Sushi anyone?

The Big Guy Lowe and I LOVE sushi.

We often grab a quick bite before or after attending the Temple because a Sushi Track is the fastest way to get food and get out with something we like.  Now, when there's more time, the Portland City Grill has a sushi master that is often "in the house" as they remind whenever frequenting their establishment.  (Random note, they have a new Rack of Lamb that The Big Guy Lowe tried a few weeks ago and loved!  Happy days!)

Today, we were in the mood for sushi.

In preparation for our feast, we stopped at Burger King and bought Kid's meals for our boys.  They finished them by the time we headed out to eat.

To our surprise, each of the boys commented that they were still hungry...and wanted to try some sushi too.  We were willing, so they started looking...
                                              
Our oldest, and arguably our most particular eater spied a plate that he wanted to try.  He picked it up off the track, when it came by, and eagerly tasted it. 
                                                
The Big Guy Lowe and I were in silent shock as we watched him eat his first roll and comment "It's good, what's in it?"  When I explained that it had crab, rice and seaweed in it, I was again surprised when he commented "Cool!  I'm eating crab!  I didn't know that!"  What you can't tell is how fast I whipped out my camera to commemorate this moment!  Our oldest has tried sushi before, but without the gusto displayed today. 

Way to go!!!!!  He basically finished his plate and was happy the entire time doing it.

Next was our middle son. 

Unfortunately, he took a HUGE first bite--something that is easy to do with sushi.  He could barely close his mouth. 

He made the motion that he wasn't going to be able to eat it, so The Big Guy Lowe pointed to an empty plate.  That was the last roll our middle son tried.

Our youngest son was not to be outdone on this trip.  He also ate plenty of fish--with the help of Pepperidge Farm.  ;)

One step at a time...

New Haircut

For months we have been trying to help our youngest son get over his aversion to having his hair cut.  Alas, it has not worked.  In fact, the past three haircuts he has cried, screamed, and yelled enough to basically intimidate the poor women that have attempted to trim his curly lockes.  Our last attempt was so greatly foiled by his tirade that he barely had any hair trimmed at all.  It was then that I decided we didn't need to pay money to have our little guy scream in public just so The Big Guy Lowe and I could be humiliated!  Nope!  I decided we would just head over to Grammy's house and plead for her help until Big J was okay with having his hair cut.

Ahhhh, freedom!

Until this week. 

I decided his hair, albiet cute, was just too long...a haircut was needed.

After tears, snot, screams, overall distress and skilled persistence by Grammy HB, our little guy now had a real haircut.

Don't let this cute, adorable, smiling little boy fool you.  This picture was taken hours later, after the red eyes had dried and the pain of the haircut was in the far-distant past.

Thanks Mom for your help.

What a darling boy.

Love him.

Hello CREEK!!

A trip to the pond cannot happen without a trip to the creek...our creek as our family calls it.  I was especially happy during our time at the creek.  It was exciting to me because I saw so much progress that our youngest son has had over the past months.  The last time we were at the creek he wasn't able to walk.  We still had so many concerns about his developement.  This trip was wonderfully reassuring to me. 
Our youngest son was walking all over the place!  In fact, it really will be a good place for us to be this summer as it requires him to work on strengthening his ankle strength, coordination and overall balance--and it's at a creek so it's just FUN! 

There was instant rock throwing!  I don't think it's possible to be by a body of water and not throw nearby rocks in.  I just don't think it's possible!

More rock throwing...  (note the rocks mid-air)

and more rock throwing!

There was also exploring for critters by the old...

and the young.

There might have also been a bit of dumping rocks, leaves and other debris into the container used to hold critters...

Snacks.  We never go to the creek without snacks!

And most importantly, the fun of just being together.

As we headed out that afternoon, I again felt the joy that comes when sharing wonderful time as a family.  Oh, and amid all the rock throwing, salamander and frog catching, mud collecting and such,

I found a small version of something else I enjoy...

Yes, it was a very good day.

Hello Pond!!

