The Walton Family

Gridiron Warrior

2011-10-06T18:56:00.001-07:00

Porters two favorite football practices of the year happened last night and tonight. The temperatures dropped. It has rained non stop, and the practice field is a muddy pit! Apparently those are ideal football playing conditions! At least if you are an 11 year old! I sure love my muddy lineman!

Last Minute Gift Idea

2009-12-24T08:16:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for a last minute gift idea? A new boutique just opened in Eagle. It is called Lacelets. They specialize in custom made bracelets, anklets and shoelaces. The advertising campaign for the store has been intense and professional. Check it out if youre're in the area! It is owned and managed by the same little entrepeneur that founded and operates the Library Finn.

Secret Ad"Meyer"er

2009-12-11T22:04:00.000-08:00

In the car the other day, quite out of the blue, Finn told me that he has a secret admirer.
Me - Oh really? How do you know?

Finn - Well today during recess, I had my head in one of the holes in the rock climbing wall on our playground, and someone came up and rubbed my back. When I turned around to see who it was, no one was there. So I think its a secret admirer.

Me - Wow Wee. Thats amazing (as I cover my mouth and Porter and I try not to laugh.)

Finn - Ya, I think it's Mrs. Meyer (the principal at his school.)

Me - Oh really? What makes you think its her?

Finn - Well her name is Mrs. Meyer - Like Ad - Meyer- er so I'm pretty sure its her.

Me - Well, that would make sense

Finn - (with eyebrows knit together) But why would Mrs. Meyer be running around on the playground?

Me - Probably so she could rub your back.

Finn - Yeah, probably.

Seriously I will someday write a book about Finn who could be Junie B. Jones male counterpart. He totally cracks me up! - BTW he told me the other day that when he grows up and gets married he is going to change his last name to Jones. I asked why and he said it was because he wanted to have a little girl and name her Junie B, but Junie B McPherson doesn't make any sense at all.

And that is how we found out that Finn has a secret Ad-Meyer-er

Camping with the Knittels

2009-09-04T10:01:00.001-07:00

(not pictured is Griffin, who fell asleep poolside.)
(Totally exhausted)

The last weekend before school ended we decided to go camping. We loaded up our car and headed out for Indian Springs, a very fun little camping spot near where my parents live. Our great friends, the Knittels, were attending a play that night, but agreed to pack up their family after the play and come and join us. What great friends to pack up their family at 9:30 at night and go camping.

We arrived just after 10pm and started setting up camp, making smores, and running around with our friends. Finn and Labelle found a picnic table and sat down to catch up.

The next morning the kids played in the hot spring run off water (and mud) and then we all went swimming in the Indian Springs pool. I have so many memories of swim lessons, and family outings there from my child hood. I really hope that our kids will have some fun memories from this weekend as well.

Catching Up!

2009-09-04T09:46:00.000-07:00

In an attempt to catch up on blogging, I am going to attempt write a new post every day until I get caught up. Our family did a lot of fun stuff this summer, and I am feeling so guilty about not posting any of the details.

Our Prayers Have Been Answered

2009-08-21T13:18:00.000-07:00

Last weekend our fabulous friends the Knittels came to Boise for a visit. Right after they arrived we all sat down to dinner. Porter was asked to say the prayer and at the end he asked that we would have a great time with our friends, and that we would all get enough sleep to live.

I know it is irreverent to laugh during prayers, but we couldn't help it.

I am happy to report that our prayers were answered and we all got enough sleep to live - but just barely. We always have a great time with the Knittels!

According to Finn

2009-08-12T20:57:00.000-07:00

I really think I need to create a blog just for the funny things my little Finny does and says. I don't ever want to forget them, but I am afraid that the other 5 kids will look back and think this is a little (or a lot) lopsided.

Until then....I can't help myself, this boy cracks me up.

The poop incident...

My kids take turns doing what we call jurisdictions. Basically chores. One of the jurisdictions is our back yard. They have to pick up all the toys, balls, and/or trash, and especially the smelly gifts our sweet little flower Daisy leaves us. ( A big golden doodle.)

While I was mowing the lawn Finn finished scooping the poop and then put it in a grocery bag and deposited it in a garbage can where I also put the grass clippings. When he closed the can he waved his hand in front of his face and said "Phew, do not leave that open." I said "It really stinks huh?"

Finn replied, "It WREAKS!" Then he took two more steps and added, "like my FEET!"

Please don't be concerned. He is clean. (mostly) and doesn't stink. (hardly)

Marshmallow History....

We have been visiting my mom and dad this past week, and completely LOVING the beautiful country living. Tonight the kids built a fire in their fire pit. (Yes folks, you heard it. I, Amy, the freakiest, most overprotective mother in the world sat in my chair many feet away and let Porter and his cousin start a fire. A major breakthrough!)

Anyway...Finn cooked a marshmallow but asked my mom not to make his smore without graham crackers. She said, "well Finn that is kind of against the rules."

He responded, "In all of marshmallow history?"

Fireside talk...

