00

I remember about a year and a half ago that Ben and Sam's weights were within 5 pounds of each other. Ben was about 55 pounds and Sam was about 50. When they weighed in today at the doctor, Ben was THIRTY POUNDS heavier than his brother! Sam has actually lost some weight since that time, which isn't surprising. Ben weighs 76 pounds!

Second Tooth Lost

2011-11-19T17:58:00.001-08:00

Thursday night, Sam's tooth was hanging by a thread. He decided he wanted his brother to try to pull it (because that's a job I just can't do). He wasn't successful. I think he was too worried it would hurt Sam.

Yesterday, Sam came home from school and I asked how his tooth was. We checked. It was gone! He must have swallowed it. We are planning to write a note to the tooth fairy to explain.

Becoming a Bear

2011-11-17T13:18:00.000-08:00

Ben received his Wolf Badge and joined the Bear Den at the most recent pack meeting.
Congratulations, Ben!

Carving Pumpkins - Halloween Weekend 2011

2011-11-17T13:15:00.000-08:00

Rob was very devoted to the carving process giving me yet another reason to appreciate him. We had so much fun. Coming soon: photos of the lighted finished pumpkins. They were very cool!

At the Beach - Halloween Weekend 2011

2011-11-17T13:11:00.001-08:00

Surf Videos

2011-11-17T12:42:00.000-08:00

Ben, then Zoe...

Surfer

2011-11-17T12:29:00.000-08:00

We were in California on Ben's birthday this year. He decided he wanted a surfing lesson. He did great! He and Zoe both surfed. So did Rob, but he won't let me post that video because the waves were too small. :-)

Soccer

2011-11-17T12:24:00.000-08:00

Ben had an awesome soccer season! His coach was Mr. Tim (Gabe's Dad). Gabe was on his team. They won lots of games and made huge improvements as the season went on. I can't wait to do this again next year!

Breakfast

2011-11-13T07:10:00.000-08:00

We had pancakes this morning. Sam said "Mom, you're the BEST COOKER!!"

Ben, always rational, was not comfortable agreeing with him because "there are probably about five thousand people out there that we don't even know that are better cooks than you." So he settled on "You're a really good cook."

I'm satisfied with that.

Toothless!

2011-11-11T07:27:00.001-08:00

Sam lost his first tooth while waiting for the bus this morning.
The tooth next door is also hanging by a thread.
He was so excited!

22 Week Ultrasound

2011-10-13T19:23:00.000-07:00

Here's Baby Beers at 22 weeks. Measuring about 1 pound, 1 ounce. Why have I gained so many times more than that?? :-)

Worth it.

General Conference in California

2011-10-09T08:44:00.000-07:00

We spent a few days in California over General Conference Weekend. We had such a great time. We watched conference. The kids played and got along great. Rob had the weekend off (yay!). And I felt the first real baby kicks while I was there. Rob could feel them too. I think baby was showing off for Dad. Rob and I got to go on a date to see an outdoor play. Grandpa Beers was playing in the band. Every date is kind of like a first date for us since we don't get to do that very often. It was a perfect evening.

Our plane was ahead of schedule on the way home, and since we usually lag behind in the jetway getting the wheelchair ready, the pilot invited both boys into the cockpit. Ben thought afterwards that he should become a pilot and Sam's jaw literally dropped when the pilot sat him in the cockpit. They loved it.

Cub Scout Pack Meeting

2011-10-09T08:30:00.000-07:00

Love these meetings.
Ben was trying to get an Oreo from his forehead into his mouth without using his hands.
Hilarious!

Urgent Care

2011-10-09T08:23:00.000-07:00

This was our second trip to Urgent Care with Ben. Not too bad for an almost nine year old boy!
Ice, Vaseline, lots of pulling... nothing worked.
They had to use a ring cutter to get the ring off.

