Lukulele

Last night, while supposedly sleeping, Luke wrapped himself up in his special blankets. Cory thought that I must have helped him, but I assured him that I had nothing to do with this half Sumo, half Ninja outfit. [Isn't that a hilarious mental picture? I think it could be a very funny movie: The Sumo Ninja. It makes me laugh just thinking about it.] Luke didn't really like the idea of having his picture taken and wasn't very cooperative; therefore, I didn't get a good shot of him without his shirt on which would have showed just how funny his costume was.

More Money Talk

I invite you to listen in on a conversation that Zane and I had last week while sitting at Target eating popcorn. [I have recreated this conversation to the best of my memory and even took notes of what he said while we were there.]


Mom, can we go to Wal*Mart to get Buzz Lightyear?

You didn't bring your wallet.

You could loan me the money until we get home.

I don't think that is a good idea. If I go to the store and don't bring my money then I don't get to have what I want.

I've loaned you dollars so you could buy Pepsi.

That is true.

Can you beat that?

What do you mean? [I begin thinking that this may be "blog-worthy".]

Can you come up with a better solution than me?

I think you have a pretty good point. [I dig through my purse for scrap paper and a pen and write down what he has said.]

So, I win?

[I become a little distracted as I get back out the paper and pen to add another statement.]

Why are you writing down what I say? [He knows why.]

You're being funny, but also a little disrespectful. It isn't about winner and loser. I am in charge and you are not. You should not be debating with me.

Which one works the most? Which one wins: funny or disrespectful?

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I mentioned in a previous post that Cade would prefer to buy gum with his allowance more than anything else. I forgot to mention that he also has a passion for glow sticks. Last week he bought three tubes and begged to go back for a fourth.

Haircuts

Not only did Cade write his name for the first time today, he also got his first haircut at a barber shop. This was Luke's first barber shop haircut too and Zane's second time for a professional cut. After school I went into this little barber shop across the street from HomeSource to see how much a kid's haircut would be. The barber said $5 and I decided to give it a try. [I only cut their hair because it is the economical thing to do. I don't really like doing it and $5 is very reasonable; however, spending $15 + tip really made me feel like a high-roller and a little guilty.] The barber, who I believe is named Don, is a very old man and when we drove up he was cleaning his dentures in the sink [Yes, very gross, but remember -- five bucks!] Don is from Sicily and has been cutting hair since he was eighteen .... SEVENTY (70) years ago. As Zane started getting his haircut I remembered that he and Luke have school pictures for the very first time in ten days. [Oh Boy. Great timing, Lori!] He had a sign posted that said his doctor has ordered him to take more breaks / time-outs and I was truly concerned that he may not be able to make it through three haircuts. After each boy I would ask Don if he was up for another haircut. He seemed okay and all three boys did great. Don changed the TV to cartoons [ones that the boys would not normally be allowed to see] and he also gave me some tips for home haircuts. He was a very nice man and I think he did pretty well.



Recently Luke decided he wants to grow his hair out so that it to be long enough for a pony tail like mine and Lolly's; however, the excitement of a barber shop hair cut evidently outweighed his desire for long hair.


Cade was a little nervous about getting his hair cut. He didn't want Don to touch him.

School

This year Zane and Luke have started attending HomeSource, a charter school for homeschool students. My main purpose for enrolling them is for social interaction and extracurricular activities. I am still teaching them all their core classes at home. At HomeSource, they are taking two K-2 classes: Forest Exploration and Kitchen Chemistry. So far we have been three times and they are enjoying themselves. Here are a few pictures from today's Chemistry class. They were learning about colors.





Zane is reading to the class a poem we worked on together about Potato Soup.


Parents are required to stay on premises and are encouraged to be in class with their children. I bring things for Cade to do and we get to observe the class. Today I bribed him with a quarter to concentrate on writing his name. I showed him what to do and then he wrote his name for the first time! I think he did great. :-)

Dr. Leman, are you a quack?

We started giving the boys allowance about a month ago. I recently re-read a book by Dr. Kevin Leman and he suggested giving allowance in order for kids to learn about money management and decision making. Dr. Leman teaches that "allowance is something each child should be able to spend as he or she sees fit."

We decided to give the following weekly allowance: Zane $2.00, Luke $1.50 and Cade $1.00

I believe it was the second week of allowance we were in Wal*mart and unfortunately went down the candy isle. Zane picked out a package of eight (8!) little Kit-Kats. Cade picked out a box of about one hundred (100!) Mike and Ike candies. I started muttering to myself about how Dr. Leman is absolutely crazy! I was sure the boys would make themselves sick and then wouldn't eat dinner; therefore, wasting more money. Seriously, what was "DOCTOR" Leman thinking!? "Spend as he or she sees fit" -- really? However, I must admit, I was surprised to learn that the boys apparently have more self-control than I do at 35. Zane gave each of us a Kit-Kat on the first and the second day. That meant he only ate two little Kit-Kats. He decided that the next time he would break each little Kit-Kat in half in order for them to last even longer. Cade shared his Mike and Ike candies and then I suggested that he hide them until the next day which he did. The next day he got them out and then after awhile came to me and said, "Mom! I ate too many! What I should do?" I again suggested he hide them and he did. He finished them on the third day. They would have NEVER lasted that long when I was a little girl, let alone now. So, I guess that turned out okay; although, I am hoping that each boy "will learn that it is foolish to be extravagant and to waste his money for the entire week on candy" like Dr. Leman believes they will. [That wouldn't have worked for me, Dr. Leman.] If not, Dr. Leman gives permission to step in after a few weeks.

Regarding allowance in general, I have so far learned:

Zane (7) likes to save his money for something "useful", buy a gift, or enjoy an occasional treat. Money does seem to be on his mind a lot. He can hardly wait for allowance day and talks and talks about what he is saving for. He has asked me if I will give him more money to reward him if he chooses to save his allowance. Unbeknownst to Zane, Dr. Leman actually did that for his children. For every dollar that his children chose to put in the bank, he would also put in a dollar. I am very curious how my 7-year-old could came up with a fund-matching savings plan when he hasn't been taught of such things.

Luke (5) will spend it, save it, give it away, or even throw it up in the arborvitae trees in our yard where they have a fort. I am still wondering if the money will come back down. Luke thinks the birds might use it to build a nest. For another example of his view of money, this weekend I heard him say to his brothers "What do we need money for anyway?" He does really like playing with it which I am not fond of.

Cade (4) is an impulse shopper and loves to buy candy, candy, candy or gum! When he did end up with a relatively large amount of money for his birthday, he thought of a couple toys he wanted, but would have been just as happy with a pack of gum. Like Luke, he really likes to play with the money. And it also seems that he is more concerned about how many things he gets to buy. He may not know what he wants at the store, but he has determined he wants three things. Interesting, don't you think?

Another lesson I have learned: My life was easier before allowance. My boys had been taught not to ask for much at the store and they usually didn't get anything special while we were there, except free cookies from the bakery. Now, my shopping trips seem filled with little ones making "big decisions" as they peruse the isles I go down. I wonder how much time, if any, I should allow them for shopping? I also wonder, even though they enjoy having their own money, is it benefiting them enough to justify the expense of time and money?

As for me, the jury is still out as we continue this experiment in allowance and I would gladly accept suggestions.

OUR SILLY LUKE

Zane asked me, "Does Luke still need his glasses?" Luke responded, "Do you still need to see?"

Luke and I both had the same idea the other day in school. I excitedly said, "We think alike!" Luke then stated, "We don't have very big ideas do we?"

The following picture of Luke is from last weekend when we went huckleberry picking. He found a couple red huckleberries and put one in each nostril. I told him that he should not ever do that again and he quickly popped them out. Then I asked him to put them back in just for a minute while I snapped a quick picture. It was just too funny! I must ask: Who wants to pick some huckleberries?

AND MORE FUNNY STORIES

Zane spent nearly all of his money (even his special Sacajawea coins) on a Transformer. I was under the assumption that he was buying it for himself, but when we got home he wanted to wrap it up for Cade's birthday. I was very surprised Zane was giving it to Cade being that it was exactly what he [Zane] had been wanting. He later explained to me that it gives him so much joy to give gifts. His attitude toward giving is not new, he really does enjoy giving. The most touching part was hearing him explain that when you watch a person unwrap a gift that you give them it is like they are "opening joy". It is such a blessing to watch his face light up as he talks about his love of giving.
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As I am sitting here typing, Zane has pulled up a chair and is reading what I type. He corrects me when he thinks I have the facts wrong. He said that he didn't spend "nearly all of his money." He contends that he still has lots of coins left. He also corrected, "I don't LOVE giving. I just like it a lot". That reminds me of another story worth blogging:

In our family, like in most, we have words that we do not use. However, I did not expect to add the L-Word to our list. Let me explain: Recently, I have tried to teach my boys that love is a very strong word. That perhaps we shouldn't say it so casually when we are talking about things like toys, cookies, shirts, etc. That we should reserve the word "love" for things that are very special to us like God, family, etc. Zane usually takes what I say to heart and this was no exception. He will now question us when he hears us say we love something and recently said, "Mom! You said the L-Word!"

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This week I was trying to teach Cade, who just turned 4, how to wash his buns. While trying to soap himself up he said, "I have poop crumbs." Yes, it is a little crude, but it is also too funny to ever forget so I had to blog it.

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I often ask my boys when they come to tattle, "Did/Could someone get hurt? Did/Could something get hurt?" Luke usually sighs and says, "Oh, I did it again." Zane's response is, "Yes! My feelings [got hurt]!"

Blonde Brownies

Today I prepared the ingredients for Zane to make a batch of Blonde Brownies, a recipe from his Grandma Marsha that is a favorite in the Gant clan. I then wrote down simple instructions and let him go to work.*



The younger boys were absolutely great about letting Zane be the Baker and they were rewarded by being the Batter Testers. Who wouldn't like that job?





After Zane finished, Luke was telling me that he saw Grandma Marsha use some red stuff to make frosting red and that he would make his brownies red. I didn't understand why he wanted red brownies and didn't give it much thought. Later when he talked about it again I realized that my little sweetheart had taken notice that Zane, his blonde-haired brother, made "Blonde" Brownies. Luke has red-hair and therefore would need to make Red Brownies!

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* I bet you noticed that Zane isn't wearing a shirt while baking and may think that odd. To explain, it is 105 degrees in Eugene today which is a record high. Why I chose this day for baking is beyond me. [Well, other than the craving factor.]

More Funny Stories

For a couple months now Cade has been having a fit about the length of his shirts. I packed away his 24 month / 2T shirts and now he is mostly wearing 3T. He is used to having shirts that are waist length and now the 3T ones seem very long to him. He will cry and tell me that he cannot wear the shirt because it "goes past his penis." [I would prefer to say "boy parts" or "equipment" in order to sound more lady-like, but I want to record this just the way it is.] He is embarrassed by this new-to-him fashion. One day when Grandma Marsha came to visit he would not come out of his room for about an hour because he was sure that Grandma would laugh at him because his shirt was too long. Another day when we went to see my parents he refused to get out of the van. My dad finally convinced him to come in promising to sneak him by my mom and take him to another room. Things are finally starting to calm down a bit. He voices his continued concern, but there are less tears. He will measure his shirt length and then say, "I won't cry about it." Hooray for progress!
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Zane told me the other day, "You must be pooped! You know what I mean by that, right? I don't mean that you had to go to the bathroom. I meant that you must be tired."
__________

Cade spilled a Tupperware container of cereal at Grandma Marsha's house. He was very upset with big tears in his eyes. I told him not to worry and started cleaning it up. Zane said, "You're handling that very well, Mom."
__________

Funny Stories

Recently Zane and Luke got into an argument. Zane told me, "He pushed my button and took my temper!"
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Another time recently, when I was frustrated with Luke, I said, "Luke, every since you were born when I tell your brother not to do something then YOU do it!" [Yes, of course, I was exaggerating. He really couldn't have started this before he was mobile/verbal. And, no, my parenting wasn't up to par, but I am willing to suffer the embarrassment because his reply was so precious.] He responded, as though it was the first time I had pointed this out, "I do that? Thank you for telling me." My heart melted and again I was reminded that I can learn much from my little boys.
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Cory and I both believe it is important to present a united front to the boys. We try to back each others parenting decisions and not let the boys work us against each other. I guess you could say we have formed a team. At least that must be how the boys see it. I may have mentioned before that they too have formed a team. They have now championed a new motto, "Teams don't tell!" This is how it works: (1) Zane hits Luke, (2) Luke starts to yell/run for me, (3) Zane says, "Remember? Teams don't tell!" and (4) Luke stops in his tracks. [I think that Zane created this new motto and is benefiting most from it.] Granted this has stopped a bit of the tattling and it is a bit funny; however, I don't think this is going to end well. My "motherly intuition" or "mom-dar" [as in mom radar] is sending up red flags.
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The boys and I were driving along and Zane asked where we were going. I told him we were headed home. He asked, "Mom, have you been drinking alcohol?" I have taught the boys that drinking alcohol, among other things, can effect your driving and thinking. He was sure that we were not going the right direction and thought something must be wrong with me. [For the record, I don't drink and didn't laugh when he asked me the question; however, when I told Cory he thought it was funny and said I should blog it.]

