Dragonslayers

"Mom, your the princess, OK?" says Kris this week as I was feeding Kolbein a bottle.

"And we're going to protect you!" exclaimed Jared as he brandished his home made sword of taped together Hot Wheels tracks. (Electrical tape has many uses.)

"An' we're going to chop off the heads of the dragons!!" Kristopher declared swinging his own Hot Wheel tracks sword.

"I'll get the red one, Kris! You get the green one!!" Orders my oldest knight in shining armor. (In reality, they were both still in PJ's.)

"Watch out so you don't get fired!!"

"Quick behind you!!"

"I got 'im!!"

I lost track of who was saying/yelling what, but there was quite the battle going on in our little living room. Luckily, I was stowed safely upon my royal couch and was advised that I should continue to "stay put" if I didn't want to be eaten. Since this princess had no desire to be ripped to shreds by rude, fire spitting dragons, (or wayward swords whacking at everything imaginable) I did as told protecting yon baby prince as best as I could.

"I'm dead!" hollered Kris spralled on the floor unmoving. "Help me, Jared! He took my sword!"

"I'll save you!" roared Jared as he crawled over what I was guessing to be imaginary vertical rocks. "I'm coming!!"

Kris arose with the touch of Jared's healing hand. Swords were recovered. The dragons were slain. "Chopped to pieces with blood everywhere," was the official royal report.


The weather has been very wet and rainy out this past week and a half, so besides a trip to the podiatrist for me and a library visit, the kids have been cooped up in the house. We've had to be creative in order to keep them entertained. We don't like them completely zoning out on the TV or video games all the time. Anyway, who needs TV with their little imaginations going at full speed?

I've included pictures of them in the middle of playing this or that. We've done everything from putting villainous teddy bears in jail (under a laundry basket) to finger painting. Even the laundry plays a roll. We no longer just switch the loads. We have a top secret delivery that must make it from station one (the washer) to station two (the dryer), but we have to watch out for the bad guys that want to steal it or we might have no clothes to wear! Swords are always worn as a precaution.

Kolbein has tried his hardest to be included in whatever his older brothers are doing too. Sometimes they love it, other times I hear the inevitable "Moooooooooom!! He's eating our play dough!" or "Moooooomm! He's eating our train track!" It's actually been a real joy watching them together.

Kolbein is pulling himself up and standing now. Now that he got his second tooth in, he thinks he's something else. Anything he can pull himself up on, he does. I included a picture of him doing it to the little barn that the kids were playing with. You can tell Jared is at a loss what to do. He wants to open it back up, but Kolbein was in the way.

Through all the thunder and rain this week, I've enjoyed all their antics. I think their top favorite thing is the sword fighting. That's when their imaginations become the most vivd. They forget that I'm listening and other times include me right along in their play. (I couldn't ask for a better compliment.) I think when they play at sword fighting, that it's my favorite too... as long as someone isn't being whacked with one, particularly myself. There's been a few welts here and there, but no blood, which is always a good thing when measuring the quality of play time when you're dealing with boys.

They love to play the hero. Some might think it's too violent, but I think it's little men in the making. They always have the view of keeping someone safe, or trying to protect me from bad guys. They also want to do thorough jobs of it. When they are saving their teddy bears or me, they always show the utmost gentleness and chivalry. (Which to them is yanking me around by the hand or pushing me as hard and as fast as possible so that I can scurry out of danger.)

So, they kill the dragons of boredom and grey skies. They get me in touch with my own childish imagination. Through their eyes, the world can be anything you want to make of it. I wonder what tomorrow will bring. They are indeed my little heroes!

Yaaaaawwwwn

Can't believe it has been so long since I last wrote. It's been a busy few weeks with a lot going on. The kids are doing well besides a sore throat-head cold all three of them have. Jacob came down with it a few nights ago as well. I have a little bit of the sore throat, but not nearly to the scale they do so I can't complain.

I do feel sorry for Kolbein though. I think he's got it the toughest. He's teething, and he's got this cold thing. He's been waking up every hour for the past four nights. Needless to say, that leaves for a very cranky baby. (And very tired parents!) It's not slowing him down while he's up and about. Not one bit. In fact he's getting pretty good about voicing his opinion when removed from something he considered fascinating.

I think the biggest thing for us lately, was a little job issue. I won't go into details on this blog, but it kind of threw us for a HUGE financial loop! Completely unexpected. We were reminded how to pray really hard and are still praying. We are very thankful for all the prayers sent on our behalf as well some gifts that a few family members surprised us with. We would be a lot harder off without it. So thank you! Thank you!!