After the smores were eaten Finn was burning off one of the roasting sticks. He pushed all of the burning sticks around and then invited everyone to come and stand around the burning embers to talk about his birthday tomorrow.

Potty Humor...

Tonight while she was busy playing with her cousins Livy had a wet pants accident. I was helping her clean up, and asked her if she had just gotten busy playing and didn't want to stop to go to the bathroom until it was to late. She said "yes."

While cleaning her up I continued and said "I understand that. It used to happen to me a lot when I was a little girl."

Finn had come up behind me and yelled out, "IT STILL DOES!!!"

I was laughing so hard that I couldn't remind him that he needs to keep that little piece of info secret.

Funny Finny

2009-08-03T17:02:00.000-07:00

Finn has learned to read, and largely it has made things easier for him to understand. He will often read something and comment "Oh, so its The Home Depot. I thought it was just Home Depot." But Finn is still Finn and he sees the world through a Funny Finny filter that is hysterical sometimes. Here are a few recent examples.

While shopping at the grocery store Finn was sitting in the tiny baby seat - hilarious on it's own since he is not a tiny baby - He wanted to get his favorite cheese dip for our game party so I picked it up and handed it to him. He read the label and said, "Oh Good. No Germs - Trains Fat." WHAT? He repeated himself and added, "this stuff has no germs and it trains your fat."

"Trains my fat????" I asked. "Could it train it to act like size 2 fat?"

Sadly the answer was no, but he assured me that I was not fat. Are these boys going to make great husbands someday or what?

Next...Today we bought school supplies for Finn and Porter. When we got home the boys were organizing their stuff (are glue sticks and pencils this exciting for all kids or are mine totally freaks?) into back packs. Finn picked up his glue and read the label. "This stuff is washable, but you can't run with it." WHAT? "No, mom it says right here. No Run. You can't run with this glue."

I think that's right buddy. Definetely don't run with it. I wish I could be in the classroom the day Finn tries to inforce that rule. You know he will!

I hope Finn never loses his Finniness. It makes him so much fun to be around. Also I hope that he will always have friends who appreciate it as much as his mommy and brother Porter do. Also, I love the little look that Porter and I exchange when Finn does this kind of stuff.

Auntie T.

2009-07-20T08:51:00.001-07:00

Here is Tracy in a stirring tribute to our men in uniform! How does she find the time to do so much? Do you think they would like this picture of you in Jordan Tracy?

Yesterday was my little sisters birthday. I am so sad that the days have passed when people ask us all the time if we are twins (I would so happily be compared to my beautiful sister now.) And for that wonderful 12 days in July we would say, "no, we're not twins, but we are the same age." HAHAHA our very funny little joke. I always hated that the 24th of July celebration landed during that 12 day period, and I was forced to race in the same category with my very athletic and impossibly long legged sister. She never rubbed in her victories TOO much though.

Tracy is funny, very smart, completely honest, unbelievably compasionate, and generous beyond description. She has always been my very best friend. (Even though Angie and Jill seem to remember us fighting - I don't know what they are talking about!) She is a fabulous aunt, and my boys LOVE their happy memories with Auntie T. When I moved from Georgia Tracy flew out to drive across the country with me and Porter (who hated the car.) I was expecting Finn and vomitted all the way across the country. I couldn't believe how patient and kind Tracy was in that not so ideal situation. She has always supported me. Listened to me.

I LOVE my little sister. I am so excited that she is going to have a baby this year. She will be a very fun mother, with a gorgeous baby, and my boys and I intend to spoil little baby Z completely. I hope I am as good an aunt as she has been. Those are some incredibly big shoes to fill. And I have all this pressure to come up with a really fun name for myself like she did. I am taking suggestions.

Happy Birthday Auntie T. We all LOVE you so much!

1 Year

2009-07-20T08:36:00.000-07:00

Kirk and I celebrated our first anniversary this past Friday. I can't believe that it has already been a whole year since our wedding. And yet...a lot has happened this year. I can't imagine my life without Kirk. He is kind and adoring. He is a fabulous father, friend and husband, and I LOVE being married to him.

He made plans for us to drive into the mountains to a little town about an hour from our house and go to a little dinner theater. We got to see the musical Footloose under the stars with a beautiful wooded, mountain backdrop. It was awesome to be outside, under the stars, watching the show and just being together. I had never been up into the mountains beyond Boise, and it felt like such a departure from being in my little Eagle bubble. I LOVED IT.

I have to say I'm glad the first year is behind us, and I hope we have many, many more to come.

I Hope...

2009-07-15T12:44:00.000-07:00

I was looking at pictures of a fabulous campout with the Knittles, and thinking, I hope my kids have friends like Jennecca, and that made me think about other things I hope for my children.

I hope... they learn sooner than later that having brothers and sisters is one of the greatest blessings they have been given.

I hope...they never get tired of playing in the mud.

I hope...they get a good education.

I hope...I am teaching, disciplining, and loving them enough.

I hope...they learn to value hard work.

I hope...they respect their elders.

I hope...they will have their own testimonies.