RUJADA #15

Last Saturday we went camping 19 miles East of Cottage Grove near Layng Creek at Rujada Campground. It was our second time sleeping in the Siesta trailer. We still have a few kinks to work out, but we really like it.
The boys like to pretend that the door has an order window. They ask me what I would like and then I "order" crackers, apples, or some other little snack which they deliver through the little sliding window.

The campground is small (which I like) and has flushing toilets (which I love, as opposed to the pit toilets) and a playground for the kids.

There is also a pretty 1.9 mile hiking trail around the campground. While hiking, one of the boys moved a berry vine or something out of the way for me and I complimented him for being a gentleman. I used that moment to teach them that gentlemen will hold things (like briers) out of the way, move things (like branches) or help a lady over obstacles (fallen logs, rocks, etc). The boys took my words to heart and would have moved any twig out of my way. They would call to me, "Lady!" and give me flowers. Cade felt bad that he couldn't move a large rock out of my way. Oh, they are so cute!

Before bed I decided to wash the boys up. I didn't want them to get their sleeping bags dirty and I think you sleep better when you're not sticky and dirty.

They all asked to get in bed with me (Cory wasn't ready for bed yet) for story time.

In the morning we had hashbrowns, biscuits, gravy and little smokies. Yummy! Good food is essential for all camping trips.

After breakfast we drove up Bohemia Mountain and went by the Musick Guard Station. We hiked 1/2 mile up the Bohemia Mountain Trail. It was beautiful.

Mawage, that bwessed awangment, that dweam wifin a dweam...

On June 12, Cory and I will have been married for 16 years. Our pending anniversary has caused me to reflect upon our years together...

I first saw Cory Gant from across the parking lot at Boise Bible College [BBC] in 1990. I was visiting my sister during Spring Break. When I saw him, I asked my sister, "Who is that?" and she told me that his name is Cory. I said, "Cory and Lori, wouldn't that be cute!" My sister then informed me [as big sisters do] that I did not have a chance. I responded, "You never know what will happen."

Two years later, right before the beginning of my second year of college at BBC, Cory and I were both in the wedding of our close friends, Scott & Julia Riggan. After the wedding Cory asked me out on our first date.

In December of that year I was trying to hint about what I wanted for Christmas. I didn't want to tell him because then it wouldn't be special, right? I would only tell him that it started with a P and ended with a G. After Christmas he apologized for not giving me a Promise rinG. I didn't know what he was talking about. I wanted the Precious Moments muG that we had seen together in the mall. I did end up with the mug; although, I can't remember how. I saw it today in the cupboard and laughed as I remembered the story that goes with it.

Cory never did buy me a promise ring, but he did propose on either February 6th or 7th [the anniversary of both my paternal and maternal grandparents is the 7th, so I hope it was that day] in McCall, Idaho. During the proposal he asked, as we danced in the falling snow, not only if I would go to the Valentine's Day banquet with him, but if I would also be his valentine for the next 70 years. I agreed, but I do wonder what will happen after 70 years. I guess we will get a chance to evaluate our marriage. I think it would be fun, at 89 and 92, to renew our vows.

Before our wedding, I had two bridal showers. One shower was in Boise at my sister's house and one was at my home church in Drain, Oregon. At the Drain shower, I received a card from Shirley Miller [she was my Grandpa's school teacher] and the truth of her words have come back to me many times over the years. I laughed when I first read it aloud at the shower, but I also thought it a little odd to bring up something so unpleasant at such a happy time.

Lori,

Best Wishes as you start your married life.
You are joining the ranks of - Do the dishes, sweep the floor, cook, make the bed.
Do the dishes, sweep the floor, cook, do the wash and iron (maybe).
Do the dishes, sweep the floor, cook, but the dishes are new, the husband is new so enjoy it all.

God Bless
Shirley Miller

We were married June 12, 1993 in Eugene at Westside Christian Church by Bill Compton and although housework can be overwhelming, like Shirley joked/warned (I'm not sure which), Cory, and our life together, is worth every minute of it. I have never met a man that could be a better match for me and believe that I am a better wife because of Cory. I thank God for our happily-ever-after and give Him the credit.

And, as I reflect on marriage, I am also extremely thankful and encouraged by so many of my friends that are also happily married. I love reading, on Facebook, the little love messages that my friends and their spouses leave for each other. What a blessing. God is so good. Thank you, God, for marriage.

SUMPTER FUN

During Memorial Day weekend we spent some time in Sumpter, Oregon. My dad had a booth at the Flea Market selling wood and invited us to come along. It is a beautiful area as you can see by the gorgeous picture that my husband took.At the Flea Market the boys also had a booth. They sold snake neck-coolers, log cabin seed packets & balloons. Zane was very serious about their new business and delegated jobs to each worker; Zane sold the snakes, Luke was in charge of the seed packets, Cade was to sell the balloons and Lolly could sell Grandma Boom-Boom's coffee pots. Zane later said that, "Lolly didn't work out." She wasn't too interested in selling.

Luke went up to one lady and told her about the Douglas Fir seed packets that are marketed as Log Cabin Kits [my mom's creation]. She asked him, "If I plant the seeds will a log cabin really grow?" Luke, our budding businessman, responded, "Buy it and see."

We wanted to go gold mining while we were in town, but the business was closed and we were not brave enough to go find a place on our own for fear we would inadvertently end up at someone's claim. While we were looking around, Zane said he thinks he knows why people who are searching for gold are called miners. He said it is because they say, "This is mine. This is mine. No one can have it, it's only mine."

Later that night we were sitting in a restaurant right next to an entrance with a "NO MINORS" sign. Zane asked, "Why don't they want people who look for gold to go in there?" Get it? NO MINERS! Those boys keep us laughing.

We also got to ride on the Sumpter Valley Railway steam-powered train. It was the first train ride for the boys, Cory and me [except for on the miniature train in Molalla]. It was also my Dad's first train ride and Joy and Lolly's too. My mom has been on trains before, but it was her first steam-powered trip. My father-in-law, Terry, and his wife, Loretta, were also able to come with us. It was a fun time for all and the scenery was beautiful.

Go Poppy!

Two years ago my Dad nearly had a heart attack. He [We] were very fortunate that he had warning signs and did not ignore them. The Doctors put in stents to fix the blockage in his artery. Since then he has really tried to make changes in his lifestyle. He started exercising daily and doing competitive walks. He is now determined to become a runner. Recently, he even become a vegetarian [that was a surprise]. He is an inspiration to me & our family! I keep reminding him that I need him around for at least 15 more years* and I'm so glad that he is trying very hard to be healthy.

Thank you, Dad! I love you and I'm so proud of you!

__________
* Why fifteen years? Good question. I truly want my Dad to be around much, much longer, but fifteen years would allow each of my boys to reach adulthood. I think I will continue telling my Dad each year, "Fifteen more years." That ought to do it. :-)

READY, SET, GO!

The boys line up for the race. They look very serious, don't they?
Notice cousin Lolly right behind Zane. She ran with her stuffed friend, Chewy, and a headband like Poppy.

READY, SET, GO!!

Yesterday the boys [and cousin Lolly] participated in a 400 meter [one lap around the track] fun run at Marist High School.

Cade had a volunteer that ran beside him. I don't know if he would have been able to do it without the encouragement. He thought that the "man [a HS student] was the nicest man in the world" and wanted to be his friend. Cade fell down once, but finished anyway. He didn't want to walk after the race and his knee is still bothering him a little today. I think that was a very long run for him!

Luke also did a great job & finished about 20 seconds behind Zane. He got a freezbie when he crossed the finish line. He said that he liked the race, but didn't like the way it felt when he was breathing hard.

Zane really enjoyed the race and said, "At the end I felt really happy." I think he finished third overall. The first two kids were a few years older.

I'm very proud of my little boys and hope they will always enjoy doing things that help them be "healthy & strong."

Mother's Day

On Mother's Day Cory got the boys up, showered and dressed. I slept in [very nice!] and Cory took the boys to Fred Meyer. The boys picked out flowers to plant and Zane bought a Pepsi for me [something he had been planning as a surprise for quite awhile.] Cory also brought home biscuits, gravy and bacon for breakfast.

Zane told me that we needed to come home right after church because something might happen. As another surprise for me, the boys invited my parents, Cory's mom*, Aunt Joy & Lolly. Even though we had just been to Drain the day before Mother's Day, my parents still came. They didn't want to spoil the boys' plans. They even brought pizza and root beer and took me to Dutch Brothers for a free Vanilla Chai. [yummy!]

After lunch Zane rode his bike with me while I went on a 3 mile walk. When we got back, Luke and I went shopping together. I always enjoy spending time with the boys individually.

When Luke and I got back, Cory took us all out to dinner at a small diner called Mom's Snak Shak. Then we went for a drive in the country. I couldn't have asked for a better day.

I told the boys that when I see the flowers I am reminded that they love me. Cade has asked many times, "What do the flowers say now?" I tell him that they say my boys love me. He told me yesterday, "Us did that all for you 'cause us love you." I am so blessed.


* We figured out later that Grandma Marsha really hadn't been invited. Zane delegated that job to Luke and Luke got a little confused and invited her to Father's Day instead.

Business Minded

One day the boys decided to start selling paper. They were all three on my bed working together to fold and tie little bundles of small notepad paper. They also put a sign in the window of our front door. In the following weeks when family came to visit they would try to make a sale and then split the money.

Then they decided that I needed a business. First they wanted me to cut hair and they put up a little sign. They expected people to start coming by for a haircut. However, I really don't like cutting hair. The sign came down.

Then they decided I should sell cookies and pizza. They put up signs. My dad came to visit and told them that they could not have the sign up in the window unless the product was available. So, I started making big cookies and freezing them individually. My mom said that she would buy them all if I brought them down to Drain. I explained that she would need to come to the "store." Later, I told Zane about her request and he said that we could deliver them...for one dollar. Where do they get this? It must be from their father who is always mulling over a new business idea.

BLESSED

My boys are so sweet. I am thankful that God chose to bless me with them.

The other day I was getting ready for Bible Study and I told the boys that I needed to go and learn how to be a better wife and mom. They said that they didn't want me to go, that I am a good mom & that they love me just the way I am.

They (especially Zane) often talk about wanting to do something to make my day special and are currently trying to make plans for Mother's Day. From leaked information (they are not as good at keeping secrets as they want to be), I have learned that they have asked my mom to come. They also plan to acquire a Pepsi for me. Too cute!

Yesterday, Cade serenaded me with a wonderful song.


Zane & Luke decided to join in the fun.

The boys and I went Lady Slipper picking last week with my family in Drain. I was especially happy that my Grandma, age 87, came. Any event that she is able to attend is made more special because of her presence.

Lady Slippers grow in old-growth timber, each flower standing alone amongst the moss proudly displaying its beauty. They must be the best smelling flower in the world. I anxiously await their arrival each year.

