Grahammer Time

Better late than never, I guess. Graham had a birthday back on Aug. 31st. We had a great day! We went to Disneyland a couple days before and called it his "special day". On the day of his actual birthday, we had a little celebration at our house.

We invited some friends to meet us at McDonalds for dinner and some play time. Here's the Ray kiddos enjoying some fast food grub. Notice Graham's Darth Vader mask. I bought a couple masks to use for his cake and I didn't need to use one of them. He wore it all day.

Here's the Kimmell kids: Stanley, Lina, and Cassa

Graham, like Lucy, didn't want a cake either. So, here's my pathetic attempt to decorate his brownies with a Star Wars theme as he requested. Yikes, I know.

Cute boy.....love that you can see his smile even when he's trying to blow out his candles.

Graham has the best smile, just like his Dad. We were able to skype with Jason so he could sing with us.

Here's Graham with his best buddy, Grant.

On Graham's birthday, he went to Grant's house for a little while so I could go buy his gift (super mom, I know.....always planning ahead). Anyway, I was packing a special birthday picnic lunch for them to share when they got to Grant's house. Graham said to me, "Get some apples for Grant. He likes them! I remember that from when I was four."

That night I asked him if he liked his new Pillow Pet and he said, "LOVE it!" It sounded very grown up. Hard to describe in words.

The whole week after his birthday every once in a while he'd stop what he was doing and say, "I miss being four." I'd ask why and he'd say, "It was just my favorite number."

Today at church someone said, "Graham, you seem taller to me today." He said, "Well, it's just because I'm five now."

Some funny things I want to remember about Graham at age 5:

• The first few weeks after we started horseback riding lessons, Graham wanted to change his name to Jose (his "cowboy teacher's" name). He would tell me that he wasn't going to answer to Graham anymore. He then proceeded to pretend to talk Spanish for a few minutes. Hilarious! Imagine crazy jibberish with a normal word thrown in every once in a while, like "hot dog" or something. Goofy kid. We were driving to school one morning when he informed me that he was Jose now. Lucy said she was going to be Crystal. So, they had a long conversation calling each other Crystal and Jose.
• He always says, "You betcha!"
• I'll ask him if he wants something like a drink or breakfast. He says, "I don't mind if I do!" (instead of "don't mind if I do".)
• He gets asked about his "brown tooth" a lot. About 18 months ago, he was running in the house and tripped and knocked his tooth against the tile. A couple days later, Jason noticed it was changing color. For a while it really bothered me and I was ticked that it happened, but now I feel like it just reminds me how crazy and fun he is. He explains what happened when people ask him.
• He LOVES playing on the computer. His buddy, Grant, has a Wii and he loves that, too. We've had to limit his techno time over the last couple weeks. He's what you might call, obsessed. Our new system is working really well and I've been proud of how grown up he acts when his time is up. Disney Junior is his favorite.
• Graham still loves his waffle with peanut butter and syrup for breakfast. If we're out of waffles, he'll settle for an egg and cold cereal minus the milk.
• Graham loves to help me make stuff. He can make his own PB and honey sandwich for lunch and he's a great helper on waffle night.
• Whenever we meet someone new at the park or at the store or whatever, Graham always introduces me and then says, "That's my baby brother, Ben. I don't like him very much, but I play with him." Nice. Real nice.
• He's VERY social and loves to meet people everywhere we go. He introduces himself right away to everyone and wants to play.
• Graham loves to tell me stories and have me tell him stories while we're driving in the car. He remembers a lot of his dreams and tells us all about them at breakfast.
• Since Jason left, Graham has come into my room most nights because he has "bad dreams". During our bedtime family prayer, we ask that Graham won't have bad dreams. The other night he came into bed with me and then a few minutes later woke me up again and asked me to say a prayer so his dream won't come back.
• When Graham prays, he always uses "thank you" instead of "please bless". For example, he'll say, "Thank you for Lucy. Thank you for Ben. Thank you for our house. Thank you that my knee will stop hurting. Thank you that Dad will be safe and happy. Thank you that we'll have a nice day." I love it. I'll be sad when that stops.

Graham is such a special, fun kid. He has sooo much personality and spunk. I've said it many times and I'll say it again, he keeps me on my toes. I love that with Graham you never have to wonder what's going on in his mind. We always know! What you see is what you get. Since he was a tiny baby it's been "all or nothing" with Grambo. All happy or all sad or all ticked off. I love my crazy boy and I have to stop thinking about him growing up so fast or I get way too sad.

Family Night

A couple weeks ago we had a Family Home Evening on The Title of Liberty. I told them the story of Captain Moroni and we talked about all of the freedoms he fought for. They loved the part in the story where Moroni rips some clothes and makes the flag to ride around and get people to join him.

We made our own Title of Liberty to hang in our house. I ripped a pillowcase in half and we talked about the things that are important to us as individuals and to us as a family.