I hope...they will always love to read.

I hope...all the boys will marry girls as wonderful as my sister in laws, and that Livy will marry someone just like her daddy.

I hope...they will get married in the temple.

I hope...they will get to have the incomparable experience of being parents.

I hope...they won't ever forget how much I love them.

Kindergarten Graduate

2009-07-02T10:29:00.000-07:00

Finn Graduated from Kindergarten.

He loved every minute of his first year of school. He made good friends. Loved his adorable teacher. Created amazing crafts. Learned to use the computer. Learned to read. Got inspired by his school library, and created his own version at home. Lived for chocolate milk Fridays. Climbed the monkey bars constantly. Formed a recess ninja club, and then disbanded it when it took up to much of his monkey bar time. Hatched and raised some baby chicks. Had pajama day. Ate lunch at school. Created a kindergarten city. Chased girls. Ran from girls. Endured substitutes, who were probably great, but just not as great as Mrs. Skelton. Stood up to a bully, (actually asked me to.) And came home smarter, bigger and more grown up every single day. Next year he will be gone at school all day. He will eat lunch there, and spend more hours of the day with his teacher than his mother.

Finn graduated from Kindergarten.

Obviously I cried.

No one will be shocked to learn that Finn almost wet his pants during the graduation program, and I had to run up and get him and take him to the bathroom. Poor kid with his mothers bladder.

He refused to wear his church pants because he said that the teacher told them they didn't have to wear church clothes, but they could wear a shirt and tie if they wanted. So my stubborn boy just knew that church pants would somehow be against the rules.

I wanted to interupt the program and tell the teacher that Finn stuck his tongue out at me, but I thought it might be childish.

Finn doing "First Grade, First Grade" Sung to the tune of "New York, New York."

I sure do love this little guy.

The last song included instrumental time during which the kids did the robot. Finn was on the front row and was fabulous at the robot. Seriously a lot of people came up to me afterwards and said how great they thought he was. I was proud, and a little shocked, I mean, he is usually pretty shy in front of other people.

Airing My Laundry

2009-06-17T09:44:00.000-07:00

By far the biggest difference between having 2 kids and having 6 kids is the amount of laundry. I start washing on Monday and finishing folding on Wednesday. Very fun! There is something great and theraputic about the nicely stacked clean laundry, and getting to check this task off my list until next week...

Now if I can only get the kids to put it away without just jamming it in their drawers!

Picnic Program

2009-06-09T07:09:00.000-07:00

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Recently Livy had her end of preschool picnic program. She goes to an adorable little preschool in a lady's home and the program was held in the park across the street. It was so fun. She is fearless. Never afraid of strangers or social situations, and LOVES to see her preschool friends. She has one very best friend, Claire, but loves the others as well. Interestingly, there are two little girls named Brynnly in Livy's class. It cracks me up that she calls one of them Brynnly and the other one, the other Brynnly. To her face! She is an adorable little girl. The other day Finn said, "You know whats weird about Livy? When we go to the park she always just plays with people (little girls her age) that she doesn't even know. (This is unfathomable for Mr. Shy.) She is spunky and fun and I love being her Amy! Also...to illustrate how strong willed my little lady is, please notice the adorable pink sweater (her very favorite) worn on a 90 degree day. She loved how beautiful she looked and never took it off until we got home. I love a girl who knows what she wants!

Funny Brothers

2009-06-02T12:12:00.000-07:00

One of the best things about our new family is that Finn and Brandon are only 6 days apart. They are adorable little friends who love to play and imagine together. They do sometimes argue, but it is more common for them to get in trouble for talking after bedtime (or laughing, or swining from their bunk beds, or jumping off their bunk beds into a huge pile of snuggle animals and pillows.) Recently when Finn was gone visiting his dad Brandon really missed him. Everyday when I would pick Brandon up from school, he would ask, where is Finn. And he told me several times "That brother is AWESOME." I am so glad they are friends. I love to watch them laugh and play together. I hope they will always enjoy each other so much.

That final picture cracks me up. It was their special invention so they could both swing together. I don't know how they decided who would swing in which position, but it seems to me that the guy on the bottom is getting a bum deal.

Ah Summer!

2009-06-01T17:45:00.000-07:00

Nothing signals the start of summer better than a ripe juicy watermelon. The beautiful bright red fruit, the juice running down your arms, and that wonderful sweet taste. Summer is here, and I hope I will see a lot more of these adorable boys with or without their shirts on, running around outside with watermelon all over their faces and running down their arms. I love being a mom, and I LOVE these little reminders that dispite the trails we all face life is pretty great!

More From "The Finninator" (self titled - as in "Who wants to play with THE FINNINATOR?")

2009-05-15T21:35:00.000-07:00

Today in the grocery store Finn asked me if he was holding up his right hand. I said yes, and then he told Brandon that he was right handed, but left toothed.

What? I asked. He explained that he is right handed, but chews his food on the left side of his mouth, so he is left toothed.

Also...

