Bedtime Conversations

A couple nights ago when I was laying down by the boys we had the following conversation (it's not really funny or anything but it was fun because both boys were really interested in what the other had to say.) I've forgotten bits and pieces but here's what I remember:

S: My name didn't go on the yellow space today

Me: Oh good, has it ever been on yellow?

S: No (I totally believe this, he'd be so distraught if he was ever moved to yellow)Me

Me: Jared what happens when your name goes to red?

J: Then you don't get a sticker

Me: Have you ever had your name on red?

J: No... I don't think so.

(I know he's been sent to the thinking chair before so I'm guessing he has.)

S: I was the line leader today and a boy cut in line

J: Did you cut back in front of him?

S: No

Me: What could you have done?

S: I could have said, "Excuse me" (which he said with the cutest, sweetest voice)

It's great when we talk about pre-school together. Jared totally gets into it with Spencer and it's like he's trying to give Spencer advice. Spencer has turned a corner where he is talking and singing all the time. He used to be a lot more quiet or I'd have to pry to get information from him. Now he's eager to share his preschool experiences with me even more than Jared was at his age which I never thought possible.

Another bedtime conversation:

Tonight when I put the boys down I asked them if I could lay by each of them for a few minutes. When I layed by Jared he started talking about the time this summer when Chris and I left to go look for a lost cousin. He told me that whenever he thinks about that he wants to cry (when we came back from looking he was sobing and scared about us being gone.) I told him I used to be scared when I was little about being away from my mom. I didn't tell him how scared though (whenever I heard an ambulance at school I'd race home to make sure my mom was ok and it took years for me to spend the night at a friends house because I didn't like leaving her.) Part way through Jared and my conversation Spencer poked his head over us and asked, "When's it my turn to talk to you?" My intention of laying by them was to soothe them, not stimulate them, but I didn't mind tonight. When I layed by Spencer he spoke up right away:

S: Why do people smoke?

Me: Because they think it's cool, they like the way it makes them feel, maybe their parents smoke, or because a friend asks them to smoke

S: If they asked me to smoke I'd say no and give it back

Me: Yes, say no thank you and give it back

J: I'd take it from them and throw it on the ground and stomp on it.

Me: You should be polite Jared.

S: The only thing we should borrow should be toys... (from here he goes on a long tangent of toys and breaking them and not being nice and buying new ones and more; I zoned out for a bit)

Tonight Jared told me he wanted to smoke really bad; not what a parent wants to hear. We talked about it for a little bit. I wanted to scare him out of it by saying something like, "Don't you EVER think about that again, " or "If I ever hear of you smoking..." But I knew this wasn't the answer. But I did want to talk about it briefly and move on. And then the thought, prompting, came to me, "Talk to him now! Take the time." I turned to look at him and his eyes were searching mine. I wasn't sure where we were going to go from here but I felt like I needed to drop everything I was doing and be at his complete disposal. I started by talking about the word of wisdom our Church believes in which got us talking about alcohol.

During that conversation he asked what it felt like to drink alcohol. I started to try and explain and decided to do a quick google since I really don't know. But because of our prior conversation I was thinking smoking and googled that instead. I found this site that I really liked and we listened to all of it. He was totally into and asking questions. We then went to the section on alcohol and listened to half of it before he lost interest. I felt like these links were very informative and can be used for a variety of ages (This site is made for teens.) During the alcohol section it says 80% of highschoolers experiment with alcohol. Right when they said that Jared said, "Except dad!" I thought that was cute.

It's crazy that he's only five, almost six, and already these topics are emmerging. Early in the week he really wanted to know how babies came out of the mother. I was starting to try to explain it when Spencer distracted him with something else and I didn't remind him of it later. Kids learn things so early. In my mind I want to say he's years away from some of this stuff but he's not. He said he still wants to smoke. He thinks it looks cool but he's gaining an understanding of why we shouldn't. I didn't like the fact he wanted to smoke still after our nice discussion but at least he was honest with me and didn't tell me what I wanted to hear. Stay young my little man, stay young...

