Messy Party!

Sam got his very first friend birthday party this year!  He was so excited and I admit, so was I.  It's fun to have parties I think.  Asking Sam who he wanted at his party, he told me that he needed Maddie, Alison and Daphne from his Sunbeams class and Ezra, Eli to come and play.  And play we did! 

We started off by getting everyone in an old shirt and finger painted with vanilla pudding tinted green to make big Christmas trees.  Our trees were decorated with fruit loop ornaments.  It was a big hit to watch them smear it all over the place.  Cute little Daphne kept exclaiming "We're having a messy party!"  The brothers Ezra and Eli licked their fingers after every smear.  They really thought that this was a good time.  I didn't think about the fact that the pudding would not dry in time.  If I were to do this again, I think that finger paints would be perfect.  Still, the kids were in heaven!





Then we brought out the cupcakes with richly hued green, red and blue frosting with lots of sprinkles, Skittles, Nerds and sour gummy worms.  All favorites of Sam's and had a contest to have them make the messiest cupcake they could.  Again, Daphne exclaiming "We're having a messy party!" was hysterical to me as they dove in and covered their cupcakes with candy.  I had to keep urging them on to make it even messier. 





Then off to presents!  Loved watching them all gather around Sam as he dove into opening them all.  Then he gave a hug to each on of them.  My favorite was the surprise hug from behind that he gave to Alison that looked suspiciously like a choke hold especially when they hit the ground.  It wasn't and they were both not even phased by the outburst of lovin'.  I love how innocent these little kids are.  So sweet and funny!



Sam calls Maddie his girlfriend. I secretly hope that someday I can show them this picture to prove their love. :)



Of course, that all went so fast and they had a little more time to play then I had anticipated, but that is alright.  The girls set up house and the boys played with the new toys going in and out of the girls house scenario.  Do you eavesdrop on your kids?  I do.  Their little conversations are too cute.  "Now, we're sisters and you are the Mom and these are the brothers and we like food.  Oh I am so thankful for all this food!"  and "I know these trophies are Mia's, but we are pretending we got them for our ballet class." from the girls and "pew, pew! bam! bam! ahhh!!" from the boys.

All in all, it was a wonderful party and Sam had a wonderful time.  He loved that he got to play with them all and really thought it was great that they brought presents for him.  He's a pretty darn cute kid!

It's the most wonderful time of the year....if your Sam

It's hard to believe that it's already that time of year again!  No, not Christmas.  Sam's birthday!  Once again, time has flown and my baby is yet another year older and wiser too. 

Sam's getting quite the personality.  It's a little bit goofy and a little bit show offish and little bit shy.  He still doesn't like the camera, but I'm starting to get some smiles out of him.  Would you believe this was the best picture I could get of him showing me that he is 4? 

Yes, it is.  But these pictures so Sam's little personality in so many ways.  One, the outfit.  Silly faced, mismatched green clothes (which green is his favorite color) and some super cool cowboy boots that Ryan gifted him just minutes before.  Yes Daddy knows him well and when he found these little gems, he had to get them for him.  He has been stomping around, kicking snow, jumping and strutting in them ever since. He doesn't even have to be fully dressed to appreciate them because on Saturday, he sported an undies, t-shirt and boots look all day.

Sam still loves garbage trucks and the best day of his life was when we got our brand new recycling can.  He suited up and dumped anything that he could find in it.  I know that the addition of the recycling truck on Monday mornings is going to be that much better for him.

Sam is truly a good helper.  This Fall, the leaves keep falling between snow and rain storms.  Sam will stay with us until the job is done working all along with his little blue shovel and using the big rake.  I was so thankful for his willingness to help me rake some heavy wet leaves or shovel the driveway or take out the trash.  I love it and hope that he continues to give service throughout his life.

Sam is also very patient.  Funny that the littlest can be so patient with me and his siblings when they start their demanding.  Jake and Mia expect everything 5 minutes ago while Sam is content.  Another blessing I say.