I was driving Finn to school today and he was bouncing in his seat. If any of you know him you know that my first question had to be "do you need to use the bathroom?" He did, but there was something else.

"I just can't wait to get to school. This is going to be a great day! It's Friday you know."

I know Fridays are very special because its the day they get chocolate milk for snack, so I say "Chocolate Milk, huh?"

"Yup, chocolate milk and chickens!"

His kindergarten class hatched some baby chicks from an incubator and today they were old enough to be touched. Finn proceeded to explain that they had finally started to grow some wings which was very exciting. I asked him if they could fly, thinking they probably learned that chickens don't really fly. "No." he said, "they haven't learned to fly yet, but when I get my turn to hold one I'm going to throw him up in the air to teach him to fly!"

YIKES! And he is the farm boy in the class. I talked him out of it, which is incredible since he is never wrong in his own mind. He thought it was a brilliant, and nurturing plan, to teach these poor motherless chicks how to fly.

My little sweetheart nearly suffered the fate of one of my friends who accidentaly threw their kindergarten class hamster on the floor when she got frightened of it grabbing her sweater. The hamster died, and she was branded a killer for the rest of elementary school.

Spring has Sprung

2009-05-05T12:11:00.000-07:00

I have loved watching Spring spring up all around us. The trees and flowers are blooming. The new grass along the river behind our house is that gorgeous spring green color that I love. (I once painted my kitchen that color.)

And there have been other fun surprises. Here are a few photos of what spring has been like at the Waltons'.

Of course I knew that we owned a chicken costume (thanks Jennecca.) And I have seen Finn ride a tiny clown type bike many times, but it is Finn's magical ability to combine things that I expect in a very unexpected way. He rode around our house and cul-de-sac like this for hours, and every time I would laugh or a neighbor would comment he would react like "what?" Don't you ride around in a chicken suit? What else can I say. This boy is fun and adorable in every season!

The Doctrine and Covenants Gets a New Name

2009-04-27T06:58:00.000-07:00

Finn to me: Did you know its not the Doctor Ninn Covenants?

Me: Really what is it called then?

Finn: Its called the Doctor and Covenants.

Is it wrong that I didn't even try to tell him what its really called because I think its so cute. Also if you know Finn at all you know that he wouldn't listen to me anyway. Once he gets it in his head it is totally, well, scripture!

More of the World According to Finn

2009-04-10T09:44:00.001-07:00

Yesterday while riding in the car Finn says to me, "Mom, did you know that the younger someone is, the hotter they are?"

"Really, Finn?" Wow, what the heck, this boy seriously understands the way the world works.

He proceeded to explain to me that young people have more skin than old people. As people get older their skin gets smaller, and sucks in. It gets weaker and colder and skin gets gone and comes away and you get colder. Then when the skin gets weaker and older the person just dies. Thats why kids don't really need jackets, and old people are always cold.

Totally makes sense! I love this guy!

Library Finn

2009-04-01T12:31:00.000-07:00

Several months ago a new Library opened in Eagle Idaho.

It is very clean and organized.

And it has the nicest, and most helpful librarian.

I love that the dress code is so casual. The staff even wears gorilla jammies. And you get the best smile at checkout.

Finn absolutely loves running his library. He spends a lot of time creating original works of art to display and sell there. He also sells clothing that he has outgrown, and toys that no longer interest him. Recently when his school library had a book fair, so did the Library Finn. We got to purchase books during the book fair. The prices were based on the size of the book. A fact I didn't know until I purchased a huge art book for $200. Luckily I have 5 million in my library account. One time Finn asked me what book I was going to check out next. I picked one and told him I would come back and get it when I finished the stack I was reading. A few minutes later he found me and told me that there was a long line outside the library and that he was afraid all of the people were there to get my book. I rushed to the library and he led me in. I was so disappointed to find that the book I had been planning to get next was missing from the shelves, probably checked out by one of the invisible patrons. I expressed my sadness, but then Finn took me to the front of the line and opened his special librarian cabinet to reveal that he had put the book aside for me. I was overjoyed. If only I had realized that the painful c-section I went through to get Finn would also mean I would someday have special privileges at the library, I may have endured it more happily.

HEAVEN!

2009-03-21T17:54:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that I skipped one of the most heavenly parts of my San Fransisco trip. Kirk took me to a fabric store that was 4 stories of amazing fabrics.

Yes that's right ladies, I just said that my HUSBAND went to a huge, amazing fabric store with me. Actually he walked there with me, and took this picture because he just had to see my reaction to a fabulous store, that he has been telling me about since I met him. Then, he walked back to the hotel to prepare for some client meetings while I browsed, and browsed. One of the best parts was that they were having a special 1 day everything in the store 30 percent off sale. It was incredible! It was like the day after Thanksgiving shopping, but for fabric. I LOVED it. And I LOVE Kirk for taking me there. Kirk told me about this store during our first conversation. Now I can say, you had me at "I know this great fabric store!"