Here's some of the artwork. Lucy drew the Book of Mormon, the church and our family.

I outlined their hands for the flag and Graham decided to make his into a chicken. He also drew Jesus in the temple.

These kids give me purpose and make me feel needed. I'm so glad I get to be their mom!

Grandma!

Earlier this month, mi madre came for a visit. It was a highly anticipated event, let me tell you! I was counting down the hours to her arrival. We fit in a bunch of fun while she was here.

Disneyland! We took Lucy out of school early on Grandma's last full day here and made the trek down to Anaheim. It was a REALLY hot day, but the lines were fabulous and we got to go on almost all our favorites a few times. Graham's new favorite is the Materhorn. He rode it for the first time with Grandma.

Here's cute Benny in the stroller. He always screamed when we were buckling him back in, but once we put food in his hands, he was fine.

We spent most of Labor Day at the beach. Can I just say again, I love, love, love living so close to the ocean. It's such an amazing sight to see and the kids have space and freedom. I love it!

Grandma with the beach babes.

We had a fabulous time while she was here. Nothing beats having my wonderful Mom around to visit with. She loves my kids almost as much as I do and I love watching her visit with them and laugh at them. She also got up with Benny a few days so I could sleep in. We were so sad to see her go. Tears were shed even before she came because I knew she'd eventually have to go home. We love you, Mom/Grandma!!

Horseback Riding Lessons

We are so lucky! There is a wonderful foundation/ranch that offers free horseback riding lessons to kids ages 5 and up that have a parent that is deployed. Lucy and Graham are LOVING them and are doing so well!

Ben and I get to sit and watch the kids do their thing. He usually plays in the dirt and makes me mud cakes to eat. He hands me a pile of dirt and says, "cake, Mom?" I pretend to eat it and he says, "More?".

Here's Lucy with Jose (one of her teachers). She prefers another teacher, Betsy, because she's a girl and she can understand her better. Jose is quieter and has a strong Spanish accent.

Here's Graham doing his "helicopter". They do this so they can learn to balance and use their thighs to squeeze and stay on. They go in big circles around the corral. He was excited that day to be riding Muffin.

When we arrive, the kids go into the barn and get their boots and helmet on.

This was our attempt at a little group picture the first day. I laughed when I saw how cute Ben is smiling. Lucy was just learning to get her horse to stop. Lucy was riding Muffin that day and Graham was riding Tina.

Here's Graham with his teacher, Glenn. Glenn is one of the foundation owners. He is so much fun! He has a great laugh and Graham just loves him. Graham loves Jose, too. Jose is what Graham considers a "real cowboy". I think it's because he always has a cowboy hat on. Graham even insisted on changing his name to Jose for a couple days.

Lucy has picked up on riding really quickly. She's quite the natural. It's so fun to see her trot around and move the horse like she's been doing it for years.

Before and after they ride, the kids help saddle the horses up and brush them down.

Not great pictures in the barn, but oh well.

The kids count down the days to lessons each week. As of last week, Graham doesn't have a lead rope anymore. He can turn his horse and get it to stop and go, too! Good times!

First Day of School

Our first day of school went spectacularly! Is that a word?

Lucy LOVES her third grade teacher, Mrs. Johnson. Graham started at a new preschool three times a week and loves Mrs. Schreiber. Benny loves the little bit of time he has alone with his amazing mother.

The Land of Disney

Last month I caved and bought season passes to Disneyland for our little fam. We went 3 times the first 3 weeks we had them. Good times were had by all.

The first day we went was with my friend, Laurie Jarvis, and her kiddos. Here's the crew:

Grant, Caylee, Lucy, Graham and Ben-O

This little man made our first excursion quite difficult. The long lines and crowded spaces didn't help much either. Many of the rides were closed for the day, too. The kids had a great time, but by the end of the day, I was super stressed and ready to be home.

Grant and Graham

Laurie wrestling the toddlers in the Teacups.

Benny had a great view of the parade.

My kids love Phineas and Ferb. I love 'em, too. Especially the songs. I'm usually laughing more than the kids are.

So, the next week, Laurie agreed to watch Benny all day and evening while I took Graham and Lucy. It was such a fun day! These guys are fearless and ride EVERYTHING! The lines were short and the weather was great. Graham's b-day was a couple days later, so we told him we were going to celebrate his special day. We let him make choices on what rides to go on next. He thought he was pretty neat. Graham is quite a friendly guy, so in every conversation he made with people in line (which was A LOT), he would mention that we were there to celebrate his "special day". I'm pretty sure Graham skipped ALL DAY LONG. He never just walked. He was always galloping or skipping wherever we went. (He does that at the store, too, but we're never at the store for 10 hours straight!)

This is in front of the new Little Mermaid ride. We loved it!

A couple of goofballs cooling off in the misters in California Adventure.

