My Boy Sandwich

I love being a mom! Every day is full of an incredible variety of ups and downs for everyone. Today I heard full-belly crying, full-belly laughing, kind words, mean words, sad words, happy words, thought-provoking words, funny words, and the best words--I love you.

Here's a brief update on each of the boys:
William--he signed his mother's day card "Phil." This is his new nickname among his brothers. I think it's because he balked at "Bill" and so Ryrie decided to try another rhyming name. I don't know if it's leaked over into his school friends' vocab yet, but it's definitely been his nickname for over a month, so I think it's stickin'. He got braces last week on his front four teeth on top and his back teeth on top. He has to wear a crazy headgear thing at night and has to tighten something on the roof of his mouth each night as well. He has been a patient, responsible boy this week as he discovered he couldn't eat as fast or as many kinds of food as he enjoys normally. :-(
I love making Willy laugh because he just keeps going. He will get it under control, and then he'll keep thinking about what got him started and he'll keep chortling. Which makes me laugh more too...He and Ryrie really appreciate my funny sayings right now, which is rewarding. They also say some pretty funny things as well. I love the curiosity they both have towards life and the questions they ask.
Ryrie--His nickname is "D" or "Dee" because of his middle name: David. Today he told me a few times that he had seen a woodpecker and a bluejay as well as a TON of robins outside. He worked out a rotation schedule for him, Owen, and Will for their beds so they can switch places every few months. He is a bit bossy, but organized. If I come in and give the boys a list of things to get done in a room, he will then organize who does what. He loves to hold George. In church he always tries to sit by George, but George is a mover, so it's cute to see Ry try to follow him without seeming to move from his spot. Once he is by George, he wants to hold him, but G isn't always interested in that. Sometimes we can trick him if he's eating a snack. I will slide G over to R's lap as quietly as I can and then we will smile at each other if it is successful. I love to hear Ry giggle at something G does. He also loves to play with my hair at night. last night he wanted me to read the chapter on his bed and take out my pony tail so he could run his fingers through my hair. He told me, "I could do this all night!" It was pretty sweet.
Owen--He has loved rollerblading just like he loves hockey, but he's sure getting banged up! Yesterday he re-skinned a scab and that was quite painful. Owen is fun no matter who he's with or where we are. He hits it off with boys and girls, and can adjust his interests accordingly. This week he had a girl friend over and they rolled out a long piece of paper and decorated it for a red carpet and then made paper crowns for themselves. Another day he was busy playing star wars outside with his brothers (side note--they call Georgie "R2" when they play this game, which is adorable). Today he wanted to make a craft with me but other times he is busy dressing up in monkey suits and climbing everywhere with Tommy, or playing trucks and cars, or cuddling up to hear a story. He is very motivated on piano right now because we are using stickers. I may try something like that with violin...He is very thoughtful and gives great kisses and hugs.
Tommy--His nickname is Halvy because of his middle name--Halvorsen. He is so stinkin' cute we put up with a lot of his tougher traits--such as beating up on Georgie. Last night he told me, "If you don't read on my bed, my blister will get worser and worser!" (he had a blister which was bothering him on his toe). He was so excited to give me my mother's day card. He hid it in my room in three different places, but he kept coming and telling me where it was! He is similar to Owen in personality, and loves to make new friends. We went to a different playground than normal this week and he was the first one to invite two older girls to play "grounders" (tag) with him and Owen. He talks like a big kid, but he is still my little Tucker. I sure love being with him, he is great company. He asks fun questions and laughs a lot. I like it when he remembers things and brings them up. Also, he looks out for me, and that is priceless.
Georgie--I took him in for a professional haircut this week because I didn't want to mess it up. It was way better this time! He didn't cry at all and he sat very still. He really likes to practice his walking. He knows he's doing something fun, and will even spin around and walk the other way. He gives the best kisses, and he has got a great laugh. We all adore him!
We got these vests on sale for Easter--I love them. The boys figure that Tommy looks like Joseph Smith, William is Hyrum, and...not sure who the others are. :-)