Shark Teeth

2011-10-09T08:20:00.001-07:00

Last week I was brushing Sam's teeth and discovered that his permanent bottom teeth were completely in behind his baby teeth! Sam hasn't lost any teeth yet. The dentist said not to worry. The baby teeth will work their way out eventually.
In the mean time, he's very proud of his shark teeth!

Soccer

2011-10-09T08:16:00.000-07:00

Ben is on a soccer team with his buddy Gabe this fall.

They are the Red Gummy Bears. He's having a blast.
Here are a few pictures from practice. Ben made his first goal in a recent game.
I was so proud!

Ben Makes Breakfast!

2011-10-09T08:13:00.000-07:00

Ben had a scout requirement to make a meal for his family and clean up. Check out this amazing breakfast! Scrambled eggs (his specialty), grapes, toast and juice.
He did a great job!

First Day of School

2011-10-09T08:09:00.000-07:00

I'm backtracking here a little, but didn't want to miss these pictures. Ben is in third grade, which is a really challenging year. He has Mrs. Springfield, and is doing great. Sam is really enjoying first grade with Mrs. Hemmenway. His para is Mrs. Love.

Boy or Girl?

2011-09-15T15:40:00.000-07:00

Everyone grabbed the cupcake that represented their guess. Team Girl outnumbered Team Boy by double! And the results...

Sam has named the baby already...it's at the end of the video.

(Thank you to Jenika for making these yummy cupcakes with a secret message inside!)

Call 911

2011-09-07T14:39:00.001-07:00

A firefighter putting out a fire at the temple (or "get married place").
By Sam
(love the striped shirt and the grill on the truck...details!!)

Meet Baby Beers

2011-08-17T13:13:00.000-07:00

A whopping 3 ounces and 3 1/2 inches long. Boy or girl? We don't know yet. She's only 14 weeks in these pictures. We may find out as early as next month. Due February 15th.

Just for comparison...

2011-08-15T14:36:00.001-07:00

Ben at the beach last year...

Ben at the beach this year...

Way to beef up, little man!

California

2011-08-15T14:29:00.001-07:00

Another great summer trip to Carlsbad, CA. Loved being with Rob and the kids. The weather was such a nice break. We visited the Mormon Battalion Visitor's Center where the kids panned for gold and Sam did some washing. The beach was just what we needed. We did Sea World as a family and we got to break the happy news about the new baby to the kids while we were there.

Buddies

2011-08-15T14:22:00.001-07:00

A great trip to Fritz's and the Rainforest exhibit at Crown Center. Gabe, JJ, Ben, and Sam all had a great time! Somehow, they look right at home in the Gorilla's Nest...Hmmm... :-)

Soccer Camp

2011-08-15T14:08:00.000-07:00

The Sports Center for the Disabled hosted a Soccer Camp in June.
It was HOT!
But lots of fun to see so many kiddos having a blast with the Kansas City Sporting Soccer Team. Ben and other siblings got in on some of the action too.

Cub Scout Day Camp

2011-08-15T13:16:00.000-07:00

This June was Ben's first year at Cub Scout Day Camp. He was there with cousin JJ and a bunch of other buddies from church. It was a blast! He was one of the only scouts who got a bulls eye at both the shooting range and archery range. Are there any better bragging rights when you're eight?

Scuba Swimmer

2011-08-15T13:13:00.000-07:00

Here is Sam in the water in June. He loves to swim with his face in the water!

Ben's Diamond Poem

2011-06-09T18:40:00.000-07:00

I really like this poem Ben wrote...

Screw
big, gray
metal colored spikes
get help to make it
Robot.

(Instructions for a diamond poem are on the worksheet.)

Sam's Story

2011-06-09T18:38:00.000-07:00

No translation needed. Nice, neat work Sam!!
The picture shows him with his cane outside with me and Ben.

Fishing with Grandpa

2011-06-05T19:52:00.000-07:00

Grandpa McDavitt took us fishing while Rob and the kids were here. EVERYONE caught a fish. Zoe caught the first. Addie caught the most. Ben was the most patient... his one catch didn't come until the very end. I think our total was 21 fish. The kids fished for a couple of hours and wanted to stay longer! They loved it.