We took tiny bouquets to each of the boys' "special people." At our church, many of the older ladies (grandma age) have been assigned a child as their "special person." Our boys have been blessed by the ladies that were assigned to them. They each receive cards in the mail & sometimes little gifts. They really enjoy the attention. I think we were able to brighten the day of each of the ladies and the boys loved making the deliveries.

Politically Correct?

Today the boys and I were out shopping and saw Herman, a friend from church. Before saying anything to me, Herman started talking with Zane. Within a minute or two Herman said to Zane, "You don't know who I am do you?" I told Zane that Herman was our friend from church. Zane then explained to Herman that at first he wasn't sure who he was and then Zane innocently added, "You know, you're not the only black person in the world!" I looked away from the shelf and toward Herman. I asked, "Did Zane just say what I think he had said?" We both started laughing and I turned red. My reaction embarrassed Zane. After Herman left, I explained to Zane, as simply as you can to a seven-year-old, why Herman and I were laughing and gave him a little lesson about being politically correct.

Lick 'em

Zane came to me yesterday morning and told me that he has read over 60 pages in his Bible. I asked him what he read that morning. He said, with much expression, that he was reading about the time that Jesus was in the temple and the people tried to LICK him, but He got away! I asked, "Lick him?" and he said yes. I asked if he meant spit on Him and he said no. I then asked to see the story. He opened his Bible and found the passage in question. It actually said "kill" Jesus. Evidently, the best that I can surmise, Zane had a dyslexic moment and saw "llik" which when sounded out would read "lick."

Princess anyone? Anyone?

My niece, Lolly (3), has recently started to enjoy talking on the phone. The other day she asked me what the boys and I were doing that day. After patiently listening to my long list of to-do's, Lolly asked in a sweet little voice, "Are you going to play with your kids?" She suggested playing dragon, princess and prince charming. Although we didn't end up playing the game she recommended, I was thankful for the reminder to make playing with my boys a priority.

The humor of boys.

Tonight I was playing cars with the boys (something I don't do enough). One of the boys tooted and I said, "Someone just backfired." Luke looked at me and exclaimed while giggling, "It was me. I'm just going for a little ride!" I must say, I am surprised at just how soon little boys start thinking that passing gas is a form of entertainment.

Okay Tooth Fairy, we're ready!

LOOSING TEETH. Yuck!

Zane's two front top teeth are loose. One is VERY wiggly. Cory doesn't even want to see Zane wiggle it and I don't like it much either. However, seeing it in there with its deviant crookedness, staring at me, makes me want to pull it out! I don't like tugging on it, but getting it out seems to be the lesser of two evils. Zane is a brave little boy and pretty good about letting me tug on his teeth. [I have pulled out three of the four teeth that he has lost.] He gives me permission and I stop when he asks me to, until today...

Today, I got to tugging on his tooth and had a hard time stopping when Zane requested me to. The tooth is just so close to coming out! Finally, I let him go and he went back to his schoolwork. After awhile he came to me with his paper. He was suppose to write two sentences about his favorite breakfast. What he wrote didn't exactly answer the question, but it did make me laugh:

"I have the feeling that my mom will pull out my tooth while I'm eating."

As instructed, he also drew a picture to go with his sentence. A picture of me pulling out his tooth just as he was about to eat his breakfast doughnut! I laughed so much that he asked me, "Mom, are you going to put this on your blog?" How could I not?

SPRING FLOWERS!?

I love spring flowers, but with them come an inner struggle. The boys love picking them. They are so happy each and every time they bring me one. It seems they pick all the blooms and step on the rest. Even though each flower delivery is bittersweet, I try to remind myself that they're just flowers. I am sure one day, when I look at my yard full of blooms, I will miss the days when the boys picked them.
We have talked a little about saving some of the flowers for me to enjoy outside. And they have learned that once you pick the flowers they will die quicker. Cade has equated that information with the flowers need for dirt. He now brings me flowers & little handfuls of dirt! He wants the flowers and the dirt inside the vase. So if you come to my house and see a vase full of floating dirt and stemless blooms, you will know why. It's because my little boys love me.

An AMAZING story!

Today my mom and her sister, Evelyn, came to visit. They ended up telling their moose hunting story to the boys. Here is the abbreviated version:

They flew into an isolated lake [it didn't even have a name] and were dropped off for a week. On day one, while they were making camp, my mom was chopping on a tree to make improvised tent poles. Apparently the moose heard that noise and, assuming it was another moose, came to them. They told of how they shot it; they both got it in their sights and counted aloud, "one, two, three" and then both shot. They did this twice before it dropped. Then they had to walk 45 minutes, around the lake, to get to it. When they approached the moose they developed another plan: my aunt would shoot it again to ensure the death and my mom would take a picture of her doing so. Just as they got ready, about 10 feet from the moose, it jumped up. My aunt shot it behind the ear and my mom captured an amazing picture. Next they had to gut it, cut it up [with a chainsaw lubricated with Crisco oil], and hang it, a process that took many days. When the pilot returned he was so impressed by what these two women could do he named the lake Two Sisters!

Hearing them tell the story together was a lot of fun. When they reached the end, Zane said, "I feel like I'm going to cry." When asked why, he replied, "That was an amazing story!"

A few weeks ago the boys and I went to see my sister. They live on about 40 acres and we were outside exploring. Zane got tangled up in the berry briers and wanted help. Being that he was up on a muddy hill and I didn't have on the right shoes, I told him that he could do it by himself. Luke told him, "She doesn't want to be a country lady!"

I think it was the same day that I was teasing the boys and told them that I was not going to feed them lunch. Zane responded, "Snot! It's a booger of a problem!" [He borrowed that line from a song.]

Oh, the questions...

"What is that?" asks Cade.
"It's salt & pepper," respond I.
"Where did you get it?"asks Cade.
"From the cabinet," respond I.
"Where did you get it?" Cade asks again.
"From the store," respond I, hoping that Cade now has the answer he seeks.
"What did you get from the store?" says Zane, deciding that he know wants to be part of the conversation.
"The salt & pepper," respond I.
"Which cabinet?" Luke wants to know; however, no response is given from the tired I.
"I know! A cabinet we cannot reach," Luke concludes.

Recently Luke asked, "How do daddies help girls make babies?"
My answer: God has a special way.
To which Luke responded, "It could be that Jesus has a magic remote control."

Luke also asked recently, "Do butterflies go potty?"

Cory through the eyes of our children.

1. What is something dad always says to you?
Zane (age 7): A tackling word. It's like 'Oh Yeah'.
Luke (age 5): Seems like he always says don't get out of bed.
Cade (age 3): Go in yours room.

2. What makes dad happy?
Zane: To squish us.
Luke: Me.
Cade: Me hugging him.

3. What makes dad sad?
Zane: To kill us.
Luke: If I burned all of the Pepsi.
Cade: Me no hugging him.

4. How does your dad make you laugh?
Zane: Tickling us.
Luke: When he tickles me.
Cade: From tickling me.

5. What was your dad like as a child?
Zane: Indian.
Luke: Me.
Cade: Bars. 'Cause us love bars. [Granola bars]

6. How old is your dad?
Zane: What is it again?
Luke: How old? 45?
Cade: Me think 5-8.

7. How tall is your dad?
Zane: I have no idea.
Luke: I don't know.
Cade: 8 points.

8. What is his favorite thing to do?
Zane: Go on bike rides.
Luke: Play with me.
Cade: Go look at houses with you [mom].

9. What does your dad do when you're not around?
Zane: Do work.
Luke: He goes and does a date with mom.
Cade: Go to the store with you [mom].

10. If your dad becomes famous, what will it be for?
Zane: The strongest person in the whole wide world.
Luke: I don't know.
Cade: No me know.

11. What is your dad really good at?
Zane: Basket....no. Football.
Luke: Making pancakes.
Cade: Cutting trees [as he stares out the window].

12. What is your dad not very good at?
Zane: Knowing if we're squished. He doesn't think we're squished when we are squished.
Luke: Dad isn't very good at making babies.
Cade: Climbing trees [as he continues staring out the window].

13. What does your dad do for his job?
Zane: Build houses.
Luke: He builds houses. That is what his job is.
Cade: Work on a house.

14. What is your dad's favorite food?
Zane: This is an easy one. It's tacos.
Luke: Salad and hamburgers, tacos. That is all.
Cade: 'Tatoes.

15. What makes you proud of your dad?
Zane: Because he is so much fun and he makes everything seem fun.
Luke: When he makes pancakes. Yum! I want pancakes right now!
Cade: He at our house.

16. If your dad were a cartoon character, who would he be?
Zane: Strong man!
Luke: A kid one that we could watch and that mommy could watch.
Cade: Spiderweb.

17. What do you and your dad do together?
Zane: Play football. Go out.
Luke: I go in the pickup with him. Sometimes I go to his work site with him.
Cade: Go to a store.

18. How are you and your dad the same?
Zane: We have two eyes, two hands, five fingers, two eyes, two nostrils, one body and two legs. Two feet and five toes.
Luke: We're people. He is a person and I am a person.
Cade: 'Cause me have the same hair as him. Just a little bit.

19. How are you and your dad different?
Zane: He's bigger than me. Almost everything about him is bigger than me.
Luke: He likes salad and I don't. And I like...what does I like and he doesn't? I don't know.
Cade: 'Cause us have not the same eyeballs.

20. How do you know your dad loves you?
Zane: Because he's nice to me.
Luke: When he hugs me and kisses me and says that he loves me. I thought that you knowed that? Didn't know that you didn't.
Cade: 'Cause he loves me. 'Cause dad told me.

21. What does your dad like most about your mom?
Zane: Nothing. He just loves her so much.
Luke: That he is her husband.
Cade: Making dinner.

22. Where is your dad's favorite place to go?
Zane: To go on drives when mom is in a store.
Luke: I don't know. Robins. [Red Robin Restaurant]
Cade: To the Steve's house. [Steve Cornelius]

Lori through the eyes of our children

1. What is something mom always says to you?
Zane (age 7): Good job!
Luke (age 5): I love you.
Cade (age 3): Good stuff.

2. What makes mom happy?
Zane: Saying, 'I love you.'
Luke: Me.
Cade: Saying me love her.

3. What makes mom sad?
Zane: Being mean.
Luke: If I die or get on fire.
Cade: Hint? Me cry then her cry.

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
Zane: Tickling us.
Luke: Tickling me.
Cade: Telling something to dad.

5. What was your mom like as a child?
Zane: I don't know. What were you like?
Luke: Me.
Cade: Cereal.

6. How old is your mom?
Zane: 35
Luke: 35
Cade: 8

7. How tall is your mom?
Zane: Can I have a tape measure, Mom?
Luke: Not very tall. It's okay how tall you are, I think.
Cade: This big [points at the computer].

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Zane: Make us happy.
Luke: Eat candy & chocolate.
Cade: Eat dinner.

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Zane: Worry.
Luke: Go find me.
Cade: Go to a store.

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Zane: Doing crazy tricks.
Luke: Me.
Cade: Shar-Shar's.

11. What is your mom really good at?
Zane: Loving us.
Luke: Making food.
Cade: Doing Zane's school.

12. What is your mom not very good at?
Zane: Driving, right mom?
Luke: Nothing.
Cade: Cutting stuff.

13. What does your mom do for her job?
Zane: Feed us & clean up our toys.
Luke: Make me obey.
Cade: Hint?

14. What is your mom's favorite food?
Zane: Ice cream & brownies.
Luke: What? I don't know.
Cade: Salad.

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
Zane: Being nice.
Luke: Snuggling.
Cade: No me know.

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Zane: Mom-my Girl.
Luke: Lori mom.
Cade: This one [picks up a pink pencil]

17. What do you and your mom do together?
Zane: Go on dates sometimes.
Luke: Go on dates & to the eye doctor.
Cade: Go to the park.

18. How are you and your mom the same?
Zane: Same color hair, 2 eyes, 2 nostrils, 1 mouth, 2 ears.
Luke: We love each other.
Cade: Us likes greens.

19. How are you and your mom different?
Zane: My mom is bigger than me.
Luke: I don't like peas or pickles & she does.
Cade: From us no like green.

