She is pretty cute.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Maddie sleeps a lot.
Colin is torn between trying to do everything his brothers do and hanging with me. It is easier to hang with me since when I am at home we veg. And the brothers can go do what ever they want to do. Currently they are playing with two older neighborhood girls. One of which is very bossy.
Jack, wants a Pillow Pet for his birthday. And today we went online and ordered. Man, they really try to sucker you to get an extra this and that to go with those silly things. Jack is excited for it and to have his birthday party at Pump It Up at the end of this month. Jack went golfing with Grandpa yesterday. It was kid's day at the country club. And Jack showed very little interest in following directions. Oh well. At least he got out there and whacked it. He was the only one of the boys that went, so hopefully he felt special.
Ryan is a tease. He loves to push buttons, especially Jack's. And he does it slyly. Usually we don't here Ryan do whatever it is that he does to Jack. We just hear Jack's reactions. Or I guess sometimes we do hear Ryan, but that is usually after Jack punches him, throws something at him or otherwise tries to maim him after Ryan does whatever he does to him. Ryan is a good kid though and he is often a good helper and lets Colin tag along with him outside or wherever. He also wanted a Pillow Pet. he has for a long time, probably over a year. So he is getting one, but we made him pay for it. He raided his piggy bank and paid us. Does he know the value of money, not really, but eventually it will sink in I hope.
Bridget and I are doing fine. And we are looking forward to getting into a routine.
Colin is torn between trying to do everything his brothers do and hanging with me. It is easier to hang with me since when I am at home we veg. And the brothers can go do what ever they want to do. Currently they are playing with two older neighborhood girls. One of which is very bossy.
Jack, wants a Pillow Pet for his birthday. And today we went online and ordered. Man, they really try to sucker you to get an extra this and that to go with those silly things. Jack is excited for it and to have his birthday party at Pump It Up at the end of this month. Jack went golfing with Grandpa yesterday. It was kid's day at the country club. And Jack showed very little interest in following directions. Oh well. At least he got out there and whacked it. He was the only one of the boys that went, so hopefully he felt special.
Ryan is a tease. He loves to push buttons, especially Jack's. And he does it slyly. Usually we don't here Ryan do whatever it is that he does to Jack. We just hear Jack's reactions. Or I guess sometimes we do hear Ryan, but that is usually after Jack punches him, throws something at him or otherwise tries to maim him after Ryan does whatever he does to him. Ryan is a good kid though and he is often a good helper and lets Colin tag along with him outside or wherever. He also wanted a Pillow Pet. he has for a long time, probably over a year. So he is getting one, but we made him pay for it. He raided his piggy bank and paid us. Does he know the value of money, not really, but eventually it will sink in I hope.
Bridget and I are doing fine. And we are looking forward to getting into a routine.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
More of Maddie
A picture of Maddie today, July 10th:
Madeline and Bridget are came home yesterday. We are very happy that she is here and that she and Mom are doing well. She has been mildly fussy, but newborns are really sort of a let down. I mean, they are sort of cute. But they are cuter when they are a bit older in my opinion. They just eat, poop and hopefully sleep. Lots of sleep. (sigh)
Our boys haven't been the best sleepers. I sure hope that our girl is different. That would be wonderful.
Another observation: Clothes for girls often look like they belong at the circus. All those bright colors and so forth. They just look silly sometimes. This outfit that was the one Maddie wore home is one example. It was a gift, so I must admit that I am grateful for it and all the help and gifts we received. But if an adult were wearing this than it had better be Halloween. And a few sizes bigger, 'cause that would be scary otherwise.
Anyway, here are some more pictures and a video of Colin holding Maddie for the first time.
Madeline and Bridget are came home yesterday. We are very happy that she is here and that she and Mom are doing well. She has been mildly fussy, but newborns are really sort of a let down. I mean, they are sort of cute. But they are cuter when they are a bit older in my opinion. They just eat, poop and hopefully sleep. Lots of sleep. (sigh)
Our boys haven't been the best sleepers. I sure hope that our girl is different. That would be wonderful.
