Gimmie Five

Dearest Weston,

Each year dad writes each of you a letter of review for your birthday. Mom isn't the best of documenting things anymore, but birthday's can't be forgotten, so better late than never...I am expressing birthday wishes to you. You have your mommy and daddy wrapped around your finger. You have a way about getting your way, despite how honory you can be. Your smile is contagious, as is your laugh. You bring us joy, and tears of happiness on a daily basis. The first five years of your life seemed to flash before my eyes. You are our most adventurous and daring by far. I love your red mustache (from Gatorade, Fanta or whatever you may be drinking) that you have on most occasions.

I made you the annual "green" pancake per your request.

You spend most of your days competing with your brothers. You are bright and have a tender heart. We love your spunky attitude and your witty comments. I think you may be the only 5 year old we know to ask who is winning Duke or Butler? We didn't even know you knew they were playing. Often times, you magically appear in our bed in the middle of the night. You claim this is because our bed is more "comfy."

When each of your brothers reached the milestone of 5 years we have placed their favorite blanket away for save keeping and I make them a new one. You obviously have reached the age of retiring "chewy" (what you call your blanket in the above photo from your surrogate mother angie) therefore I made you another one to replace it. I certainly wouldn't have chosen this particular pattern, but of all the fabrics this one was the one of choice.

You requested 10 friends at your birthday party this year, including a pinata filled with candy.

Yes, I made you hold up five fingers next to the pinata. It may be cheesy, but you'll thank me later.

You love your new set of wheels given to you by us and have so many great friends. We love you Weston Dale.

Happy Birthday Woo Man!

Big Changes Lie Ahead

Just when I thought this day would NEVER come......it did within the blink of an eye. (it seems) Our household is about to change in a few months, I just registered my baby for all day kindergarten! He was already asking when the first day was. Weston is thrilled to finally be able to ride his bike to school with his older brothers. I guess he is more ready than he'll ever be. (I guess I am not) *sigh*

Drake and Josh Rule

It's amazing when the television is on ears become deaf, little bodies become still, and (a) the mind can focus in on one thing. The television. Forget trying to get any of my kids to any task if it's on. Seriously. I do try and limit electronics in our household, but now that the kids are in school Weston still sneaks his way around it. Funny things have occurred since the kids have gone back and it's just me and my buddy again (except on preschool days). One conversation that I recall took place just a few days back. It went something like this:

Deeply focused on the television

me: "Weeeessston"

W: silence

me: "Weeesssttoon"

W: silence

me: (getting louder) "Weston! Where are you?"

W: "In here watching my show"

me: "Well, we have to leave, so turn it off and get your shoes on."

W: "Pleeeeaaaase, just one more minute.."

me: "No, come on!" and proceed to turn off the t.v. (fairly irritated at this point)

W: "Buuutttt, this is a new episode!"

me: "What show are you talking about?" (not really paying too much attention to the show)

W: Drake and Josh

me: (thinking to myself) What 4 year old watches Drake and Josh? "Don't you want to watch something else?"

W: "No this is a good show!" "I love it"

I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt and sit and watch some of it with him. He got a tad more comfortable (see below) Much to my surprise it was actually really clean and quite funny. I too was sucked in. I guess long are the days of sesame street......we've moved on to sitcoms! Perhaps this is what happens when you are the baby of teenagers and older siblings. Who knew?

1,2,3......4!

1).  I can ride my bike without training wheels.

2).  I can write my name, count, and recite my abc's.

3). I am a stinker and on most days get whatever I want, whenever I want. 

Only one more month and I will be 4!

In The Spinning

On most days my kids patiently are waiting for me if they need something. Of all my children Weston seems to have to endure the most patience. Perhaps it comes with being the 4th in line. I have been DREADING gathering paperwork for the accountant. Perhaps why I have been browsing the internet for nearly an hour! Taxes are coming quicker that I would prefer, especially since we are now on the flip side no longer getting that LARGE sum of money we once did as students. *sigh* My "just a minute responses" and "don't you want to help mommy shred some papers?" have turned into nearly 3 hours. Ugh. Weston has been begging for me to watch him ride his bike outside. He has been on a roll lately and wants to do nothing more. I am not really sure where I am going with this rambling.... Other then my head is mush from staring at moving reciepts, Walgreens presciption papers and bank statements. Can anyone relate to this? I think I am off for a much needed diet coke and to enjoy our 80 degree weather. It may not be Hawaii but I can dream right?

good deed: gathered our tax paperwork

Monkey See, Monkey Do

Weston (6 months) Luke (2 years)

(I couldn't find a decent photo of them together)

Those of you who have children or even siblings close in age know that the younger one wants to do everything their big brother/sister does. My boys are 21 months apart which means they have a love/hate relationship with one another. They play actually pretty well on most occasions. In the midst of their "playing" they also have some pretty funny conversations. Luke and Weston have really gotten into asking a TON of questions. You can tell their little minds are working non-stop and they are so intrigued by SO many things. As we were in the car tonight I overheard this conversation:

Luke: "Mom is Jesus the boss of the ENTIRE world?"