Splash Mountain. Graham didn't like this one, but only because he doesn't like getting wet.

At the end of the day, we got on the tram to take us to the parking lot. Graham fell asleep and I carried him to our car. I've learned that it's easiest if I bring their jammies and change them in the car before we drive home. Then I just have to carry them to their beds. Graham woke up for a minute to change and then slept all the way home.

These two were so agreeable and fun all through the day. As we walked from ride to ride, they each thanked me many times for taking them. Funny story: I took Graham into the bathroom and he wanted me to go into the stall with him because he was worried the door wouldn't shut. Well, he sat down on the toilet and smiled up at me and said, "Thank you for bringing me to Disneyland." Imagine him trying to poop as he says it. Maybe a little too much information, but I wanted to remember it. It's my blog and I'll share what I want to :).

I enjoyed our conversations as we waited in line. It made me happy when they each mentioned that they wished Dad was there. Its nice to know they think of him so often. I sure love these kids!

Benny Boy

It's been a long while since I posted about my Benny Boy. I have a list about a mile long sitting next to my computer of all the things and stories I want to remember about Ben at this age.

• At 20 months (June), Benny started saying "Cool!" I'm pretty sure it was one of his first words after Mom and Dad.
• Around that same time, he also started saying, "SHO!" Which was how he said, "Show". Yes, not even two years old and he wants his TV fix.
• This kid signed like crazy. Now he's talking A LOT, so he doesn't as much, but he knew at least 30-40 signs at one point. Jason taught him how to sign "tree". I think that's my favorite one that he does now. I need to videotape him again doing all of them. It's pretty darn cute.
• It seemed like Benny started talking a little later than my other kids. He communicated really well because of the signing, but I was getting a little worried. Some of the ways he said certain words were a little off, too. He always said Lucy with this weird nasal noise. But, about 2 weeks after Jason left, he started talking like crazy. Now he says everything! Last week I laughed out loud when he said, "What doing, Mom?" I cringe a little when he yells at "Gam" (Graham). It sounds way too much like me.

• Ever since he was about 18 months old, he has said "Na-na" (Imagine it sounding like "Peek-a-boo"). He uses it when he finds something, like his lost blanket or Binky. He says it when he enters a room. It's like he's saying "Tadah!" We love it!
• Jason did a good job of having Benny of leaving his blanket and Binky in his bed after nap and in the morning. I've kind of given up, but I've started up again this week. Yesterday, I told him to put his Binky in the crib and he threw it in and said, "Bye, Binky!" It was so cute! This kid LOVES his Binky and blanket. He wants it all the time. He's always really happy to see them. Today he started saying, "Binky is?" I can tell he's trying to say, "Where is the Binky?"
• Every time I get him out of the bathtub, he looks in the mirror and says, "Hi, baby!" He says the same thing whenever he sees his reflection.
• A few months back, when he wasn't talking as well, we took him to Sunday School with us (because of his constant runny nose, he couldn't go to nursery that day). Anyway, Jason gave dumped out a little bag of toys for him to play with and immediately Ben started saying, "Wow! Wow! Wow!" over and over again. We're talking for like 20 seconds straight. It was hilarious! Maybe you had to be there.

• Ben has become my pickiest eater. My other kids ate everything at this age. Not Benny. Here's list of the things he will eat, but keep in mind, he only will some of these things every other or every third day: dry cereal (not picky about what kind unless he sees Honeycomb....then he wants that), chips, goldfish, raisins, string cheese, meatballs, triscuits, nuts, watermelon, grapes, fries. Occasionally, he'll eat some Mac and Cheese or a chicken nugget, but that's rare and he has to be really hungry. Seems like a lot of stuff, right? It's not. Especially when that is really all he will eat.

• Here's my little man sportin' his stylish headband. He has to wear this when we go swimming and when he gets a little adventurous in the waves at the beach. Supposedly the tubes put in his ears were going to change our lives. He just took antibiotics for an ear infection last month.
• Ben will come up to one of us and hit us and then immediately say, "Sorry, Mommy." or "Sorry, Lucy."
• He LOVES the trampoline and he'll jump around with all of the kids on there.
• Benny is also my earliest riser. Before J left, he usually woke up around 7 am. Maybe a little before or a little after. Well, about a week after Jason's departure, Ben started waking up between 5:30-6. Yep, it's early. What I should do is get myself into bed early and then get up with Benny and be super productive. Nope. He comes into bed with me or I get a blanket and crash on the couch while he watches Dora or Signing Time for 30-40 minutes and then he badgers me enough for cereal that I have to get up and get him something to eat. It's a good morning when he sleeps past 6:00.

Early riser or not, Benny is such a bright spot in my day. He is so darn funny and he keeps us all laughing. We love the copycat phase he's in right now. The kids love to make him say "poopy pants" or "kick my booty" or something to that effect. It makes for entertaining car rides. I can't imagine our life without this incredible kid.