Books, Books and MORE Books

Yes, this stack is towering over the back of the couch.

Most of my friends know that I am a speed reader, AND that the house could burn down around me while I read and I wouldn't know unless my pages got scorched. Consequently I rarely read, Barry seems to like living in a house. However in the last two weeks I have been on a binge. It all started when someone talked me into reading The Twilight Series, and then I finally read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows. After that I read the Fablehaven series, the Candy Shop War, I Walked to Zion, The Host, Austenland, Book of a Thousand Days, The Art of Racing in the Rain, a couple magazines and a book about raising chickens. I would consider a twelve step program, but I have to do something to distract myself from this morning sickness. So feel free to keep the book suggestions coming, if I am sick the whole time, I will really have an impressive stack.

School Days

Here is a cute picture of Johanna on the first day of school. She was a little nervous to be in the 10th grade at the high school and sad to learn that she didn't have any friends in any of her classes. Aldus doesn't really have any friends in his 5th grade class either, but he does know and like his teacher. Payson is now at the top of his school, 4th grade, the highest grade in his school. Kohl was excited to learn that he has a good friend in his 1st grade class. As for me I am glad Johanna doesn't have any friends in her classes, that should keep her from getting in trouble for talking for at least a week. I am always excited and a little sad on the first day of school. I am eager for my kids to have new experiences, but I really don't like the feeling of checking off another year of my life. Maybe I will age slower once all my kiddos have graduated.

The boysClowning in the tree in the front yard and the whole gang. Finn was really excited to have me to himself today, I thought he would miss everyone, maybe tomorrow.

Oceans Two

Grandpa and Grandma Simmons took Johanna and her friend Felicity to the ocean a couple of weeks ago and by all accounts the girls had a great time. I am sure Grandparents may have needed a few Tylenol :). They rode horses on the beach and took goofy pictures, staples for any ocean road trip. I always miss Johanna when she is gone. Sure I miss all the help she gives me, but I also miss her smile and goofy wit.

Johanna in the Dance Festival

Johanna was in a dance festival a couple of weeks ago. I was only able to get one picture because Finn was asleep on my lap, which is really to bad because this one doesn't do her justice. She looked lovely as did all the kids. They did such a great job. I cried several times and just felt so proud of our youth.

Dog Days of Summer

Here is Payson always ready with a smile. We went to the park the other day to take advantage of one of the almost warm days we have had this summer. There has only been a few really warm days. The boys only ran through the sprinklers a few times before deciding it was more fun to watch a baseball team practice. They also don't have much padding to keep them warm if it is not really hot. Finn tried to climb up the toys after his brothers, and I got this cute shot of him.

The Boys

Here they are, the five most handsome guys in the world, or at least mine. I sure love these guys.
Finn is pulling on the camera strap so it is a miracle this picture turned out okay. He is such a fun kid. He always has a scowl for the world, but is usually happy at home. He always wants to be doing the things his brothers love, but he is also fairly independant. He will play by himself alot. He loves to figure out how things will fit together, and what items will fit inside of other things. Like toys in glass bottles, fingers in mom's nose and ears, and which things will fit through the narrow window opening to be thrown outside in the front yard. I love his snuggly hugs, and how he loves to go to bed when he is tired.
Barry is the happy one in the middle. He is the fun in our family. He is my anchor and safe harbor. We are going on 12 years of wedded bliss, well mostly bliss. It is really rewarding to look back and see how our relationship has grown and gotten stronger, it makes me excited for the future. I love when he plays the guitar and sings to me. I also love when he listens to me talk about my little problems/frustrations, and gives me the perfect counsel/advice/insight.

Aldus is the dark handsome boy in the back. He is a wonderful brother. He loves sports, music and doing what's right. He also really loves to read, and got possibly the highest reading score ever at his school (or so said his teacher). I love that he is really good to Finn and loves to play with him. I also love that he really tries to do what is right.

Payson is the smiley boy with face paint. He is great with little children and loves to joke around and get everyone laughing. He helps Aldus to be less shy. He also loves sports and music. He is learning to play the harmonica. He also usually has his head buried in a book. I love that he always has a hug and a smile for me. I love his tender heart and how he cares about people.

Kohl is the sweet boy on the left. He is always thinking and usually has some witty (usually not mouthy) comment that is a little advanced for his years. Fortunately he runs fast, and has a wonderful impish grin, because he is not quite adept at the timing of his wit. He loves to play baseball and soccer, and is just learning the piano. He never forgets anything, and is extremely determined to figure out how to accomplish things he wants. I love that he still climbs in my lap to snuggle. I love to see the wheels turn in his head, and hear his funny thoughts.

I am very lucky to have these remarkable boys in my family. Tommorrow I'll post about sweet Johanna, she has been gone alot so it's hard to get pictures.

My little musician or Anything brothers can do!

Finn really likes to do whatever his brothers are doing, he loves all the sports they play, and he loves all the musical instruments they play. Here is a cute video of him playing the harmonica. He likes to climb on the hearth so he can be on a stage. I also snapped a picture of him at the piano. He also really loves to strum the guitar when Barry is playing.