Sam loves to play with friends now and often is asking to for a play date while the kids are school.  He loves to play with his garbage trucks, army men and Jake's Star Wars guys.  He loves to do what Jake is doing.  He loves to color with Mia and he is a good little student of hers.  She made a picture that has rows of colors that she makes him recite to her.  It's sweet to see him pleasing her as he recites the colors off.  If he misses one, she makes him start again and he will patiently do it again.  I can hear them now, "gween, gween, gween, lellow, lellow, lellow, bwue, bwue, bwue....".

We are so blessed and happy to have our Samalicious in our life.  He is such a happy boy with a funny personality.  He's got us all wrapped around his little finger and he doesn't even know it.  That makes us wrapped all the tighter around his fat little finger. 

We love you Sammy-boy! 

Love,

Mama



A Conversation...

A conversation between Ryan and Sam late one night after enjoying a late night shower. 

Sam:  "I sure wish I had my "I Love Dad" (pj) top."
Dad:  "I wish I had a "I love Sammy" shirt."
Sam:  "And Jango Fett wishes he has a "I love Boba Fett" shirt and Boba wishes he had a "I love Jango" shirt."
Dad:  "Really."
Sam:  "Yah, and they can put it on their chest plates!"  said while rubbing his own little chest then layed back down feeling pretty satisfied with his funny little self.

Pumpkin Patch

We went on a pumpkin hunt to find our perfect pumpkins. 

The children searched long and wide to find their perfect pumpkins.

Oooo, this one is just right for Jake.  So heavy, but determined to make it his.

He placed it in the cart next to Sammy's perfect pumpkin. 

Then Mia found her perfect pumpkin.

And into the cart it went.

Along the way, we picked up this cute little pumpkin.  He sure was a keeper!

Then off to the hay maze to have some fun.  Jake followed them making videos so long, my memory card filled up. 

And of course, the obligatory photo op even though the sun was in their eyes....

And the trip to the pumpkin patch was done and of course, we are eagerly planning our trip next year.

Pretty, pretty ballerina

It was his idea.

He thoroughly enjoyed dance class with her.

(And art class before that. Note the blue nose and the colored pencils everywhere.)

The boy can't help that he just wants to dance!

I thoroughly enjoyed his moves and his little boy undies peaking out.

Pretty, pretty ballerina.

This is my favorite view of my little Samalicious.

Chubby cheeks and a little sweet smile.

Just makes me wanna kiss him all over this face!

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

A few weeks back, Sam starting taking himself to the bathroom. I didn't think much about it. Then he started doing both kinds of business in there. I still thought it was a fluke and wasn't going to have anything to do with it. After several days of it, I figured I better get on board with him. So off to the store we went to pick out some big boy undies for his tiny hiney. He excitedly picked out Mickey Mouse undies which he sings "Micky Mouse Clubhouse" every time. Funny to me because he does not actually watch that show or any show for that matter.

So long story short, we have been working on it. Some days are better than others. Some days he doesn't want undies, others he wears them all day. Hopefully, we will be able to get over the on again off again and be on our way to being diaper free.

Yes, I'm posting a picture of my little guy in my favorite robot undies. It's my blog and I think it's cute. He thought it was pretty funny that I was taking pictures of him in his undies. I do too.

Dear Sama-lama-ding-dong,

What has happened here? Where did my sweet, little, easy-going guy go?? The days when you happily followed me around talking and playing with your soccer ball? Your request for scrambled eggs, yogurt and milk every single morning? Your irresistible giggles and your coloring your art on paper? Simply being able to lay you down for your nap at a decent hour?

Now, our days are filled with tears and frustrations. Your inability to accurately convey your multiple requests frustrated by my inadequacy. Your ultimate desire to do everything by yourself which I try hard to encourage but sometimes my dear, I just need you to get out of the darn car so we can pick up Mia on time!