School!

Yesterday was the first day of school! My boys have been excited for this day for as long as I can remember, mainly Spencer. Last year Spencer went to school with Jared for one day and ever since then he's asked when he gets to go to school. I've always told him after Miles' birthday and the day came yesterday! We laid out our clothes the night before. Spencer has shirts picked out for the next three weeks. Jared it went more like this:

Me: Do you want to wear pants or shorts.

Jared: Shorts

M: Which one (out of two navy pair)

J: picks one

M: What color of shirt do you want to wear, white or light blue?

J: Light blue

Uniforms are great for decision making but unfortunately not very exciting... but I like it. When I walked in to the school all the kids looked the same and they were on the same level. I couldn't tell if someone bought their clothes at Nordstrom or Target. Love the equality!

It started nice and early, 5:20 when Miles woke up. My alarm was set for 5:30 so I

got up, put him in bed with Chris and went out a little earlier for my run, I'm slow to get ready to run in the mornings so it's good I had an extra ten minutes. I got back around 7:00 and kept going the rest of the day.

I had to run around back to get something out of the car so Chris took the pictures...

Jared was dressed when I walked in and ready to go. Chris was working so I hurried and fed them, dressed Spencer (Miles went in his pjs), brushed teeth and hair, and then I showered got ready in under 10 mins and walked out the door. Chris came with us and we got there right as the bell rang. They have the kindergarten kids play in the gym before school, we can drop him off as early as 7:30 and the bell rings at 7:55. I stayed and watched him wander around and play then I took care of his book fees, gym uniform fees, and lunch money and when I came back they were heading out of the gym. I teared up. He was gone and I didn't say good-bye.

Chris called me and told me to meet them in the hallway. Oh good! (Jared's teacher Mrs. Lowe is on the left with the red belt.)

We went in to his classroom with him and helped him find his chair and unload his supplies. He told his teacher that he had reminded me to get the paper towels and I forgot to grab them. And she answered him exactly how I told him she would. He was excited and ready to go. We said our good-byes and we were off.

Chris called me and told me to meet them in the hallway. Oh good! We went in to his classroom with him and helped him find his chair and unload his supplies. He told his teacher that he had reminded me to get the paper towels and I forgot to grab them. And she answered him exactly how I told him she would. He was excited and ready to go. We said our good-byes and we were off.

I dressed Miles at home and then we left to take Spencer to his school which starts at 9:10. It usually goes til 11:40 but today they had half the class come for the first hour and the last hour to help them transition.

Spencer was a champ! He's observed Jared going to pre-school for two years so he knew what to do. He didn't want to put his jacket and bag away because he picture was not yet up but we convinced him it was okay to pick any cubby today. Chris and I decided Spencer is a big boy. Not huge, but big. He was the tallest kid in there at the moment and he was a younger one. When they were told to go to the carpet to read he went right over and sat down obediently. I walked over and gave him a kiss and he was totally cool with it. He did not like me taking his picture. Every picture you see is me catching him off guard.

Spencer putting his name on the chart with Ms Barrera, his teacher, helping him.

Look at all those girls!!!

After dropping off Spencer I took Chris to work, ran to Staples to get something Jared needed and then went back to pick up Spencer. When I asked him what he did he said we read stories. I asked him if he had fun and he said yes. I asked him about kids in his class and he couldn't remember any names but when I asked him if so and so was there from Jared's class last year he'd reply yes or no.

We quickly ran home to pick up a few things and then went to Miles' 2 year doc appointment. More to come on that on his two year blog post. Came home Miles took a short nap (woke up after 30 mins), Spencer did a worksheet, and then we went to pick up Jared.