Thanks Grandpa McDavitt!!

Wedding Open House

2011-06-05T19:34:00.001-07:00

Wedding Open House
Kansas City, MO
May 19, 2011
Photos by Jenika McDavitt

Wedding Open House
Kansas City, MO
May 19, 2011

Sam's Writing

2011-05-26T15:09:00.000-07:00

Schoolwork is coming home by the truckload this time of year.

Here are a few of my favorite writing samples from Sam. Translations are give below in case you can't decipher. Sam's writing has improved by leaps and bounds, especially in the past month.

Great work Sam!!

When I grow up I want to be a boxer.

In the beginning Superman hit bad guys! Then Superman ????? (Sam couldn't remember). Next he went to the forest. After that Superman got out of the forest. In the end he hit a shark.

In the beginning Sam and Ben were flying with with capes. Next the flying power died. Then we fell. Ahhhhhhhh! In the end we hit a trampoline and flew up. The end.

Great Wolf Lodge

2011-05-25T12:55:00.001-07:00

Since Ben was about four years old, he has been working on memorizing the 13 Articles of Faith.

http://lds.org/scriptures/pgp/a-of-f/1.1-13?lang=eng#1

Ben finished memorizing the last one about 2 weeks ago.

The promised reward has always been a trip to Great Wolf Lodge. He's been talking about this trip since before he could say "Great Wolf Lodge" correctly. We had so much fun.

Great Job Ben!!

Eating at T-Rex that night.

Graduation!

2011-05-13T20:05:00.000-07:00

My Lieutenant Doctor Husband.

Rob graduated from the Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine on May 5, and was promoted to Lieutenant the same day. A huge accomplishment for anyone, but more so for my sweetheart considering the obstacles of the last few years.
Really, really proud of you, Babe.

Sam does Yoga

2011-05-13T19:56:00.000-07:00

Sam does Yoga in school during PT, but also at home on our "illustrated" yoga mat.
He's thinks is fun... I think it's hilarious!

Corpse Pose

Cat Stretch

Dolphin Plank Pose

Cow Stretch

Standing Forward Bend
Hold for 5 breaths, or until you fall over.

Toothless

2011-05-13T19:49:00.000-07:00

Ben held onto his baby teeth for a LONG time. I guess he's catching up now. The two front teeth fell out within days of each other, then a bottom tooth got loose. He worked and worked on it (like he always does) while I cringed and looked away (like I always do). It was pretty loose when he went to have his cavity filled recently, and he asked the dentist to pull it! Yikes! The dentist reported to me proudly that the tooth fairy was coming that night. Brave kid!

Sam's Birthday Party

2011-05-01T07:49:00.000-07:00

Sam had his 6th Birthday Party yesterday. We did play dough and played outside in the sunshine. Several friends from school came. many of them were in the Bridges program with Sam this year and it was fun to see them all together. Also in attendance was Savannah, who has a big crush on Sam. She was the only girl. You might remember her from a previous blog post where Ms. Riordon quoted her as saying "I just look at Sam in that stander and he looks so handsome!" She was adorable. She wrote a special note to Sam in his birthday card. It was a great party!

Kansas City Temple Run

2011-05-01T07:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the First Annual Kansas City Temple Run. I ran in a 5K race that began and ended right in front of the Kansas City Temple, which is under construction. Ben and Sam ran in the kids races. Ben ran a mile race and a 100 yard dash. Sam ran the 100 yard dash, his first race ever! It was a beautiful day. There were over 1500 people at the event. The highlight was watching Sam complete his heat of the 100 yard dash. He ran the race using his walker. All the other six year olds were way out in front of him, but as he raced down the road and people saw him coming all by himself, the cheering swelled and all eyes were on him. There were hundreds of people watching. He crossed the finish line to high fives and congratulations from friends, family, and people we don't even know. It was a great moment for him. He was on cloud nine. I was nearly in tears. He works so hard and deserves all of those cheers and more!! Ben raced neck-and-neck with another boy during his heat. It was so exciting! I was jumping and cheering. Very proud of my boys!