Your amazing temper tantrum over the dollar store rake (that you love) that I wouldn't buy because you already own it. All the way home, you cried that yours was broken and you needed another. All. the. way. home. And how mad you were when I put you down for a nap today after your two days in a row without a nap. You were so mad, you learned how to climb out of your crib and came right back downstairs to continue playing the kitties. You had no remorse over your actions and could not believe that I would dare put you back in your crib! (That is, after I pulled it away from the dresser that you most likely escaped on.)

And your "art" that you don't want to be just on plain ol' paper. It's now showing up in Jake's books, the tables and you. The look on your face as I caught in the act of drawing in Jake's book shows your little attitude that you have been throwing at me full force. I told you not to draw in that book and draw on paper and this is what you did. And truthfully, I had to hold back the laughter when you naughtily glared at me.

Your obsession with make-up is still going strong. Just when I think that I have put all the make-up out of your reach, you manage to find a lipstick which you happily smeared all over your face, your arms and clothes. Startled when I found you, you quickly declared "Too much, huh Mom." Dear, you are so very guilty.

Guilty and sassy!

Oh gracious my Sammy-boy! As exhausting as our days are now, always know that I love you dearly and know that you wouldn't be testing me if you didn't trust me. I am just praying that we can make it through without me literally pulling out my hair.

With much love,

Mama

Contradiction

Sam's into picking his own outfits. Mainly he choose the ever popular sport look. Basketball shorts and jersey. This day, he added the camo dress-up vest for some added texture, interest and I suppose warmth. Surprisingly, he's not sporting his winter boots.

Question? How can only obviously interested in sports little boy love Mia's make-up soooooo much??

A love that will trump the make-up card everytime? Baby 'Lo.

Memories of a typical Sunday evening

It's no secret that I love to play games. And I love to play games with my kids, especially Jake. He's old enough to play games that I like and because he's Mr. Smart-tay pants, he picks up fast. Also, he can rock a mean guitar on Guitar Hero.

Last night, at our weekly-ish gathering at the in-laws, Jacob, Mia, Sam, Gram and I played Mexican Train. Jake, a pretty good opponent while Mia chooses her team member according to who is doing best loving to match the tiles for you. Sammy making towers with the tiles while Gram and I laugh. All together, playing games and having fun.

I am imagine that years down the line that they will remember the good ol' days sitting around Grams' table playing Mexican Train. Chompin' on snacks imprinting their tiles with Dorito dusted fingers. And hopefully, just hopefully, still loving to play Mexican Train with their Gram and their Mama after all those years. This is just one of many memories made on a cold Sunday night with their Grandma that loves them to the moon and back.

Picture obviously not from a cold Sunday night in March.

{PS: Gram, I need pictures from you digital camera on my computer. :)}

Update

So turns out that Samalicious has the stomach flu. Hmm..Samalicious and stomach flu in the same sentence just doesn't seem right. That would suggest that the situation would be somewhat delicious. While Sammy is, the stomach flu is not.

I took him to the doctor this afternoon after a scare of finding vomited blood on him this morning. Poor little guy can't stand up and is all shaky and can't stay awake more than a 1/2 hour. He put on a good show in the doctors office by vomiting the water he just drank across the room.

The doctor decided to watch him day by day and if he was to vomit or have another bad diaper to take him to the ER for fluids. Of course, he threw up as soon as I left for work. The doctor told Ryan to give him Gatorade and see if would keep it down. Sam wouldn't wake up enough to take it. Talk about scary! Thankfully, I work with some great women and was able to cover the last two hours of my shift. I was able to get Sam to wake up and we went for a nice brisk walk around the neighborhood.

After coming home, he had some food for the first time in three days. So far so good. It hasn't come back up yet. So here's hoping and praying that the night will be good and we will be turning a corner for the better.

Poor little Sammy. It's hard to see him so sick.

Sick Kids

Sick kids are always so sad. Started with Mia on Sunday night and she was down for two days sleeping it off. Then poor Sammy caught it. I think that he took a swig of her drink. He's been so sad and quiet. He's either being held or sleeping the last two days. So sad to see them fallen asleep where they sit.