Me: "Yes, that is correct." (not fully knowing how to answer)

Weston: "Well, Santa Claus is the boss of the entire world too, right mom?"

Luke: "No, Santa is the boss of the North Pole and Jesus is for the World.

Weston: "Does Jesus live in our town? Does he sleep in a bed?"

Me: (chuckling under my breath) "No he lives in Heaven."

The conversation stopped there, but I thought it was so funny how random this topic came up. It went from can we have dessert, to Jesus being the boss of everything.



good deed: Took the boys to the park to play for a few hours.

32-lb Man Of The House

Most days you can find Weston playing his brothers Nintendo DS around the house. And because he IS the baby you can probably find him eating candy at 8am as well. (I have seriously become a pushover) If you are the 4th in line anything goes. I have captured him playing this gameboy under beds, behind the couch, but this is a new spot. The stairs. Apparently, this spot is perfect for this guy (probably not the safest).

Weston and Hershal

A few months ago when I decided to place Weston into a private preschool (out of someone's home) I was a little skeptical. He has been my one and only child that would rather be home. Thankfully, two of his buddies (Hershal and Jack) have given him that extra boost to be excited about school. Last week my friend Kati had a gingerbread decorating party. It was so much fun!

Normally my little Weston is a pretty happy go lucky kid. The past week and especially today not so much. His asthema decided to flare up again (an ongoing three month ritual) which means he was back on Prednisone, Amoxicillin (for ear infections) and the nebulizer. Thankfully the five day window has passed and we have gotten through the nasty pharmacy of medications. Today he was tested for alllergies. Doug and I decided it was time to get to the bottom as to what allergies his asthema may be causing. I never knew it was such an ordeal to get tested. They attemped doing the mini-pricks at first. This didn't last more than two pokes. Weston was kicking and screaming. So, they sent me to a lab to draw his blood. It was terrible. My strong willed three year old decided to move so much that they blew one of the veins in his arm. In order to get 2 vials of blood they had to put a straight jacket on him. It was so sad. It definitely broke my heart to see him in such pain. I just hope this gives us some answers.

A Day With Weston

I don't need your help, I can do it MYSELF!

On most days I am constantly reminding my boys (mainly my younger ones) to wash their hands after using the potty. I have never really documented any of my children washing their hands, but found it to be quite amusing via the camera lens. I am by no means a camera expert. Most of the photos I took today are primarily practice and unfortunately I only had one subject at this particular time. This is my first experience on a manual setting thanks to my friend Sarah (check her site out if you have the chance) who was generous enough to loan me her fabulous camera! As you can see natural lighting without a flash is tricky. (at least for me right now)

W: "Mom this water is TOO hot!"

It wouldn't be washing your hands without splashing a little water.

"Hey Mom look, it's getting in my eyes!"

......Yes, I am pretty cute.

Without Luke around, Weston finds himself bored on most occasions. Apparently mom as a playmate just isn't the same as your brother. I can't say that I blame him really. On the days he doesn't have preschool you can find him roaming the house along with repeating these phrases:

1). "Can I play Nintendo DS?
2). "I'm hungry!!" (in the most demanding whiny voice possible)
3). "Mom, when and where are we going?"

Just to prove that I don't starve my 3 year old child.I actually took the time to walk through the process of cutting up an apple with him. Of course, I couldn't do it, Weston specifically instructed that he wanted to do it ALL by himself.

Step 1: First you have to pick it out of the bag....

Step 2: Make sure you wash it really good....

Step 3: I want to cut it by myself, without YOUR help mom!

Step 4: Hmmm that is tasty, you want some mom??

Despite his demanding nature I really do love this little guy. How can you not resist this sweet face? Practicing a little self portrait of ourselves (yet again a little tricky)

Next up CARS!!!

Biased

The beauty of having older boys is the stash in costumes you accumulate over the years. Since Jared our costume box has tripled in size. My boys love digging through the box and dressing up at superheros, etc. Today Weston's preschool is dressing up for Halloween. If I could freeze this age I definitely would. Sure, he can be a total stinker, but he is such a fun age. They are self sufficient, potty trained, and say the funniest things! Perhaps being his mother I am biased, but if I do say so myself he is pretty dang cute.

This is as tough as it gets.

Testing.... Can You Hear?

"stop it mom!"