Sam Learns to Pedal!

2011-05-01T07:07:00.000-07:00

This has been a long time coming. Yay Sam!!

Birthday Trip to Michigan

2011-05-01T06:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Rob and Sam!

Happy Birthday, SAM!

2011-05-01T06:28:00.000-07:00

Sam turned 6 on April 16th! Happy Birthday Sammy Boy!

Officer Training

2011-04-22T18:11:00.001-07:00

On April 8th, Rob completed five weeks of Officer Training in Rhode Island. You can call him Lieutenant Beers now. Or Dr. Beers in a couple of weeks!

Good Big Brother

2011-03-31T11:37:00.001-07:00

Just a few days ago, Ben brought home this card he had made for his brother while he was in the hospital.

I think it's beautiful. He had most of the teachers in the school sign it. I imagine it got lost on someone's desk, and that's why it came home just now.

I love the "YAY, I CAN RUN WITH EVERYONE!", and how he sectioned off areas for each grade to sign. It's very well planned and thoughtful. Ben is a sweetie.

FRONT

INSIDE

BACK

Special Visitors and Friends

2011-03-28T12:50:00.000-07:00

Sam had a couple of special visitors at school this month. Ms. Alicia and Ms. Marisa from the Early Childhood Center where Sam attended two years of preschool. These are two of his VERY favorite people from his preschool years, and two of mine as well! They made a visit to observe the Bridges program which Sam is a part of, and they sent me this pictures afterward. I wish I could have seen his face when they arrived!

And this is Jake G., Sam's friend. Jake loves Sam, and Sam loves Jake. We have had a few play dates, which isn't something that has happened much for Sam. They are great friends and LOVE to be together. They were being scientists on this day...can you tell? Love it!

I Love You Too!

2011-03-28T12:47:00.001-07:00

Ben is the early bird at our house. He wakes up about a half hour before anyone else. This is what I woke up to one recent morning. Embellished and everything! It's aluminum foil, which he will sculpt with whenever I'll let him.

Yay Zoe!

2011-03-28T12:41:00.000-07:00

Zoe... participating in a school assembly and getting an academic award!!

Zacq's Pinewood Derby

2011-03-28T12:38:00.001-07:00

Nice job Zacq!!

Officer Training

2011-03-28T12:34:00.000-07:00

Here he is... Lieutenant Beers. :-) Rob is spending an intense month in Rhode Island at officer training. PT, marching, inspections, tests, chow, and very little free time. That's about all I know. Except that he's dead tired at the end of each day.
Miss you, babe.

Spring Break

2011-03-27T18:47:00.000-07:00

The boys and I visited Grandma and Grandpa Mundy for Spring Break. We had a great time. We visited Fort de Chartres near their home in Illinois. This place is like a life size play house! There are things to climb up onto, run around on, climb down into, etc. I think the boys would have played there all day.

Playing dead. Might as well, it's a fort.

Ben is down in a cellar here. He climbed everywhere.

Mr. Goofy Pants.

With Grandma and Grandpa.

Cuties.

The Wedding

2011-03-06T17:06:00.000-08:00

February 26, 2011.

I can't put into words the incredible feelings of this day. My heart was full of faith as we went into the temple. At every stage of the process, I felt like I was floating.
Part of me was struggling to believe it was really happening, and the other part of me was feeling how incredibly real, and permanent, and eternal these things are. I remember looking at Rob and knowing that 1000 years from now, we will still be side by side, working toward the same objectives. And 1000 years after that, still.
I knew, once again, that he was directed to find me, and that he is the one I want to be partnered with for every future step of life and beyond. It struck me what a gift it is to find someone with whom you want to share that kind of future, and it was very clear to me what a blessing we were about to receive...to be sealed, forever.