You Can't Stab Anyone's Eyes Out With A Snuggle Animal

2009-03-17T20:52:00.001-07:00

Tonight while laying with Finn he started talking about a friend of his who sometimes gets in trouble. He told me (with shock and outrage,) that the friend once brought a rock to the carpet time. (This is where the whole class sits really close together on a giant alphabet carpet, and reads stories etc.) I reminded him, in an attempt to restore some humility, that he once got in trouble for bringing a snuggle animal to the carpet time. He covered his eyes. Oh the shame of being in trouble. And then perked right back up to tell me that bringing a rock was much worser than bringing a snuggle animal. I asked why, and he told me that the rock was sharp and could be used to stab someones eyes out. But A SNUGGLE ANIMAL CAN'T STAB ANYONE'S EYES OUT! This last line said with much emphasis as if punctuated with a big fat DUH MOM!

So there you go. One more tidbit of wisdom from Finn McPherson. I can't imagine what has happened in Finn's life that he is measuring every object by its ability to stab someones eyes out. Yikes. Next weeks family home evening will be on Thou Shalt Not Stab Anyone's Eyes Out.

The Best Way To Tell A Secret

2009-03-15T19:09:00.000-07:00

Today Finn woke me up from a nap and told me he had a new way to tell a secret. He cupped his hands around his mouth and then put his hands around my nose and whispered a secret. He told me that this is the best way to tell a secret, because the person can't even hear it because you whisper it right up their nostrils, and nostrils can't hear.

I wonder if this is a technique the CIA or FBI could use. He tried the same technique whispering things into my mouth and eye, but determined that the eye whisper wasn't as effective because the eye is to close to the ear. Smart boy!

Its all about the bling!

2009-03-12T21:11:00.000-07:00

Last night while I was laying with Porter he was playing with the wedding ring on my finger. He commented on it, and I told him how I loved it. He said that I should trade my diamond in for a heart shaped one because Daddy and I are so in love. I told him that I was more of a simple, round cut girl. He told me that someday when he gets engaged he will probably give the girl he wants to marry a diamond shaped like a big Y, you know, for BYU. Then he said that maybe he would just get one of those brass knuckle BLING*BLING kind of things made out of diamonds that says BYU. I told him that if he got down on one knee and opened a jewelry box with that in it, and the girl said YES. She is definetly the ONE!

My kids crack me up!

2009-03-08T20:20:00.000-07:00

Porter has been feeling like he needs a little extra one on one mom time lately, so tonight I asked him if he would like to go for a walk with me in the morning. He was really excited about it, and then said "this will be great, we can talk about our social lives!"

Valentines trip to San Fransisco

2009-02-25T11:51:00.000-08:00

Kirk and I went to San Fransisco for Valentines Day weekend. Kirk had to meet with some Clients on Friday and Monday, so we got to spend 4 days in the Bay City. I have always wanted to go back there and really have time to explore. It was a great trip. We forgot our real camera, so all the pictures were taken with the iphone. Not great pictures, but I'm glad to have some documentation of the fun trip. Here are the highlights:

*The first thing I saw as we came out of the gate at the airport was the beautiful bay.
*We got to stay in a very old hotel (you know how I LOVE old buildings) that had been renovated with a very modern look.
*We stayed just a block from Market street, and the Westfield shopping center. Seriously only 2 blocks from Anthropologie.
*Sourdough Bread bowls and chowder from Boudins
*Romantic walks in the rain (sometimes a run in the rain.)
*Driving across the Golden Gate Bridge.

a>strong>*Getting the last 2 tickets to Alcatraz. I have been totally intrigued by the history of this place since I was a kid, and was dying to go. Besides what is more romantic than spending your first Valentines Day together on the ROCK!

We are going to be posting a copy of this in our house. Do you think these foo foo vinyl companys print prison regulations?

*Walked around the city and Union Square at 10:00 pm to find a good Valentines Dinner restaurant.
*Just getting to be with my new husband in a beautiful city without any of the kids. I really loved spending so much time with him. I hope we always enjoy eachother this much.

div>

The cable car museam - it was actually really fascinating.

Kirk and I on Alcatraz Island. What a great guy! I am a very lucky girl!

The Andrus Elementary Ninja Club

2009-02-19T21:27:00.000-08:00

Ok, I know that everyone is going to think this blog is all about Finn, and honestly this little guy is so entertaining to me, that I should probably just make a blog exclusively to document the funny things he does. Until then, I hope everyone will forgive some more Finn-isms.

Finn told me recently, during another bedtime conversation, that he started a ninja club at his school. He invited nearly all of the kids from his Kindergarten class, and some of the kids from the other class to be in it. This really surprised me because Finn hasn't really been obsessed with ninjas or anything, and has in the past been somewhat shy. Anyway he was telling me about asking some of the kids, and he told me that he asked Travis, (Travis is a kid who called Finn ugly during the first few weeks of school. Finn asked me to confront him on the playground, and they have been friends ever since.) if he wanted to be a helper in the ninja club. Travis said he would need to ask his mom. So Finn said he could just be in the club and not be a helper, but Travis said he would need to ask his mom about that as well. When Finn told me this I laughed. (Perhaps its not funny when you read about it, but if you know Finn and have heard him tell a tale with his eyes popping and eybrows shooting up, you know why I think its funny.) Anyway, I laughed and then said (joking) what a sissy! Yikes, I hope Finn doesn't tell Travis that I think he is a sissy.

