Bubble Gum

Every now and then, amidst the crazy, insane, out of control tumblings of raising children, a mother gets to witness little moments of greatness. They are often tiny things that are insignificant to everyone else, but feel rather like a life-line to her. Those little things she clings to that help her remember that all the craziness and insanity is worth it, and that perhaps her children are learning some good things after all.
My little moment happened with bubble gum tonight. While Steve and Spencer were at the Priesthood session of Conference, the rest of the kids and I ran to Walmart to grab a few things. Tyler decided to bring along a little money of his own so he could buy himself a pack of hot, cinnamon gum. Realizing that Sydney wouldn't want hot, cinnamon gum, Tyler decided to buy her a gumball from one of those big machines that you put the quarter in and the gumball runs down the track and comes out the bottom. Sydney was very excited. Tyler, feeling that a pack of gum wasn't enough perhaps, put in another quarter, out came the gumball and he popped it into his own mouth. Then he looked at Sam and asked, "Do you want one Sam?" To which Sam, of course replied, "Yes!" Out came the gumball, Sam said, "Thanks Tyler," and Tyler, ruffling his "little" brother's hair said, "You're welcome!" It was that little ruffle of the hair that made me smile. Maybe it's a sad commentary on our family life that this little moment could be such a big deal to me, but man, I loved witnessing that brotherly kindness. It was one of those "Pass It On" moments that makes everyone around you happy. Even Carter, who didn't even get a gumball (due to choking hazards and all) felt the joy and gave Tyler a big hug and said, "Thank you, Tyler!" and sang the "Dubble Dum" song all the way home.
Anyway, since a good post needs a few pictures, here is our documentation of the Bubble Gum Moment. The boys are trying to blow bubbles, thus the funny looks on their faces, Sydney is just being a ham...

Brotherly Love

Just thought I would record this proof for future reference, that these boys do, indeed, love each other...

What to Wear?

One definite difference between Sydney and my boys, is that Sydney cares about what she is wearing. I can go to the store and buy clothes for my boys, bring them home and they will look in the bag, grunt, and continue with whatever it is they are doing. Not so with Sydney. She will ooh and aah over every item, trying them on, showing them off, etc. It is not unusual when Sydney goes to get dressed for me to hear her call out, "I don't know what to wear" even though her closet is full of clothes (sound familiar to any other female?). Recently Sydney inherited a little gymnastics suit (she calls it her dancing clothes) and at least once a day she asks if she can wear them around the house...

The hat was also inherited. She has always had her own flair for fashion...

This one shows another beloved hat that she always wore even when hot out. And take note of the shoes...

There you have it, the fashionista!

Spring Has Sprung!

Spring has sprung around here alarmingly early! But we are really not complaining! We have spent lots of time outdoors, and Saturday was no exception. It was wonderful to spend the day outside cleaning up the flowerbeds, and playing with the kids. Last year we re-hauled our front yard and as part of that we put in this little Magnolia tree, I have been so anxious to see it bloom...

Here is a close-up (though not a great picture) of the buds. As of today, a couple of them have opened up to flower. I love Spring!

Some of my tulips popped up in January, that is how mild our winter has been. Now hopefully we won't lose it all to a really hard frost. Anyway, there's "Kelli's Horticultural Update" for the day. The kids, obviously, also enjoyed being outside. Along with playing at the park and flying a kite, they freshened up their Lemon-aid Stand sign, and scored $13 on opening day!


This was Sydney's version of her own stand...


Yay for Spring!

The Penguin Race

When you are a little brother of big brothers, looking forward to your very own Pinewood Derby is inevitable. Sam has been waiting, and waiting for his chance to race the track, and this year his chance finally came!
It all started with a block of wood...

A little inspiration...

and a little help from Dad...

Next came the sawing. What little boy doesn't love to play with tools (what big boy doesn't either?)


And here he is with the finished product!


And then came the big day! Sam was sooo excited as you can imagine! He was trying really hard to be humble, but seemed pretty certain that his car would be the fastest one there. In the end, I was really proud of him for being such a great sport. Here, the gaggle of little cubs awaiting the race to begin...

A few action shots...


As you can see, Sam's wasn't exactly the fastest car there, but that Penguin's beak did come in handy a time or two on those close races! At the end of the day Sam came in third place, but most importantly, he left the building looking like this...

Phew! Another Derby come and gone and a happy boy to show for it! That's all I ask!