Friendship

I'm writing this post to give you boys a wee glimpse into the life of mom.... Before I was mom. When I was in college, I joined a sorority. It is a group of girls who basically have a lot of fun together, bond and do some philanthropy as well. My sorority of girls, were truly my friends. They were there for me during my darkest days and also some of the most fun times I've had. I have made many friends since college, but we are forever friends. A bond like that cannot be broken by time. Unless, that is ... If you stop making effort. Our friendship is important to us, so we make time. Each year (at least once) we get together to reconnect, relax and have fun. We change up the location, but the feeling never changes. True friends are like nothing else. We might not have talked in months and when we get together, it's like no time has passed. We had one of our college girls nights recently. Only three of us were available, but we met anyway. We also bumped into another sorority sister while we were together. I pray that you boys form bonds like these. Family is important, but friendship is too. 

Birthday boy at 4

Our Willy Nilly is 4! We just can't believe it. Four sounds so old to me. It truly feels like yesterday this little angel came to be a part of us forever. We are so proud of the boy he has become and continue to be amazed by his mad dance skills. Here is a little snippet into our William at four years old.

- You love dancing. You have amazing dance skills that are totally innate. I love our dance parties.

- You love singing, although you are shy about it. You sing while you play, while you eat and especially on car rides.

- You love watching your,"shows," right now they are peppa pig, paw patrol and creative Galaxy. 

- this year we gave you the choice of either having a birthday party or going to great wolf lodge... You chose great wolf lodge without skipping a beat! You can't wait!!

- You are such a good boy in school and church. All of your teachers love you and your contagious smiles.

- Your favorite toys are your iPod, gum all machine, art desk and supplies, music player and wii. Your a fan of electronics! You also love the bounce house you received for Christmas.

- Other loves of yours are: Chapstick, gum, hand sanitizer and bandades. 

- Your favorite foods are: cereal, meatballs, Mac and cheese, grilled cheese, yogurt and pizza.

- You like being home, snuggling and being covered by your blankie. 

- You tell us your best friends are cara (neighbor up the street) and Nicholas (friend from school) 

- You still like batman and joker too.

- You are a generous soul. You always share and never hesitate to give someone something. 

- Outside, you like to run and ride in the truck with Kevin.

 - This Fall you played soccer and you love that you have a trophy like Jakers. 

- You are in preschool and go to school each day from 8:30-11:00. 

- You are super strong and already wearing size five pants. Such a big boy! 

- You and Jake still share a room and when we mentioned separating you guys... You were both devastated. So, for now... Your roomies. 

-You are a hambone, you love being funny. 

- You have started making music videos and often ask me to sing too, but then give me no screen time. It's hysterical.

-You brought your friends candy canes as your birthday treat. 

- Common will phrases right now:

"Right mom?" (Always asking me to agree with you)

"Hiya bebe" not sure why, but you always say this and it cracks us up.

"Milk in my bowl, milk in my cup" I hear this each morning

"Ugga mugga" he says this when we rub noses

"Silly dad.." When daddy is being silly

"I'm four... So I'm big... Right mom?" Often...

"You're a sweet mommy." (After I say you're a sweet boy)

"No, I not...(fill in the blank) when you do not want to do something 

"My belly is so hungry" you are hungry all day long

Here are some pics from your birthday. We didn't have a party because you chose a night at the great wolf lodge, but some family stopped by. We also always have a birthday breakfast (family tradition). 

Family Photo Outtakes....

70 degrees in November means family photo time... Like now. My boys were not feeling it though. After ten painful minutes we got a ,"good one." Not what I envisioned.... But what is? The final product perfectly depicts who we are as a family right now... Tear stained shirts, bare footed feet, goofy faces and perfectly imperfect.... lots of fun and lots of love. Love my little crazy family of boys. Merry Christmas. Final product is the last one. 

Round here... Decorating addition

Thanksgiving picture update... Late but worth it

This Thanskgiving we celebrated with the Sharp family in NJ. Jill offered to host and it was a wonderfully relaxing night. The boys are getting older and each year the holidays seem to get a little easier. We are still super busy and they are all still very young, but they play! They just go and play! It's awesome. I love that my kids have cousins who they adore. I am jealous for the lives they will have together. It is so priceless to me. We also had a few friends join us, the more the merrier! 

Special Bond

Everybody in the house loves LACEY... But Kev and LACEY seem to have an extra special bond. She tolerates his never ending pulling and grabbing (trying to teach him gentleness) and he tolerates her stealing cars from him and nipping occasionally. If she does steal a toy or chews on something we don't want her chewing on... All I have to do is ask Kevin to handle it. And he does. I love watching this bond grow. A boy and his dog. 

Fun night on the town

The company Jon works for celebrated their 60th anniversary. It is a really big deal for insurance companies or any company for that matter to last sixty years! So, we celebrated! It was a great night. Jon and I really needed a night without kids where we just had fun. The theme was casino night and we got to play with fake money, eat yummy food and dance! What could be better! I also loved getting all dressed up. A nice change from my mom yoga pants uniform. 

Halloween.. Little late

This year as we have for the past few years, we spent Halloween with awesome neighbors. Jake was a minecraft character (future reference, video game character) Will was a ninja and Kevin was a firefighter, this year more than most, their costumes really began to show their ages! They are growing up. Will and Kevin were tuckered out about halfway through the neigh hood but held it together most of the time and Jake and Jon stayed out extra long. This is also the first year they all remembered their candy the next morning. Jake has for a few years. Kevin and I went to see Williams class parade. He looked awesome and his friends are soo cute! I also had the opportunity of sharing the responsibility of room mom with my neighbor and friend, Heather. It was really fun and have me that little "teacher fix." Our theme was simple, old school. The kids loved bean bags, what's in the box, pin the eyes on the mummy to name a few,,. It was fun seeing Jake in his element. He has a great teacher and sweet friends. Here are a few pics.