The Beach

2011-03-06T16:07:00.000-08:00

It was a little cold, but since most of us don't see the ocean often, we took a trip to the beach. Of course, Ben and Sam got wet. The rest of us just soaked up some sunshine and watched.
Ben is a wild man in the water. He doesn't care about the cold, he just LOVES the water and the waves. He's begging for a surf board this summer.

Disneyland!

2011-03-06T15:45:00.001-08:00

Our first day in California was DISNEYLAND!!

I have to say, it was my best Disney Day ever! Every other time I've been to the park, I've had an infant to care for, or I've been sick, or had a kid who was sick. This time... everyone was healthy, everyone was old enough to really enjoy the park, AND we had two wheelchairs in our party, which means SHORT LINES!

Loved it!

"It's a Small World" was awesome. Watching Sam's face was the best part of the ride. We got stranded on Pirates of the Caribbean for about 15 minutes. Savannah memorized the the lines of the talking skull directly over our heads. We heard his message about 30 times. Ben was brave enough for every ride this time (yay Ben!), and Sam wasn't afraid of anything. Thunder Mountain and the Matterhorn (he and I rode in the front car) were his favorites.
Zoe pushed Sam's wheelchair all through the park. It was so nice. She's such a great big sister!

Exodus...2/23/2011

2011-03-06T14:57:00.000-08:00

We arrived at the airport headed for San Diego with 9 passengers, 12 bags to check, and a wheelchair to push. It was a circus, but we were all excited!

Boys did great on the plane.

Married!

2011-03-03T20:06:00.000-08:00

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jay Beers and Family
February 26, 2011

more later...

Crush

2011-02-18T07:57:00.000-08:00

According to Ms. Riordon, Sam's teacher, he has a LOT of fans in his Kindergarten class. Everybody loves him. That's no surprise, right? One little girl revealed at her parent-teacher conference last night that she LOVES Sam. She said, and I quote, "I love Sam. He gets in that 'spander' (stander, picture below), and I just think he's so cute!" What a sweetheart!

Sam was also the "Person of the Day" yesterday. All of his friends wrote him notes and he brought them home in a folder. According to one friend, he is the "hot ist giy in the wode"! (Hottest guy in the world?)

For Step-Dad to be...

2011-02-09T10:49:00.000-08:00

Sam brought this home from school. The assignment was to make up a sentence, count the words and create these puppies. He was supposed to use capital letters correctly and make sure there was a period at the end. I thought the sentiment was lovely too! "I like Rob in CleFrna (California)."

Birds

2011-01-27T18:51:00.000-08:00

So I don't often post my picture on the blog, especially a picture in my workout clothes with no makeup! But I ran some errands with my friend Jennifer the other day just so we could catch up and gab in the car. We stopped by the pet store and these two birds got friendly with me. It really made me happy!

My Bookmark

2011-01-26T18:49:00.000-08:00

Ben made me this bookmark a few days ago. I LOVE it! It's a whale. I think it's adorable, and I'm always reading, so it was really thoughtful.

Character Kid

2011-01-25T18:45:00.000-08:00

Sam is the "Character Kid" for his class this month. The award goes to one kid in each class each month who exemplifies the character trait of the month. Sam's trait was PERSEVERANCE. Nobody deserves this award more! Yay Sam!!

Pinewood Derby

2011-01-23T18:11:00.000-08:00

This year was Ben's first Pinewood Derby. There were eight racers. I think he was fourth or fifth. The boys all had a blast.

Post-Surgery

2011-01-20T08:58:00.000-08:00

Several people have asked about Sam's progress since surgery. Here are a few pictures...

Sam couldn't sit like this before surgery.

Here he is standing in PT. He has a much easier time straightening up into a good standing position. That is what will make the biggest difference in how well he stands and walks the rest of his life.

He is working hard at muscle building so he can stand and walk more correctly.

Surgery Day 11

2011-01-16T08:09:00.001-08:00

Time to go home!! We were released on Christmas Eve around noon. YAY!! Sam's recovery was faster than expected and it was nice to come home before Christmas. I didn't take a picture of us waiting around to leave, but here's a song about poop from Day 6. Can you tell he was a little bored?