Since school started merely 6 or more weeks ago I have found it hard to find my little boy, especially around the house. I have often found him in the smallest of spaces curled up playing a Nintendo D.S. Which, he knows is off limits. I am not sure if I enjoy this little hide and go seek game he often likes to play. I have yelled, and called his name until I am literally crazy. "WESSSTOONNNN!!" The response.....nothing but silence. Last I checked NONE of my children have hearing disabilities (although I wonder). As a mother you know how frustrating this can get. Well, the other day I was once again looking for him. Because who knows he could have wandered outside, down the street (and has done this before). Again, I got the silent treatment. Until I finally spotted him. The response this time in the utmost whiny voice, "whhhaaaaat mom?" I explained how important it is to answer when spoken to. It's a sign of respect, etc. I am sure I sounded like Charlie Brown's teacher to his little ears. Waa--waa--waa. Then it dawned on me, who am I kidding? I have no chance. Especially when this was on our television set. (more often than I care to admit)

In stereo singing, "Go Diego Go!"

In conclusion, I am pretty sure he TOTALLY understood that he should listen next time. As the baby of the family (with a diet of M&M's, licorice, and diet coke), it's pretty obvious who is in charge in our household. Yep, that would be Weston.

Lookout Three

Weston 8 months, Luke 2 years

I don't ever recall my children going through the terrible two's, however, it seems that once they hit the age of three their taste for independence suddenly begins. Weston has been three now for one month and boy does it show. He definitely is our most free spirited child and fears nothing. This must be the m.o. being the baby, because I think he has had more injuries than any of my kids put together (thankfully we haven't had any broken bones yet). I am awaiting the day for that to come to pass. Due to the craziness of our house Weston's official birthday post came and went (over spring break in March--to be exact). How sad! So in honor of our 3 year old, here are several things that make our life much more colorful due to this little guy.

he is actually a pretty good sport about the car (most of the time)

--he lives on cereal, m&m's and wheat things (hmm... I wonder where he got that from?)
--he is NOT a morning person, watch out if you are in his path.
--he loves dogs and I have often found him hanging on bones, telling him "you are such a good boy"

it is quite common for him to "steal" beverages from the fridge or the counter.

--he has been potty trained for 4 months (it was a VERY painful process) but we over came it!
--he has a special bond with Taylor and currently shares a room with her. (this will soon change)


--he has talked since the age of 12 months and hasn't stopped. We often refer to him as a parrot.
--he can be a spit fire one minute and a sweet hart the next, he knows how to manipulate!
--his best friend is "Lukie", he idolizes him.

he is a professional whiner, oh wait that is ALL my kids :)

--he is good at teasing his brothers, I have found him calling Luke a baby (he didn't approve of that one very much)
--he LOVES his bike and I often find him riding it (when I thought he was inside!)


--he is the hardest to get to go to bed and often has me pulling out my hair.
--thankfully he still takes naps. (see above)
--I often find him singing to the radio (it's quite funny)
--he has the greatest laugh and cutest cheesiest smile.

Here is just a piece of him for pure enjoyment. We love you Weston!! Life just wouldn't be the same without you in our family.

Golden Opportunity

Weston 2 years

Sunday I took Jared out in front of the house to take some snap shots for his baptismal photo. Normally, I don't like to pose my kids, because let's be real they loathe photos. Much of the time I am bribing for one thing or another. (so opposite than their mother.) You can imagine the surprise when Luke and Weston both proclaimed... "Hey I Want You To Take A Picture Of Me Too!" There was no way I was going to pass that opportunity up. Luckily they still had their church clothes intact because we had tithing settlement later that afternoon. I can only imagine how much better they would have turned out if I had an SLR. (I am hoping by 2008 to have one) They aren't the best, but I can't complain, they were free! Here is what I ended up with:

Luke 4 years

As we finished up and were about to go in, they were screwing around and I was able to capture them tackling and hugging each other on the floor. Something I would have never "posed" them to do, I think that is why I ended up liking them so much.


This facial expression was cracking me up and reminded me of a funny that Weston said yesterday. As I was outside feeding the dog, I noticed a small frog by the hose and scooped it up to show the little boys. He wasn't very lively, and really didn't think anything of it. Weston and Luke automatically said, mom I think he is dead! I said, no he is not I think he is just tired. I placed him on the grass and went about my day. As I was taking in the trashcan with Weston I noticed the same little frog had ants all around him. He was dead. I yelled oooh yuck (inside I was thinking my boys were right) I had forgotten Weston was standing right next to me and he said yuck that is gross, mommy! I about lost it with his last comment. "Mommy how is he going to ribbit?" How cute is that?

I had another golden opportunity today as well. Angie watched Weston while I went to a temple session. I'll admit that I wasn't too excited about going alone. I would much rather go with Doug or a friend. It ended up being a very good session (other than it was freezing inside). There isn't a time where I am not cold in there. It was also cold outside. Hello?! we were wearing shorts yesterday and today full on jackets. My sp with the "golden" Maroni didn't turn out too well, but it was super windy and I wasn't about to stand outside any longer.

good deed: went to the temple