We are still waiting for everything to get back to normal with Jacob's company, so please feel free to continue praying. We can't tell you how much we appreciate it! After finding out some info and seeing some company paperwork today, we are happy to report that it looks as if things are going to be set right very soon. It just takes time. (If you wish to know more, feel free to call me.)

I do have some pictures I've been taking of the boys, sunsets etc... I think after doing a ton of housework today that involved a lot of standing, I just want to go to bed. So, I'll try to post them tomorrow.

Good night!

May Day! May Day!

May Day turned out to be a pretty typical day, for the most part. The normal chores followed by more regular chores. Kids constantly hungry and full of energy. Kolbein eating everything in sight.

As far as Kolbein goes, this is a milestone week for him. On the twenty-ninth, which was the day he turned nine months, I swabbed his mouth out to discover his first tooth!!! FINALLY!! When you're looking at him, it's his bottom, right, front tooth. (Adrianna would know the proper name for it.) He's a much happier baby. I think it's been bugging him for a while.

I've also decided to keep a list of what he puts in his mouth. He's better than a Kirby vacuum! Today he managed to eat blue play dough, sheet rock, a piece of snipped cable, paper, old cheerios he stashed under his high chair, a plastic ring, a bread bag clip and who knows what else.

Speaking of teeth, poor Kristopher! He and Jared were playing outside climbing on some giant boulders. Just as I was thinking that I might make them get down, he slipped. Of course he was screaming as I ran over to assess the damage. There was some crumbs of something on his bloody lower lip. As I was quickly brushing them off, I realized that they were parts of his top, front tooth! He had hit his teeth again! Other than his tooth being severely fractured, and his gums were a little red, he looked okay. It didn't look like any nerves were exposed, but I gave him some ibuprofen anyway. We'll have to keep an eye on him for the next few days. He did manage to eat the pizza I made at his request pretty well. Had to be cut up however.

While Kolbein took his first of two naps, Jared, Kristopher and I went for a walk. We just went down our driveway a little ways. They of course threw every stick they found. They told me they were getting it out of the way for Dad when he came home. When they found out they had to go back up the hill, they were none too pleased. I really thought I was going to have to carry them/drag them back up. That is until the blue butterfly showed up.

The boys were fascinated with the little bluey-purple butterfly. It proceeded to flutter up the driveway showing off its delicate wings. From somewhere the boys found bursts of energy to chase it a ways. Jared almost caught it several times. Then it played a game with us and landed on each of us in turn. Kris wasn't so sure about that, but Jared was thrilled that he had a new little pet. I managed to catch it (without touching its wings of course), and it happily sat on my hand for a moment before it danced away. We observed all of its marvelous details, such as the dots on its wings and its curly tongue. I hope I'll remember that moment for the rest of my life. Such a simple thing to experience with my boys. It reminded me of what babies they still are and how brand new this whole "living" thing is for them.

Well, I hope to be writing more often. I came down with some weird eye-lid infection last Sunday. Kind of like a sty. It got pretty bad and looked like someone had punched me. haha. It was almost swollen shut and the swelling was below my nose into my cheekbones. A real beauty queen. Between Jacob and Kayla, they made me go to the doctor. Glad I did because it turned out I needed antibiotics. (I never want to go when I really should go.) Ended up getting some foot x-rays while I was there too. Still waiting to hear on those, but I am so happy that the eye is doing much, much better. Just a little redness around the lid. That, and I can see again! Yahoo!

Well, the last notable was Tessa and Mom coming up for a night on Tuesday and left Wednesday morning. Tessa just needed to pick up some things before she headed back for Portland. I was so glad to see her again and even more glad to see Mom. I have to say that I miss them both very, very much already. I wished it had worked out for Tessa up here, but who knows? May be she'll give it another shot someday. :)

Now that the movie in the background is over, Jurassic Park II, I think I'm done. That was interesting trying to write with dinosaurs screeching in the background. Always love a challenge.

More later.

Feast or Not to Feast

Today has been a pretty relaxing day. Jacob and the boys went to the dump with all the garbage (there is no roadside service where we are) while Kolbein was fed and is now napping. I could be doing the dishes I suppose, but I'm having more fun procrastinating! Ha!

So, I've finished my second cup of coffee and decided to download a few pictures from April. The snowy one was God's precious April Fool's day surprise. The rest are self explanatory.

I've taken a lot of pictures of Kolbein eating lately. He's so fascinated with putting everything in his mouth for the last few months. I was telling someone, that changing his diapers are always a surprise. So far, I've found wads of paper, wood, gravel, a penny plus a few unidentifiable things that I just figured we'd leave at that.

