harstad happenings: Alive

We are alive. Perhaps the longest, and most uninspired blog break I have taken, for sure, but I am back.

Why? Because it's really hit me. My baby boy will be off to school soon. Sure, not for another 2 years will he be gone all day, every day, but it's coming. And fast. I felt so robbed of my time with Jonah, that I really want to enjoy this time with Benett. Because soon, the trains will be packed up along with all of the other toys, and the house will be so quiet. While I certainly dream of that moment sometimes, I am truly, not looking forward to it.

So for now, we enjoy our days together, and our evenings as a family. Recently, we borrowed the idea of using a love token system to reward the kids for good behaviour throughout the week. The biggest hit for Benett is 10 minutes of time on the iPad for himself. He doesn't care if he earned more than that, it is the only reward he is interested in attaining.

A lot has happened in the last six months. What? I am not really sure of (so goes my memory!), but the boy's birthday is never easily forgotten. Grampa has always been the one to want to buy the boys bikes or other big items, and so this year, we were very happy to let him oblige. Benett was ready for a bike, and so a bike he received. He was surprised, but so excited and proud that he was 'a big boy'.

Jonah also received lego, as usual, and was quite pleased to have his little brother go off to bed so he could enjoy it himself. I love when Benett gives him a goodnight hug and kiss.

And as usual, the got to have a "friend" party in addition to one with the family. Jonah had his usual friend, Jarvis, over, and we enjoyed a gluten free chocolate cake. It was actually pretty good. Oh yes, we put him on a gluten free diet shortly before his birthday. He has responded quite well to it and I think that I have noticed a difference.

The day of the 'family' party, the pile of presents was obscene. As usual. In fairness, it is for 2 kids, but still, those are some spoiled boys!

I was most excited to see Benett's new GGB. Great Grandma made him one when he was born and he has really clung to it. However, he asked if she could make a new one, big enough to cover his entire bed. So we made a joint trip to the store, he chose the wool, and GG got to work. He was so excited, it was so cute.

Jonah got a microscope, and this is the end result. Two grown men trying to put together and test out a kids toy. Definitely worth a picture.

Cake time followed, and of course we had to have sparklers. The kids through me for a loop when Jonah drew a picture of what he wanted his cake to look like and I had to incorporate Benett's request for Finn McMissile. It was, um, interesting. Rice Krispy house with lego people and a car driving up to the house. Not my finest work, but again, kids don't judge. Thank goodness.