Surgery Day 10

2011-01-16T08:06:00.001-08:00

Sam on the "swing" at Physical Therapy, Day 10. He was so funny during this session. I could tell he was ready to go home. He was racing around like a maniac and and being super silly.

Surgery Day 9

2011-01-16T08:02:00.000-08:00

Sam switched back to his own wheelchair today because he can now sit straight up pretty comfortably. Here he is playing baseball in physical therapy and a magnet game in occupational therapy. He also worked on standing again.

Surgery Day 8

2011-01-16T07:51:00.000-08:00

In therapy on Day 8 we worked on standing for the first time. Sam did awesome, as usual.
Sam also had "Music Therapy" while he was in the hospital. The therapist came and sang Christmas songs and played instruments with him for an hour. Pretty nice!
At dinner time, Sam and I took a field trip to the cafeteria. He had begged the night before to drive this car. He was feeling so much better today that we tried it. He was steering like a maniac and making me nervous considering he's just re-learned how to sit up a few days ago.

Bingo Night!! This was really fun. The volunteers were mostly older men and the bingo caller was really funny. Lots of cheering and applause. The prizes were really great too. There were probably 15 kids there and they all had a blast!! Sam won several games.

More excitement from Day 7

2010-12-21T07:13:00.001-08:00

Sam has a school teacher that comes each day. Mrs. Rivera.

The Morgans came for dinner. Happy Meals and Subway. Thanks, Morgans! Sam decided to kneel on the bed all by himself.

We went to "Monday Night Live" in the evening. Watched a Christmas movie and did some projects. Sam is sitting up very well in his wheel chair. He'll soon be able to use his own chair.

Check him out! (Day 7)

2010-12-20T08:57:00.001-08:00

Sam's Surgery

2010-12-20T07:34:00.000-08:00

Sam had a Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy on December 14, 2010. The procedure should relieve a lot of his lower body spasticity and make walking much easier and his future physical development much more normal.

Day 1: Surgery day. This was taken just a little while after he came out of anesthesia.

Day 2: Sam was feeling a little better, but still not able to move. He wanted to open his presents from Grandma and Grandpa Mundy. One was a new Nintendo DS. He was excited and gave me this "smile". He was too tired to play it, but told everyone who came in the room about it.

Day 3: Playing DS with Ben. Sam played a little too.

Day 4: Sam is OUT! Sam got out in his wheel chair and saw some of the hospital. He did some therapy in the gym and had a great time. He also got dressed!!

Day 6: Ben and Sam hanging out.

Leaf Monster

2010-11-25T07:34:00.000-08:00

Ben's Baptism

2010-11-24T07:13:00.000-08:00

Ben was baptized on November 13. It was a beautiful day. He was baptized with two of his friends from church, and there were tons of family and friends here to support him. Rob was here, Grandma and Grandpa Mundy came, Nana Dolen, our good friends the Dillmans, and so many friends from church. I'm so proud of you Ben!

Diving in Michigan

2010-10-30T16:51:00.000-07:00

Today Rob taught Ben to dive. In three minutes. He said that's the fastest he's ever seen someone learn! Ben wore himself out diving over and over.
He didn't want to stop.
Take a look...

Cousins

2010-10-26T08:36:00.001-07:00

This was taken in July. I just ran across it again.
Had to post it!
Addie, Ben, and Saige.

Smarty Pants

2010-10-23T19:50:00.000-07:00

Suddenly Sam is drawing and writing like crazy! Writing real words! And he just started Kindergarten! I had to share these. He did all of these during Stake Conference last week.

Monster.
He tried to spell it, then I helped.
I think those are people in his mouth.
Yikes.

This is Sam's bus. #437. Nice detail...steering wheel and headlights.

Dragon.

This one cracks me up...

I See Ben and Sam "FEGKK".
That's the kindergarten spelling of "Thinking" if you're not too good with the "TH" sound. Check out the picture. They really are thinking!