Another observation: Clothes for girls often look like they belong at the circus. All those bright colors and so forth. They just look silly sometimes. This outfit that was the one Maddie wore home is one example. It was a gift, so I must admit that I am grateful for it and all the help and gifts we received. But if an adult were wearing this than it had better be Halloween. And a few sizes bigger, 'cause that would be scary otherwise.
Anyway, here are some more pictures and a video of Colin holding Maddie for the first time.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Madeline Sofia Flynn
She was born last night at 12:50 am. Bridget is doing well. Or she was when I left at 7am to be with the boys. We are going back to see them shortly.
Stats:
6 lb. 14 oz.
18.5" long
She is the smallest of our kids at birth. She is just a little peanut.
These are low grade iphone pics. More later...
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Updates
We are currently in Black Butte Ranch. We have been here for a few days and we will be here for a few more. It has been pretty good to be here and we have kept busy for the most part. Ryan and Jack have spent time doing various activities and we have gone bike riding, swimming, and bbq'd. Bridget and the boys and gone to the driving range to whack balls, I have tried to play catch and hit balls with Ryan and Jack (they quickly became disinterested and wanted to go to the adjacent playground) and watched a few movies and other things surely that aren't coming to mind. Oh, and the boys were sworn in as Junior Black Butte Ranch Police Officers. Jack has worn his badge constantly since the swearing in--even to bed.
I have also ridden my road bike up the Mckenzie River Scenic Bypass also known as OR 242. That was a nice 50 mile ride with 2400 feet of vertical climbing done in about 7 miles. The rest of the ride was fairly flat. Windy, but flat. And the wind often made it feel like I was climbing a 5% grade or so even though my Garmin GPS showed it was nearly flat.
Anyway, I will throw some pictures up and also some pictures from recent things like summer haircuts and so forth.
I have also ridden my road bike up the Mckenzie River Scenic Bypass also known as OR 242. That was a nice 50 mile ride with 2400 feet of vertical climbing done in about 7 miles. The rest of the ride was fairly flat. Windy, but flat. And the wind often made it feel like I was climbing a 5% grade or so even though my Garmin GPS showed it was nearly flat.
Anyway, I will throw some pictures up and also some pictures from recent things like summer haircuts and so forth.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Portland Timbers Opening Night
Ryan, Jack and I went to the Portland Timbers soccer team opener. The boys have never been to any sort of professional game before in any sport. They really didn't care much about the game itself. They were marginally interested in the game at first but they weren't really into it. They were into the rest of it: hot dogs from the vender with a cart across the street from the stadium; get plastic trumpets to make noise during the game; getting licorice, cotton candy and fresh squeezed lemonade from the guys walking around in the stands hawking the unhealthy, but fun stuff.
It was a good time. We got there early because we were there as a part of a large group--our local soccer club went as a group and there were some pre-game activities that we wanted to take part in. The boys were done as halftime neared, so we left.
Here are a few pictures taken with my phone.
It was a good time. We got there early because we were there as a part of a large group--our local soccer club went as a group and there were some pre-game activities that we wanted to take part in. The boys were done as halftime neared, so we left.
Here are a few pictures taken with my phone.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Ryan wants to be a Scientist
When he grows up Ryan wants to be a scientist. But not just any sort of scientists obviously. He wants to study antarctic animals, especially penguins. He wants to travel there via a boat that is an ice breaker.
Just documenting this...we'll see if this changes as time goes on.
Currently he is doing great in school and is playing Rookie ball. Rookie ball is sort of like T-ball except that the coach pitches. They play for about an hour. Each inning every player gets an at-bat. There are no outs, although after each hit they are supposed to throw the ball to first before the hitter gets there. That almost never happens. The throws are wild, or they just don't bother to throw the ball to first at all. If the hitter misses more than 4 or 5 times they bust out the T so that the kid gets to hit the ball and the game can move on. Ryan doesn't have tons of power but he does hit the ball pretty well when the coach tosses it. Other parents have commented about his hitting stance. He looks picture perfect. Knees slightly bent, bat is in the perfect spot as he awaits the incoming pitch. His swing is pretty good too. But he often swings exactly the same and is not able to make adjustments to hit the ball if it is a little high or low. But if the ball is in a good spot he makes contact. He is quite serious about hitting. His fielding is ok for his age. He has fun and I practice with him when we can. But we don't stress about any of it. He has fun and I like to watch them all play.