When Jared saw me he ran up to me and excitedly said, "Mom I learned some Chinese today!" When I asked him what he learned he said he couldn't remember:) I asked him about his lunch, he opted to have school lunch today to see what it was like. The first thing he said was, "There was broccoli and I ate all of it!" He's been struggling eating his broccoli at home for the last long while. He described the rest of his lunch as orange slices, chicken sticks with bread on the outside and milk. We played on the playground for awhile and he'd occassionaly go ask his teacher a question and come tell. When we walked home Jared and Spencer held hands. So sweet. Jared asked him what he did to which Spencer answered. Then Jared asked him if he had to go to the thinking chair, where you go sit and just do nothing as Jared put it.

Today I went to drop Jared off with Chris again. I think tomorrow I'll let Chris take him alone. It's a lot of work getting everyone ready, fed, and out the door before 7:45. Jared opted for cold lunch so he could use his new lunch bag. After school he right away told me how to say hello and good-bye in Chinese (Tues, Wed, and Fri he has Chinese).

Once we got home Spencer was anxious to go to "his school". Finally we left and when we got there Spencer said, "This is my school, huh mom, not Jared's." He seems so big! When he lined up and walked into his classroom he didn't even say by. I had to peek my head in the classroom to say by and steal a kiss. I also noticed this morning that his class has A LOT of girls. I'm guessing there is around 20 students and there are 4, maybe 5, boys! I hope the boys get along because they sure don't have any options. After school he was stoked and pretty much shouted, "We got to play on the playground!!!" He also informed me he played on the computer and sand table.

Miles did fine today without his brothers. I did a few errands and then came home and we read and he colored. I need to find my groove with this new schedule. About every two hours I'm dropping off or picking up making it hard to get the kids in a groove and myself. My home is in a little more disarray and Miles is going to be needing more attention so I don't think having two kids in school is a time saver for me by any means but I love it because they do! But even more, I love getting us all back together. I love that the boys love each other and play together so well. I dread the day when one of them is "too cool" for their other sibling and doesn't want to "hang out" or play with them. I hope that never happens.

Glasses...

Recently I got an email from Jared's school tipping parent's off to a free vision clinic. So this past Friday I loaded up the boys and headed to south side Chicago to check it out and have Jared and Spencer tested. I was very impressed with the process and those testing the boys. I don't know how many different tests they did but it was a lot. In one room alone they both went to at least four different stations. Then we went to another room and they did more there (I'm not sure on how many different tests because they stayed in the same chair but again a lot.) Spencer finished before Jared and was fine. They said his eyes were a little short but this was normal for his age. But if they didn't grow then he would be farsighted so we'd need to keep checking him yearly to make sure his vision is fine.

Jared took longer... I didn't think either boy would need glasses but I was a little nervous for Jared. Sometimes when reading he gets words and letters mixed up, but I thought that was pretty typical for a little kid especially when beginning to read. But it turns out Jared is farsighted and indeed needs glasses. They said he sees far away perfectly but has to work harder to focus on objects up close. Since he is so young he is able to do this fairly well but he's straining a little too much and therefore needs glasses. They said it's not something that will self correct so he'll have glasses for the rest of his life.

When it came time to go look at frames I told him we were going to another room to look at glasses. He adamantly refused. I told him we'd just go look. He begrudgingly went with me and when we got into the room he walked to the opposite side of the room, covered his eyes, and started to cry. I immediately walked over to him, scooped him up, and felt like crying with him. I ran my fingers through his hair and gently whispered in his ear that everything was going to be ok. I told him that lots of people wear glasses and listed lots of people he loves and respects that wear them. He still clung to me and I went and sat by the glasses while he buried his head in my shoulder and neck. I sat there for awhile and told him I was going to look at the glasses and pick the ones that I liked. He didn't have to look at them if he didn't want to but I wanted to see what options he had. After picking out three or four he turned around and started looking at them with me and trying them on. His spirits brightened and was soon smiling and commenting on what he liked or didn't like about the glasses. We narrowed it down to two and then he found a third, light blue, that he liked. He ended up picking those. I liked the other ones better but wanted him to choose what he liked best since this was already hard for him.

