A Bunch of Randomness

All of these technically deserve their own post, however since they all happen together than they get posted together.

Let's start with Ashton... he had his 3 year old check up today. He is still a peanut but not as much as last year. He has gained 5 lbs this year and hit the 30 lb mark.. which is the 30 something percentile. His height is in the mid 40% percentile at 37 1/2" (so he grew 2 1/2" this year)
This is probably my most exciting news!!!! I am done breastfeeding/ pumping. I have a little more than 3 weeks frozen so I will easily hit Shep's first birthday! I am so glad that I was able to do this for his first year. I made it to the 9 month mark with the first two, so I was hopeful that since I stay at home now I would make it to the year mark! And I did!!!!
This is just an adorable picture of my big boy!

Lastly, I will try not to get on my soap box. But, anybody who knows me at all, knows that I really dislike Halloween. I believe the devil is just far too happy on that day, so I dont like it. I would be quite happy if my kids never did or dare I say, celebrate (gag) Halloween. I wish we just could skip the whole day.

Tack on the cost of candy and costumes and it is quite the expensive occassion. To outfit my 3 boys, I could have easily dropped $50 (and that is being conservative). Add that to all three of them having fall birthdays (Oct, Nov, and Dec) and that butting right up to Christmas and you have a very poor family by the end of the year!!

So, when I was informed that Hunter could wear his "costume" to preschool today so they could go around the church and get candy, I have to admit, I was a bit stumped.I struggled back and forth whether a 4 year old would understand why all the kids in his class were dressed up and he wasnt. I prayed about it (you may chuckle as in the big scheme of things this is probably a small decision)- I didnt want him to wonder why mommy talks about how she dislikes Halloween but then lets him dress up.

I did have a costume on hand as last year we did do a Trunk or Treat at a church. I went to the attic and dug out the pirate costume and let Hunter wear his costume to school.

I dont want this to sound like I am saying it is wrong to Trick or Treat or that I judge those that do... because I dont and I hope it does not come across that way. The Lord has simply put this on my mind and until I figure out exactly what He is telling me, I will air on the side of caution and not participate.

Here is Hunter dressed up for school today. Though he makes an adorable pirate, I still wish we could skip it altogether!

Ashton's birthday party pictures

... trying to decide which of the gazillion pictures to post. I have narrowed it down but it is still picture heavy, so I apologize in advance! ;)

PART 1- Birthday party at our house
Opening presents... The Rocket Launcher!
Happy Birthday Boy

I think this is the only picture that I got where they are all together and not a one is looking at the camera!

haha, sorry mom, I didnt get a face shot of you except during our family pics outside. You have a way of avoiding the camera! Do not fuss at me about it!

Ashton blowing out his candles. Amanda- you did an awesome job on the cake!

Shep trying to play

Diving catch

Catch

Nolan- you are a DORK!

Uncle Nolan showing some skeels!

Uncle Zach catching while Charlee swing

Charlee wasnt the least bit interested in the rocket launcher show in pictures below.

Uncle Zach assemblying the rocket launcher with the boys.

It works and it was a hit! The boys love playing with this thing... who am I kidding, I love playing with it. Sorry this is so blurry!

Part 2- It's Time For VeggieTales.... live sing yourself silly concert!

Mantis got Shep Shep duty. Shepherd thought it would be cool to sleep through part of the show.

Uncle Nolan holding Hunter... this is not your best pic Nolie!

Grandma, cousin Charlee, and Aunt Sandee enjoying the show.

Ashton taking it all in. Sorry mom, all I got was your butt shot and a bad picture of you that I will not post!

This is one of my favorite pictures. Zach and Anna, I will order this one for you in an 8*10!

Dancing in the aisle

Part 3- Actual Birthday with just our family.
Unwrapping his big present.

Asthon loves his present.... he has such great form shooting that ball.

yum, cupcakes! everyone enjoyed them... the two uniced ones are Hunters (in case you thought I forgot a couple)

Blowing out his candle

My 3 year old sporting icing under his nose. Hope you had a Happy Birthday! I love you!

Happy Birthday SmAsh!

Ashton over the past 3 years...

