Art Linkletter Questions

In March I asked the boys a series of questions and posted the results. I liked doing it so much that I decided to look for some more questions to ask. I watched a few clips from Art Linkletter's old show and wrote down the questions that he asked. For reference, Cade is 4, Luke is 6, and Zane is 7.

What is your favorite Bible story?
Cade: Hmm…The God one. All of them.
Luke: Samson, maybe.
Zane: The one that the staff turns into a snake.

What do we learn from that story?
Cade: To be good to your family. To be nice to them.
Luke: If you don’t know if someone is good, don’t marry them.
Zane: That some Kings are very, very bad.

What is heaven like?
Cade: Like people not hurting people. God giving us a gift when it’s snow time. Then He gives His son to come to earth.
Luke: It’s too good…I don’t know. [Then Cade pipes in that it is “like snuggling your mom to Texas” and Luke says, “Yep. That’s what I think too.”]
Zane: Every treasure you would want and beyond.

What age would you like to be?
Cade: 104, because I want to be as big as Curtis.
Luke: Mom’s age, because then I would get a truffle.
Zane: 7

What is the prettiest thing you’ve ever seen in your life?
Cade: Some of my mommy’s shirts and my Mommy.
Luke: My Mommy.
Zane: You

Who do you look like in your family?
Cade: Cade
Luke: I look like me.
Zane: Mom

What is the longest word?
Cade: Nothing
Luke: Huckleberry Patch. Alligator. Crocodile.
Zane: This is very hard. Ginormous.

What do you like to do best?
Cade: Suck on suckers [as he sucks on a mini candy cane]
Luke: Snuggle with my Mommy and go to my [Grandma] Boom’s house and stay the night for 100 million days and nights.
Zane: Video games or make things out of paper.

What are you thankful for?
Cade: God & God giving us all of the stuff, but the devil.
Luke: My Mommy & Daddy
Zane: My mom

What is an American?
Cade: A picture? [As he looks at a picture on the wall.]
Luke: It is America.
Zane: Me

Who is the most important man in the world?
Cade: God, no one ‘cept God.
Luke: Jesus. My Mommy.
Zane: The President.

What do you think would make a perfect wife?
Cade: Hmmm… My Special Person [ at church ]
Luke: My Mommy.
Zane: I’m sure I don’t know. No clue. That’s very hard.

What is the first thing a fireman does when the alarm rings?
Cade: Get in the fire car.
Luke: Gets his fire clothes on.
Zane: Get up & put on their clothes, then jump on their car & drive away.

What would you do if you were president?
Cade: Be still and ‘tend I wasn’t alive.
Luke: I would say, "Who wants to make up the rules? I don’t. I don’t wanna be a President."
Zane: I would never even want to be the President.

How can you tell if a person is smart?
Cade: My Dad & Mom, them drive so good. It doesn’t make them smart, but that is smart.
Luke: If you ask them something and they know what it is.
Zane: When did you get all these ideas of hard to do stuff? Why are you writing that down? When they can do all kinds of cool things.

What animal would you like to be? Why?
Cade: A frog because I frog my Dad up. [Referring to a game they made up called Froggy Legs]
Luke: Lion, ‘cause I have a [stuffed] lion
Zane: Me. I think we’re animals. You think that’s hilarious?

If you could tell something to everyone in the world what would it be?
Cade: I love you. I love you. I love you.
Luke: I love my Mommy. Is that what you would say? Instead would you say, "I love my kids?"
Zane: Cock-a-doodle-do! I didn’t really want to say that. I don’t even like standing up in front of people. Bubble gum! Larry Boy!

Cade, age 4

Cade's "special person" from church, Pearl, sent him a note that said she hoped that he got a turkey leg for Thanksgiving. He sent her a note back that said, "I hope you have lots of candy and a ... chicken foot!?"
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BABY TALK:

For awhile now Cade has thought that he might have a baby in his tummy. He has said that God and the doctors will get it out. He doesn't know if it is a boy or girl. Recently when we were snuggling he told me, "You're squishing me and the baby!" He also told me that when he has his baby that I will feel better about the baby that we lost [to miscarriage]. The other day he asked, "How did you know what to do to make a baby?" I thought for a moment and then told him I learned in school.
__________

Cade told me today, "I'm addicted to sugar. Pop has sugar!" Then he started reaching for my Pepsi like his hand was out of his control.

_________

Last night Cade smelled the chicken that I was baking for dinner. He said, "I'm going to eat that chicken like a pig!"

Allowance Update

I think allowance may be put on hiatus for a few years. I had hoped that it would give the boys a small sense of independence and teach them some money management skills; however, after a few months of giving allowance, I feel that it isn't worth the cost [and I don't mean monetarily]. Not only have they continued buying way too many treats, but it feels like I have robbed them of their innocence and they have now joined our "material world". Obviously that is considerably more important to me than any sugar high or its side effects. Their thoughts seem to be consumed with money and it hasn't diminished over time. They talk about it, play with it, trade it, think of ways to get more, ask for it, get upset if their allowance is late [I don't always have the cash/change ready. My bad!], etc. They seem to have a serious case of The Wants. [I want this. I want that.] And, obviously, as our own society showcases, The Wants are hard to cure. The following Bible verse keeps swirling around in my mind:

No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
Matthew 6:24

I certainly do not intend to develop a love of money in my boys [the ramifications scare me] and, for now, allowance does not seem to be helping me avoid it.

On to a new experiment! This time my idea comes from the September 2009 Family Fun magazine.

DADDY DOLLARS. [Cory looks good on currency, don't you think? Perhaps we should all write him in for the 2012 Presidential election.]

They could earn Daddy Dollars for doing little designated chores/duties around the house and then be able to buy things from the "store" such as: making a special treat, playing 20 minutes of video games, a movie rental, choosing the dinner menu, a bike ride, playing a game with mom or dad, a trip to the park, ice cream, one dollar, etc.

Here's hoping that our new experiment is successful!

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?

__________

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.
__________

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!
__________

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."
__________

GOT BERRIES?

Every year my dad plans various berry picking trips. We pick strawberries, cherries, blueberries, blackberries and huckleberries. I think he organizes his summer more by which berries are ripe rather than by month. He has fond memories of picking berries with his family and wants to pass on the tradition. My favorite is wild huckleberries because it involves a camping trip, but each time we go picking we make fun memories. Here is a couple photos from our last cherry pick.

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.