Visit to Michigan

2010-10-22T15:54:00.000-07:00

I didn't capture much of my visit in pictures, but we had a great time. It is so beautiful there. Feels like visiting the coast, but better because you have fall colors too.

Gorgeous weather, beaches, walks on the pier, watching the kite surfers, ice cream, football, finally some time with my sweetheart...Awesome!

Lego Creations

2010-10-21T15:44:00.000-07:00

Once in a while I take a picture of on of my favorite Lego ships before I toss them

back in the Lego bin.

What is that thing on the back?!
Nice touch with all the pivoting panels.
Solar powered ship?
Space policeman with alien and conehead guy. Are they his prisoners? His friends?
Did the conehead misbehave? Wish I knew.

What we do to shoes...

2010-10-20T15:35:00.000-07:00

Here are Ben's new school shoes after about 9 weeks of school...

These were good ones too. Good quality. Supposed to last a long time.

And here are Sam's. Believe it or not, this is the front and back of the same shoe. And yes, that's daylight you're seeing through the toe. From the back, they look new! We never outgrow shoes or jeans. They wear out too fast.

Taekwondo

2010-10-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

Ben has started taking Taekwondo at a school here in Liberty. He LOVES it! On Saturday, he tested and graduated from white belt to yellow AND broke a board with his fist! I was holding the board, so I didn't get a picture of that, but you can see all of the students lined up in the picture. He is the second person in the second row from the left.

ER Visit

2010-10-18T15:14:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, we took our first trip to the ER. First trip in over thirteen little boy years. Pretty good. Sam had severe pain near his hip/groin area. His teacher called from school to report the pain, and by the time he got home I could barely move him from the couch to the floor. Broken bone, appendicitis, what could it be? Turned out to be severe constipation. Sam was an excellent patient as usual, and charmingly made several friends in the ER. Here he is sporting his temporary Spider man web-shooter, or IV tube, whichever you want to call it.

Sam and his cane

2010-10-17T14:57:00.000-07:00

Sam can now walk using his quad cane without help.

Sam with the Pack

2010-09-24T19:08:00.000-07:00

Caught this in the cul-de-sac today.
Thought it was very cool...

Ben is an AWESOME READER!

2010-09-15T08:41:00.000-07:00

Ben has now finished Diary of a Wimpy Kid Books #2 and #3! Over 200 pages each. He sometimes sits and reads for an hour at a time. Only a few books left in the series.
What will we read next?

Sam ROCKS the Responsibility Chart!

2010-09-15T08:31:00.001-07:00

Here is Sam completing his Morning Responsibility Chart.

The chart helped us get each task done in less than five minutes (except breakfast), and has made our mornings MUCH nicer. It took us about two weeks to fill. He does ALL of these tasks independently, and they are all new skills since the beginning of the year.
Time for a treat little man!

Ice cream or Silly Bands?
He says he wants both.

POOF-TASTE

2010-09-08T17:50:00.000-07:00

Sam said tonight while brushing teeth, "New POOF-TASTE!" I got them new toothpaste yesterday. I asked him to say it several times because I thought it was so funny. He gets letters mixed around sometimes. He could tell it was wrong, but thought it was funny too and didn't know how to fix it. I showed him how to say it correctly, but it was cute.

Crush

2010-08-27T14:26:00.001-07:00

Sam got off the bus today...

Sam: I LOVE that house (pointing across the street)
Mom: Across the street?
Sam: Yes. The girl.
Mom: You love the girl at that house?
Sam: She has... in her hair (motioning to show a bow). And a green shirt... at recess!
Mom: Oh! You see her at recess? Is she pretty?
Sam: Yeah.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid...

2010-08-23T06:58:00.001-07:00

HOORAY for Ben! Ben just finished reading the first "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" book last night. 224 pages he read all by himself in less than two weeks. This is the first time he's ever read a book like that. I told him we would order the next book when he finished the first. Book 2 is on it's way! GREAT JOB BEN!