Also the ninja club has a meeting every Wednesday before school, and practices ninja soccer and other ninja sports during the recesses. Yesterday Finn told me that he had told the 4 members of the ninja club that there would be no more ninja activities until next Thursday because it was just taking up to much of his time and he didn't have time to just play with his friends and do the monkey bars.

Today he disbanded the ninja club altogether because he was really hurt that he had invited so many kids to participate and only 4 of them kept showing up. He said it was just to much pressure for him to train everybody.

Amazing!

One Occupation Finn Can Just Forget About

2009-01-13T22:38:00.000-08:00

Last night while lying in bed with Finn I asked him about his day at school and if he played with his friend Katelyn S. (who he is going to marry unless she wants to marry him first.) His eyes got huge and his eyebrows shot up "Guess what happened to Katelyn on the playground today?"

"What????"

"She got stuck at the top of the rock climbing wall."

Now I had previously thought it was really cool that he has several rock climbing walls on his playground, and probably because my child is part monkey, I had never considered that other children could possibly fall to their death (or twisted ankle) or, as was the case with Katelyn S., get stuck at the top. I said, trying to match Finn's level of shock about the event, "What did you do? Did you help her get down?"

"Well I tried but I couldn't, and even the duty"(a woman who walks around the playground with an earpiece in her ear and a receiver strapped to her belt like a secret service person) "wouldn't help her down, she said Katelyn needed to get down by herself."

I said, "Oh no, how did she finally get down."

"Finally the duty realized that she couldn't do it herself and she helped her down."

Wow, "So Finn," I said "What were you doing to try and help her get down?"

"Oh, I was just yelling things to help her!"

"Like what?"

" Like JUMP!!!"

That's it Finn can just forget about being a crisis negotiator. I definitely don't want him next to me if I'm on a ledge somewhere.

Did you know that bad words have a monarchy?

2009-01-06T18:38:00.000-08:00

Tonight Finn said to me, "Mom do you know that the A word is the king of bad words.? It is???? Yes, and Poop and Pee are the guards. Toot is the gate, and do you know what the queen is mom? How could I not say what? Its Butt mom, and that is really confusing because butt isn't even really that bad of a word.

How did you think of all this Finn. "I didn't," he said, "I sat with a new boy on the bus, and he told it to me."

I am grateful that he doesn't always sit by that boy, and that they both think those are the worst words, but I may start driving them to school a lot more.

(I have to apologize here for the excess of potty words in this post, but I can't say it will never happen again. I do have 5 boys after all.)

Finally Living the Dream

2008-12-25T10:32:00.001-08:00

While we were in Southern California a few weeks ago Porter, Finn and I went to Disneyland. The boys have been wanting to go there for years, and I have been trying to make it happen. Finally the day came and the boys could barely contain their excitment. They were giddy, and amazed by everything they saw. They were so grateful to be there, and before we could even get down Main St. they had thanked me many times for bringing them. As we were standing in line for Space Mountian Porter looked up at me, his smile splitting his face, and said, "I can't believe we're finally living the dream!"

It was a wonderful day. Magical even. No one fought or complained. Nobody cried or begged for stuff. The boys were full of wonder, and gratitude and couldn't help expressing it. The happiest place on earth was made even happier because Aunt Wendy, everybody's favorite Aunt, came to meet us there. It was so fun to go on rides and have lunch with her. She was a great sport, and didn't even mind getting wet on splash mountain. (There is a reason the line for that ride is so short in December. BRRRRRRR!)

Our magical day was made complete by an amazing fire works show over Sleeping Beauty's castle in the evening. The fireworks were synchronized with beautiful Chrstmas music. When the fire works were over I looked over at Porter and both of our eyes were filled with tears. We just stood in the streets and hugged eachother. Just then the song I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas started playing, and it started snowing little puffs of bubbles. The air was filled with the beautiful white fluff, and people all around were ooohing and aaahing. Seriously that Walt Disney guy really knows how to direct a happy ending!

A New Holiday Classic

2008-12-25T10:25:00.000-08:00

Don't you just love the beautiful Christmas music this time of year. For weeks our house has been filled with the joyous strains of familiar Christmas carols, as well as some new favorites. This morning however, there is a new song filling the air. It seems to have gotten stuck in Finn's head, and he just keeps repeating this one line.

"I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus...It was very gross for me!"

There is no use trying to correct him, and tell him the real lyrics. As usual Finn knows he is right. I asked him why he thought that would be gross, and he said well guess what? I DO think its gross when you kiss daddy, so it would be even grosser if you kissed Santa. Hmmmm, I disagree!