Just documenting this...we'll see if this changes as time goes on.
Currently he is doing great in school and is playing Rookie ball. Rookie ball is sort of like T-ball except that the coach pitches. They play for about an hour. Each inning every player gets an at-bat. There are no outs, although after each hit they are supposed to throw the ball to first before the hitter gets there. That almost never happens. The throws are wild, or they just don't bother to throw the ball to first at all. If the hitter misses more than 4 or 5 times they bust out the T so that the kid gets to hit the ball and the game can move on. Ryan doesn't have tons of power but he does hit the ball pretty well when the coach tosses it. Other parents have commented about his hitting stance. He looks picture perfect. Knees slightly bent, bat is in the perfect spot as he awaits the incoming pitch. His swing is pretty good too. But he often swings exactly the same and is not able to make adjustments to hit the ball if it is a little high or low. But if the ball is in a good spot he makes contact. He is quite serious about hitting. His fielding is ok for his age. He has fun and I practice with him when we can. But we don't stress about any of it. He has fun and I like to watch them all play.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
A much delayed picture or two
Ryan at his Chuck E Cheese Party
Jack took me to the bowling alley for my birthday
Fun stuff
Jack took me to the bowling alley for my birthday
Fun stuff
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Happy Birthday To Me
I am sure that as I write this, the bell will toll and it will be March 4th. My birthday. I sort of like my birthday. Not particularly this year...I am feeling a bit old. I don't really want any parties or anything. However, I do like to be fussed over a bit thought for some reason. Gifts aren't really a big deal, I have most everything I need, and those things I really want are either not possible to buy or are way beyond our means to purchase. So, like I said, gifts aren't a big deal. Still I can be a bit hard to deal with on my birthday since I don't expect gifts, but I hope that Bridget does something nice for me. We already went out to dinner so things are already sown up this year. This is not a reminder either for everyone else. It is really just an excuse to write down something that I just remembered from years and years ago.
I skipped a grade in elementary school and afterwards I always felt awkward about it. I was younger and it often seemed to be an issue, either with others or with me. It seems like I fit in very well at my first elementary school when I was in the age appropriate class. I had some friends and don't remember any particular issues. When I switched to a different elementary school sometime after we moved to a new city I was given the option to move to the next grade. This was sometime after the school year had already started. Looking back, it is no wonder I was a little uncomfortable despite my inner pride at being able to skip a year of school. I mean, here is a goofy kid coming in to an new classroom where everyone has already made friends. I was probably doomed to be an outsider. I made one friend pretty fast and we spent time drawing spaceships and space battles during class. I am sure that made it even worse...
Anyway, time went on. [I think I will also start another story too here and then duck back to my intended story] I got in a fight with the kid down the street either that year or the next year. I seem to remember that he punched me in the cheek one day. I never got to punch or fight him back. He just hit me and I did nothing. I came home and my Dad noticed the swelling on my face when we were at the grocery store. I told him what went down and he told me to go up to him the next day and punch him right back in the face and then run away and find a big stick to protect myself. At least it was something like that. I remember being told to punch him and find a stick to protect myself from the bigger kid.
I was so nervous that next day. Nevertheless, my Dad said to do it, so I did at the first recess. Only I missed his face and hit in in the neck. Then I ran as fast as I could to get away and get my stick. My heart was racing and finally I stopped running and he found me. He asked my why I punched him. I said it was because he punched me yesterday. I had a stick and I am sure he could see I intended to use it if necessary. I just wanted the whole deal to be over. Eventually it was. Recess ended and there were no other consequences that day. Later he tried to pick a fight with me but I wouldn't do anything because I knew he would just kick my butt. I was a skinny kid back then and younger than him by at least a year or two. His name was Chuck. I often hated Chuck. Although he could occasionally be nice. Bullies are weird and Chuck seemed to have a split personality.