From the time I found out he was going to need glasses till leaving I tried calling Chris. He was in a meeting the whole time and I didn't get a hold of him till we'd left. I had wanted his opinion on what style, type of glasses to get. I do not trust myself in fashion; I care, but not enough. When I told him he'd picked light blue he did not agree. So we'll be going back Tuesday to pick the other pair. Jared is fine with getting a different pair. He was mainly upset when I told him because he thought he couldn't start school until he had them (school starts Tuesday).

When we left I tried calling Chris again, no answer. So we called grandmas. We couldn't get a hold of Cherie but Jared told my mom. It was on speaker so I could hear. When he told her she asked him how he felt about it all. He said, "I was a little scared at first, but now I feel better." We were planning on going swimming with friends and were late because of traffic and we were there getting tested for around three hours, a lot longer than I had anticipated and they got us right in too! I didn't talk much more to him about it until we got home. Then I asked him what he was scared about. He said, "I'm afraid I'll look funny." He's not as scared but still apprehensive and nervous.

I've ached and cried. Not because I think glasses are the worst thing but because if i could I'd protect my child from anything: deficiency, pain, sorrow, etc. Miles woke up Saturday night at 2:45 and I got up with him briefly and put him back to bed. But after that I tossed and turned thinking about Jared. Sunday I spent time praying for strength and insight for Jared, Chris and me. I don't want glasses to inhibit Jared's confidence and outgoing personality. So a lot of my prayer was for him to be strong and for me to know how to help him see things in a positive light and to not let it be a negative factor in his relationships, school, or sports. I want him to know he's loved regardless of anything that happens, ever. And I want him to know he can turn to a loving Heavenly Father when he is sad to feel peace and love from Him.

It may seem like I'm making glasses a bigger ordeal than it is. When they first told me he'd need glasses I didn't think much of it. My thoughts were: Lots of people have them and too bad Chris and my genes of good eyesight didn't pass on to him. But when I saw him cry and felt his anguish, my heartstrings twisted and turned in only a way a mother's can. My instinct to protect and comfort triggered and immediately I wished this "trial" away. But we'll take it in strides and I know he'll be fine. I just want him to keep his same sweet, out-going personality regardless of any teasing he may encounter. I love you Jared!

Recent Hair cut Before and After shots

(the longest I've let Jared's hair get before cutting it!)

Air Show and Anniversary

Chris has been extremely busy lately. This past week he worked late into the night many nights. These are the times he went to bed and woke up:

Tuesday: 4:00 bed 9:00 wake

Wednesday: 4:00 bed 8:00 wake

Thursday: 4:55 bed 8:30 wake

He's also been extremely busy on Saturdays and Sundays:(. One of those Saturdays the boys and I made our way to the beach to watch the air and water show. I hate going to things on Saturdays by myself, not because I have to manage all the kids by myself but because Chris is working and I know he'd rather be with us.

We had also gone to the practice on Friday. We love the beach anyways and why not go when planes are doing stunts above you?! Miles is on a kick of loving planes right now and loved it Friday. Saturday he fell asleep on our walk over there and because it was a shortened program because of the rain delay he ended up sleeping through the whole thing.

The older boys watched occasionally but mainly played.

After the show they played for awhile and they were ready to head home. Chris was working from home and I wanted to give him more "quiet" time so we stopped at Lincoln park by North Pond to play in the grass. We played for about another 1 1/2-2 hours before heading home and Chris ended up working 14 hours that Saturday. Below is a clip I captured of their play:

Luckily for Chris, our anniversary came during this busy time forcing him to take a break for a night out with me. We did a couples massage and then went to dinner at MK. I'm glad this man is mine! Since it's been eight years here's eight things I love about this man:

