Just Funny!

Ross was doing his week day reading to me and as usual I was getting on him for expression. I've told him he is good about reading the words but going from a good reader to a great reader means learning how to be expressive. WELLL, Ross doesn't like goofy and to him expression = drama and he does NOT like drama. His grandma is on his side there. I really do press him in his expression in reading.

Anyway, after he read to me today Annalina was talking to Ross and I was standing there listening. She was telling him that once you learn how to read (which he knows how to read) it is really fun and that if she has a book she really loves that reading is one of her favorite hobbies. Ross always one to give me a good natured bad time said "Unless you have Mommy saying to you 'Put more expression into it!'" And continued to rib me about the hard time I give him. :-) That's my Rossers. I just love him.

No Wins, But A lot Of Good Family Time

Carson is not big on swimming but Daddy took him in some.

 Carson asked me if he looked like a swimmer. I thought that 

was cute. He doesn't like to swim but wants to look like one.

The only reason he wears goggles is because the big kids do!

 The older kids had a blast in the pool despite it being very chilly!

 Jedidiah decided there was more fun to be had outside the pool!

 Annalina having a splashing good time.

 Coach Sieracki and Gabriel and Ross.

This was actually taken at a different tournament.
He's a 2 time Olympic qualifer but never got to go.
Want to hear sad stories listen to those!

The boys like their coach.

 We were at Colorado State University gym waiting around.

I turned and saw this and had to get a picture!

Like I said . . . good family time.

 Unfortunately I didn't get Gabriel in this picture either.

 Carson got a piggy back ride from Gabriel in the pool time fun.

Carson finally decided to stay on the pool steps and they had 

some game where they gave the ball to Carson and then 

he threw it and the others saw who could get the ball first.

This weekend we were at Colorado State University for the State Wrestling tournament. No wins but we learned a lot which is important. I saw a shirt that said "Sometimes it takes more than one battle to win the war."-Margaret Thatcher. True statement.

I was nervous going into this knowing Babe may have to leave for work and I would be the one making sure we were at the right mat at the right time. Thankfully he was able to stay the whole time and the tournament was a whole lot closer to work than we thought! But I was able to watch another wrestling mom and although she didn't have real little children she had a great organization as to how she did it. You could tell she was a veteran and now I feel like if I have to due to Babe's work schedule I could go to a tournament on my own and I have a good plan down. Plus the kids also know how the tournaments go and are comfortable in the enviroment!

Ross did a good job holding his own and did not get pinned but Carson before one match said to him "It is ok if he pins you". Ross really liked that and got a big smile on his face. He knew Carson was trying to ease his mind/encourage him. After one the matches he lost Carson said to Ross "You did you good job." What a great encourager. Gabriel should be back in tournaments in the fall.

I also had a great time meeting and talking with another wrestling mom I heard about. Our kids really enjoy her kids and vice versa. She has 2 teenagers and a 10 year old. I think Ross had 4 teenagers at one of his matches. Carson gets along especially well with her oldest son and they joke and tease and wrestle each other. He is a BIG boy and cool kid that is obviously an athlete.

We went the night before since weigh in was early in the morning and the kids had a great time at the pool. We found we were at the hotel a lot of the other wrestlers chose to which made breakfast in the morning BUSY!!!

We had a great time away as a family. It was so nice! This is the last week of wrestling for the season and then summer break.

Just Tid Bits for my Memories

Just tid bits of memories for me to put down:

Ross and Carson: Can't remember if I already put this down but just in case I haven't . . . Ross and Carson were playing indians. I heard Carson say "I'm scared" then Ross "Indians are never scared . . . then get out of the tribe." Carson again "I'm a scared indian". HILARIOUS!!!

Carson: I had just finished reading a book to Carson and he said "Mommy, I like you." I think so far Carson is the kid that enjoys books read to him the most at this age.

Carson: I mentioned in his birthday blog entry he is maturing here is a for instance. It other day we was being naughty and crying about nothing big. Something we really work on with him. Anyway, all on his own he came to me and said "I'm sorry Mommy." I talked to him about praying and saying I'm sorry to Jesus and he asked me to pray with him and sit on his bed.

Carson: Can't remember the whole story here but I wrote down something cute Carson said. I believe they were putting things in water and seeing what happens. We have an aircraft carrier not made for water play but they put that in. Carson said "The aircraft carrier floated and I was perplex and I thought, WOW!

Carson: I short time ago I worked with Carson on writing his name. After he wrote it for the first time I encouraged him to go and show Gabriel and Annalina. As he was walking down the stairs I heard him holding the paper in both hands in front of him and saying "I did a GREAT job!"

Carson: Carson was playing army/soldier whatever with Ross and I heard him say in a firm army voice "Sir, I love you" to Ross. Pretty cute.

Carson: Carson was in a bad way one night and hurt his mouth. He was overly tired. He asked me to lay down with him awhile when he went down for bed that night. As we are laying there he says "it's (his mouth) is going to hurt in the morning, and at night, and spring and forever." Gabriel walked in as he was saying this and made some comment as to the drastic comment. Then things settled and he was quiet and just before laying down I had eaten some boiled eggs . . . all of a sudden I hear Carson say "Your breath smells violent." I thought that was pretty funny. It probably did smell a bit funky! He was trying to say Ross's favorite word for gross "vile."