Moving on a couple of years to Jr. High. I always felt at a disadvantage physically and socially. I wasn't really one of the cool kids. I had some friends, but not many close friends. No best friend that I can remember back in 7th grade. Our Jr. High ended at 8th grade. The 8th graders were the kings of the school and they seemed a bit wiser than we little 7th graders. There were certainly some 7th graders that moved in the 8th graders' circles, but I wasn't one of them. I was smart and brainy that that was my rep. I had some athletic skills, but socially...still a bit awkward. I remember one of the cool 7th graders making fun of me saying I had a 10 pound head. My response was just, "well I probably do." When I agreed with him, it wasn't so funny anymore. Not that I intended that as a brilliant comeback or anything. I just figured that the human head probably weighed about that much and he thought that a 10 pound head was a big head I guess. Whatever...I ddigress...again.
I probably lacked a fair bit of maturity. I see 12 year olds and 14 year olds at church and I can tell a real difference. So no wonder I was in awe of the 8th graders.
Anyway, it was my birthday. I don't know how it got out. But one of the "cool" kids in the 8th grade found out. I had talked to him before a time or two--maybe I had a science or math class with him or something, I don't remember. I don't remember his name anymore either. But he was cool. And the guys he hung with were cool. And the girls in the group were pretty. And I was way out of my league with them in my mind. He came up to me before school that day and said something like this:
"Hey Devin, Happy Birthday man!"
(accompanied by appropriate handshakes and slaps and so forth)
"Thanks"
"Hey, ya know what I am going to do for your birthday?"
"No, what?"
"I am going to let you hang with us for the day. How would you like that?"
"That would be cool"
"Yeah, man...come hang between classes with us near the wall (there was a wall where all the cool kids leaned against during the time in between classes) and then come eat with us at lunch."
"Alright. Thanks!"
As I look back I find it funny. One, I was so in awe of these guys and girls. And two, this guy really had some power in the school. And three, even though reading that it comes off a more than a bit pompous on his part and a bit weak on my part, it was a nice thing. I think he was trying to be genuinely nice and I think he took pity on me for some reason. I was a nice kid I think, even if I was a geek.
So I went and hung with him and his buddies, one of which was this guy named David Bigelow who once tried to punch me for no good reason on the way home from school several months later. I believe he was totally on something else at the time because it made absolutely no sense (I think that guys like that need pick on what they see as an easy mark to make themselves feel a bit better). He missed me and I could run faster than he could. On that day, everything was great. Everyone was nice. Everyone said happy birthday and I felt like the big man on campus for a day. It was a cool thing to have happen in my sometimes pathetic world back then.
I remembered that day today while driving and I wanted to make sure I wrote it down for some reason. It was a pretty memorable birthday, more memorable than any gifts that I received that year apparently. Which supports my thing...I don't need gifts, just make a bit of a fuss over me and I am good. And yes, I am still a geek. Often socially awkward. But I am used to it now.
I skipped a grade in elementary school and afterwards I always felt awkward about it. I was younger and it often seemed to be an issue, either with others or with me. It seems like I fit in very well at my first elementary school when I was in the age appropriate class. I had some friends and don't remember any particular issues. When I switched to a different elementary school sometime after we moved to a new city I was given the option to move to the next grade. This was sometime after the school year had already started. Looking back, it is no wonder I was a little uncomfortable despite my inner pride at being able to skip a year of school. I mean, here is a goofy kid coming in to an new classroom where everyone has already made friends. I was probably doomed to be an outsider. I made one friend pretty fast and we spent time drawing spaceships and space battles during class. I am sure that made it even worse...
Anyway, time went on. [I think I will also start another story too here and then duck back to my intended story] I got in a fight with the kid down the street either that year or the next year. I seem to remember that he punched me in the cheek one day. I never got to punch or fight him back. He just hit me and I did nothing. I came home and my Dad noticed the swelling on my face when we were at the grocery store. I told him what went down and he told me to go up to him the next day and punch him right back in the face and then run away and find a big stick to protect myself. At least it was something like that. I remember being told to punch him and find a stick to protect myself from the bigger kid.
I was so nervous that next day. Nevertheless, my Dad said to do it, so I did at the first recess. Only I missed his face and hit in in the neck. Then I ran as fast as I could to get away and get my stick. My heart was racing and finally I stopped running and he found me. He asked my why I punched him. I said it was because he punched me yesterday. I had a stick and I am sure he could see I intended to use it if necessary. I just wanted the whole deal to be over. Eventually it was. Recess ended and there were no other consequences that day. Later he tried to pick a fight with me but I wouldn't do anything because I knew he would just kick my butt. I was a skinny kid back then and younger than him by at least a year or two. His name was Chuck. I often hated Chuck. Although he could occasionally be nice. Bullies are weird and Chuck seemed to have a split personality.
