Sometimes I'm not exactly sure how these converstaions evolve. We're in the car, driving to pick up Cairan from school. Haydn announces that he doesn't think that Santa will be bring any presents this year (testing me of course). I ask him why he would think that and he, ready with his answer, simply and flatly replies that their rooms aren't clean. Prompted by Alek we launch into a discussion of "naughty and nice". Jonah begins a sermon on how Jesus wants us to be nice. I ask him which he thinks Santa prefers and Alek promptly and emphatically shouts, "Nice!" Haydn in his philisophical way declares that no, he thinks Santa prefers more children to be naughty so that his elves don't have to work so hard. That's my Haydn, projecting his own distaste for work on Santa's elves of all creatures. Intending to discredit his argument, I explain that the elves appreciate the value of hard work and that they get great satisfaction from a job well done, resulting in some very happy elves. Therefore, Santa also chooses "nice". On hearing how much elves love to work, Alek asks, "can we buy an elf?" If only!

Haydn's favorite knock knock joke.

Haydn: Knock! Knock!
You: Who's there?
Haydn: I'm a pileup.
You: (say it out loud)

Now laugh out loud! HAHAHAHAHA

http://www.koinlocal6.com/content/mediacenter/default.aspx?videoId=8762@koin.dayport.com&navCatId=156

Check it out! Stu's a famous sidekick!

When we were in Sunriver the place we stayed in had a spiral staircase. It was of course totally dangerous and loved by all. One morning Alek was being his usual unruly self. As he ran down the stairs he slipped down the last few steps but was somehow able to catch and stabilize himself at the very end. With the last of the panic still present in his eyes and a hint of a tentative grin beginning to form he exhaled loudly and said, "whoa, my heart skimped a pump!" If only he knew how many times he has made my heart skimp a pump!

Yes, that's the snake he caught. He nurtured and loved it for a couple of weeks and then we released it back into the wild.

Just before school started, we took a quick trip to Sunriver. Now I get why so many people take an annual trip there. We did so much and it was all a blast. Hiking, biking, swimming. Oh, and the hot tub on the back patio was a super big bonus! No obligations to anyone it was truly what a vacation should be. I was completely at peace with the world and so in love with my little family.

Like a Ninja, I am stealthfully creeping back into blogging.

Happy Memorial Day

So apparently not the most exciting of all holidays. Especially since it's raining, Stu is working and Cairan got to go to OMSI with a friend. I sat down to check my email...of course oblivious to whatever else might be happening around me. When I finally tuned in and heard running water I figured I'd better investigate and this is what I find. My very innovative children turned the sink into an indoor pool! Too bad I couldn't capture on film the far reaching effects. At least Haydn had a suit on. The other two were skinny dipping!

The really funny thing is that if I had only looked over my right shoulder, they were only about 20 feet from me...I guess I was in a zone!

It's been awhile, I know. All these great things keep passing me by, but this one I can't resist writing....Several days ago, we were just pulling into the driveway and I said, "get out of the car Jonah." He comes back with, "why does every people keep calling me Jonah?" Haydn explains, "people call you Jonah because that's the name mommy gave you." Jonah replies with conviction, "Wew, that's a stupid name and I hate it! My name is Dangerous Monkey!"

And that is who he has been for the last little while.

He cracks me up!

Yesterday was Jonah's birthday. I can't believe my baby is 4, sniff, sniff! The only thing he wanted was a Darth Vader costume....how could I resist? It's about 6 sizes too big but he's worn it all day today. A few minutes ago he came down and stood looking menacingly at me through his black mask. I couldn't resist asking, "Hey, does Darth Vader kiss his Mommy?" He took of his mask considering seriously my question. "Um, well, Darth Vader hates girls." He said with a smirk on his face. Then he went on about Luke Skywalker and how he tries to kill Darth Vader because he doesn't know he's his father (it's amazing the things the youngest of 4 boys learns from his brothers). He kept talking about Darth Sidious (who was that again?). I waited patiently and then asked again, "but does Darth Vader kiss his Mommy?" He stalled again talking about light sabers and other aspects of Star Wars that a mere novice like me would never remember. On and on, really, how much knowledge of Star Wars can a 4 year old who has never seen any of the movies have!?! I interupted this time and said, "you still haven't answered my question. Does Darth Vader kiss his Mommy?" "Um...Weeeelll....guess what," he stammered. I really couldn't wait to hear his answer. "The other Darth Vader doesn't like girls. But this Darth Vader - he points to himself - does!" he then ran to me, threw his arms around me and gave me three big kisses! I guess it's not so bad being Mommy to one of the most notorious villains of all time!

Gender seems to be a huge issue in our house these days. Just the other day I got to explain the word "gay" to Haydn. Jonah keeps informing everyone he sees, stranger or no, that,"girls don't have penises!" And just tonight Alek comes in my room for one more good-night kiss followed by, "you're the best mom in the whole world...I love you so much...I can't wait to live with you again." I reply, " I love you too, now get back in bed!" He is headed back to his room, turns around and asks, "um, mom, when we live again, will I still be a boy or will I be a girl?" I love the things they come up with!

Ask yourself this...have I really lived, if I haven't yet experienced the thunder that is 40 stock cars racing past me!?! Thanks Mom and Dad for the experience!

I'm back!