V8 and school lunches

This morning I thought I was doing the good mom thing by packing an extra healthy lunch for Joey. Normally I fill his nalgene bottle with water but this morning packed a can of V8 instead. At dinner tonight Joey politely asked that I not pack V8 anymore. When I asked why; he said, "Because I spilled it all over the classroom. It got on the carpet and the tile and it took A LOT of paper towels to clean it up."

I am seriously shaking my head right now. Mom fail. Joey fail. His teacher must hate me!
I am sending this picture in a note to his teacher tomorrow. I hope she has a sense of humor.

More Joey quotables

"Mommy, I have two favorite girls. You and Lucy"

"oh yah, bud? I bet you have 2 favorite boys too!"

"No, I have 3 favorite boys!"

"Are you counting yourself Joey?"

"No! My 3 favorites are Daddy, Van, and God because he blesses us!"

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"When I grow up I want to be a Seahawk and I want to have 3 planes. A Seahawks plane, a Jesus plane and a Safety plane."

"What's a safety plane?"

"A plane that takes pictures of scenery, like Aunt Ashley"

Snow!

On the last day of school before Christmas break we were graced with a nice dusting of snow. School started 2 hours late for Joey so we took a shirt opportunity to play in the snow before all the rain came and melted it away. 

Oddly enough this was Van's first time playing in the snow. He was only 4 months old the last time it snowed, so naturally he was excited. 

Joey had a triple fun day. Snow delay, pajama day and a relaxing school schedule (hardly any kids showed up for school!?)

Trying out a snow angel with minimal excitement. 

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving came to us a little late this year. Two days prior to Thanksgiving Josh had a heart procedure called Radio Frequency Catheter Oblation. It's purpose was to help Josh's heart not go in A-Fib anymore (atrial fibrillation/irregular heartbeat). Josh came out of surgery fine and stayed in the hospital overnight to check vitals. He was home the day before Thanksgiving and quietly recovering with lots of rest. On the day of Thanksgiving I woke up a with a stomach bug. I half seriously asked a tired Josh if he wanted to cook dinner, but he just laughed. Between the two of us not feeling well we managed to take care of the kids and sleep off the stomach bug and post surgery tiredness. Thankfully the bug itself only lasted 24 hours, but of course it takes a good day to recover from being sick.

On Saturday we were all well enough to get back on our feet and celebrate the holiday. We feasted on delicious Thanksgiving food and were pleased to be joined by our good family friends, Craig and Kyle. The kids loved the turkey and Lucy sort of participated in the annual dinner by enjoying some squash (she hated it).

For us Thanksgiving is a great time to reflect on the numerous blessings we have in our own personal lives. We have our health, a roof over our heads and great family and friends who not only care for us but also are willing participants in making memories with our children. Life is not always easy but we are grateful that God has bestowed upon us his great blessings of love and happiness.

Halloween

 

Halloween is such a special time for our family. Josh absolutely loves the holiday. I like the costumes. Joey likes the candy. And well Van and Lucy are at the mercy of what I want them to wear.
Joey had his costume picked out ever since last Halloween. He wanted to be a cop and I thought what better way to do a family costume then making us dress as cops and robbers? We featured Lucy as the money bag (in the baby bjorn) and Josh and I as the robbers while the boys took on cop duty.


 Halloween itself didn't go quite as planned though. The night before I sprained my ankle playing volleyball. My mom was awesome and came over that night to help me out with the kids. With Josh working early I had no way of getting Lucy down the stairs in the morning. I ended up going to the drop in clinic to get it examined. No break or tears but a nasty sprain. They sent me on my way with an ankle brace and a prescription.

Thankfully by the time trick or treating rolled around the meds kicked in and the brace did its job so my Mom and I were able to walk with the kids. Joey played the big brother card well and held Van's hand the entire time. They both had a blast getting lots of candy.

Back to school!

First grade is here! Summer vacation was wonderful, but by the end Joey was eager to get back to school!

Joey talked about first grade all summer and was super excited for back to school night. He got to see his classroom, meet his teacher and drop off school supplies. That night he was itching to get to bed so the next day could start. 

Of course no first day is complete with out me taking numerous pictures to commemorate.

While Joey was away at school Lucy, Van and I adjusted to a new routine. It involved all around naps! Two hours to be exact! I hadn't taken a nap since before Lucy was born! 

