old dog, new trick

As with most 12 year old's, procrastination and the fun first, work later, attitude is alive and well in Ricky. He gets his work done, stays on honor roll, but consistently chooses to do the work the night before, or morning of, the day it is due. Hoping to change this I made him a deal. I would learn how to wave board if he would learn how to get his work done prior to the night before it was due. He agreed and for two weeks he has finished his work with days to spare. So yesterday I spent the afternoon learning how to street surf. Together we discovered Ricky has a knack for teaching and I am not as clumsy as we though. After a good 45 minutes of embarrassing falls and lots of laughter (mostly by Ricky) I got the hang of it and even impressed myself (and a few neighbors who drove by. I can't imagine what they thought...oh, well)! The best part about the entire experience was when Ricky's friends came over and I went to disappear. Ricky asked me where I was going and then asked me to stay and show his friends what I learned. They thought it was cool. We rode around for quite a while and had a blast! Ricky wants to take a picture to post on the site. I told him to give it a week or so and if I don't break anything he can. If you want to know what 'wave boarding' is it's like a skate board with only two wheels, one on the front and one on the back. The wheels are like casters (they rotate in a full circle). Check out this site to see one: http://www.streetsurfing.com/

Today's lesson

Eggs don't flush easily in low flow toilets.

Taught by Jason, age 2.

Railroad Park

The day after the party we went with Grandma and Grandpa to the McCormick Railroad park (across from Scottsdale's finest wine pub, Terrior) . The kids had a great time. Especially Jason who was so excited to see all the trains.

We took him on a real miniature steam engine. He loved waving to all the people.

Highlight

The highlight of the party was when Jason and Donminique found it incredibly funny to throw rocks into a wheelbarrow. Who needs toys!

Birthday Party Pictures

Matt and Jason had no problem blowing out the trick candles.

Jason loved his Thomas Telephone. Matthew is showing off his new shirt and bathing suit.

Happy Valentines Day!

Valentines day is very special around here. Two years ago on the 14th Rick and I brought the last of the Bjornholm children (at least the ones coming from my belly) into this world. Three years (minus one week) before that we welcomed number three. They are now turning five and two. Time is flying by! We will be celebrating this weekend with a small family gathering at our house. Matt wants lots of red balloons (helium filled) and Jason is all about Thomas the choo choo train. On Matt's actual birthday he and I will take one of his friends out to Chuckee Cheese and then to Cold Stone Creamery. It's a tough job but someone has to do it! I will post some photo's from the celebration soon. If you want to wish them a Happy Birthday put it in the comments or email me and I will pass them along. Happy Valentines Day! Now go kiss the one you love!

matt with a mop

Having a little fun seeing what Matt would look like with Ricky's doo. I was hoping it would get Matt to want to keep his hair neat and trimmed a little longer. Instead he looked at the photo and said "cool, I look like Ricky!"

The boys

Matt and Ricky on Ricky's b-day. Matt wants to grow his hair out like Ricky. Can you picture that?
Matt and Jason trying unsucessfully to sit still during Kerri's Choir performance.

Choir photo

Kerri joined her schools Choir club which meets after school. They attended a festival at the Chandler Center for the Arts. Their club, along with other clubs from Chandler, got to learn from master directors and then they got to perform for us. I love to hear her sing! Kerri is standing right behind the girl with the green shirt and white sleeves, she is on the second row (from the bottom), one in from the end.

photo's

Taken back in January on Ricky's 12th birthday.