Crazy...

I was cleaning the kitchen this morning, (that "drawer" on the bottom right is our dishwasher, HAL - I am grateful for it.  Period.  Otherwise our dishwasher would be named Eric...)

Yes, the milk jugs are being washed.  This is Japan...  even our gomi is clean!

And so is the kitchen...

Ian was building a BIG train track (his words, not mine).  He would periodically wander to the kitchen, two various pieces of track (one long, one really long and bumpy), "Which one, Mummy?"

Then he would go build.  And make trains.  Then come back with a "Y" & a straight track.  "Mummy?  Which one?" and then go incorporate my choice.

This evening, I came into the Family Room where Ian was putting together the "Mouse Trap", wearing a pair of red stretchy gloves.  I have to say, other than being a little stunned, I was impressed that he got every finger and both thumbs in it's own place!

These boys come by their love of Rube Goldberg-esque things very honestly (Grammy, Pop, me...).  Mouse Trap was a game of Jake & Kylie's that Dougie coveted.  And for his birthday, WOW, was he ever thrilled!  To pieces and to death, in fact.  Thank you Jake, Kylie, Auntie M & Uncle Alec - you gave the boys the best presents ever!  Proof - watch the video:

The boys talk about their cousins whenever they play Mouse Trap, which is often.  And AWESOME. That they talk about their cousins (playing Mouse Trap isn't bad either!  Waaaaaay better than Chutes and Ladders...).

Moral: We love you and miss you Auntie M, Uncle Alec, Jake & Kylie!!!  Must have a Skype date again soon...  these boys are crazy - about you!

Eight is Enough! Time Flies...

Eight years ago, a joy came to our lives.  He is our firstborn.  His name is Stefan Ericson Anthony.  He weighed in at 7 lbs 8 oz and was 20 inches long on June 29th, 2004.  He looked a lot like a baby dinosaur: bald & boney with HUGE eyes and curvaceous lips.  He became a smiley baby with hair like a rooster tail, HUGE eyes and curvaceous lips.  He has turned into a wiry, thick haired boy (like a hedgehog!) with HUGE eyes and curvaceous lips.

He has grown up so fast - it is hard to believe sometimes that he is EIGHT!  This year (past few months, really) has seen a bunch of his baby teeth fall out, starting second grade - at a new school, make new friends, have a few special friendships beyond school.  We have seen him turn into a bright, creative, chatty boy that gets into trouble mostly because his brain rarely shuts off (sound like anyone we know, Pop?!?)  I think the activity inside his head must actually exhaust him.  I know it does me!


This year, he asked for an airplane party.  So, we got a bunch of paper and let the kids make, and fly, their paper airplanes.  These kids were all pros!  One of them even dropped a bomb (great ingenuity, Matthew!).  Matthew and his family moved in kitty-corner behind us.  These boys have had a lot of fun creating various ways shoot and blow things up!  We are very glad to have the Paluszek's nearby!

Madeline is ever the trooper, being the only girl in a sea of boys.  She and Stefan have taken a shine to each other...  Although they never had a class together, they've known each other since Kindergarten.  Madeline and Caleb have known each other since the hospital (and before...).  All three were in Odyssey of the Mind year before last.

Caleb and Stefan were in Kindergarten & First Grade together.  We have really enjoyed our friendship with the Masons.  Caleb's younger brother, Carter, and Ian are fast friends.  They have kept us on our toes as they chase each other down and casually push the other down...

Andrew and Stefan have become good friends at Hayama.  They have really enjoyed each other - it is really fun to listen to Stefan bubble over with excitement when talking about his school and "what (he) did with Andrew today!"

Dougie made a two-tone plane, sticking to his "non-conformity" policy.  He also stuck to his "victim" policy and insisted the others were making fun of him and was refusing to participate.    He got it together enough to try - now we just need to practice "paper airplane throwing" form...

They also got a chance to act as a flight attendant, getting drinks to their destination without spilling while stepping over, around and through many hazards - and doing it with a smile :)

It was fun to see the creative ways the kids figured out how to tackle the obstacles - especially since this group of kids all tend to think "outside the box".  They really used what they had to their advantage!


Stefan was a SUPER-DUPER fortunate kid - he really got blessed with fun gifts!

I think you can see that he likes this...  Great choice Caleb!  He was also given an RC plane by the Mason's - he charged it and had it airborne before the sun set!

Stefan has been BEGGING for a Ninjago Spinjitsu - apparently Andrew knew exactly which ones he really wanted!  Thank you, Andrew!

Stefan was THRILLED to get a HUGE box of goldfish crackers and I was surprised that he did not eat half the box before nightfall.  He only ate about a quarter of it... ;)  And he is now the proud owner of the COOLEST water gun in Mabori.  Watch out, dry people, Stefan is armed!

Stefan put these Legos together immediately and put them on his shelf to display them.  He was super excited about these sets because the mini-figures are (apparently) hard to find.  Perhaps it was the mini-figures.  Perhaps it was because of the giver :)

(Picture not included because I did not think of taking one at the time - regret that now...) - William, you were missed!  We had a "Birthday Preview" with the Putaansuu's before they left for the States.  They brought Stefan gear and motor sets (Lego-compatible) from their trip to Taiwan.  These are really awesome sets!  Many industrious things have been built!

Thank you all for coming and making Stefan's Eighth Birthday Celebration something special.  You are a great group of kids!

The cake pops were a hit - lemon!  Look, Mummy!  Airplane!

Make a wish Stefan!  And blow...

 My wish is that time could stand still.  Eight Birthdays are enough.  I am afraid that before Eric and I can really get a grasp on what Stefan is like at 8, he will turn 9, then 10, then... He will have grown up too quickly.  Time really does fly (pun intended)!


Well, we thank the Lord for this boy every single day.  And I truly do look forward to seeing the man he grows into.  One day...

Happy Birthday, Stefan!!!  We love you!!!!