It seems as if he's always finding something. It doesn't matter how much I clean or vacuum. I've come to the conclusion that it will never be enough. No. I can't keep him in a cage either. Not all the time anyway.

Gravel is always being tracked in, so that's a given. Straw is another. Just this morning I've taken away paper, toilet paper he grabbed in the bathroom, some old food he found and a mouse trap. Yep. A used mouse trap. Can't tell you how grossed out I am. He's getting so quick, and I'm not sure how he got back there in the first place to tell you the truth.

I now know why God designed little ones to take naps. I'm certain it's to give us moms a break from the frequent, heart stopping adrenaline rushes.

Here's a few pictures of Jacob feeding him something he actually DIDN'T like the other morning.
We have made it a habit to lean as far away from him as possible when attempting to feed him. He has a trick of blowing raspberries and spitting things out directly if he doesn't approve.

Then there's a classic picture of him eating his prunes this morning. He loved those.

Well, Jacob is back with the other two boys. He's grabbed some stuff from the storage unit. I want to go help him. Enjoy the weekend!!

We're Boys!

Yesterday was Jared's turn to go to the doctor's. The appointment wasn't until the afternoon, so I endured many questions of, "Is it time to go yet?", "Now can we go??" and "Why is it taking soooo long, Mom?!?" I have to admit, after Tuesday's round of doctor visits, I was surprised that Jared was so eager to go for his appointment.

So, to pass the time, I had them take a shower, clean their rooms, make their beds, surprise the wild turkeys outside, etc... The usual.

When they were told that it was finally time to go, they got their shoes on and zipped out the door so fast. I followed with Kolbein. As I was buckling Kolbein in his car seat, I asked over my shoulder if either of them had to go potty one last time before we left. I heard them both yell, "I do!!" So, I replied for them to hurry and go really quick.

I clasped the last buckle for Kolbein and quickly fixed his window shade. As I turned around to go inside and make sure the boys were hurrying (they get side-tracked easily), I heard their voices around the other side of the shop near the ledge. What on earth?? So I jogged over to find out what in the world they were doing over there.

Lo and behold, right at the edge they had both dropped their drawers and were laughing at each other. I heard one of them say, "My rainbow is bigger than yours!!" The other replied, "Na-uh, mine is bigger!!"

Does everything have to be a competition?, I thought for the hundredth time this week I think. It was so funny. I was afraid if I disturbed them while they were "launching their rainbows", we'd have a real mess on our hands. One I didn't have time for. So, I waited for them to finish.

When they discovered I had been watching them, they were very unabashed. In fact they were pretty proud of themselves.

"Did you see me, Mom?"

"Yes, honey, I saw alright."

"Mine went farther than Kris'!"

"I hit a rock with mine, Mom!"

"OK, good job! Now, please get into the car. Why didn't you go in the house to go?" I queried.

They just looked at each other and laughed. "We don't need to, Mom," Jared informed me as if it was clear as day. "We're boys!"

Good to know.

I was so glad Jacob met me at the office to help with the younger two. This appointment we were going to discuss Jared's peanut allergies, and I wanted to make sure I wasn't as distracted.

The appointment, once again, went well. He's 42" tall and 42 pounds. We discussed the allergies and the doctor prescribed him some EpiPens to keep on hand. They're quite handy, for those that don't know. They're an emergency injection of epinephrine dispensed in the thigh to help prevent anaphylactic(sp?) reactions. Since his allergic reactions have been getting progressively worse, we need to keep one nearby at all times. (Last time his face swelled up pretty good.)

I really, honestly didn't know if he would get immunizations that time, because I thought they might make him wait till he was five. Well, he wasn't so lucky. His weren't able to be combo injections either. He got six of them. He was quite brave through it all, even though he shed more than a tear. He's at that age where he's able to understand some logic, so he understood why he needed them. He made it clear to the nurse though, that that was it for a long time. It is until he's eleven.

He also asked her, "I get stickers and a book now, right? 'Cause you gave me lots of shots." Yes, he received his stickers and book.

I didn't have the heart to tell him we had to go to the lab next to get his blood drawn for an allergy screening of the major food groups. But to my surprise, he actually ENJOYED getting his blood drawn. He told me it was cool. Didn't even cry. Just watched the whole thing with a curious fascination. (The man was really incredible with him! I was so blessed. I was expecting a bolt and chase scenario!) He was even more ecstatic that he got four more ninja turtle stickers AND a toy from the toy chest.

"Mom, I scored!" he smiled.

"Yes, you sure did."