Gabriel: He changed the order in which he did devotions and leisure reading because he read about needing to focus on God's words over men's words.

Gabriel: The older kids ask me questions about if you could do this or that what would you do. Like maybe where would you go in the world, etc. It is often hard for me to answer because my focus in life has really changed and I don't dream the same way I did when I was young. I have a different focus and that is my children.

One day one of my dreams came to me and I told Gabriel I remembered that I had really wanted to go to the Netherlands during the spring and see the tulips. I believe it was days later and he came to me and said that when Daddy and I are old he is going to send send us tickets in the mail to go see the tulips. What a sweet kiddo. Love him. I want him to come too because I know he would love it as much as me if not more.

Gabriel: We were somewhere where there was a fence and I had been there before and didn't think there was away around the wood fence. I was contemplating how to get under it as last time I was there I wasn't the size I am now. I was very aware of some one sitting in a car faced toward us in the parking lot and made a remark about people laughing. Gabriel said "I don't care if people laugh I just want you to be safe." That is my Gabers. Another way around was found by Ross. My protectors.

Gabriel: Gabriel and I went on a Mommy/Son date a few Saturdays back. The same evening Daddy took Annalina to a fancy steak dinner at The Famous in downtown Colorado Springs. Anyway, Gabriel and I went to a dive in Woodland Park for breakfast. When we got inside the restaraunt we went to a booth and does Gabriel sit across from me? NO, he sits right next to me on the same side. We had a great time and he was telling me he wished we could do that more. We'll have to try! I love my kids and I am thankful with all my flaws they love me. It warms my heart in a BIG way.

Warrior Games

The Warrior Games were down in the Springs. It is part of Wounded Warrior efforts if I understood correctly. We went down and cheered on the Navy in one of the Navy Vrs. Marines basketball games. Navy lost unfortunately. :-( One of the Marines was playing in a wheelchair with both legs and one hand removed AND he was one of the best players on the court! They guy was AMAZING! How do you do all that? Then in volleyball the match we were at Navy wasn't playing so we were rooting for Army on one court. The reason we picked Army was because Carson was playing with an adorable little boy who was there to cheer on his daddy who had lost a leg in Afghanistan. His Daddy was on the Army volleyball team. We were happy to see on the other court the Marine volleyball team beat Great Britain. It looked like a very spirited game!!

It was sobering and inspiring to watch these men and women. They've given so much for us and we are grateful. They truly don't give up and what a lesson they send to us. They AND their families are heroes of the truest sort.

Made me miss being around military families. Here we don't get that closeness as at other stations especially since it's a joint command. Never the less we had a great time and thankful we could come out and watch these men and women compete.

Carson Turned 4 Years Old!!

 Carson with his birthday cakes! Yes, cakeSS!

 Carson really likes his indian head dress from Grandma and Grandpa!!!

 My sweet Carson turned 4 on April 24th! WOW, times truly flies! Carson LOVES to be read to, loves hugs, loves guns, loves being a pirate or an indian! He recently wrote his name for the first time and was quite happy about that!!! He has matured so much in the last couple months. He used to hide and eat a snack, etc. and often asks permission now first!

He really enjoyed his birthday. His favorite is chocolate strawberry cake! For his birthday he got pirate stuff from his Uncle and Aunt and cousins, an indian head dress from Grandpa and Grandma J, money from Grandma and Grandpa L, stickers from Uncle B, a very special head dress his brother Ross made him, and Daddy made him a LEGO table (HE LOVES IT!). He had a great birthday to say the least!

Carson is growing up and is now in wrestling along with the big boys and loves it.

Auntie Flo's Visit!

 Auntie Flo and Annalina take a sledding run!!

 The kiddos love their Auntie Flo a lot.

 Everyone happy but Carson who didn't get a nap and was miffed about something!

Auntie Flo, Myself, and Annalina at our church's Mother/Daughter Tea

On Tuesday Auntie Flo flew in for a visit after a school year studying for her Doctor's degree in education and music at Bob Jones University!! It was GREAT to see her and catch up with her. The kids went sledding with her and played UNO, Monopoly, and CLUE, took a long walk to get the much desired Wheat Thins for a special soup supper. She bought the kids CLUE for their birthdays and they had a great time learning how to play it from her! Flo ran around with us to wrestling practice, swim team practice, and rock climbing. It was so nice to have her along!

Today she played her violin for our church's Mother/Daughter Tea and did a beautiful job. How amazing we could have her there! I was really thankful she was able to meet the church family we love so much.

We are blessed she would make such an effort to come see us on her much needed break. Coming to a house full of kiddos for a break is something! We pray for her and love her. I am so excited to see what God has for her after she gets her degree!! DR. FONG! :-)

Ross Wins Bronze Medal

Today Ross won the bronze medal at the West Side Classic Wrestling Tournament! We are so thankful he enjoys wrestling and excells at it!! No videos today. I forgot to put the camera in! Oh well, Good job Rossers!!!!! Keep up the hard work and good attitude!!!

Auntie Flo was hoping to watch him wrestle but as we left the ladies tea at our church and started driving we found out the tournament was done! Hopefully another time!