Jason turns 35!

Today my wonderful husband turned 35. Do you remember when 35 seemed old? OK, those of you older than 35 probably think it is young. Jason's response to that question is: it isn't old, but it isn't the years that matter, it's the miles.

I love to make a big deal in our home about birthdays - especially for Daddy. The kids love it also and get very excited about the preparation. Today we got steaks for dinner (thanks to Bilo for such a good sale), a Happy Birthday helium balloon and 35 regular balloons for his 35 years and Tavis and Daegan made birthday posters (hanging in the background, Tavis' had Star Wars Clones and Daegan's was just 'swirl decor'). I don't know know why I thought blowing up 35 balloons would be easy, but I did succeed -eventually. After the birthday party the kids played a game to see how many balloons they could pop by sitting on them. Therefore, no more balloons are left - all my hard work for a little bit of enjoyment. :)

For the sixth (or seventh?) year in a row Mollee has gotten Jason a coffee cup. I think at this point Daddy would be disappointed if she didn't get him one.Daegan and Mac got him handkerchiefs (because he needed them) and

Tavis and Capps got him "Fat Pants" (aka Pajama Pants, another story for another day on the new and improved title) with D.C. comic superheroes all over them. As you can see in the picture, Tavis was very proud of this gift.

Fun was had by all. I think we succeeded in making Daddy feel special. Now we are getting ready for another day.....kids are getting baths.....PJs are getting on....clothes are being laid out for the next day....8:00 is almost here!!!

The Weekend

The kids had Friday off due to a "Reading Day", but I'm ashamed to say there wasn't a lot of reading going on. Mollee did read a few chapters and worked on a Reptile report that is due Thursday so it wasn't all a flop. I decided to brave a slumber party (do you call it that for boys?) for Tavis and friends on Thursday night. Tavis' two buddies, Chase and Noah, came and spent the night. I was proud to be the first house for each of them to spend the night at. The boys played great together and never had any disagreements that I know of. I took everyone to McDonald's for lunch on Friday - I didn't know if we really could afford it, but I wanted it to be a treat and came out spending only $15 for seven kids and adult (I took Capri Suns and they all had to share a large fry). I was pleased with this 'savings' - although, Jason always reminds me you can't save money by spending. Ugh! So true!

Friday night we celebrated Jason's birthday with Jason's family.

Saturday we were supposed to go to a Parenting Conference, but we had to miss due to the fact that Jason needed to work. For five months we have been anxious for work and now he has something that the builder wants done ASAP!

Sunday, today, we celebrated Jason's birthday (one more day until the real deal) with my family. After Mac's nap we ventured home and enjoyed the end of the NASCAR Talladega race(yes, enjoyed except that Kyle Busch was in the lead and got 'bumped' and wrecked near the end of the race and then that same thing happend to Carl Edwards with 1/8 lap to go).

Now the kids are ready for bed and watching America's Funniest Videos, Jason is playing Xbox and I'm getting on the treadmill - it will make me feel better about all the cake and pie and steak and spaghetti I've eaten this weekend. :)

Goodbye Weekend, Happy Monday Ahead!

Before and After Photos

For those of you who read my "It's just a number....Right?" (Moriah, you'll have to show how to add the link to this) blog entry, don't worry this isn't a before and after photo of me. I've done aerobics for two days now but I don't see a huge difference yet. :)

This is for those who saw Daegan on Sunday morning. His hair was slightly out-of-control. I thought it was cute, Jason thought is was ridiculous (that I thought it was cute), and I'm sure my mom didn't approve. My boys are getting a little more opinionated about their hair and have desired to keep it a little longer. Tonight they lost their say in it and everyone got their head shaved. Unfortunately, Mac (who has only had two minor haircuts) also was included in the 'Shaving Extravaganza'.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Now Mac is really one of the boys! Sorry for those who already had enough trouble telling our boys apart.

In hindsight, Mommy isn't sure it was such a good idea? My Baby!!!!

Chapel by the 1st Grade

This morning Tavis' class was responsible for leading chapel for the Elementary School. This year each class has had a different person to present for their chapel. Today was John Wesley. Tavis had a few narrating parts.Mollee was also getting a Super Reader certificate today (it was nice to kill two birds with one stone by being there)

And here was the Mollee and Tavis cheering section:

Hungry Hippos for One!

My boys have been asking to get the Hungry Hippos Game out and I finally said yes (I'm not a fan of the balls everywhere, plus the heads are usually in random places). I just came downstairs and they only had one hippo head. When I questioned what they were doing they said they could only find one and they were taking turns playing. I'm not sure how that works?????

At least they are taking turns!!!

Nine lollipops please!

When we got pregnant with #5 and felt that our mini-van would be too crowded, we looked at a 12-passenger van as the next option. At the time we thought there would be more than the five kiddos, but now we are happy with our family of seven and we love our van (except when gas prices are $4/gallon). Today, it was my turn to carpool. On top of picking up my sisters two school kids, I also had two of her other boys. On the way home I had to run by the bank and in the drive-thru the lady asked how many lollipops I needed. Before I could say none not nine the kids were yelling excitedly about what flavor they hoped to get. Here is a shot of my almost full van, we had room for one more kid!!

And here is a 'just for fun' photo of my youngest monkey eating a banana, I think he was trying to imitate his Grandpa's eyes or something????

Mollee survived the Allergist/Asthma Specialist

Mollee had to have a full allergy panel done and a few different asthma tests. We were at the Dr's office from 8:30-12:45. She has no allergies, but she does have mild asthma. She wanted proof of her bravery. Lower arms got 49 pricks and her upper arm got 24 shots.