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Zane: Because she snuggles with me & tickles me.
Luke: Because she hugs & kisses me.
Cade: 'Cause you love me.

21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
Zane: He does work for mom - making houses what makes us get money.
Luke: That he works money for her.
Cade: 'Cause he love you.

22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
Zane: Home.
Luke: To me.
Cade: Go at the store with dad.

Seventh Birthday

We celebrated Zane's seventh birthday (2/10) on Sunday. After church, Zane and I went down to Alton Baker Park for the Kids Fun Run at the Eugene Truffle Shuffle walk/run. Kids ages 6 and up competed together. I was so proud of Zane for doing his best and trying something new. (It was actually a little hard for me to take pictures because I was choking back tears.) He really enjoyed himself and said that he didn't let the kids behind him get past him.
Later that day, Cory and I took the kids to the bowling alley. Grandpa Bud, Grandma Boom-Boom, Aunt Joy and Lolly met us there. We had a great time; watching the kids bowl is so much fun! Next we went for pizza and then headed home for cake, ice cream, and presents. Cade was sad that he didn't have any presents so Zane let him open most of them. He said that next year Luke could open them. What a nice brother! What a great kid! Thank you, God, for Zane.

William Wayne Gant

Curtis and Melissa had their boy, William Wayne, on Saturday, February 7th, at 10:34am. He weighed 6lbs. 10oz. and was 20" long. He is named after his great-grandpa, William "Bill" Pile, and his dad, Curtis Wayne.

Although each of our boys love their new cousin very much, I think Cade is the most excited. While we were waiting for the baby to come, Cade asked, "When is Curtis going to get that baby out!?" He also called William his "son" one time. On the way home, Cade sang, "I love Will, Will, Will. I love Will, Will, Will."

They each had a turn holding him and loved every minute of it.

Wildlife Safari

Yesterday was a great family day. We drove down to Roseburg and ate lunch at Applebee's. Then we went to Wildlife Safari in Winston. The boys and I have had the opportunity to go probably four times in the last two years and we never get tired of seeing the amazing animals God made. When we first got there their was a gorgeous peacock with all of his feathers fanned out. Zane informed his brothers that his feathers were fanned out because he "wants to get married." Later, on the way home, we decided to stop at my parents house. When Cade heard he would get to see his grandparents he said, "Great. Why Great? Me want to see Papa!"


Turkey Twins.






Rino Jack and his woman.


Hippo eating dirt.


Zebra looking at Zane.

The Oregon Coast

We recently went to the beach in Florence. It was an absolutely beautiful January day. Cory and I took over 300 photos and I thought I would share a few of my favorites.

Silly Cade

Yesterday the boys and I drove up to Grove Christian Service Camp where Cory is working. On the way there Luke was whispering to Cade that I probably would get lost on the way to camp or on the way home because I didn't have a map. Hearing clearly what he had "whispered" I said not to worry because the map was in my head. Cade said, "You ate the map?!"

Last night at dinner I gave each boy six M&M's for after their meal was finished. Cade was taking a very long time and when I came back to check on him, I found six slobbery M&M's on the table. I guess he did follow directions in that he did not eat them -- he just tried his best to suck most of the candy coating off of each one.

Basketball

Zane is enrolled in a 4-week Saturday basketball camp. This last Saturday the camp leader told the kids that if they each gave ten high-fives during the session they would get a surprise at the end. I noticed Zane getting high-fives from the coaches and one boy. At the end of the session the coaches started passing out calendars as the surprise. Zane didn't take one. Cory and I walked up to Zane and I asked why he didn't take his surprise. He said, "I only got 3 high-fives." Just about that time another coach came by and offered Zane a calendar. He spoke too quietly for the coach to hear and so I told the coach Zane's dilemma. The coach smiled and then gave him a high-five, followed by another coach doing the same. Zane then accepted the calendar. I was very proud of Zane for being so honest when I knew how much he would want the surprise. I told him I thought he was the most honest boy there.

Another basketball story: Luke asked me what it means when a basketball player puts his hand up in the air. I said that it meant the player was ready for the ball. Luke said, "No. It means that you have to go to the bathroom." Yes, of course, that is what they told the kids at basketball camp to do if they need to use the restroom.

Luke's artwork

Awhile back we went to see Dr. Holo for Luke's 5-year checkup. We filled out the usual form that charts how Luke has grown in motor & cognitive skills. On question number ninety Luke was to draw a picture of a person. As you can read below, points are given for each body part included in the picture. When Dr. Holo looked at his artwork she was so impressed that Luke included a heart in the person. She said that in twenty years she has never seen a child do that. Later when I was explaining Luke's emotional side Dr. Holo referenced the picture and said that it was so interesting, given his emotional character, that he included the heart. I completely agree.



The second picture I've included is one that Luke drew of himself and me. I love my hair, heart & muscles.

How to love Jesus, by Luke Gant

I can hear Zane (6) and Luke (5) in the bedroom talking:

Luke declares, "Everyone should love Jesus."

"I don't know how to love Jesus, " said Zane.

Luke responded, "I know how."

"How?" said Zane.

Luke said, "Love other people."

"And?" asked Zane.

"Obey Him," Luke said.

"And?" Zane asked again.

"Try to be nice," concluded Luke.

Hi-Tech Tattling!

Being that I have three small boys at home I tend to hear my fair share of tattling. Today, however, was different. Today, tattling went hi-tech! Zane brought me his digital camera and showed me a video that he recorded of Luke and Cade's altercation!

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Zane woke up this morning and was surprised to see our home decorated for Christmas. He came to my bedroom and told Cory and me about it. He then said that only one thing was missing -- the lights. I told him he could carefully plug them in. When he came back to our room he asked, "Do you know what I did when I turned on the lights?" I asked, "What?" and he said that he looked up at the sky and said, "Happy Birthday Jesus, even though it isn't your birthday yet."

Dreaming

I just went in to tell the boys to be quiet and go to sleep. Luke said to me, "I'm having a dream I shouldn't watch." Evidently it was about bad guys.

I did that!

Tonight Zane was trying to teach Cade how to catch a ball. Luke was also trying to help. Zane saw how well Luke could throw and catch the ball and said, "Luke, you can catch really good. I taught you that. I mean it! I taught you so good that now you're better than me. I did that!" Zane was very excited about HIS accomplishment. :o)

Cader

Cade is pretty much potty-trained now. He has had control of his bowels since June, but we've been anxiously waiting for him to do better about using the toilet consistently for potty too. Now, he uses the toilet for potty unless his is in a Pull-up for naptime or bedtime. However, the funny part of all of this, he will asks me, "Mom, what me wearing?" Translation: Am I wearing a Pull-up or underpants? If he is wearing a Pull-up, he is more than happy to go potty in it. Kinda funny...at least we're getting closer. After nearly 7 years, we're almost done with the whole disposable undergarment thing!

SNOW DAY

We had about 3.5" of snow yesterday and the boys were very excited. It was pretty cold outside and so they didn't stay out very long, but I was able to get a few cute pictures.

How they sleep...sandwiched, posed and wrapped!

Fall leaves

Better than socks...

On Sunday it was announced at church that we are going to start collecting socks to give to homeless people under the Washington Jefferson Bridge here in Eugene. Zane asked me to fill out a prayer request card for him. At his request, I wrote, "Zane wants to pray for the people who will be getting the socks."
We are so proud of him!

My silly son, Cade.

If you know me very well, you know I have a little problem with germs. I am not fond of public bathrooms and it is hard for me to take my boys into them. I try to get them in and out without touching ANYTHING. I set them on the toilet, clean up the necessary "parts" and then have them stand motionless while I wash my hands. Being that they truly haven't touched anything, I don't have them wash their hands...after all the faucet and sink have germs on them, right? (I'm starting to question whether I should be blogging this...) Anyway....Recently, Cade has decided he wants to wash his hands. He will look at me and ask, "Is this dirty?" I respond, "Yes, that is yucky. Don't touch it." Then he looks at me and touches it and says, "Touch! Now my hand dirty." Then he will touch something with his other hand and say, "Now my hand dirty." Or maybe he will just keep it simple and make sure I'm looking when he touches the toilet and then say, "Touch! Me want to wash my hands." This could completely freak me out, but I am choosing to look at is as therapy. I guess I should be paying him for forcing me to relax my germ fears.*
_________
* I just did a little research on Mysophobia (the fear of germs) and I'm starting to think I'm not so bad. One lady, for example, makes her family change from their "outside clothes" to their "inside clothes" as soon as they walk through the door. She also covers her couches with blankets/sheets before company comes over!

The Eleventh Commandment?

Yesterday, Luke and Cade took a whole lot of cough drops without permission. I talked to Luke about stealing. (A lesson that my mom taught me when I took gumballs from her. It really stuck with...at the time it had never occurred to me that you could steal from your mom!) I asked Luke what God's number eight most important rule is. He said, "Do not litter?" (Another lesson I'm trying to teach...)

Were you drug? I was, thankfully.

My mother-in-law, Loretta, e-mailed this to me.

The Drug Problem in America

The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question, ''Why didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?''

I replied: "I had a drug problem when I was young":

I was drug to church on Sunday morning.

I was drug to church for weddings and funerals.

I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather.

I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults.

I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me.

I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profane four-letter word.

I was drug out to pull weeds in mom's garden and flower beds and cockleburs out of dad's fields.

I was drug to the homes of family, friends, and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop some firewood; and, if my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed.

Those drugs are still in my veins; and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, and think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and, if today's children had this kind of drug problem, America would be a better place.

~author unknown~

Voting

The boys and I are watching the results of the presidential campaign. I told them that Obama is ahead right now. Zane said, "We have to do something!" I told him that we have done what we can; we voted. Then I suggested that he call my parents to make sure that they have voted. Aunt Joy answered the phone and Zane asked her if she has voted. He then asked, "Did you do it for the one who loves Jesus the most?"

Later Zane said, "Isn't there anything we can do? I had the feeling that Barack Obama might make some really bad rules."

Zane & Wayne

For Halloween we went to see my mom's best friend, Margaret. We went in to her house and got treats. I said hello to her son and his family. We stayed for a few minutes and then started to head out to the next stop. Then I heard Zane, "You forgot to say 'Hi' to someone." Zane was right. I had not said hello to Margaret's husband, Wayne. Wayne suffered a serious head trauma many years ago. He is in a wheelchair and cannot say many words. He wasn't in one of the rooms we had been in, but if I had been paying attention I would have seen him.
I'm very impressed that Zane (age 6) noticed Wayne and reminded me (age 35) to visit with him. Good job, Zane!

Man-up! and memorize...

Last Sunday Cory took Luke with him to Molalla to stay the night at Grandma Marsha's house. I was acting sad about him leaving and he said, "Man-up!"
__________

Today my mom asked Luke what she should teach her Sunday School kids. He quoted John 14:27:

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid."

Mom had all three of the boys come in and quote the scripture to her class. Hopefully, they were encouraged to memorize scripture too.

Halloween 2008

For Halloween we went to our neighbor Mary's house, my Grandpa's memory care unit, and my Grandma's house, along with a few others. Even though the holiday really isn't meant for good, we tried to do our part to at least cheer up a few people. Here are some pictures I took at my Grandpa's.

Halloween 2008

Cade the Train Engineer (sorry the picture is blurry), Luke the Fire Firefighter, and Zane the Cowboy.

Not feeling well.

Zane wasn't feeling well one night at Grandma's.
He wanted to sleep with a bowl in case he got sick.
He was serious about keeping it close.

They're mine, thank you!

During our visit to Molalla this week, Grandma Marsha took us out for Mexican food.
Cade REALLY didn't want to share the beans.

Oregon Zoo

Zane & Luke are not very big compared to a Polar Bear.

Being like monkeys.

Brothers.

Oregon Zoo

Luke and Aunt Melissa.

Zane looking at the Mama & baby Elephant.

Cade crawling through the tree tunnel.

Oregon Zoo

The fish like Zane.

Cade is looking for the otter.

Luke is trying out the saddle.