2 days old 6 or 7 months

1 year

2 years

3 years

Oh Ashton,

You are something. I wake up daily thinking… “what kind of mood is Ashton going to be in today?” You constantly keep me on my toes and make me more aware of my reactions because of your reactions!

I never could have imagined how great of a little boy you would be at 3. I went back and read something that I wrote in your baby book when you were 11 months. “I pray the Lord will channel his fiesty little spirit and use it for His glory, otherwise we are in trouble.” Needless to say, you havent changed a bit. I have absolutely no doubt that God is going to use you in an incredible way… you have such a way with people- you are so friendly and after people keep you they always have a funny story about what you did or said and no matter where we go at least one person will talk about how pretty your hair is.

You still love to do or play with anything that Hunter has… and normally he lets you in on the fun. Your favorite stuff right now is VeggieTales, Thomas the Train, Shrek, and Scooby Doo. You love to read books and will be entertained by the TV for about 30 minutes. You are the BEST eater and will try anything once. You try to act like a baby sometimes and will imitate what Shepherd does. You are completely potty trained and pacy-free!

Remember to always be your own man and do what is right. Continue to stand up for those who you feel have been wronged (this does not include fussing at me after I get onto Hunter). Continue to question things (this does not include questioning me when I tell you to pick up your toys, etc). Continue to be a great helper. I am always amazed how you are ALWAYS willing and wanting to help... from cleaning windows to putting out pine needles- you are always ready to help out.

I love ya kid and I can’t wait to see what this next year has in store for you.

Happy Birthday!

Tomorrow I will post his birthday party and birthday pictures.

Nothing Sweeter

... so thankful for my little boys. I guess I am getting nostalgic with all their birthdays coming up but these kids just make me smile. I love you boys!

My family pics

... hauling my camera around the past few days. It is rare that the whole crew is together so when it happens, you better look good because there is a good chance that someone has a camera.



Here are our group shots. I put the good and the funny in the mix.



My precious boys

Zach and his family

The siblings. Me, Nolan, and Zach

Mom, I am so sorry to put this picture in but it is far too funny not to record.

"Good as it gets" group shot.

The funny group shot. Shep's face cracks me up

Funny group shot from Ashton's party.

The original Ashton clan.

The male Ashtons

It was so nice to spend time with Z, A, and O. We love you guys and pray that you guys will someday move closer... California is just too far!

Tailgating and such

... super busy the past few days. We had Ashton's bday party on Friday- a bit early- since family was in (will post those pics on his birthday next week).

On Saturday, we got up and out pretty early and made our way to Clemson to tailgate and then go to the game. Our version of tailgating fit our family perfectly especially with the kiddos. We found a little cove away from the madness of the crowd and had a great time. Mom, bravely, took all 4 boys (all under 5) back home and let the "big" people go to the game child-free.

Sorry Chad, this is the only picture I got of you!
Queenie and her grandboys

This picture just make me laugh. I was taking it of my boys but Zach and Anna look quite exhausted!

Nolan on Shep-duty

The game... I got so distracted with the pagentry, I hardly watched the game. It was nice to spend some time with my dear hubby. Even though it was not my ideal date, it was fun.

Thanks mom for putting it all together!

The P's -Pumpkin Patch and Park Pictures

... at Hunter and Ashton's first school "field trip" to the Pumpkin Patch and we were lucky that Zach, Anna, and Owen were in town to come with us. Mantis and Queenie also were able to tag along.

Warning this is PIC HEAVY!!!

Group Shot
My boys and me

Queenie and Shep

The Ashtons

Owen and Ashton race ducks

Ashton's favorite part (besides eating ice cream) was feeding the goats. He would pick up the dropped corn off of the ground.

Uncle Zach trying to get Shep in on the action

Anna hooking Owen up

Hunter and his friend Jacob race "ducks"

Hunter feeds the goats. He was so spastic doing this.

Owen and Ashton

Ashton on the train

Uncle Zach and O

The cousins minus Shep

Stoic Hunter.

Zach and O

Anna, Owen and Zach

Aunt Anna and Owen and baby unknown

The tree fascinated them

Awesome pic of Owen riding on Zachy's shoulders

Owen wanted to swim. He stepped right into the water like he could walk on it!

CHASE!

It was a fun packed day for the boys. Next up, Ashton's bday party it tomorrow. Eeek- I have a lot to do!