my five little people

Roma's picture finally made it to the side bar! Newsflash, I have five kids.  Time to do a quick update.

Benjamin 

11 years and 3 months old

.Ben continues to amaze us with his mature personality and responsible attitude.  He is excited about being a BOY SCOUT in a major way and has earned his first two merit badges before coming a tenderfoot.  (as if I know that that means.)  He loves doing homework and is building a massive savings account.  He won't spend money on anything.  Whatever task you give this kid, he gets it done... and fast!  He has always been so neat and clean, but recently I've noticed he's more focused on being quick than he is about being organized.  A few days ago, I sat down with him to have a light-hearted conversation about his messy dresser and the amount of clothes that aren't getting put in the hamper.  After our talk, he rushed upstairs to clean up and a minute later I found him in his room, lying face down on his bed crying about it.  I felt terrible (but was more surprised than anything because he doesn't cry often.)  I rubbed his back and asked him if everything was okay and he said, "I feel so bad, I didn't even know I was becoming messier."  I laughed (quietly) and told him about the time he was 4 and cut the screen to the sliding glass door.  He bawled about it all day and I couldn't punish him because he'd already punished himself.  We laughed and then went in the kitchen to make waffles for breakfast.  While cooking I told him I felt bad for him that he was my guinea pig... I have done a lot of parental experimenting on him over the years and he's taken it in stride.  He is growing into a young man and I couldn't be more proud.  Love my Benny boy!

Luke

9 years and 8 months old

Luke is my side-kick during the day while Ben and Zack are at school.  He spends his time reading (2-3 hours a day), playing the piano (1-2 hours a day) and working on some kind of art project, origami animal or lego village.  He is in the process of making a book of all 50 state flags and so far it's amazing.  He always keeps himself busy and never bothers me.. ever.  That's why I keep him home all day!  He is the ultimate helper with Simon and Ro and loves to get them dressed, play a game or take them for a quick wagon ride around the block. Our favorite dates together are to the library or Michael's craft. Luke is such a creative guy and is growing up way too quickly.  

Zack

6 years and 9 months old

Zack Attack has mellowed out by leaps and bounds.  I've seen a huge change in him since Roma arrived.  He is helpful and sweet and loves his baby sister.  He can still play his spaz card and we love it when Wacky Zacky comes to play!  He's not a fan of chores, but will work as long as there's music and other people involved.  He is the first person to wake up every morning and usually has his lunch made and his backpack on long before it's time to go to school.  He loves his teacher (Ms. Luke) but let's face it, he's really there for he social interaction... recess, PE, and lunch are what keeps his motor running.  We have major issues with the amount of things he keeps in "special spots" around the house.  Zack will hold on to everything he's ever made, anything he's ever looked at and of course, all of the gifts he's ever been given. I have the hardest time parenting Zack, but really he's a sweetheart.  The other day he left on a bike ride with his friends.  To my surprise, he came bounding in the front door a minute later.  I asked him what was wrong and he said, "nothing.  I just forgot to give you a hug and tell you goodbye."  He gets off the hook all the time because he's so sweet.  #watchoutladies #player 

Simon

2 years and 11 months old

This boy has a birthday coming up and he could not be more excited for his Avengers party.  He is a little man trapped in a three year old's body.  He talks nonstop all day long and I love it.  He makes dinner with me every night and loves to help with chores.  Only problem is he makes a bigger mess while cleaning/cooking, but I am hopeful he will get it one of these days.  As long as you talk to him and treat him like an adult, he's a happy camper.  A boy in the carpool likes to tease him that he's little and it absolutely drives Simon crazy.  If he wasn't buckled in his carseat, I guarantee you a fight would break out.. don't mess with the little big boy.  He's shows me how TALL and strong he is about 20 times a day.  One of his biggest concerns is that he's going to grow so big he will break our house... he will often have nightmares that he grows so big he can't fit in our car or house.  Of course, I think it's hilarious he stresses about getting too big.  I could not survive a day without this charming little boy of mine.  

Roma

1 year and 18 days old

Roma and I have a love/hate relationship.  I love her to pieces, but I am not her favorite person and she lets me know, often.  She's a tomboy and would much rather wrestle with her brothers on the floor than cuddle.  She is sassy and silly and screams when she doesn't get her own way.  She loves to be outside, preferably in the wagon or at the park.  She knows what she wants and is pretty good and letting us know when and where to take her (she points and grunts all day long).  She will say a handful of words (dada, Luute, mama, deeee for drink, and she also says the names of her two best friends Jane and Katie, who are both older than mom.)  She is a social butterfly and loves to look people in the eyes and have conversations with them.  Her all time favorite buddy is Zack and she will go to him anywhere, as long as he carries her (no walking yet.)  The other day, Zack was making her laugh while I was holding her.  I giggled too because her laugh was so darling.  She looked at me, stopped laughing and slapped me in the face as if to say, "you're not a part of this conversation."  Which made me laugh harder, but she was seriously mad at me. It's the weirdest thing to explain, but sometimes I feel like I am carrying around a midget woman on my hip. I love her zest for life and her ability to speak her mind even though she can't speak at all!  Can't wait to watch her grow and learn.  Toddlers are my favorite!!