Oregon Zoo Polar Bear

While we were at Oregon Zoo we saw this Polar Bear swimming laps in his pool.
It was AMAZING! I think I could have watched him for hours.
Luke said, "That Polar Bear must have went to swimming lessons!" Everyone who heard, laughed.

HAPPY DAY

Today is my 35th birthday and my family SPOILED me!

My husband brought me breakfast in bed.

My sister-in-law, Melissa, called to wish me a happy day.

My father and mother-in-law, Terry and Loretta, sent me an oh-so-nice birthday card!

My son, Zane, said out-of-the-blue that he thinks I'm the best mom in the world and Luke and Cade both piped in their agreement.

My mom, sister and niece came to Eugene to celebrate with me. Joy & Lolly gave me a cute new shirt, a balloon, and chocolate. Mom gave me a picture frame and some spending money. She also provided lunch: ham and cheese croissant sandwiches. Yum.

After lunch we went to a pumpkin patch and had apple pie and ice cream. The kids each got to pick out a pumpkin. My mom bought apples for me to make carmel apples. Yummy!

Later in the day, Mom offered to watch the kids so that Cory and I could go to dinner. We went to Marie Callender's and it was scrumdiddlyumptious.

When we arrived back home, I was surprised to find my Dad watching the kids. (Dad wasn't able to make it earlier in the day because he was working.) Dad brought me roses and a cheesecake from Market of Choice! A cheesecake from Market of Choice was the one thing that I really wanted...and he didn't even know that!

The day left me feeling very, very spoiled.

Thanks SO MUCH, family, for making my day special.

Pumpkin Party

We had a nice pumpkin party yesterday.
We learned about bats. We listened to a story about bats, made bat Shinky Dinks,
played with play dough, and played a "bat game" similar to Marco Polo.

Clockwise from bottom left: Hannah Shelley, Zane, Sarah Shelley, Lolly Frost, Cade, & Luke.

It's my story...

Tonight Cade was bonking himself into my leg. I asked him to stop and he said, "Me can't. It's part of my story. Cade bonks into Mom, brothers and Dad." He got this from a PBS cartoon called Super Why. The "super-readers" go "inside" of story books (like Humpty Dumpty, Little Red Riding Hood, etc.) to learn how to solve their own problems. In the story, the characters will say they have to do this or that because that is what their story says. Then, the super-readers change the word in the story to "save the day." I "zapped" the word "bonks" in Cade's story and changed it to "hugs."
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Last night we went bowling with some friends. This was the first time that our boys have bowled. I have never excelled at this sport (or any other one, really). But, last night, my six year old son bowled a higher score than I did! I scored 97 and he bowled 98! Cade even got a strike! They definitely want to go again. Zane wants to have his 7th birthday party there (or, as he just informed me, all of his birthdays there).

Our boys are funny...

Today during school I told Zane that I was cold. He said, "Tell you what, after this, I will go get some wood and you can build a fire."

This week while driving, Cade has asked me several times, "Mom, are we on Beltline?" Beltline is a major bypass/expressway in Eugene. It took me awhile to even understand what he was saying. Being that I have no internal compass, it is always nice to learn that the boys are not inheriting that gene from me. I am counting on them to be my navigators as they get older and it appears that they may be able to help me sooner than I thought.

I have been blogging now for several years and the boys are starting to realize that I like writing down the funny things they say. This week Luke asked me if I was going to write what he said in my blog. It reminded me of when I was little. My mom always kept a diary of the funny things we said and I once asked her, "Mom, are you going to write that in your diarrhea." My mom really did inspire and encourage me to keep this online journal. I am so glad that I have.

Breaking news...

Curtis and Melissa are having a baby boy! I can hardly wait to watch him toddling around after his older cousins.

The boys were trying to help name the baby:

Zane Cole suggested (1) Leroy, and then (2) Hunter. He later added (3) Cole Gant.
__________

Luke Dion suggested (1) Dion, and then agreed with Zane on (2) Hunter. (They don't care the
name has already been used by a cousin.) Luke also likes (3) I Love You Gant.
__________

Cade Roy likes (1) Cole. (He said, "Cole. Like me." I guess he isn't sure of his middle name.)

Then he changed it to (2) Jumper (the only catch with this name is Cade said it is for
the dog that Melissa has in her tummy.)

His last pick was (3) Goal. (When I read this back to the boys, Cade changed it to
"Goal Tink Gant". He doesn't even know we have a Tink(er) in the family.)

Cade changes quickly, now he says, "Goat Gant." And also recommended,
"Coat Boat Gant". (I think the kid likes to rhyme.)

Luke is 5!

Yesterday was Luke's 5th birthday. Grandpa Bruce & Grandma Marsha, Papa & Boom-Boom, Aunt Joy and Lolly came to help us celebrate. The kids made their own little pizza's, made Shrinky-Dinks, played with play dough and watched Kermit the frog. Luke received many nice gifts: frog pajamas, a remote-controlled King car (from the movie Cars), the game Operation, a Nerf gun, and a Transformer. (Zane gave the Transformer to Luke. He asked to go shopping for a gift and was so excited to give it to him. Very sweet!)

Baby Gant

I showed the calender to Luke today and told him when his birthday was. I also told him that Aunt Melissa will find out if the baby is a girl or boy the day after his birthday. I asked him what he thought the baby would be and he said he thought it was a girl. I asked what her name should be and he said, "I Love You Cutie Pie." I said, " I Love You Cutie Pie Gant" and he said, "yes." It is a long name, but at least she would know she is loved.

First Grade Zane

Today during school Zane said,

"It doesn't seem like they* think I'm very smart."

I asked "Why?" and he answered,

"Because I know how to do all these things, but they make me do it again and again and again."

He then went on to say,

"I'm not being silly. I mean it. It's true."

_________
* "They" are those that write our A Beka homeschool curriculum.

Adorable Brothers.

Our maiden voyage in the "canned ham."

What did we do?

We went to the Ranger Station, collected rocks, made milkshakes, brownies & S'mores. (Camping must include treats!) We chased butterflies and grasshoppers. Luke caught a squirrel in a box. (Those silly squirrels ate our Costco muffins! We went for a walk and when I came back a squirrel was in with the muffins. The Costco muffins. The yummy banana, pumpkin, and apple streusel Costco muffins!) We had lots of time for good, simple, old-fashioned fun.

DETROIT LAKE

The lake was very low. In fact, Cory's step-father, Bruce, didn't even put the boat in. It was too hazardous. Even though that was a bit disappointing, we still had lots of fun exploring. We spent quite a bit of time "sinker diving". Okay, so we didn't have to dive to recover the lost sinkers and other fishing tackle. We were able to just walk around and find the lures and such. I "caught" the only "fish"; a $10 fish-shaped lure.

The boys were REALLY TIRED on the way home.

FUN TIMES

Uncle Curtis and Aunt Melissa came to visit us this week.

The boys love them SO MUCH. Uncle Curtis lived with us for a short time when we first moved in to this house. Nearly five years later they still call our extra bedroom "Curtis' room".

Uncle Curtis and Aunt Melissa love the boys too. They even have college funds started for each of the boys!

During Curt and Melissa's time with us, the boys: played with Melissa's hair, went for a bike ride, listened to many stories read by Uncle and Auntie. They watched cartoons together. Carved a pumpkin and made another little art project. They love it when Uncle Curtis lifts them up to touch the ceiling.






























I haven't mentioned before that Aunt Melissa is PREGNANT. We are VERY excited. They will find out the baby's gender on October 6th. A day after Luke's birthday. The baby is due February 18th. A week after Zane's birthday.

The boys prayed so much (especially Cade) for this baby. Once they found out Melissa was pregnant and that their prayers were answered, they decided to pray that I would be pregnant too! I told them that Daddy and Mommy didn't want to have a baby right now. This made it even more fun for them to pray that we would have a baby! Those silly little boys.

Swim Lessons

Zane, Luke and Cade are all in swim lessons. They each have their own class, but fortunately each class is at the same time. We're in and out in about 1/2 hour. Zane is an Angelfish, Luke is a Shrimp and Cade is a Tadpole.

Olallie, I love you...

We went to Olallie Lake to pick huckleberries.
The lake was beautiful. The huckleberries were yummy. The family time was wonderful.Cory took this beautiful picture of Olallie. Good job, husband!
Corn on the cob at camp. Yummy.

Zane, Luke, Cade & Lolly go on a Hike with Daddy/Uncle Cory.
Zane caught a chipmunk in this box (he actually did it three times). What to do after it's in the box???

What were you thinking?

Today Luke did something that was not a good idea (I'll spare you the gory details). I asked him, "What were you thinking?" He answered, "I wasn't. Next time I'll think about what I'm thinking about."

Grandma Lori??

I was looking back over the blog and saw the entry were I was telling that Zane wants to adopt kids. This has changed. Now, in addition to not wanting to marry, he doesn't want any children because he doesn't ever want to be a Grandpa. Kind of strange being that he loves his Grandpas.

Pumpernickel

The boys each made their own mini-loaf of pumpernickel bread this week. They were curious about pumpernickel after watching an episode of Sesame Street where Rachael Ray talks about how she loves to say pumpernickel and how good it is. The boys enjoyed making the bread, but we discovered that we DO NOT like pumpernickel. At least not the recipe we tried. The boys decided Rachael Ray must have been telling a joke when she said it was good.

After making the bread I learned more about it. Following please read an excerpt from Wikipedia:

The Philologist Johann Christoph Adelung states about the Germanic origin of the word, in the vernacular, Pumpen was a New High German synonym for being flatulent, a word similar in meaning to the English "fart", and "Nickel" was a form of the name Nicholas, an appellation commonly associated with a goblin or devil (e.g., "Old Nick", a familiar name for Satan). Hence, pumpernickel is described as the "devil's fart", a definition accepted by the Stopes International Language Database,^[2] the publisher Random House,^[3] and by some English language dictionaries, including Webster's Dictionary.^[4] The American Heritage Dictionary adds "so named from being hard to digest."

• I really don't like the word that they used to describe the word flatulent in English, but felt I had to keep it in there in order for the excerpt to make the most sense.
  

Kicking Cade

A few days ago one of the older boys asked Cade why he was kicking me when he was in my tummy. He said, "Me was excited. Me was happy. Me wanted out!" I wish I could show you his facial expressions when he said this...it truly was priceless.

Zane the Evangelist

Zane has become quite the little Evangelist. About a month ago he had a little chat with one of his Grandma's. It went something like this:

First, he shyly sang Jesus Love Me. Then, he told her that the song was true. He said even though you can't see Jesus that He is real. Grandma said that she knew that and Zane looked at me surprised and whispered, "She knows that! How did she know that?" Next he asked why Grandma didn't go to church. He told her that she should go and that we do every week. Zane ended by telling her, "You know heaven --- it's a great place."

The moment was a little awkward (sorry Grandma), but I didn't stop him. He was concerned about his Grandma and wanted to share with her what he has been taught. I was very proud of him!

----------

Today Zane was talking with the college age boy that is living with us for the summer. He said "You know you are never alone. Someone is always with you." He then said, "God is good. God is good."

Another missing tooth!

Zane let me pull out his 4th loose tooth today. I was a little nervous about it because it wasn't quite as loose as his 3rd one was. In fact, this time it took three pulls!! But Zane wasn't afraid and wanted me to do it (even after the first two pulls didn't work). He said it didn't hurt when it came out, but it did hurt once the tooth was gone. The bleeding was about the same as last time and I gave him a Tylenol. He is glad the tooth is out so that it wont bother him. He is not excited about the tooth fairy coming, but is a little curious what the fairy will bring. I asked if he would ever want me to pull another one out and he said yes. My boy is brave!

Funny story for today...

Usually I only write stories that involve the kids, but today something rather funny happened to me and I thought I would share.