At 4 o'clock the little ones and I walked down to the bus stop to get Joey. Van was so excited to see Joey and Joey spent the rest of the day talking about how amazing first grade was!

Happy 3 Months Goose!

The months are just flying by with you! You are getting taller and slightly leaner. You are officially in 6 month clothes, although I am still able to squeeze you into your 3 month summer dresses and shirts.
With your vast amount of headbands you inspired Mommy to open up her own online boutique selling children's accessories. I am starting out small, with just headbands, but I am eager to see what else I can dream up!
Van is warming up to more and more everyday. At the beginning he just ignored you, then he tried to swat at you, then he tried to put toys on you. Now he offers you his special blanket, forces tuckies into your mouth and he will only give you kisses, no one else.
Joey couldn't be more thrilled to be your brother. He loves you so! Yesterday he said that you would never have to have a boyfriend because he would always be your brother and friend. So sweet!
You are still so mellow. Mommy feels extra blessed to have it this way since the boys can be a tad crazy at times. You just go with the flow, aren't bothered by the loud noise and you sleep well!
You visited Seattle for the first time this month; Grandma Candy even got you a pin! What a good traveler you are!

Gaining a family member!

Today we celebrated the marriage of Uncle Cody and Aunt Ashley. The day couldn't have been more beautiful. Our family was lucky enough to be in the wedding party and were loving participants in their journey to the alter. 

The newlyweds

The wedding Party

Doing our best "Joey faces"!

The groomsmen

The bridesmaids

Ring boy

Cody and Keana

The Morrisey side 

Father/daughter dance. Please notice Joey in the background. He was a party animal!

Playing the shoe game. So risqué!

Last Day of School.

Today Joey graduated from Kindergarten. I am so proud of him and how far he has come academically and behaviorally. At school the kids and their families celebrated the last day by having a kindergarten graduation ceremony. They sang some songs, received diplomas, and ate cookies and juice. When we got home I set up a "welcome to summer" swag basket! Here's to a summer full of fun and not having to get up and go so early to make the bus!

Father's Day

I saw this really neat idea on Pinterest to make Father's Day a "Super Dad" theme. Obviously I think Josh is the most amazing father and husband so I wanted to make sure we celebrated him on this fine day.
Joey and I decorated early in the morning and made Josh a delicious breakfast of pancakes, bacon, eggs, and his favorite...english muffins. Joey was super excited to give him his present he made at school: a lovely hand drawn card and Daddy questionaire. His responses made me laugh.

 Later that evening Josh's family came over as well as my Dad to celebrate with a barbeque!

Happy 6th Birthday Joey

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb, a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
Psalms 127: 3-5

Happy 6th Birthday Joseph Benedict Callon.

In a few short years you have grown from a tiny baby in my arms to a bright, young boy.
You are too smart for your age and yet you possess an innocence only a young man could have.
You embrace life and infect others with your joyful optimism and wonderful stories and ideas. As a brother you have taken Van by the hand and led him through his own growth, one patient step at a time. As a son you never fail to impress and encourage your Mom and Dad. You are a friend, a helper, a team player and an eager learner. You have an inquiring mind that absorbs the information around you like a sponge. You may not call me Mommy anymore, but you will always be my first born baby boy. The Lord truly blessed us when he gave us you to raise and look after. May you always possess the enthusiasm of a small child and spread the love and joy you have brought to so many.

I love you all the way to the moon and back!

-Mommy

p.s. Last night you told me that you would watch Van while I took care of Baby Girl. You seldom give yourself credit for the wonderful little man you are. I hope you know how proud I am of you. You have taught me how to be a mother. Your brother and sister are lucky to have you to look up to.

