Thank you

I went to Costco last week to get some pictures. While I was waiting, I bought some Cold Stone gift cards, because they were discounted. As I was getting them from an employee, and old man came up to me and said, “Thank You.” I thought he was being clever and wanted me to give him the cards. I just looked confused and said, “What?” He said “Thank you.” I said, “For what?” He said, “For having all these kids and for being a good mother.” That was very kind of him. Most people say things that indicate they think I'm crazy for having so many kids that are obviously close in age.

We all have the timing that works for us in having kids. We all have a number of kids that works for us. My decisions may be different than yours, but they're Scott's and my decisions. We love all our kids and we love how close they are in age. I wouldn't change a thing. Yes, chaos may ensue when I go shopping with all of them, but I love them anyway.

Glasses

He has glasses!

We had a bit of a disagreement about frames. Richard wanted some plastic, navy blue frames with a light blue stripe. I told him I would not pay for them. I know I've looked at pictures of myself at 7 and wished I didn't have the glasses that I did. So, I'm hoping to prevent the comment of "Mom, why did you let me out of the house like that!" He who has the gold makes the rules, right?

So far Richard seems OK with the idea. He did ask if he had to wear his glasses to school. When I told him he did, he didn't fight me. He has made comments about being able to see things better and not realizing that some things were even there (like small words on a dark sign). 

I just hope for his sake that his eyes aren't as bad as mine have turned out to be. We're not off to a very promising start...

Basketball

We signed Richard up for basketball through the city. The teams spend the first 30 minutes doing drills and learning how to handle the ball. Then, they play a "game." Fouls and traveling are really not acknowledged so they can just focus on trying to figure out what they're doing. I think Richard is enjoying himself. One of his best friends is on the team, which always makes things more fun. My brothers loved basketball and played really well, and so I grew up enjoying watching basketball. I hope Richard likes it!

The dreaded note

About a month ago Richard came home with a note from school that said, "To the parents of Richard Woolston." My son FAILED the vision test. I guess it was only a matter of time. My eyes are HORRIBLE and it was too much to ask that all my kids get Scott's 20/20 vision. We went to the eye doctor a couple of days ago and picked out glasses for Richard yesterday. I'll post pictures when the glasses come in. Oh, and my eyes are worse and I need new contacts.

Halloween

I helped the kids carve pumpkins. They had a fun time scooping out the seeds and strings. 

Marie is wearing her dress bum cover (Is the official term bloomers?). She's not  just wearing underwear :)

Yes, we do feed Richard. 

 I let Richard and Audrey draw the face they wanted me to carve.

Can you see the face on this one? Looks like a super fat man to me with  a monstrous chin and cheeks.

The costume parade at Richard's school.

Marie is a fairy princess. Audrey is Cinderella. Richard is Harry Potter.
Thomas is a cow. Peter is Superman.

 The kids went out with Scott. We had beautiful weather and the kids had a great time. They got tons of candy. Well, except for Peter. He dragged his bag on the ground and ripped a hole in it. Scott didn't realize it until a lot of the candy was gone. Bummer. Fortunately, Peter doesn't seem concerned. Thomas stayed at home with me. He was a lot happier after the group picture, because I fed him.

Getting in on the fun

So, week after week I take a picture of Thomas. Peter finally decides he wants a turn! He makes me smile!

Attempts to get pictures of Thomas smiling

I could not get him to look at me! 

My best one so far!