Heaven help us

Cowboy is going to be the death of me.  In more ways than one.

At the moment, he refuses to play with those different from himself.

Which means, in HIS words: "I don't play with brown people.  I don't like them.  I only like white ones like me."

WHAT?!?!?!?

Seriously mortifying.  Trying not to overreact to avert his doing this to get attention, but really?  REALLY?!?

Right as I was about to feel like an absolute and complete failure, Princess said to Cowboy: "That isn't okay!  I'm best friends with ..., ...., ...., and ...., and they are a different color and it doesn't matter at all!"

We've had several discussions over the last while reiterating who we can be friends with (everyone) and how everyone is a child of God.

And then I realized through no fault of anyone, there has really not been anyone his age that he is friends with or associates with who is at all different.  He's barely ever had anyone his own age around.  Typically they have been Princess's age or Brother Bear's.  And his preschool?  Every single child was white.  I had no idea until I looked at his school picture.

I worry.  He has a big mouth and likes to say what he thinks which makes me want to crawl into a hole because where do you think other people will think he got it from?!?  Even worse, what if he says it to a little person trying to be his friend in school?  How awful.  I'm seriously trying to nip this in the bud, but it's been so shocking I barely even know how to react.

I still feel like I failed.  But I'm a mom and it comes with the territory...

I really really hope I can change this BEFORE he hurts another mother's baby.  :(

The Upside and Downside of life

Which would you like first?

The downside could actually be considered upside depending on who you are.

We're moving still.

We're NOT moving to Utah as planned.

We're moving to...Boise!

My parents are being SUPER generous and letting us stay with them with all our stuff in storage for a bit - hopefully less than 3-4 months.  I think my mom is just happy she won't have to cook, go grocery shopping, and have less cleaning responsibilities.  Granted, my kids are going to be there so that last part might be a bit understated. :)  Kidding.  I'll just keep doing what I do at my own house there - except they have a LOVELY rule that whoever cooks doesn't have to do dishes.  :)  Can you see why I am planning on cooking every meal???  hahaha.

I know you aren't surprised at the complete change - this is Zane and I we are talking about.

Upside and downside to everything - one major upside: my kids (and I) LOVE their Grandma Great, and she loves them and I think they make each other pretty darn happy.  I'm glad they will have a chance to live close to her.  :)  Not to mention they love their grandparents too.

Letting go

Ummm...

I'm not going into details, those will come later.

We let the house in Eagle Mountain go.

Sometimes letting go is a good thing.

Especially when there are better things to come.  Hopefully.  :)

Lots of big things

What a big day!

We went and played at Grandma Great's.

Baby Boy took 3 steps.

Brother Bear went pee pee in the potty a ton - his idea!  :)  He also came in and said, "Mom!  I peed in the grass!"  I still cheered of course.  :)

Cowboy lost his first tooth!  We were playing a game and I glanced at him and noticed his tooth looked funny and I asked him what was wrong with it.  He said he broke it.  I ran over to inspect and the tooth practically fell out when I touched it.  Looks like he is on par with when Princess started losing all her teeth.  So fun.  He was so happy!

Grandma has now been here and a part of both of the older kids losing their first teeth.  Pretty cool.

There has also been a snag in our contract on the house.  Not a big deal, just more irritation.  I'm going to be glad when it's done.

Happy 4th!

This is my favorite verse of the national anthem, and unfortunately it's not one that most people ever hear:

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

I hope everyone had a great Independence day celebration!

Zane spent his driving back down to work.

We went to a parade this morning that was super fun - hit Five Guys on the way home for a juicy burger, and then the kids and I drove over to Boise to watch fireworks with my parents, grandma, and cousin.  It was AWESOME!  Baby Boy loved the fireworks after he got used to them and even started pointing his finger and I swear it sounded like he was saying "Look" and "Wow."

I feel incredibly blessed to live in such an extraordinary country.  Thanks to all who have made it possible!  Happy birthday America! 

Oh, and I still get teary EVERY time I hear and sing the song "Proud to be an American."  Never fails.  God bless the USA!!