BBehold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
(Psalms 127:3-5 ESV) - See more at: http://ministry-to-children.com/bible-verses-about-children/#sthash.2TTEb9VZ.dpuf

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
(Psalms 127:3-5 ESV) - See more at: http://ministry-to-children.com/bible-verses-about-children/#sthash.2TTEb9VZ.dpuf

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
(Psalms 127:3-5 - See more at: http://ministry-to-children.com/bible-verses-about-children/#sthash.2TTEb9VZ.dpuf

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
(Psalms 127:3-5 - See more at: http://ministry-to-children.com/bible-verses-about-children/#sthash.2TTEb9VZ.dpuf

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
(Psalms 127:3-5 - See more at: http://ministry-to-children.com/bible-verses-about-children/#sthash.2TTEb9VZ.dpuf

Easter

We were blessed with beautiful weather for Easter Sunday this year. Couple that with actually being prepared with Easter baskets (I forgot last year) and coordinating outfits for the boys, and the fact that we were celebrating the Resurrection, the day was perfect.
We wholeheartedly attempted to do the Saturday evening Mass in an effort to avoid the "crowds" this year. The boys were bathed and dressed, my makeup was done and Josh was all showered after mowing the lawn; but both the boys and Josh were uber tired, so we opted to call it a night and brave the 8am mass in the morning.

Mass was beautiful and poignant and it was a great, early start to our day. Since it was so early Joey failed to even notice that the Easter Bunny left baskets on the mantel before church. He thought they were decorations. Really?! Needless to say, he was eager to get home to see what was left. Van did is normal "I am kind of impressed face." The jelly beans were not a hit for either, but Joey was excited for the $2 he received and even had a good chuckle over the fact the Easter Bunny gave him a Hot Wheels Car he already had. (Insert shameful Mom story here about how I tried to pull a fast one on Joey and re gift a car, I really didn't think he would notice!) Van just liked the plastic Easter Eggs and the shiny new glow-in-the-dark tuckies.

I had Easter pictures done of the boys earlier in the week with the awesome shirts I found at Goodwill and the matching ties I sewed. Ashley, of course took the pictures. I should have known better than to try getting them taken at a park though. Both the boys just wanted to play, but Ashley was able to capture a couple of candid shots along with a lot action ones. Ashley always captures such amazing pictures of my boys. She has quite the eye. I can't wait to use the rest of the shots around the house and have a plan to use some of them in the boy's bedrooms! Here are some of my favorites.

I did pat myself on the back for keeping Joey's size 6 Converse from when he was Van's age because they fit Van swimmingly and Joey always rocks the Converse.

Later in the afternoon we headed out to Yelm to have an Easter celebration with Josh's family. We enjoyed delicious sandwiches, salsa, festive deviled eggs and a very sweet carrot cake I made. It was delicious and rich and oh so wonderful. Mom put on a highly competitive Easter Egg hunt in the front and the backyard and it consisted of some of the eggs filled with gold dollar coins and one very special egg with a $20 bill in it. Josh found the big one! Whoop whoop! Since the weather was so nice the boys also took an airplane ride on Dad's new Twin Comanche while the girls stayed back to chat. After they came back we rounded out the day by playing a very fun game of Whiffle Ball.

Saint Patrick's Day

Since I was still recovering from the baby shower the day before, we had a low key Saint Patrick's day. I had made Corn Beef, cabbage, and red potatoes earlier in the week using a crock pot recipe I came across on Pinterest. It was OK, it seemed overcooked and the house stunk like cabbage for days afterwards. It led me to implement a new policy in the Callon Household. No cooked cabbage allowed; ever! Seeing that I am the only one who enjoys this Irish feast as is, we opted for something different for dinner.

Naturally I bought green shirts for the boys and I wore my polka dot green maternity shirt that I seem to wear almost every Saint Patrick's Day, pregnant or not. Surprisingly Josh owned something green as well. It was a little funny at church, we wore all green and really, no one else did. But I like the spirit of the day, even if it meant no good beer to down and no big celebration either.

Joey's first soccer game

Today Joey played in his first indoor soccer game.
Knowing Joey, he was excited, but I think he was more excited to wear shin guards and soccer shoes.
This is evident by the fact that he spent the couple days prior putting them on and wearing them around the house.
Obviously being 5 years old, the expectations of winning and doing good weren't on top of his mind.
So he may have scored a goal, for the other team; and when he made a really awesome attempt to kick the ball in the right goal, the goalie swooped it up and continued play. Joey on the other hand went over to the goalie and gave him a high five. That's my boy. That's good sportsmanship right there, considering his Mom is horribly competitive.
At the end, all the no score was officially kept (his team won) Joey said everyone was a winner. How sweet.