Some People Are Just Afriad of Santa

2008-12-25T10:15:00.001-08:00

Last night as we were putting our kids to bed, I was lying with Finn who shares a room with Brandon. Finn was talking about when he went to see Santa in California. He said that he didn't sit on Santa's lap, but just stood next to him. Brandon asked, "why didn't you sit on his lap, were you afraid of him?"

Finn, acting a little offended quickly replied with an emphatic 'NO!"
Brandon said, "well some people are just afraid of Santa."
Finn agreed, "yeah, like theives."
I said, "really, thieves are afraid of santa? Why?"
Finn explained, "its because he has all of those umbrellas, and the theives know that he could just whack them."
I said, "what umbrellas?"
Finn said, "well you know how it snows all the time in the North Pole. Santa has to always carry an umbrella, and since they break easily he probably has a lot of them."

I am telling you he says these things with a straight face, and is completely convinced that he is correct. I think he has a great career in politics!

Trip to California

2008-12-21T17:37:00.001-08:00

The Monday after Thanksgiving Porter, Finn, Kirk and I drove to Southern California to stay with Kirks mom for a week. We had a LOT of fun. She lives in Dana Point, and we loved getting up in the mornings and looking out at the ocean from her dining room. We did a lot of fun things on our trip. The first day we were there we went to the Aquarium of the Pacific.

The boys were amazed! Finn had a great time dancing with the Puffin. Porters favorite part was the Cockatoo show. Finn was quite a photographer. He wanted to take pictures of all the animals.

They loved getting a little keepsake snuggle animal to remember their fun day at the aquarium, and walking along the pier afterwards, right across from the Queen Mary.

It was a great day. Later on we went to Santa Monica and walked along the big pier there. The boys wanted to try several different desserts that were sold along the promenade. Finn chose something called a xooro (pronounced sure-o) It was delicious and the packaging was really fancy. Porter didnt like the dessert, but wanted to keep the package. Then after walking for quite a way trying to find an icecream place (everyone around us was in coats, but my boys are in shorts looking for an ice cream store - do you think they could tell we were tourists.) We finally found a Citrus Valley yogurt shop. It was really beautifully decorated, (probably why I noticed it) and sold only plain, unsweetened frozen yogurt that you could put toppings on. The boys tried it before we ordered, and I could tell that Porter didn't really like it. I asked him if he liked it and he said he thought it would be better with toppings on it. The had a gorgeous, colorful buffet of fresh fruits you would choose from, but Porter chose m&m's and Finn, predictably choose gummy bears. When we sad down Finn devoured his, eating everything but the yellow gummy bears, because I just don't eat the yellows mom, but Porter barely touched his. I asked him why he ordered it if he knew he didn't like it. He said he just didn't want to hurt the clerks feelings. I love that he is so sensitive to others feelings, even though the 15 yr. old kid who was listening to his ipod and playing on a laptop probably couldn't have cared less.

Finn got a new computer

2008-12-15T23:02:00.000-08:00

When Finn came home from school the day before Thanksgiving he had a new computer. It looked surprisingly like a large piece of construction paper with colored turkeys on it and a book attached called 5 Little Turkeys, but Finn told us that was really only the decoration of it, and it was his new laptop. He wanted to show me how he can watch movies on the computer. I watched while he used the finger mouse in the center of the keyboard. Waited while the files loaded. Was able to choose from several different movie selections. Adjusted the screen so I could see better. This special computer had all the features and functions of the real deal, we even had to wait once while the battery charged. He didn't just show me. He showed everyone, with shocking similarity every time.

At one point, I actually started to question Finn's sanity a little bit. I am just going to say he is a very smart creative boy. That sounds better than cuck-oo cuck-oo right?

Thanksgiving (part deux)

2008-12-10T22:28:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures of our wonderful Thanksgiving weekend, but it was awesome! Kirk and Brittany came to our house on Wednesday night, Mom, Dad and Ty the next day. It was so fun to anticipate everyones arrival. I love planning and cooking Thanksgiving dinner, it is one of my favorite things. Most of all though, I love having my family around me. I have been so homesick for them lately. Mom and Dad brought their bikes to "ride Finn's butt off" (dad's words - like you couldn't guess) around our neighborhood. It really thrilled me to see my little men riding around with two of the people they love most in the world. Before dinner we all shared what we are thankful for. Of course I have to say how grateful, thankful, and blessed I feel for my family, (new and previously viewed). They are everything.

Mom got up and shopped with me on Friday morning. She didn't really want to I know, and I don't think she will ever do it again, but it was so fun to have her with me. Kirk and Ty met us at 6am, and shopped "victoriously." Ty pushed some old ladies out of the way, and Kirk ran through the isles to obtain our bounty. All I can say is I LOVE those guys.

Ryan, Traci and co. arrived Friday night and we had a blast! Man I really wish my family lived closer. I sure love those guys, and was thrilled when Jenny told me that they are coming back during summer vacation for 5 days and 5 nights.