I decided this morning to make cookies to take to Cory at work. We were finally ready and I headed out the door. I bent over to set down the kids' lunches so that I could unlock the van and inadvertently spilled half the cookies onto the ground. Ugh! I went into the house to get some more cookies and a bag for the ones I spilled on the ground. (A little dirt doesn't hurt, but I didn't want to give one of them to Cory's co-worker.) Once in the house I grabbed the cookies, but then I heard something. A dripping noise coming from the bathroom. I thought the faucet had been left on and headed for the bathroom. I rammed my body into the door that was cracked open and ... banged it right into our male house guest! A yell rolled off my tongue and through my gaping mouth. My hand flew up to cover my eyes. My body, stiff from embarrassment and shock, turned away and I yelled over my shoulder, "I didn't see anything! I thought the faucet was dripping!" I walked right out the front door and slammed it behind me. I went to the van and was chuckling a bit. The boys asked why I kept bursting out into little laughs, but I said I wouldn't tell them.

About a mile from the house Zane said I should cut off my feet because every time I looked at them I would start to laugh. On the way to the van I must have looked at my feet (I think I do that when I'm embarrassed) and then started laughing. His solution sounds a bit drastic to me! Evidently he wasn't feeling too happy about not being included in the humor.

I honestly think that if my reaction had been caught on video that we may have won the 100k from America's Funniest Videos!

Lost another one

Lost another one...a tooth that is. Zane's third tooth came out on Friday. Actually, I pulled it out and we were both rather startled. I had tried before to pull out one of his other loose teeth, but wasn't able to because my fingers would slip of his tooth. This time I decided to use toilet paper to get a good grip on it. Boy did that work. I gave it one good yank and "pop" out it came! It didn't hurt him, but he said I embarrassed him (Grandma Marsha and Aunt Melissa were watching.)

Clear Lake

The boys slept on a futon side by side. It didn't prove to work out very well. Luke wanted a drink of water and wouldn't let it go. Zane had to go potty. (No water and no toilet in the cabin...) Cade wanted to sleep with me. During the night they seemed to play musical sleeping bags. Luke ended up in Zane's bag and I'm pretty sure Zane was sleeping in Cade's and Cade got Luke's. How it all happened I'm not quite sure! It was a long night...Cory helping Luke with his pole. I love this picture!
Cade caught his first fish and was so excited! I think all the people boating on the lake heard him yelling, "I caught a fish! I caught a fish!" Zane and Luke also each caught a fish.
Luke and Cade had a lot of fun playing with the bait. :o)

I lost Cade!?

The other night I went in to check on the boys before heading to bed. I checked Zane and Luke in their bunks and then went over to Cade's crib. Cade wasn't in it. I re-checked Zane and Luke's bed and then started looking around the room, in each corner and under the bunk. Cade wasn't anywhere. I knew he must be somewhere in the house, but I was still starting to panic a bit. I checked the hall and then my room and bed. No Cade! I went back to his room and re-checked. I finally found him under the bunk. The first time I looked I didn't see him because he was so far under and it was dark. I pulled him out by his foot and put him in bed. Don't scare me like that Cade Roy!

Vacation Bible School

"Slippin' and slidin' and surfin' and ridin' for Jesus!" Vacation Bible School, Dayspring Fellowship 2008.

Remembering...

The day I found out I was pregnant the first time my mom bought the baby a Noah's Ark book. She wrote the date on the back: July 21, 1999 and signed "Love Grandma." Our baby was due in March, but I miscarried about the 10th week. The little book from Grandma was torn apart by the boys quite some time ago and before I throw it away I decided to write down the date I found out I was pregnant. Also, I recently "blogged" the following on our Myspace:

Grieving --by Lori

We all heal in different ways. What is comforting to some may not be to others. Once, when my sister was grieving, I told her that God must believe her to be strong in order to handle the circumstances that she was dealing with. She told me, "That is not comforting!" It is always difficult to know what to say when someone else is hurting. At times I feel it is unfair for my life to continue as normal when someone else’s is turned upside down.

Today I received a call from a friend of my husband. He shared with me some heartbreaking news. After the call ended, I explained to my boys what had happened and prayed. But then, I finished cleaning the bathrooms. It seemed odd to me to be cleaning when a friend was hurting so badly.

Today’s events reminded me of a time when I was deeply hurting and what I found most comforting. I appreciated the flowers we received; it was a reminder that people cared. One girl, who happened to be mentally challenged, simply said, "I’m sorry about ----." That touched me; a simple "I’m sorry" that acknowledged my pain without any words of advice, encouragement or clichés.

When reading the scriptures, I found a passage that provided huge comfort. I have no idea if it would resonate with others like it did with me. John 11 tells of Lazarus being sick. Mary & Martha, his sisters, sent Jesus a message, "Lord, your dear friend is very sick." Jesus didn’t leave immediately to help His friend. He waited until Lazarus was dead. He knew that this sickness was for the purpose of glorifying God and Himself through the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead. However, even though He was angry that His followers didn’t have more faith & even though He knew that Lazarus would live again, he still cried. The only reason I can think of for His tears is because it hurt Him to see others hurting. He knew there would be a happy ending, but the pain He saw Mary, Martha and others experiencing moved Him.

It was a huge comfort to me to picture a more emotional Jesus; a God who not only commands us to weep with those who weep, but a God that actually does it. For me, knowing that the Creator of the universe was crying WITH ME….that was a powerful. (4/3/08)

Luke

Luke is a fun little boy. He seems to remember the funniest things that he hears and uses them at just the right time. He also makes up interesting things as well. A few days ago, he was on the toilet when Cory was leaving for work. He wanted Cory to give him a kiss, but Cory was hesitant to do the job Luke was undertaking. Luke told Cory, "I don't poop with my lips." Cory and I both laughed and then Cory kissed Luke. (He is such a great dad!)

Zane the traveling man?

Zane likes to watch "Rick Steves' Europe" when he gets a chance. Recently, he was watching it at my parent's house and didn't get to finish the show because it was time to home. Evidently, he stewed about it during the 45 minute drive back to Eugene. While I was brushing his teeth he told me that he wished his brothers hadn't been born. (I don't remember him ever saying that before...) He was very sad, almost to the point of tears. I asked him why he said that and he told me, "Then we could travel like we use to." I didn't know we had done much traveling and told him we had only been to Florida and Idaho. I assured him that in a few years we would get to travel again and that I believe his brothers are worth the delay in our travel schedule. He still seemed so sad. I guess he has been bit by the travel bug. Maybe he will be the next Rick Steves!?

PS Cory just told me that Zane also likes to watch "Travels to the Edge."

Diamond Lake

Making smores. Yum!We were able to go boating and fishing. Luke caught the first two fish and then Zane caught one. (About 15" rainbow trout.) Cade didn't get to catch one...maybe next time.

Zane SWOLLEN with mosquito bites

I took this picture to try and show how swollen Zane's face is from mosquito bites. To me, he doesn't even look like himself because his forehead and the bridge of his nose are so swollen.

Playing in the dirt...

My boys LOVE playing in the dirt. Sometimes it is amazing how dirty they can get. This picture is ADORABLE, but it really DOESN'T capture just how dirty Cade is!

4th of July funnies

Yesterday, my cousin Ross was doing some crazy things on his four-wheeler. While watching him, Zane said, "I think we should call Ross, Ross The Amazing." Cade was yelling, "Go Ross! Go Ross!" Most of the women in the family were in some sort of panic. Ross' wife was fine; guess they must have a pretty decent life insurance policy on him!

On the way home from our 4th of July family picnic Cory asked Cade where Eugene was. He said Oregon (Zane and Luke told him the answer.) Then Cory asked him what is in Eugene, Oregon? Cory was trying to get him to realize that our home was in Eugene, but was very proud when Cade answered, "Football!"

Today, Luke asked Cory, "Do you know who we really get presents from?"
Cory responded that he didn't know and Luke said, "The guy who looks like Santa Tizer."
Cory told Luke that the correct name is Santa Claus and explained to him what "sanitizer" is.

Did I say that?

Today my friend, Becky, and I were taking our kids to a park that I recently found. I gave her directions and we planned to meet there. I told her to first turn left on Lancaster. However, as I was driving and about to turn I realized I should have told her Lynbrook, not Lancaster. I sneezed as I turned onto Lynbrook and then I said to myself, but out loud, "Did I say Lancaster [when I was giving directions to Becky]?" Cade replied, "No, you said ACHOO."

Trans Fats

I don't think I've previously mentioned that my family tries to avoid eating trans fats, aka partially hydrogenated oils. It is a bit consuming because so many products have it in them. Yet, they are so bad for your body, raising your bad cholesterol and lowering your good cholesterol, that the government has made announcements that no one should consume ANY trans fats. Our boys have jumped on board the campaign to eliminate them from our diet. Even Cade, age 2 1/2, is concerned about eating them. The other day, at a ladies brunch, I was telling my friends about our desire not to eat trans fats and the funny things the boys have said regarding that. (Like asking their Sunday School teacher if the snacks had trans fats.) Soon Luke asked me if he could have one of the donuts and I told him they had trans fats, but that if he was still really hungry I would allow him to have a fourth of one. Then, a little later, Cade asked for one and I gave him a fourth. Just as he was about to take a bite one of my friends told him it had trans fats. His expression immediately changed from joy to startled and he slowly put down the donut. It was very funny...and a little sad. (Shouldn't every child be able to enjoy a donut!) I told him that it did have trans fats, but that Luke had had a little piece so if he wanted to he could also. He chose to eat the donut. (I try hard to reduce our intake, but you have to have wiggle room in some situations. At least that's my opinion.)

Silly Luke

Last weekend we went to a birthday party. When the party was nearly over, I found Luke sitting alone on a picnic table. I asked him what he was thinking about. He said that he was talking to himself. I asked what about and he said he didn't want to tell me. With a little prodding I got him to confess his thoughts. He said, "I think some of the kids are having more fun than me." Some of the kids, at another person's party, had horns and poor little Luke did not. Oh, the problems of a four-year-old...

A Trip to Florence

Today we went to Florence and ate at a restaurant we hadn't been to before. It is called Bliss and has a 50's diner feel. They decorate with old signs and pictures of cars. They even have two old cars that have been made into booths. Anyway, while we were there, each boy had to use the toilet (and we're not talking the kind that allows for a quick trip.) First Cade, then Luke, and then Zane. I'm sure that Cory spent half the time in the bathroom with the boys. Their bodies seem to be simultaneously purging themselves of the last of a intestinal bug that they had this week. It was an experience I don't think Cory will forget anytime soon...

On a more funny note: While we were there, Luke said, "Mom, see that boy over there that is wearing a shirt that makes it so camels can't see you..." I looked up to see that the boy was wearing a camouflage t-shirt. Or, as Luke would say, CAMELflage!

Camel-flage

Pronunciation: \'ka-mel-flaj\

Function: noun, Date: 2008

1: the disguising especially of military equipment or installations with paint, nets, or foliage in order to trick and/or sneak-up on camels

Jesus Loves Me by Cade R. Gant

Cade is singing "Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to him belong, in Christ Jesus they are strong..." He sounds a little funny because he has a cold. He is also trying to do some of the words in sign language.

Sleeping with ...

Lately, due to the weather, Zane's hands have been very dry. I have been putting a lot of moisturizer on them at night and then covering them with socks. The other night I told him that I would be doing it again and asked if he liked wearing socks on his hands. He said, "Yeah. Who wouldn't?"


Luke doesn't have any socks on his hands, but lately he has enjoyed wrapping his neck with his blanket. Although he looks cute in the picture below, sometimes he is wrapped up so tight it's a little concerning!

Chuck E. Cheese

Today my cousin Karen was nice enough to invite us to Chuck E. Cheese's. I was nervous about taking all three boys because I haven't been there and didn't know what to expect. I had three rules for the day: 1) Be thankful, 2) Stick to Mom, and 3) Take turns. The boys did great! I was proud of the way they behaved and they had a lot of fun! It was a bit of a frenzy with so many things to do (my head is still spinning a bit). After their afternoon of fun, they each fell quickly asleep at nap time. :o)

Randomness

Today on TV a person posed the question, "What is hard water?" Both the older boys said ICE. Cory and I laughed.

