Big Al

Alan turned 32 last weekend.  We celebrated with a picnic at a park and then bowling at Big Al's on Saturday evening.  The picnic was fun.  I had almost forgotten how much I detest bowling until Spencer beat me!  It was pathetic.  Poor Alan was even out of practice since his un-skilled wife won't go with him.  Spencer had fun though, so maybe he'll make a good bowling partner for Alan in a few more years.

On Sunday morning, we rushed to get ready for Church so Alan could open his presents before we had to leave.  He got some juggling balls, sweat rags and an Adidas miCoach (an electronic running coach).

We had Alan's traditional birthday dinner of chicken enchiladas with his parents in the evening.  And as usual, we had saved half of Alan's Dad's birthday cake from two weeks ago for Alan.  It is the best German chocolate cake ever, but it's so much work and so big that we always make it last for two birthdays.

 

Alan is still working himself to the bone for Uberthons.  They time a race nearly every Saturday.  He also just finished track season as an assistant coach for Sherwood's high school team. He didn't get paid for it this year, but I think he really enjoyed it and hopes to be able to get hired on once he's able to quit working at Farmer's full-time.  I'm one lucky girl to be married to such a hard-working, driven man!  Happy Birthday Alan!

Mother's Day

Wow, I'm so blessed!  I was sort of dreading Mother's Day with its reminders of failed fertility treatments this year.  But, when the day actually came, I was refreshed from my break over Father's & Son's and I was just feeling grateful for what I have. 

Alan and Spencer were so sweet to me all day.  Spencer was so excited to give me his "present."  He had hidden a rubber CTR ring (from his own toy collection) in a bin under his bed all week long.  The fluorescent green complimented my outfit so well!  Alan and his Dad took care of dinner so I had time to lay in the sunshine on a blanket in the backyard after Church.  It was lovely.

My own Mother is an amazing example of optimism selflessness despite her own trials.  She is always so thoughtful and concerned about me.  Much of who I am today, I owe to my Mom.  I am in awe of her abilities to raise six kids so well.  I have also been blessed with an incredible Mother-in-Law who has become a dear friend.

I really have nothing to complain about.

Father's and Son's Outing

Alan and Spencer went on their 2nd Father's and Son's outing (the best Church activity there is, in my opinion) last weekend.  Spencer was SO excited to go camping at the beach with Daddy that he picked out the shirts he wanted to take nearly a week in advance. :)  

Alan was able to get off work early on Friday afternoon so they could get to the campsite before dinner time.  They were the only ones from our ward there for awhile, but that just meant they got the best campsite and had lots of time to play.  Spencer even managed to get some car playing time in with his best little buddy, Andrew.  A camp out can't get much better than eating a lot of junk food, staying up late for the campfire program, playing on the beach, and stopping at the Tillamook Cheese Factory for cheese samples and ice cream on the way home.  The weather was perfect and they both came home a little sunburned and very tired.

I'm SO grateful for a husband who loves to do this kind of thing with our son.  Spencer adores his Daddy and loves every minute they get to spend together whether it's chasing around the house or something big like a camp out.  I love my boys!

The real reason I think Father's and Son's is the best Church activity is purely selfish though.  I had a whole day to myself and it was heavenly!  I was afraid I might get lonely, but my sweet friend Nicole invited me over for a delicious dinner and chatting.  When Alan and Spencer went on the Father's and Son's last year, I about killed myself working in the backyard.  I promised myself that I wouldn't do that again, so I just did what I wanted to do.  I went clothes shopping and read Catching Fire (I'm so addicted!), went to yoga class and cleaned my house in record time.  It was such a lovely break and a great early Mother's Day present.

4-Year-Old Stats

This post is mostly for my own memory.

Spencer had his 4-year-old well-child check today.  He is in the 83rd percentile for weight and the 99.9 percentile for height!  I knew he was tall for his age, but I didn't know he was that tall.  People ask me if he's tall for his age ALL the time.

Developmentally, Spencer is doing everything a 4-year-old should be doing.  The only concern I had for his pediatrician was about Spencer's shyness.  Dr. Scott gave me some good advice about not trying to push or persuade Spencer too hard when he's uncomfortable in a situation.  Rather, we should carry on with our activities and let him join in when he's comfortable.