Riding the Gravy Train

2008-12-10T21:57:00.000-08:00

We got to celebrate Thanksgiving early this year. The Walton kids, and Grandma Walton joined us the weekend before Thanksgiving to have our big Turkey dinner. We had a great weekend. We put up Christmas decorations in the morning, and had a turkey dinner in the afternoon. (When I look at the pictures of this dinner I am surprised by how sparse our table looks. Most of our children are picky eaters, and since I want peace at the table, and satisfied children I made only dishes I knew they would eat. My adventurous cooking is taking a break!)

By far the highlight of our big holiday dinner was the GRAVY TRAIN!

Kirk Jr. literally made this train out of legos, named it the Gravy train, and had the idea to put the track around our table and use his remote control train to serve things at our meal. He modified the train to hold napkins, salt and pepper, butter (beautifully served in the wrapper) and baby carrots, (he was a little disappointed that we couldn't figure out a way to fit the gravy boat on the train). It was awesome. All the kids loved it, and I was so proud and amazed by our very creative son. I can't wait to see what happens at Christmas dinner.

Happy Halloween

2008-11-09T21:33:00.000-08:00

We had a great Halloween. First we went trunk or treating at our ward building.

The kids were SO excited. Especially Livy. She was Tinkerbell (thanks for the costume Labelle) and she got out of the car and started running to people and saying "Tinkerbell, Trick or Treat!" Brandon was a frog, a costume I guess he has had for a while but is emotionally attached to, and adorable. Finn was Cosmo, the BYU Cougar. Uncle Cory bought him the cougar head at the UNLV/BYU game. Finn chose it over a football and blue hair. He thinks he caused the Cougs to win because he put the hat back on right before the cougars intercepted the ball in the last play! The costume was very popular/unpopular at the church. Porter was a hippie. Gotta love the ‘fro. Eric was a Samurai, and Kirk Jr. was a very nerdy nerd.

We let them go around and around the church parking lot, and then finally headed back home some pictures and more trick or treating.

We told the kids that if a house’s lights were off, that we wouldn’t go trick or treating there. Livy would run from house to house yelling, “lights on GO, GO!” After going for a while the kids’ bags were so heavy that they started putting them in the wagon in between houses. Livy heard Eric ask if we could go home. She said, “NO, I need more candy.”

How could we resist that little cutie. We did keep going, and we definitely got more candy!

I forgot to take pictures of them carving pumpkins, so you won’t get to see the 2 Indiana Jones pumpkins (Finn and Brandon) complete with hats and whips, and Spock (Eric) with pointy ears.

Also I did not take pictures of us doing the corn maze, because it was dark when we went there. The boys LOVED laying down in the maze (covering their glow sticks) and scaring me when I walked by. It was so fun, and we loved the hot donuts at the end.

Blue Blood

2008-09-13T17:07:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure that if we took the boys for a check up the Dr. would find blue blood running through their veins. Uncle Mark and Aunt Susan gave us tickets to the season opening BYU football game. We sat 2 rows up from the field and were visited in our seats by Cosmo. The boys had a great time, and were excited to see Uncle Kim and Uncle Cory & Courtney at the game!

The boys all want to go to the Y so it was a great chance for them to catch a llittle bit of the BYU football fever. It's very contagious!!!

Labor Day Weekend

2008-09-13T16:30:00.000-07:00

For Labor Day weekend Kirk and i took Kirk Jr., Eric, Porter and Finn on a fun trip to Provo UT and Aberdeen. We stayed with Kirk's Uncle Mark and Aunt Susan (who are fabulous hosts) and spent time with cousins Ken and Kelley and their children Ryan and Evelyn. For days KJ and Eric told us how great going to Uncle Mark and Aunt Susans house is. We certainly weren't disappointed. We arrived late on Friday night, and talked and played games into the wee hours of the morning. Saturday morning Uncle Mark and Ken took us up to Tibble Fork Canyon to go fishing.

We loved being with Uncle Mark. He is such a kind, patient person. All the boys had the time of their lives, and we were happy to have them gain such precious memories with a very important person in the Walton family. Thanks so much Uncle Mark and Ken for the great fishing trip.

Very Muddy Boys

2008-09-13T16:17:00.000-07:00

Porter has always been such a clean boy. He has never liked to get dirty. He has only worn out the knee of one pair of jeans. I often tell him to "Go play, get dirty, stain something." We both cheered last year when Porter came home from school with his first ever grass stain. Knowing this about my son Porter, you can imagine how shocked I was to open my door and find this standing there!

The McPherson Boys meet the Walton kids

2008-09-13T16:13:00.000-07:00

Porter, Finn and I traveled to Eagle to meet Kirks kids for the first time. We jumped on the trampoline, played soccer in the yard, wrestled, and had an epic water fight. As the kids were playing in the yard in the waning summer light, Kirk and I watched them out the back window and couldn't help commenting that they really looked like a family.

Pictures to follow later!

A Very Busy Summer

2008-09-13T16:05:00.000-07:00

It is the understatement of the century to say that the Waltons have had a Very busy summer. I can't begin to document everything that our family has done this summer, but over the next few days I hope to add a few posts to share some of the highlights with our family and friends.