1. He's sensitive, especially to me!
2. He's open minded. Whether he agrees with someone or not he listens and can see points of view even if his is completely opposite.
3. He's attractive and sexy... :)
4. He's an amazing father. As tired as he is, he plays hard with the boys when he's with them.
5. He's a hard worker. He works so h.a.r.d. And yet he knows how to play hard. I love that he's not a workaholic but knows how to work hard too. He also helps a LOT around the house, when he's around that is...
6. He's giving of himself. He will volunteer his service when sometimes I think he shouldn't because I feel like I see him too little as is. But I always feel guilty, selfish and repentant. I'm grateful for his example. Whenever I ask if I can give money or time he 95% of the time says yes.
7. He Believes in me. He's my little cheer leader. Whether it be in the athletic department (I'm training for a marathon right now because of his encouragement), parenting, academics, spiritual and much, much more. He inspires me!
8. He thirsts for knowledge. He is always reading news, books, sports:), and text books (weird). This man would be a professional student if he could support our family doing it.

Idaho (Swimming Lessons)

For two week the boys were enrolled in swimming lessons, Mon-Thurs. They loved it! I was a little nervous about Spencer, he's always been more timid around water, but I had nothing to worry about. From when they got up until it was time to leave for swim lessons they never stopped asking for it. Jared had his cousin Katie in his class, goldfish, and Spencer had his cousins Megan and Emily in his class, minnows. It was a lot of fun. The boys enjoyed it and I got to visit with one of my sisters, my mom occasionally, and my wonderful mother-in-law who was there every single morning:).

Here is how I spent most of the mornings during the lessons. Miles wanted to get in the water and I would sit there and try to convince Emily to go swim with her class.

SpencerSpencer's classJaredMegan going off the diving boardSpencerJared in the deep end (they only went off the diving board once so I missed it)JaredJared's class; Jared's in the middle with Katie right behind himSpencerMiles loved his goggles. He keeps them amazingly well, along with sun glasses. I think it's cause they really make a difference for him and he likes that he doesn't have to squint. Plus it keeps sunscreen out of his eyes.Megan in front then SpencerJaredThey both passed their classes and Jared is to the point where he can actually swim. He gets tired fast though and is a little sloppy but he can swim:).

Idaho (While Chris was Still There)

Besides my family reunion, which took place the later half of the first week we were there, we did do other things and hang out with family. Below is mainly pictures...

Ashley and Valerie

Sophie and TysonLeft Side:Jared, Megan and Emily

Right Side: Katie and SpencerMikey, Jared, Scotty, Miles, Spencer, and KatieMiles and Tommy (only two weeks apart and Miles is older)I claim we live in the desert, which is true, only 7 minutes away is a beautiful, luscious canyon, and another 15 minutes we have Shoshone Falls:We went with Chris' mom, dad and brother. We enjoyed the view and the had fun playing a sort of "tag" by throwing it at each other.

The boys with JordanTop: Chris, Jordan, Cherie
bottom: Miles, Spencer and Jared
(not pictured Jim who refuses to go on the outlook...heights)Best family picture we could getThe boys and Uncle Jordan sporting the mustachesAnd of course Chris can't leave without going golfing...with Jared and Spencer (Spencer was too cold and sat in the cart most the time)

ChrisJaredJared and ChrisWe stayed with Chris' sister, Mallory, the night before his flight. This is her little boy Bridger.Chris' other sister Baillie. She is the best with kids! My boys ADORE her!A picture with their cousin before church. Miles loves goggles:)

Idaho Part 1

Idaho is truly beautiful! Sometimes I forget how beautiful it is because I grew up in the desert, but just a few hours away you have these beautiful mountains!

This year's Bingham reunion was held at Camp Smokey, near Redfish, from a Wednesday to Saturday. I have many fond memories of this campsite growing up and love going there. I love the rustic feel and the pure nature that surrounds it and to add to that no cell phone reception:). Below is a picture of the lodge on the right and some cabins, I believe there's 11 or more with our family taking up 6.
The closer cabin of the two is where our family stayed along with my little sister Camille and her husband Mike.
There's so much to explore there. I remember going on lots of nature/adventure hikes when little. Below is Chris with a group of boys, Miles bringing up the rear.
Alturas Lake is in the background with the lodge. This lake is COLD! When I was little I was told it was one of the deepest lakes in the world. I'm not sure if that's true or not (did a quick search and didn't find anything). But one thing's for sure it's freezing whether it be the beginning of summer or end.

