NO GIRLS ALLOWED!

So I'm having some mixed feelings. I've been listening to my friends talk about how they can hardly stand to have their husbands take their boys to father and sons. I've come to the conclusion that I'm either well-adjusted or heartless, because I love everything about Father and Sons Weekend. First, the boys absolutely LOVE it! They love spending time with Daddy, getting dirty, roasting marshmellows, sleeping in the tent, riding in the truck, and telling me that girls can't come. Second, I enjoy having a night and morning to shop, hold my baby, rest and clean and watch my house stay clean. It's quite the WIN/WIN weekend! This is why I don't miss them, they sure aren't missing mommy, they are too busy putting up the tent, finding sticks and getting completely filthy. Brian said they wanted to climb in the tent with their flashlights before the program. Brian had to give a little talk, so they all went to bed without him. Apparenlty they only need eachother.

I've learned to pack very light. They only change into jammies and then back into the same clothes. I'm always amazed at how dirty they can get in just two days!

Not exactly the safest way to travel, but sooo fun!

Speaking of safety issues...This hungry fellow was found a very short distance from the camp!!!

Riding in the back of the truck is the highlight of any day. When you can pile in with your brothers and all your church buddies, it is extra great.

When I leave for a getaway, I'm a nervous wreck, but when Brian takes my little men to camping heaven, I perfectly fine. The boys can't wait until Henry can go, me too!

School Days

We have four and a half days left of school. Benjamin is excited to stay home all day and play the Wii (thats apparently what we do all day in his mind when he's not home), Jeff is excited to wear jammies more and Luke will have his brothers home. I am very excited not to have to drive anyone anywhere for a little while and not to have to pack a lunch! Here are some pics from the last few weeks: My own little snow-bird in his sun hat he made at "venture" camp. He goes with some buddies from church and loves all the slimy, creepy experiements they do.

Ben was an army ant in the BUGZ play at school. It was fun to watch him sing his songs and say his part. He has loved this year.

Daddy and the ant.

Ben with his buddies, the maggot and the dragonfly. As always Ben's favorite part of school is his friends.

Ben all wet at the school Olympics. Kindergarten represented in Red.

Pre-K sported white for the event. Here is Jeffey and his friend William in front of the snow pile. These two love hanging out! Lukey always finds the center of the picture, not to be left out.

"Real" Fun

Some pictures of real life in our house: I never have time to give Henry his own baby bath, so every night he simply takes a dip with his brothers. He gets clean and the boys love it. They take turns holding him and he likes the attention. For some reason, boys just get dirty during the day. It always amazes me!

It is tough to be three. Lukes is having a rough time expressing his frustration effectively. Just like all the other boys did, meltdowns are quite often a daily occurance. I had to snap a picture to document. I'm grateful for past experience that tells me "this too shall pass". I think he still looks pretty cute even when he's sad.

Henry just gets sweeter every day. I love this age. He knows its fun to be with his brothers and is such a social little man.

I could eat those little cheeks!

This is my favorite picture, real life in our house. It's about 5:30pm. Jeff is already in his jammies. All the boys have food on their faces. My hair hasn't been washed, actually its probable that I haven't showered yet and its yesterday's makeup. The trash clearly needs taken out and Henry is in a very dirty onesie. I have so many little boys that we don't even fit in the frame, we tried! Lukey is holding a "tornado" he made in preschool that will break in two more pictures and result in the meltdown above. But in the moment we were having fun!

Momma's Day

I love being a mom! I also love my mom. Saturday, Brian watched all the kids, so I could go to lunch and shopping with my mom and sister. We never seem to have enough time, but it was wonderful. My mom spoiled me with a new shirt and belt. I appreciate her gentle reminders to take some time for myself from time to time. I also appreciate the days when she comes over, rolls up her sleeves and just helps me clean. Happy Mother's Day Mom!

In the last six Mother's Days I have added four new boys to my family. It is an overwhelming task at times to take care of everything and everyone. People often ask how I do it, and at the end of many days, I ask the same question. Things are not perfect, actually far from it, but I know why I do it and that's the most important part. I truely feel a partnership with my Heavenly Father as I raise these little men. The gospel of Jesus Christ brings me such peace and guidance to this seemingly insurmountable task.

These boys spoiled me with flowers from Costco and homemade treats from school and church.

My sweet, patient, supportive husband is a key element to any success I have as a mother. My boys adore him as do I. I love watching them hide when he comes home and then they all proceed to the trampoline until dinner.

I love that my boys have eachother. We were at the park yesterday and I sat on the bench with Henry and watched them all play together. They love eachother and laugh all the time. The giggles I can hear down the hall from their bedroom when they tell silly jokes makes it all worthwhile.

Daddy/Daughter Hike

I love my parents. They raised two daughters who love to spend time together and with our whole family. I have so many fun memories growing up of crazy adventures, trying new things and laughing until we cried. I feel so blessed to have everyone close to this day. We all live within about a two mile radius. My dad just went back up to the Yukon for another season and he is already missed by our family. Just before he left we went on a "daddy/daughter" hike up Camelback. My dad beat us, not bad for a fifty something grandpa! I love how youthful and fun my dad is, it has been such a blessing to him and my mom close. They are always willing to babysit, play, clean and help install dishwashers, among other things.

On top for the second time!

One of my goals in raising my boys is that they become as great of friends as my sister and I. She has the ability to call me to task and is a great support. I love her.

The three of us started P90X together last month. This was the end of day 30. My sweet mom was waiting at home with a delicious egg-white omelet and orange juice after the hike. It was fun to sit as the "original" four and have breakfast together. Another great Tosczak memory! We miss our Papa and can't wait until the fall when he comes home.

Jeffey turns FIVE!

Jeff's celebration week started with both sets of grandparents. We had a pool party at Grandma and Papa's and then a train cake at the Jones'. He loves getting his dollars for how old he is.

Finding the quarter in Grandma's cake is always the best. Somehow Grandma Jones always knows what piece to give the birthday kid!

Then on to the friends party. All he cared about for his birthday is that all his friends could come play. He has such a sweet little heart. He constantly thinks of others before himself and just wants everyone to be happy. We often say he is a "lover not a fighter", he is a peacemaker in our house. He loves his brothers and is especially taken with Henry. It was so fun celebrating Jeff's day(s)!

He wanted a lion party at the last minute and Daddy and Mommy went shopping for the decorations and cake. It was a refreshing change from the multiple "doggy" parties.

Such a big boy from such a tiny start, I can hardly believe it.

Playing balloon toss with buddies. This was the best game and waterballoons are a definate favorite in our house.

It was so fun to see all our friends. Thanks to everyone that came and made Jefferson sooo happy. He sure loves his buddies.

He also had a fun birthday morning with the family and loved his new leapster game. We love our Jefferson. Happy Birthday little boy.

Happy Birthday Date

For Brian's birthday this year we decided to do a morning date and hiked camelback and then had breakfast at Olive and Ivy (quickly becoming my new favorite restaurant). It was my first time and Brian was great motivation. We also went to dinner with friends and had pie with the boys.
Happy Belated Birthday Brian, we love you!