When Cade wakes up in the morning the first thing he thinks about is food. Sometimes he comes in my room and pretty much yells at me, "Wake up! [Granola] Bar!" The first thing Zane thinks about is playing and Luke, if not distracted by Zane, likes to come in and snuggle with me.

The things they say...

Zane and I were in the kitchen tonight working on school. Luke was on my lap. I told Zane I was going to use the stopwatch on my phone to time him while he reviewed his "sight words". Zane & Luke started asking a lot of "how" questions. I decided not to answer the questions and said, "I can do it because I'm smart." Then, of course, I couldn't get it to work and Luke politely said, "It looks like you're not smart enough." (In my defense, Cory couldn't get it to work either.)

Movie Time

Watching a movie (Little Bear) & eating popcorn with cousin Lolly! I wish this picture could really show you just how cute it was. They must have sat there for an hour or more. When I cut them off from the popcorn (after their fourth cup) they started to get a little restless.

A DAY @ THE PARK

D-R-I-P / D-R-O-P

I have two fun stories to tell about drip and drop.

First - Zane was doing his school work and read for the first time the words "drip" and "drop." He was confused by it and said, "I don't think they say it the right way. They must not be from Oregon." I asked him how he thought "drip" and "drop" should be spelled. He said, "Jrip" and "Jrop". Just to clarify what he was saying I asked him to sound out his version phonetically. He sounded out each letter clearly, J-R=I-P. He even had trouble believing me that those two words actually do start with the letter "D". Later he said, "I don't like their language."

Second - Luke seems to like trying to decide which parent he loves the most. When I'm on top I try not to make a big deal out of it. When Cory's the bigger love then I usually say that I'm glad because his daddy is a good man and I want him to grow up to be like his Dad. Lately, when determining his favorite, he has said, "I think I like you a drop more than Dad," or "I love Dad a drop more than you." Last week, on our way to Drain, he said that he loves Grandma Boom-Boom a drop more than either of us. When Grandma later asked him if he had said a drip or drop, he said both. So he loves her a drip & a drop more than dad or mom. I don't believe it! :o)

Overdue updates...

Zane--


Zane lost his first teeth in December of 2007. They were his bottom front teeth. The first time was very amusing; it reminded me of childbirth! He was excited and scared. He didn't want to lose it and then he would be brave and yank on it. Then he would be running around the house so distraught. Then excited about the tooth fairy. He finally calmed down (probably because I had left to go goof-around with my sister & was no longer coaxing him to pull it out) and he just wiggled it out. The second one was less eventful. It was very loose and I asked him to wiggle it back and forth ten times. He did and it came out on the tenth one.

Grandpa Shug (Cory's Maternal Grandpa) died in December. Zane was sad, but then said, "I'm kinda happy for him because he gets his surprise at Christmas time." I asked him what surprise in order to make sure he was thinking what I thought he was. He replied, "Heaven." How wonderful is that!

Luke --

Awhile back Luke decided to be brave and try salad for the second time. He then said, "It tastes like the pit of yuck!" (Verbiage he acquired from a CD we listen to called Jungle Jam.)

Last night I found Luke and Cade asleep together in Luke's bed. I have no idea how they actually slept considering Luke was using Cade as a pillow!


Cade--

Cade has a little ritual that he does when we're in the van (especially if I'm in the passenger seat). It goes like this:

Doing, Mom?

I answer (driving, riding, going to church, etc.)

Why?

Because...and then I ask, "Do we do this everytime, Cade?"

Yes.

Why?

Cuz.

Cuz why?

Cuz.

Are you ever going to tell me why?

Why.

It is very funny. I think Cory gets the biggest kick out of it and wanted me to be sure and include it in the blog.

Pumpkins for the boys

Their first hay ride and their first pumpkin patch experience. They also got to feed the goats. It was a fun time with the boys and my cousin, Karen, and her family (Patience, Jaren & Grace). We came home, grabbed lunch and then we're off to our second pumpkin patch with friends Becky, Hannah & Sarah. Then we all went to the park. At the park the kids got to play in a big pile of leaves (another first). Enjoy the pictures, they're adorable!!

Luke is FOUR

My, they are growing up fast. For Luke's 4th birthday we filled the floor of his room with 45 orange balloons. He got up at 5 in the morning and came to our bedroom. He said, "There are balloons in my room." I told him it wasn't "up-time" yet and he needed to go back to bed (please). He explained that he couldn't get to the clock (because of the balloons) to see what time it was. (He didn't have his glasses on and can't see the clock without them.) For dinner we had a pizza party. Papa and Boom-Boom, Aunt Joy and Lolly came to help celebrate. We had a great time.

Bend with Grandpa & Grandma Van Orsow

The boys and I had the opportunity to go to Bend to stay with Grandpa & Grandma Van Orsow at the Inn at Seventh Mountain. The condo we were in was one of the nicest places I have stayed. The view from my window was gorgeous. While there, we made cupcakes for Luke's birthday, went boating, played in the outdoor hot tubs and pools and played miniature golf. We had a great time! When I asked the boys what they liked best, Zane said playing in the hot tubs and Luke said getting a birthday card from Grandpa and Grandma.

Sisters in Sisters

Cade and I, along with my sister, Joy, and my niece, Lolly, went to sisters to walk in the Sisters Stride into Autumn 10k. We stayed in a cabin at Clear Lake and the kids had a blast sleeping in beds next to each other. Right before they finally went to sleep, Lolly said "Cader". About a minute later, as though he needed to save up energy before answering, Cade said, "Olly"...then they were both asleep. It was very cute! The walk was great...absolutely beautiful! We took our time walking (we nearly finished last) and stopped for pictures, snacks and whatever else struck our fancy. It was so much fun I hope to make this an annual retreat.

Cade's TWO

Okay, so this entry is over a month late, but it's up! Cade's party was almost a flop. We were planning to go to Molalla to see Grandpa Bruce and Grandma Marsha and go to a train park to ride a miniature train, but Cory and I both had forgot that we had committed to other plans. I thought I had until Friday to finalize my plans, but when they fell through there was no reason to delay the party. So, I ran around town to find the gift I had in mind and also made some cupcakes. My parents decided to come and we were going to meet at a pizza parlor. I got home from running errands 10 minutes before we needed to leave and Cory wasn't home. There was a message on the phone from him that he needed me to go to Harrisburg (20 minutes one-way) and jump his pick-up. How could I do that and meet my parents too? Fortunately my parents drove up just as I got off the phone. Mom stayed with the kids and Dad went to get the pizza and pop. Cory and I got back and everything turned out fine. [Thanks Papa & Boom-Boom for saving the day!]
I hope to blog a few stats about Cade sometime soon...

What a boy!

The boys and I had a rough morning. Probably because I stayed up too late last night watching a movie with Cory ("Pride & Prejudice") and woke up tired and cranky (they didn't sleep in). I was trying to take a little snooze on the floor in the family room, but every time I took a head count Cade was missing. He got into the leftover pancakes that had syrup on them. He got into my purse and took out a coin. He got on top of Zane's bunk and was standing up there. All three boys were on top of the couch (against the rules) and were talking through the opened screened window to their dad who was painting. Cade also went into my room and got a permanent Sharpie and was using a piece of floor molding that we haven't nailed yet as a writing tablet. Luke took out the floor vent cover in order to explore the venting with his flashlight. I sent him to his room so then Cade took his turn. Ahh!! I just wanted a nap. I finally came to the conclusion that the nap wasn't going to happen (sometimes I try to deny reality) and started helping the kids get the family room cleaned up before lunch. Zane then said, "It must be hard to have to use all those words when the brothers are not obeying. You sound like la, la, blah, la, la, blah, blah, la, (you get the point)." He was quite serious about it and felt sad for me. Isn't that cute! He just continues to surprise me. I then called a little family gathering and apologized to the boys for my cranky behavior and told them I would try harder. (Yes, they were giving me a run for my money, but I was apologizing for the way I handled it.) They are worth their weight in gold (even on the crazy days) and I sure wish I could be the best mom in the world for them. They deserve it.

Things are changing...

Zane told me yesterday that "things are changing". He then listed things that have recently changed: our friends adopted 2 children, Uncle Curtis and Melissa just got a dog and so did some other friends of ours. He has a new school book and he can get his car seat unbuckled by himself. This impressed me so much. I wonder how many 5-year-olds contemplate how their little worlds are changing. Yesterday, he started his Kindergarten school book and was able to read words. Okay, so they all rhymed (hat, cat, bat, mat, etc.) but still, that's pretty good for his first day! When I brushed his teeth tonight I noticed that both his front bottom teeth are loose. Things are really changing...I think it's too fast for me. I'm not ready for my boys to grow up!

We all scream for ICE CREAM

Grandpa Bruce & Grandma Marsha took us out for ice cream. Cade doesn't often get a cone all his own and completely enjoyed it. After seeing Cade's milky mustache I felt that any good (and fun loving) mom would definitely join the fun. So, really, I had too!

Glasses

Zane and Cade both want glasses because Luke has them. The other day in Costco I let them each try on a pair and happened to have my camera with me. So, now we know that all the boys would look nice in glasses. {Don't pay any attention to the lady in the background. I think she looks like a real sour pickle!}

August 25, 2007 - Beach Day

We had a great time at the beach today. The weather was nice. Warm, but windy enough to fly a kite. I love this picture of our boys. I can't help but say how cute I think they are. Plus, you can see Cory in the background flying our airplane kite. Pretty cool. :o)

Names

I have always thought that naming a child is quite important. With our boys, I looked at: (1) meaning, (2) popularity of name, (3) initials, (4) how the name fit into our family, (4) extended family names, (5) potential nicknames, and, of course, (6) how many letters in the name.

Recently Cory found a list that we made trying to determine the name for our third boy. Cory thought it would be interesting to blog. So, here we go...

Names I researched. Listed by: name, possible spelling variation, nickname, popularity of name in 2004 as determined by the Social Security Department (1 is most popular), and meaning. If I remember correctly, this is a list containing any boy name that interested me.

Abram (Abe), 588, Father of Nations
Andrew (Andy, Drew), 6, Courageous
Benjamin (Ben), 25, Son of My Right Hand
Eli, 160, Delivered
Elijah/Elija (Eli), 31, The Lord is My God
Elliot, 398, The Lord is My God
Galen, 917, Healer / Calm
Jackson (Jack), 48, Son of Jack
Jesse (Jess), 94, God Exists
Jonah (Joe), 177, Dove
Roy, 470, King
Leroy, 820, The King
Trevor, 109, Prudent
Travis, 165, Crossroads
Joseph, 9, God will crease
Marcus, 115, Warlike
Carson, 101, Son of Carr
Wilson, 464 Son of Williams
Cade, 251, Pure
Silas, 427, Man of the Forest
Ezra, 382, Helper
Trey, 238, Three
Alan, 131, Handsome

Then on 7/20/05 Cory experimented with names and included the middle name that we chose. He also listed the rank of popularity for the first name. I was very impressed that he was working at picking the right name before the baby came...something he doesn't really like to do.

Carson Roy, 101
Jonah Roy, 177
Cade Roy, 251
Darius Roy, 285
Brewster Roy
Dawson Roy, 206
Silas Roy, 427
Trace Roy
Talmon Roy
Sage/Gage Roy
Noah Roy, 29
Henry Roy

He later crossed out Dawson, Trace, & Talmon. I don't know if it was because he wanted to or because I made him. He always liked the name Talmon, but given that our boys are most likely going to be on the shorter side, I thought it sounded too much like Tall-Man. That would be mean!

Another point of interest: We each have a version of three on our lists. He wrote Trace and I wrote Trey. This is because Zane was so sure at the time that we should name the baby Three. We tried to find something that could work, but couldn't.

On 7/21/05 I wrote another list and tried to narrow it to my favorites. I wrote the potential full name followed by a nickname and then the initials.

Peter Roy Gant (Pete) PRG
Abram Roy Gant (Abe) ARG
Jonah Roy Gant (Joe) JRG
Alan Roy Gant (Al) ARG
Cade Leroy Gant CLG
Henry Roy Gant HRG
Roy (Leon)? Gant RLG

Then I tested the name with the family names to see if it sounded right.

