Church shoes and clothes

Why is it that children's clothes fit them one week but not the next? Jasmine told me that her church shoes don't fit. I looked at them and sure enough her feet were hanging off the back of her sandals. Why did it take her so long to notice? I know her feet didn't grow in one week. Dominique and Dreyton have had the same problem in the past. One week their pants are too long and the next they are too short. Dominique had been wearing these black shoes each week to church and for band perfomances, but for his spring band concert they didn't fit. I told him just to wear them one more time. I did not have time to drive to the store and purchase new shoes before the concert.

Cupid Jyllian

Tonight I went to Dreyton's fifth grade fan fare. The fifth graders preformed a little skit and sang songs. The kids had displayed some of their work they had done throughout the year. Dominique often teases Dreyton about a girl named Maggie. Her older brother, Zach, is Dominique's age, and the Dominique and Zach tease their siblings about liking each other. Well, tonight Maggie stood and introduced herself. Our little fearless daughter, Jyllian, said out loud, "That's Maggie? Dreyton's girlfriend? He loves her!" Maggie's mother was seated behind us. She smiled and winked at Jyllian. After Maggie's presentation, Maggie's mom said that Dreyton treats Maggie better than any other boy in the fifth grade. Maggie's mother is Dominique's reading teacher, so she know the boys very well. She doesn't mind if Dreyton likes Maggie, but the official report from Dreyton is that he will neither "confirm nor deny the validity of Jyllian's statement." Oh, those 5th grade crushes....bring back memories of notes asking another if he would "go with me." Where on earth we would actually "go", I still have no idea! Maybe I will ask Dreyton where he and Maggie will go if it ever comes to that.

Riding Mower or Push Mower?

Each week the boys (Dominique and Dreyton) help me or Donovan mow the lawn (although lately it has been me much more than my testosterone counterpart). The boys have the chore of using the self-propelled mower, and I usually use ol' Triple L, which is our riding lawn mower (what our sons like to call "the Lott Lawn Lamborghini"). Dreyton would really like to mow the lawn with triple L, but he is not quite "manly" enough yet (like myself...ha ha ha). I told Dreyton that it is not a toy and actually a dangerous machine used by ninja assassins in certain parts of the Orient. He insisted that he was old enough to use this beast. So I tried to explain how to use the mower and then had him drive with me. Well, his driving "skillz" definitely need some further polishing. After backing into the fence, let's just say he wasn't ready to use the riding mower yet. Maybe next year. Dominique also wanted to try, but I think it is going to take some practice driving before we turn on the blade. In the meantime, I guess I will be the one to keep using Triple L "fully loaded" with the blade running.

Mother's Day (Flashback five years ago)

Each year we celebrate Mother's Day and Father's Day. When Dominique was seven years old, he asked me on Mother's Day, "Mom, what day is Kids' Day?" I have to admit it was a reasonable question, but I simply replied with, "EVERY day is Kids' Day!"

I do wish everyday was Mother's Day, because to celebrate it Donovan made me strawberry crepes, bought me my favorite chocolates (Lindt Truffles), did breakfast dishes and "picked out" and purchased the perfume that I showed him at the mall last week.

Happy Mother's Day mom and Anne! You are two of the most selfless people that I know.

Riding the Bus

Jasmine just hates riding the bus to and from school. Luckily, she has a very nice next door neighbor that allows her to ride to school each day. Every day she asks me to pick her up from school. I asked her why she dislikes riding the bus. She let me know that the bus driver is mean, it is very hot and sweaty, and there is a little boy named Connor who chases her home each day. After she steps off the bus, Connor chases her and tells her he loves her. Today I stepped outside to watch her walk down the street. I saw Connor chasing her. But today she swung her backpack at him. When she reached our door, she was so excited. Jasmine said, "I think he is going to leave me alone." I asked why he wouldn't be chasing her anymore and she said, because I hit him with my backpack. I thought girls chased boys not the other way around. It is fun to watch though.

Dreyton's Birthday Backyard Party

Dreyton has been awaiting his "own post" on our blog for some time now. I didn't realize my children were keeping track of how many times I post about them. Dreyton has been feeling a little left out. I guess I haven't posted about him on here as often as our other three children. Well, Dreyton, my dear 11 year-old bundle of joy, here is YOUR post. :)

Dreyton was having a very difficult time deciding what to do for his recent birthday party. He finally decided to have a backyard party with water games and pizza. All of the boys had a great time. They all had water guns and water balloons, and I don't think anyone ended the party in dry clothes. They also played capture the flag. I am here to tell you, dem' eleven-year-old boys sure have a lot of pent up energy in those little bodies they have!

Here are some pictures of the boys enjoying pizza. Oh! I discovered another difference between boys and girls, and I will pass along my newfound wisdom to any of you who may be planning future parties for some young men. Don't order three cheese pizzas, one pepperoni, and one ham. Boys like stuff (i.e. MEAT) on their pizza. I was told not to order more cheese pizzas next time. Who new? (**Actually, Donovan knew, but I didn't ask him before ordering** OK, Donovan...get away from my keyboard now) I knew boys ate MORE than girls, but I didn't think it mattered what was on the pizza. I guess some boys have a pickier palate than I imagined.

Boys can down a lot of soda too. I guess if you add enough sugar to anything that boys will gulp it down!All of the boys helped Dreyton blow out his candles.Present time! I think it is always a lot of fun to watch all of the kids huddle around and watch with eager anticipation as the birthday boy opens his presents. Dreyton is my easiest child to shop for. He is happy with almost anything he receives, and he is always seeing new stuff on TV that he would love for me to buy at only 3 low payments of $19.99!! We went to the store the day after the party as his newly received monies were burning a hole in his pocket after a mere 24 hours. He wanted a DSi for his birthday. He used all of his money (plus some of mine!). He said it was the best shopping day ever (not that I agree as he didn't even buy one pair of shoes with his shopping spree). HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DREYTON!! WE LOVE YOU!!