Moving on a couple of years to Jr. High. I always felt at a disadvantage physically and socially. I wasn't really one of the cool kids. I had some friends, but not many close friends. No best friend that I can remember back in 7th grade. Our Jr. High ended at 8th grade. The 8th graders were the kings of the school and they seemed a bit wiser than we little 7th graders. There were certainly some 7th graders that moved in the 8th graders' circles, but I wasn't one of them. I was smart and brainy that that was my rep. I had some athletic skills, but socially...still a bit awkward. I remember one of the cool 7th graders making fun of me saying I had a 10 pound head. My response was just, "well I probably do." When I agreed with him, it wasn't so funny anymore. Not that I intended that as a brilliant comeback or anything. I just figured that the human head probably weighed about that much and he thought that a 10 pound head was a big head I guess. Whatever...I ddigress...again.
I probably lacked a fair bit of maturity. I see 12 year olds and 14 year olds at church and I can tell a real difference. So no wonder I was in awe of the 8th graders.
Anyway, it was my birthday. I don't know how it got out. But one of the "cool" kids in the 8th grade found out. I had talked to him before a time or two--maybe I had a science or math class with him or something, I don't remember. I don't remember his name anymore either. But he was cool. And the guys he hung with were cool. And the girls in the group were pretty. And I was way out of my league with them in my mind. He came up to me before school that day and said something like this:
"Hey Devin, Happy Birthday man!"
(accompanied by appropriate handshakes and slaps and so forth)
"Thanks"
"Hey, ya know what I am going to do for your birthday?"
"No, what?"
"I am going to let you hang with us for the day. How would you like that?"
"That would be cool"
"Yeah, man...come hang between classes with us near the wall (there was a wall where all the cool kids leaned against during the time in between classes) and then come eat with us at lunch."
"Alright. Thanks!"
As I look back I find it funny. One, I was so in awe of these guys and girls. And two, this guy really had some power in the school. And three, even though reading that it comes off a more than a bit pompous on his part and a bit weak on my part, it was a nice thing. I think he was trying to be genuinely nice and I think he took pity on me for some reason. I was a nice kid I think, even if I was a geek.
So I went and hung with him and his buddies, one of which was this guy named David Bigelow who once tried to punch me for no good reason on the way home from school several months later. I believe he was totally on something else at the time because it made absolutely no sense (I think that guys like that need pick on what they see as an easy mark to make themselves feel a bit better). He missed me and I could run faster than he could. On that day, everything was great. Everyone was nice. Everyone said happy birthday and I felt like the big man on campus for a day. It was a cool thing to have happen in my sometimes pathetic world back then.
I remembered that day today while driving and I wanted to make sure I wrote it down for some reason. It was a pretty memorable birthday, more memorable than any gifts that I received that year apparently. Which supports my thing...I don't need gifts, just make a bit of a fuss over me and I am good. And yes, I am still a geek. Often socially awkward. But I am used to it now.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Updates 2/26/2010
Ryan had a birthday earlier this month. He had a party at Chuck E Cheese with friends and one for the family. I do believe that will be the only party he ever gets at Chuck E Cheese. That place is just a nut house. Kids running everywhere, way too much noise, mediocre pizza...but he had fun. We will just limit his party options to other places in the future.
Bridget is pregnant. This baby is our bonus baby. Totally caught us off guard for a number of reasons. But breaking from tradition, this one will be a girl. We don't have a name yet. She is due on July 12th. Today we may go and look at some girl clothes for the first time in our marriage. I do believe that despite that fact that we were not hoping for another child, especially right now, that Bridget is happy. We are both a little worried with having one more child around. And I believe that we are both dreading the second half of the year when we will get very little sleep is she is anything like our first three kids. But maybe she will sleep better.
We bought a minivan. We got a good deal on a used Honda Odyssey and paid cash for it. It is in great shape. After stuffing 5 of us into the Honda Civic for the past while, it feels like we are driving a limo. Very roomy and comfortable. We like it very much.