Missing My Sweetheart

2010-08-21T15:52:00.001-07:00

Yes. I miss him. A lot. So this post is dedicated to him.

These are a few of my favorite pictures.

This makes me smile. Saw him surf in person for the first time a
couple of weeks ago. Very cool.

At Sea World in January. Beluga Whales behind.

No caption needed... except that I LOVE this picture, and this moment.

Helping Sam-O.

Helping Ben.

Thanks for being everything I need, babe.
I LOVE YOU!

First Day of School

2010-08-18T08:45:00.001-07:00

FIRST DAY of 2nd Grade for Ben, and FIRST DAY of Kindergarten for Sam!!

Waiting for the bus.

Riding the lift...he loves this part.

Bye Ben!

Ben going into Mrs. Jones' Second Grade room.

Sam, with his para and some classroom friends. They all waited outside until Sam got off the bus and walked in together. It was very sweet. Sam has Mrs. Bentch this year.

Love you guys! Have a GREAT DAY!

LEGO Land!!

2010-08-15T21:04:00.001-07:00

We had an incredible day at LEGO Land on Saturday. Cousins Clay and Dillon got us free tickets because they work there. The park was crowded, but because we had Sam and Zacq along in their wheelchairs, we got preferred passes. Rob and uncle James raced around and signed us up for all the rides in advance, so we could walk right up to the exit gate and get on. We only waited in line one time the whole day!

Ready for some fun!

Ben on the LEGO Horses...

Sam was big enough to ride some things without an
adult. He liked this one...
This ride was fun. It was impossible (for me) not to scream every time
it dropped us. Me, Sam, Chloe...
Zoe, Brady, Zacq, Grandma, Ben, Luke, Mandi...Zacq, Chloe, Zoe, Mandi, Grandma...

Luke, Ben, Rob, Sam, Brady on the spinning ride.
I couldn't even watch...I'm getting old!
LEGO Sky Cruiser...
Driving the boats...
The girls all took great care of Sam...
Posing with LEGO man...

Mandi and Sam on Jungle Safari...
My handsome boys... on the Log Ride.

Ahhhhhhhh!!

Ben in front of a life-size LEGO Volkswagon. Very cool.

Me and Sam on the Fairytale Villiage Boats.

Sam in his souvenir LEGO Land hat. He slept in his
hat for the next two nights.

Sea World San Diego

2010-08-15T20:55:00.000-07:00

Ben and Shamu...

Shamu!

Sam, Zoe, and Ben in V.I.P. seating at "PET'S RULE!" We got great seats and parking everywhere we went thanks to Sam and Zacquary. :-)

The new Dolphin Show...

Holding the starfish...

Carlsbad, CA... Warm Waters Beach

2010-08-15T20:47:00.001-07:00

Rob and Sam on the boogie board...

Ben LOVES the ocean...

Sunbathing...

Sam... throwing sand. Grandma Beers and Zacq in the background.

I AM DID IT!!

2010-07-29T13:41:00.000-07:00

Check him out!

PERFECT!!!

2010-07-29T13:11:00.000-07:00

Here is what Sam had to say about his new wheelchair...

Tooth #2

2010-06-29T17:57:00.000-07:00

This one wasn't nearly as loose, but Ben was determined, after the toothfairy payout last night, to see if he could get it out. He was WAY braver than his mom. He wanted me to pull it, so I tried, cringing. He wanted to bite an apple or slam a door...yikes! He's a tough one. Way to go, Ben! But I think this is the end of our "tooth-a-day" streak. None of the others are loose.

Hey Toothfairy...

2010-06-28T07:07:00.000-07:00

...check this out!

Like the super-brave kid that he is, Ben pulled his first tooth out this morning after I told him about "twisting" the tooth to make it looser. "Didn't hurt at all" he said.

While we were waiting for the bus I said (in my best sentimental mom voice), "Ben I remember when that tooth first came in. You were a little, tiny guy!" He said, "Mom, stop talking like that."

Okay. I'm still excited, though. :-)