Coming back from the trek, Michael, Jared mostly hidden, and Miles and me.

Chris took some picture of this pretty little creek (stream?).

Miles and me.

Chris and Miles

Heidi, Mom, Valerie, Jeanine

Thursday morning we headed out to go fishing. It was cold and uneventful. Chris said he was a little paranoid with so many kids and hooks.

David and Nicole

Trent standing, Mike, and Megan

Jared playing with the worms

At one point on Thursday it actually snowed. Those riding four wheelers came back red in the face and fingers. Chris and Miles caught up on some zzzzz's

David, Jared and Scottie (orange hat)

Jacob and Heidi

Horseshoe tournament that my dad took place in and did well.
Our family minus Jared who was off playing (Spencer, Chris, me, and Miles)

Chris was on Tyson's team

Spencer loves his little girl cousins, Emily and Megan, and was often found playing with them.
Angela and Moe were in charge of some games with a minute to win it theme. Here's Spencer trying to eat a doughnut without hands.

Naomi and Jared

Clairee

Spencer using hands

Going down the line (kids only): Micah, Emily, Tommy, Spencer, Megan, Naomi

My mom holding the strings for Ashley and Kenya.
Rachel worked hard to try and get Miles to like her... it worked:)
The girls competed in a game trying to get a pencil, that was tied to a string on your back buckle, into a pop can by squatting. I believe Camille, the 6 month pregnant girl won.
The men's game was knocking over pop cans with a yo-yo that was tied to their back loop buckle. Mike was the sure winner but Chris gave a run for his money a few times.
The "teenagers" did a pickup game where they could only use their mouths. There were several bags that progressively shorter, down to an inch, and David surprised us all with his quickness and agility!
Another person Spencer likes to hang out with is his cousin Micah. Those two would wander through fields and streams. I followed them one time when they started to get farther away. Micah at one point told Spencer they'd better go back because they were too far. That's always nice for a mother to hear.
Friday was a beautiful day and ever since we arrived Jared had been wanting to hike to the top of the mountain. So we set off with a big group. Below is Spencer and Chris.

Naomi, Micah and Jared

David (partially cut off), Angela, Nicole, Camille, and me

Spencer was not a fan of the hike. He'd sit and complain for awhile and then he'd forget about it and trudge along.

I love the expression on Nicole's face here.

Eventually Spencer had enough and Chris was nice enough to take him back down so I could continue on.

At one point it was really steep and slippery. You couldn't gain your bearings, you'd walk up three steps and slide down two or more. I wasn't comfortable taking Jared up any further and I didn't want Camille pulling or straining anything, remember she's the one 6 months pregnant! Below is a picture of either Scottie, Michael or David.

Camille and Jared on their way down.

Angela with her daughter Naomi

Angela with her boy, Micah

Jared enjoying nature

Spencer again with his threesome, Megan, Emily, and Spencer.

Every night we had a fire and s'mores.

Not pictured and worth mentioning was an awesome volleyball game. And Michael, a seven-year-old, getting lost. Freaky! A group had gone up the mountain after we came down and somehow Michael got lost. Once we realized he was lost we spent a good 40-45 mins looking for him. There was another group staying at the Smokey that helped us look too. It was scary especially after 20 mins of looking. I could hear shouts from all over and I thought, "if Mikey can't hear this then he's gone far or is unconscious." Turns out he went down the mountain at an angle and hit the road and walked for about 3-5 miles until he found a ranger and told him he was lost and staying at camp smokey.

I love Idaho, I love Camp Smokey, but most of all... I LOVE my family!!!