First Day of School

I have both looked forward and dreaded this day since Joey was born.
We have a school age child now. He is growing up too fast.
This brings a myriad of newness not only to our routine but to the growing of our oldest child.
Homework. Lunch Menus. Permission Slips. Outfits. Drop Offs.
It's all so new and will take some getting used to.
We love his teacher, Mrs Madsen and think she is just the right kind of teacher for him.

The First day of school. Waiting in line for the teacher to come get them. 

Getting ready for Mrs Madsen to read them a book!

Summer wrap up

Once again I have let blogging escape me. Apparently I am very good at taking hiatus's when things get busy.
Last time I left off we were kick starting summer (finally)and had Van baptized. Shortly after the baptism Joey, Van my Mom and I left for a 2 week vacation to California/Nevada.
What was supposed to be a 13 hour road trip turned into a two (full)day car ride to Lake Tahoe. Obviously traveling with a 10 month old would warrant some stops, but it seemed that we had stopped so much to comfort, nurse or stretch the little ones limbs. Somewhere near Roseburg, Oregon we rearranged the car so that one of the adults could sit in the backseat with the boys. Thankfully my Mazda 5 has three rows!

Once arriving in Lake Tahoe we spent about a week there relaxing in the timeshare, playing at the beach, touring the shops and of course visiting Virginia City.
After almost a week we packed the car to head down to Manteca, California to visit my Mom's cousin Pat (my Godmother) and her family. I personally hadn't seen them since I was a young girl, but before I knew it we were all caught up and reacquainted.

The last leg of our trip included a few day stay in San Jose. We dined with our extended family, rode all the rides at the Boardwalk, and spent more time with close friends and family.


I realize this is a very condensed version of a very long vacation, but it's nothing a little picture montage can't take care of.

The rest of the summer was spent relaxing at home with Daddy. He took some time off and it was nice to just play outside and make the most of it until Joey started school in September.

Lego Birthday Party

I understand this entry comes almost 3 months late, but I can't miss the opportunity to highlight the uber fun 'Lego Birthday Party' we did for Joey's 5th Birthday.

I think the best thing I did for this party was only have a handful of kids there. I threw around the idea of inviting his old preschool class but at the end of the day it would have been hard to accommodate 16 hyper active 5 year olds.

There is something about handmade invitations that really set the tone for the kind of party I wanted to give Joey. Other then buying plates and silverware everything else was pretty much done DIY and drawing inspiration from Joey's Lego's and to the wonderful world of Pinterest!







The focal point for the party was at the kid's table. I turned squarish yellow plates into Lego Heads. I transferred the Lego head idea over to marshmallows dipped in yellow candy coating on popped them on some sticks. In addition, I spray painted baby food jars yellow and cut some vinyl faces out to make place holders for the kids. The place holders were written in Lego inspired Font and printed and laminated for each kid to keep.

I wrapped square juice boxes in construction paper and added some raised circles to give the Lego Brick effect to the drinks. The cake, didn't turn out pretty but it was pretty obvious that I was trying to go for different shapes of Lego's. The frosting ended up being a disaster, but thankfully I had my mom to ice the cake. She put all those years of working at a bakery into good use.






The party favor bags drew the same inspiration as the invitations and the Lego name tags for each child. Fill those babies up with some dollar store bubbles, cars and some different kinds of candy and we were good to go .



Doing most of the party DIY, meant also making the pinata, Lego brick of course. It was actually super easy to make. Using a diaper box, red crepe paper, some paper cups for the 3d effect and some good old fashioned Elmers glue I was able to create this pull tab pinata (no hit). Word to the wise though, if you choose to do ribbon pulls make sure the ribbon is strong. Each kid had their own ribbon to pull, but only one ribbon was actually connected to the box opening. That ribbon broke, so I ended up raining candy on them instead. Good thing the kids didn't care!



We pretty much relied on snack type foods for the party. However, one of my favorite desserts beside the Lego cake, was the 12 layer Jello cups. Not gonna lie, it was a labor of love as each layer had to set before I could pour the next one in, but it was fun to do and it was so delicious!



As far as games went I relied mainly on good Mr. Sunshine and Joey's outdoor toys. The day was beautiful and hot. I added some green sand to the sand box which may have been a mistake as most of the sand ended up in the driveway.



Of course I can't not share this little gem of a photo of Uncle Robb riding the trike.