Poor Sammy is really going to have a hard time when Ryan goes back to work. Sam's been Ryan's little shadow these past two weeks. Only Daddy will snuggle with him to sleep in the middle of the day. Mama is going to miss Ryan being home too. It's been nice to have an extra set of arms to help with the kids, to run errands alone and stay home with them when they are sick so I can go to my sister's party. Thanks honey.

Influential

This boy. Oh this little boy of my mine. He obviously has a big sister and that big sister has a big influence on him. And he loves it. Thanks Gram for buying real make-up for Mia last weekend. She loves it and puts it on everyone. Hot pink for the eyes, blue sparkle for the lips. She's got an eye for glamour that little one of mine.

"Druck! Druck!!"

As soon as Sam's little ears hear that garbage truck coming, his face lights up as he jumps up and down yelling "'Druck! Druck!!!". Mama knows that it doesn't matter where we are or what we are doing, we must quickly run to the window (or door if we are dressed tee, hee) to watch the truck grab the garbage can, flinging it's contents into the truck to be mashed. It's fascinating and wonderful and garbage day is the best day of the week as far as he is concerned.

Reminds me of a story of a little boy that wanted to grow up and be a garbage man. He loved watching that truck just as much, if not more, than little Sammy. The way the men grabbed the cans and flung them in and pulled the lever to compact it in. His Mama said it didn't matter if he was swimming in the bath, if he heard that truck coming, he had to be there for it.

This morning, I watched my Ryan lift my Sammy J up to see out the upstairs window watching that neat garbage truck do its job. Ryan enthusiastically pointing at the truck and watching Sam's amazement. My grown up man and his son sharing the same passions in life.

Sammy's 2008

And finally, we can't forget about what a big year Sammy had!

January

Sam gets to be the one of the first to meet baby Aubri and shares well with Baby Alive.

February

Sam feasts upon the Book of Mormon.

March

Sam likes to color, doesn't like having his picture taken and he learns to WALK!!

April

Sammy gets an impromptu photo shoot from Aunt Jessica. I just love this picture of him painting on the table!!

May

The benefit of being the youngest is being able to go on field trips with the older siblings. Dinosaur Park was big fun for him!

June

Time flew and before we knew it, Sammy turned 18 months. And he was just so pretty!

July

Sammy takes responsibility for his actions. I think he thought it was more fun than throwing the flour.

August

We can't forget the story of "The Little Sailor Boy"!!

September

This month, I learned that it was okay to slow down a bit to enjoy Sammy's little goodness, even when he is being an ankle biter. And that overly processed cupcakes are the solution!

October

I loved this little bear costume on Sam just as much as I loved it on Jake.

November

I think my little Sam is going to grow up and be an artist. He loves to color and draw and paint on just about everything. Here, he works with a new medium, Mama's make-up. Isn't he Beeeauuuuutiful??

December

I can't believe that my baby is already turned two! This little monkey had a monkey party to celebrate it!

My oh my, he sure grew this year!! I do miss my baby, but this little guy makes me laugh everyday. Here's to another big year!

Monkeys' Party

This little monkey had a monkey party. See, monkey cupcakes? That's it for the monkey theme. I am elaborate! And this little monkey was silly happy at his party. He was so excited over having Grandma, Gramps, Auntie Dee! Dee! and li'l ol Matt over at his house, he did what any good host would do. He entertained. He'd yell "DANCE!" and then spin himself silly falling over in laughter then get right back up and do it again. It took some convincing to get him over to open his presents but Ry won him over. After opening his first present (a cute wooden ring toss clown - Thanks Teryn!), he ran and threw away all the paper. Several trips in fact until he decided it was more fun to throw it over his shoulder. This present opening was serious business. First, he had to get all that paper off and then he had to hold it over his head to show everyone.

And he happily played with every present after opening them. I bet it took the better part of an hour for him to get them all opened. Mia just about couldn't contain herself.

He wasn't so sure of the candles on the cupcakes so he ran to Dad for comfort and help. That didn't stop him from doing it several times and then eating several tops of several cupcakes. He's been so happy and has played all day with his new toys. He's a lucky boy!