I have applied to a job with a non-profit. Odds are a little long, but it would be a good organization to work for. My skill set and work history may not immediately put me at the front for the position, but I definitely think I could do the job well. It would not be as a lawyer, but instead as a proposal specialist. I have two contacts within the organization so I have already had one interview just based on who I know. I am still waiting to see if I get to the next step. I was told to be patient--it takes awhile with them.
Bridget was told that she will soon be released as our ward's Primary President. With our fourth on the way, she told them that it would not work for much longer. They acquiesed. She is relieved.
Ryan is doing great in school. He continues to be a perfectionist. He has weekly spelling tests. When we practice at home if he misses one he can get really wound up and mad. He doesn't like be wrong. We tell him it is ok to be wrong, that is why we are practicing with him. But he does not care, he wants to know everything right now. Same thing for math at times. If he can't figure it out right away, trying to help him be patient with the process of learning can be difficult. Somethings come really easy for him and so when they don't it throws him for a loop I think sometimes.
Jack is doing well in preschool. He is very creative. In his school they do lots of things that interest him. He gets to cook, dress up in a different theme every month (last month's theme was space), woodworking, and other paper creations. Some of the stuff he makes is quite wild.
Colin loves music. He likes to dance. He also is Mr. Independent. He runs away from us when he when outside. He likes to eat what everyone else is eating and eat with the same utensils. Cooking is a big favorite too. He was a "big" help when Bridget was making tamale pie earlier this week. Anytime he could pour things into the mix he would, even if Bridget didn't want him to at that time. Also after dinner was over he climbed up and starting eating right out of the pot with a big spoon. He actually didn't make that much of a mess.
Anyway, when I can find our camera I will load some pictures.
Bridget is pregnant. This baby is our bonus baby. Totally caught us off guard for a number of reasons. But breaking from tradition, this one will be a girl. We don't have a name yet. She is due on July 12th. Today we may go and look at some girl clothes for the first time in our marriage. I do believe that despite that fact that we were not hoping for another child, especially right now, that Bridget is happy. We are both a little worried with having one more child around. And I believe that we are both dreading the second half of the year when we will get very little sleep is she is anything like our first three kids. But maybe she will sleep better.
We bought a minivan. We got a good deal on a used Honda Odyssey and paid cash for it. It is in great shape. After stuffing 5 of us into the Honda Civic for the past while, it feels like we are driving a limo. Very roomy and comfortable. We like it very much.
I have applied to a job with a non-profit. Odds are a little long, but it would be a good organization to work for. My skill set and work history may not immediately put me at the front for the position, but I definitely think I could do the job well. It would not be as a lawyer, but instead as a proposal specialist. I have two contacts within the organization so I have already had one interview just based on who I know. I am still waiting to see if I get to the next step. I was told to be patient--it takes awhile with them.
Bridget was told that she will soon be released as our ward's Primary President. With our fourth on the way, she told them that it would not work for much longer. They acquiesed. She is relieved.
Ryan is doing great in school. He continues to be a perfectionist. He has weekly spelling tests. When we practice at home if he misses one he can get really wound up and mad. He doesn't like be wrong. We tell him it is ok to be wrong, that is why we are practicing with him. But he does not care, he wants to know everything right now. Same thing for math at times. If he can't figure it out right away, trying to help him be patient with the process of learning can be difficult. Somethings come really easy for him and so when they don't it throws him for a loop I think sometimes.
Jack is doing well in preschool. He is very creative. In his school they do lots of things that interest him. He gets to cook, dress up in a different theme every month (last month's theme was space), woodworking, and other paper creations. Some of the stuff he makes is quite wild.
Colin loves music. He likes to dance. He also is Mr. Independent. He runs away from us when he when outside. He likes to eat what everyone else is eating and eat with the same utensils. Cooking is a big favorite too. He was a "big" help when Bridget was making tamale pie earlier this week. Anytime he could pour things into the mix he would, even if Bridget didn't want him to at that time. Also after dinner was over he climbed up and starting eating right out of the pot with a big spoon. He actually didn't make that much of a mess.
Anyway, when I can find our camera I will load some pictures.
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