"I was brave, huh?"

"Yep, you were. I'm so proud of you!" I told him.

"You know why?" he asked.

"Why?"

"'Cause Jesus was right there by me."

So, we went to show Dad all his band aids. He was so proud of them. Kris was pretty horrified to think Jared got SIX shots. He sighed, "Ohhh!" so sympathetically as Jared nodded that it was quite true.

So, after a trip to Dutch Brother's for lolli pops for them and a coffee for me we headed home to have a pancake dinner and watch a movie together.

Sticky Poky Thingies

Since we were blessed with recieving awesome group health coverage, I thought it was time to get a slew of "well child" visits done. All three boys were due for their check ups and needed to get more immunizations.

On Tuesday, it was Kristopher and Kolbein's turns. They were so excited to take the trip to Coeur d'Alene, a 45 min drive, to the pediatric center. I decided to go ahead and keep the doctors down there since I heard that the pediatrician center up here is always way overbooked. Jared approved. He loved his visit when he was sick last winter and had to make an office visit. So, he made sure he told Kris all about it the whole way down. A regular little tour guide.

Both little guys did pretty well. Kolbein of course was husky for his age and scored in the 90th percentile for his height. Kris was a skinny fella with average height scoring in the 50th percentile across the board.

The doctor was so nice. She checked for potatoes in Kristopher's ears on Jared's suggestion. We were relieved there were no jelly beans either. When it was Kolbein's turn, she was checking for teeth using one of those tongue suppressants. No teeth yet. The older brothers thought it was hilarious, which encouraged Kolbein to try to grab it and eat it.

All in all, it went well until the nurse brought in the vaccines. Kris somehow knew what they were. (Perhaps it was Jared asking, "Is he getting a shot? Mom! Mom, is he getting some shots now??!) So, we held him tightly, but gently on the table. I just put my face right into his and kept telling him he was doing so well as the tears came pouring out of his eyes. I think I had a few tears myself. So, we snuggled a minute after the three shots were over and the bright, neon bandaid dots were in place. (Thank goodness they can mix some of them now days!) He turned to me with those big blue eyes of his after a moment and said, "Mom, I didn't like those sticky poky thingies!"

Then it was Kolbein's turn. Deep breath.

Afterwards they both recieved books from the office as well as some very cool Spiderman stickers. Kris was quite proud of his. Then I hooked up Kolbein back in his stroller, being careful of his leg. I noticed that one of his band aids had disappeared, but the poke looked dry, so I didn't think another thing of it.

Kris reminded me again while lunching at McDonald's that he really, really didn't like those sticky poky thingies. And once more at home. He told me it made his legs hurt really, really badly and made him cry. I told him he did so well, and we wouldn't need to do that for a loooong time. He seemed satisfied with that.

Ok, Kolbein was really hungry now and throwing a complete fit. So, I made a bottle and he seemed really happy to see it, but then kept yanking it out of his mouth. I thought he was just dawdling and being difficult, so I shoved it back in. He started gagging and choking. I sat him up and as I did, out came a ton of spit up and... the band aid. He must have been gumming that thing for over two and a half hours!!

MoBO in Idaho

Me, holding Kolbein (here 7mo), Kristopher 3, & Jared 4

(at my grandparents in Oregon)

So, I've decided to go ahead with this blogging thing, since I've really enjoyed subscribing to a few of yours out there (you know who you are). It's brought me joy and many times has put the biggest smile on my face for the day. It's also a great way to stay in touch with those that live so far away.

I also find writing to be very relaxing but a rare treat these days since my boys are always on the go. So, bear with me, my followers. Sometimes the grammar may not be the best. Sometimes I'll just have to settle for a few quick notes.

My blog (I love that word) entitled "The life of the MOBO" means Mother Of Boys Only. It's been a whole new experience for me living amongst the life of boys. I have two sisters and one brother myself, so estrogen pretty much dominated in our family. (Sorry, Dad and Tanner!) I now understand what it feels like to be outnumbered. It can be fun and an advantage at times, and I do find myself REALLY liking the color pink for the first time in years. May be because it's one of the "not allowed" things here in man-land. (Purple, I've been told is a close second.)

Boys. Their emotions, antics and energy leave me amaaaaazed at the end of each day. It's never the same ol' - same ol' around here! Always an adventure. My goal is to share the stories here on the mountain we call home in Sagle, Northern Idaho. Perhaps some of you can already guess what the boys will be up to tomorrow since you might have had a few brothers/sons yourself; however, may be you'll get to enjoy the experiences from the point of view of someone who finds herself on occasion... well... completely clueless.