Cory, Lori, Zane, Luke & Abram
" " & Jonah
" " & Alan
" " & Cade
" " & Henry
" " & Roy
" " & Peter

I even tried the first two boys first and middle names with a couple potentials for the third.

Zane Cole
Luke Dion
& Alan Roy
& Roy Leon


On the next sheet of the notebook that contained this naming information, there was a "Weekend to-do list" dated 7/21/05 and written by me. Number 6 under Cory's list was "Pick baby name! (w/ help of Lori)". Next to this is written Cade Roy. So, it seems we must have picked his name the weekend following 7/21/05.

In conclusion, whoa, I'm glad that is done and that we were able to pick names for each of our boys that we like, have special meaning, and family significance.

BROTHERS' BOOK CLUB

Too cute...

You can't beat SNUGGLE TIME

Zane's first note -- June 23rd, 2007

I didn't even know he was writing me a note...he did it all by himself! Great Job, Zane. I love you and the note.

FATHER'S DAY 2007

The Four Gant Guys before church on Father's Day.

After church we went to lunch at Don Juan's (our favorite mexican restaurant) with friends from our new church. Altogether there were five children age 5 and younger: Zane (5), Reagan (4), Luke (3), Morgan (3), and Cade (1). It was a little crazy, but we enjoyed it...

LOTS more to see...

Strawberry Pickin' 2007

Getting ready for "Crawdad Picking 2007"

Fall Creek Fun

Cory planned a day trip to Fall Creek for Memorial Day. It was a beautiful day and the family had a great day. Zane most enjoyed climbing up and sliding down a dirt bank. I think the best part of Luke's day was spending time with his big brother. Cade loved fishing (his first time) and seemed to know exactly what to do. (Although, we didn't catch any.)

To marry or not to marry...

Zane has long told us that he is not going to get married. He wants to adopt many children and live in a house that is attached to ours. (He has very specific ideas for the house.) Recently he changed the plan a bit. He said, "I just want to marry Luke." When he gets older he will understand that you can't marry your brother, but for now I'm just glad that he likes Luke so much. I pray that they (and Cade) will always be the best of friends.

Luke usually says that he does want to get married and, like Zane, he plans to adopt children. I don't know if the boys will follow through with their adoptions plans. However, it is interesting to me that they have developed this plan at such a young age and have maintained it for such a long time. (I think Zane has been telling us his adoption plan for maybe two years...that's along time for a 5 year old!)

Fun Times

ZANE----------
Yesterday Zane said that while he was putting his socks on in the family room God told him that he "should go around the world and preach about God."

A few days ago Cory and I were having a little argument. Zane stood in between us and put his arms up; one toward me and the other toward Cory. He said, "I don't think you're handling this very well." He then advised his Dad that he should do what I want and then do what he (Cory) wants.


LUKE----------
Luke wants to be a teacher and fireman. He plans to work as a teacher one day and a fireman the next.

Recently Luke and I had a difficult afternoon. Later I asked him to come over so I could hug him and tell him that I love him. He said, "You're sorry that you made bad choices."


CADE----------
Yesterday I gave Cade a fudge ice cream bar. He said, "Hmm....good."

The other day when we were outside Cade bent down and moaned or groaned. I asked him if he was okay. He said, "No." He stood up and looked down toward his "boy parts." Then he pulled up his shirt & ran over to the bushes and pretended to go potty (something he has seen his older brothers do many times.) It was very funny! Evidently he is becoming aware of when he needs to go potty and I'm starting to dream about a household with no stinky diapers.

Gravity & Love

Zane said the other day, "Wouldn't it be neat if we unlocked the mystery and could jump to the moon." Before you think he is a total brainiac, we did read a book about gravity that said something regarding unlocking the mystery of gravity. But, I still think it's amazing that he remembered it and used it properly.

Luke usually makes a pretty big ordeal about me leaving. Sometimes it is nice and sometimes not so much. One thing I hope to remember: lately he goes to the door and signs "I love you" in sign language through the window, then he grabs the doorknob to pull himself up in order to look out the window to see if I saw his sign. He does this several times. He is up, then disappears, then the little sign, then up pops his head, etc. It is even cuter because he has to hold down his middle and ring finger with his other hand in order to do the sign.

A Blanket, A Song, And Pig Chicken

Cade has a name for his blanket. I think he has for awhile, but we just figured it out. What is the name? Bubba. He actually pronounces it more like Bubbah, but we say Bubba and he knows what we mean. I like that name for a blanket...very cute.

Yesterday Luke was singing a song outside. I didn't pay attention to most of the song, especially considering that most of it was just made up words and the often repeated "ding-dong." When the song came to an end (of which only he would know) he said, "I'm so glad that song is over. I'm really tired." I got a good laugh out of that one!

On the way to Cottage Grove to meet my parents for dinner, Zane asked where we would eat. I told him where and he said that that was where they have his favorite chicken. I said that it was actually pork. He replied, "Yes, my favorite chicken -- Pork." I told him that Pork is from a pig. Evidently he still didn't understand because he replied that Pig was his favorite Chicken. I then explained that I thought he meant "meat." That BBQ Pork is his favorite meat, not chicken. He agreed. What a conversation...

Harvest Party

Here is a picture that I failed to put up 5 months ago...
I just saw it again and thought it was too cute not to include in the blog.
Luke is a Jack-in-the-box, Zane a tin of popcorn & Cade is a park ranger.

Just the way you are...

On the way to Wal*mart I told the boys that I was sorry for being grouchy this morning. Zane said he didn't care about that. I asked what he meant and he said, "I like you just like you are." Luke joined in, "Me too." Those boys sure melt my heart.

Bubble Bath Gone Bad

I gave the boys a bubble bath today and it was a lot of fun until big brother Zane got in and decided to smear bubbles on his little brothers' faces. The pictures will testify to the fact that Zane's idea of fun didn't go over very well.

Driving, Super Heroes & Diapers

I was teasing Zane the other day and told him that when we took the videos back to the store that I was going to send him in alone to return them. He said that he couldn't do that because he would be scared. Although he was too scared to take the videos back, he did offer to drive us to the store.

Yesterday, Cade got angry during lunch and kicked his chair over backwards. It scared me and I rushed over to see if he was okay. Zane also came over to comfort Cade. Luke got down from the table and ran for the bathroom to wash his hands. In route to the bathroom he stated, "The super heroes are coming."

Note of Interest - Cade told me on Monday, 3/19/07, that he was stinky. He patted himself on his bottom. I asked if he needed his diaper changed and he nodded yes.

Cade's 18-month pictures

Cade was acting rather odd at his 18-month pictures. It was the first time he was very interested in how the pictures were being taking and completely uninterested in cooperating. We got a couple cute ones, but it was hard work. He only wanted to sit down in one position. If the photographer moved his legs, he would move them back. He wouldn't stand up. We finally got him up as far as a squat, but he was complaining about it. In the end he found joy in running off the platform into my arms.

A Zane story...

The other day while walking we passed a teenage boy on a bike. He was mumbling about being lost and we tried unsuccessfully to help him. As we left I said, "Sorry we couldn't help you more." Zane then asked, "Is his name More; do you know him?" Cory and I laughed.

What did you say?

On Sunday I dressed Luke for church. He looked extra cute and I told him to go tell his dad, "I'm the stud of all studs." He went to Cory and announced, "I'm the Dud of all Duds." He has a little trouble with his "S" sound. After a little practice he was able to get it right, but the first version (although not true) was very humorous.

Zane

Speaking of the bodily functions of Luke, I might as well mention Zane's too. Yesterday, while sitting on the toilet, Zane had some serious gas. Cory made a comment about it and Zane said, "Toots come in different sizes." We started laughing and Zane said, "Was I right, Dad?" Pretty funny.

Luke

For the record - Luke has only had about one accident at night in the last two months or so. I'm going to have him in pull-ups at night for another week (we're finishing up a package).

Dad joins in the fun.

Luke and Cade?? My you've changed...

Luke's creation

Luke drew this back in January. It is a picture of him, Zane and a merry-go-round. Cory and I were so impressed. I've never seen him (or Zane) draw a picture with such detail.

Cory and his 3 red amigos.

Zane turns five (5)!

Zane's party at Grandma Marsha's.
Blowing out his 5 birthday candles.
Zane & his presents.

Silly Mom

This picture of me is so funny I just had to share it. :o)

Cade

Cade is 18 months old now. His last two baby teeth, number 15 & 16, have broken through. He can say around 30 words, some more clearly than others: ow, ma-ma, da-da, brothers, grandma, papa, cader, hi, hello, milk, go, stinky, hot, no, up, down, uh-oh, please, thank you, two, shoes, here-you-go, mine, bowl, love you, tickle, danger, gentle, help, cookie, kitty. He also sings the Happy Birthday song. He is a wonderful little boy, full of smiles and so fun to be around.

Prayers

Each night my boys want to pray that they wont have bad or silly dreams and that they wont have to go potty, but what fascinates me the most is what Luke consistently says. He wants the bad men to put down their guns and swords and be good. So we always pray for the bad men, that they will learn about Jesus and want to obey Him. I have no idea where Luke got this idea. I wonder if we will find out in Heaven how this has affected the bad men in our world. I truly believe in the power of a child's innocent prayer...

Victoria, BC

At the beginning of December, Cory and I took a four day trip to Victroia, BC. We had a FABULOUS TIME. We went to Buchart Gardens, ate at fun restaurants like the Stickey Wicket, walked all around, had meaningful discussions and pampered ourselves with full body messages (a first for me)! I am so blessed to have him as my husband. I'm already looking forward to our next getaway. 

From the mouth of a 4-year-old

Recently Zane told some of our friends that he was curious like Curious George.

I called Zane into the bathroom to kill a spider for me. He killed it with only two squares of toilet paper (it would take me a couple feet & at least one squeal.) Then he put his hand on my shoulder and said, "I do it because I love you."

Zane said to me that he was thirsty. I replied, "Nice to meet you, Thirsty. My name is Mommy." He doesn't like it when I do that and asked me to stop (I learned it from my Dad and didn't like it either...somehow it gets more funny with age.) He then asked if I would like it if he did that to me and quoted Luke 6:31, "Do unto others as you would have them do to you." After that he said, "Nice to meet you, Thirsty. My name is Zane. Did you like that Mommy?"

A couple days ago I was getting Luke in his car seat and got short with him for goofing around. I raised my voice and sternly told him to get into his seat. Zane said, "Watch your words." I asked if he was talking to me and he said yes. When I asked him why (I was curious what his answer would be) he said that I didn't sound very nice. I thanked him for the reminder.

Our Little Animals...

Zane the tiger.










Cade the monkey.










Luke the frog. 

Our Junior Cookie Monster

Hey, You...go get me another cookie. Now! 

Luke blows out his 3 blue candles.

 

Luke is Three!

Luke wanted to have a blue birthday party with corn dogs, melon, olives, cupcakes and fruit snacks. Especially fruit snacks!

Zane bought his little brother roll-on bubble bath with $2 from his penny-bank and also spent much time cutting out 2 Lightning McQeen cars out of a fruit snack box. He was very excited about giving his brother something so special.

Papa & Boom-Boom, Grandma Marsha, Aunt Joy & cousin Lolly helped us celebrate.

Luke also wanted to have his party in the hills & so we planned to open presents and Skinners Butte. Unfortunately it was raining.

Cade's 1 year pictures

 
 
 
  

Loving you

 When Cory comes home, the boys and I usually run to the door. We all try to get the first hug. It is fun for us and Cory must like it. Cade is old enough now that he is joining in the fun. He goes to the door and reaches for his Daddy while making kissing noises. It is one of those heart-melting-moments. 

Black eye

 Zane ran into Luke at church last Sunday. He crashed into Luke's glasses. Zane got the bruise and we had to take Luke's glasses in for adjustment. Sure glad that they're insured for 1 year. 

Our police force -- no uniforms provided.

 

Four Generations

Cory with his three boys, brother, dad and grandpa (maternal). 

Silly Luke

 

We love being silly!

Zane has grapes stuffed in his mouth.