Sunshine.  Warm weather.  Dry ground.  What do all these things add up to?

YES, a day at the creek--the first time this year!!!  Oh the joy!

I know, I know.  If anyone looked at our lives through last summer, they would find the creek occupied many of those days.  But really, when you are a mom of active kids, let alone boys, creeks provide the best fun around. 

Today was no exception!

On the way to the creek, The Big Guy Lowe saw a beautiful magnolia tree in bloom.

Look at that handsome man!  Just makes my heart race!

But before we could head to the creek, we had a planned detour over to the pond.  Oh that wonderful pond!  Everyone was excited, but none as excited as our natural explorer! Without any hesitation he was out in the middle of the pond like he had just been there the day before.  I love that.

Almost immediately our oldest son had already caught his first salamander of the season.  I'm sure it didn't know what hit it!  Notice that he is right in the middle of the pond now--who needs a stinking log!

This three year old does!  And he is happy with it--and so am I!

But not everyone remained happy with the outing...

What's the rule, if more than half of the kids are crying that's when you head home?  We only had one crying, so it was still a good day!

Once the critters were brought over for inspection the tears seemed to go away.  I guess frogs can have that affect on some.  :)

And don't forget the salamanders!!  Instant happiness for our boy!

And the Big Guy Lowe was having a good time too...he kept saying the salamanders were "so cute."

But alas, we still had our creek to explore!  So following the guidelines adhered to on all Lowe family adventures,  we catch and then we release!  12 salamanders and one frog were the catch of the day...it was a good day at the pond!

Now, on to the creek!

A whole year's worth!

Well, we've fiinally accomplished it!  We feel prepared!

Recently, The Big Guy Lowe and I have been feeling pretty impressed to make sure we are as self-reliant as we can be.  In our church, we are taught the importance of being self-reliant.    Recently, Julie Beck, the president of the church's organization for women has said "We become self-reliant through obtaining sufficient knowledge, education and literacy; by managing money and resources wisely, being spiritually strong, preparing for emergencies and eventualities; and by having physical health and emotional well-being."  I love this because it makes so much sense!  So, we have been taking account of our lives and trying to make sure we are being wise throughout each aspect of our lives...well, as wise as we can be in an ever-changing world!!  To read more information about being self-reliant go to www.lds.org/topic/self-reliance  or click here.

A little over a month ago, we went through each of our 72 hour emergency packs.  I was a little embarrassed to see that we hadn't updated them since we only had one child and he wore size 3T!  I took about two days getting clothes that would fit each of us and then dividing necessities that would be required if we were to be evacuated from our home with short notice.  Now, while I hope this will never happen, I believe strongly in the counsel found in scriptures that teaches "if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear."  In fact, I have this quote framed hanging just to the side of our front door.

After our 72 hour emergency kits were completed (I really should have taken a picture of the mess I made when I was sorting through everything!!!), The Big Guy Lowe and I decided on a company to purchase a year's supply of food for a family of six.  Nope, no announcements being made, just a family of three boys will eat a lot at some point!!  After much research, we selected a company that had great ratings, good food that we will eat, and an impressive shelf-life.

We now have that food stored in our media room closet.

I'm impressed just looking at the pictures!

I would like to send out a big "Thank You" to our wonderful friend Sue who helped me bring a pallet's worth of boxes up to the garage when the shipping company said they couldn't get it up our driveway.  I wasn't too worried at the time and just started carrying boxes into the garage.  Just like our wonderful friend, she saw me out there and soon headed over with a wagon and helped me get the rest of the boxes safely stored into the garage before it started raining.  The Big Guy Lowe was very impressed by the speed with which we moved those boxes.  It was just a few days later that he and I hefted those same boxes upstairs to our planned storage location!  I'll just quickly say that the next day we felt it!

There's quite a sense of security and accomplishment to be prepared.

Open House at Pleasant Valley

Our oldest son is doing great in school!  I am so grateful for his hard work...and mine!  I can't take much credit though, between his ability to reason and think through things--and his wonderful teacher, he is really accelling.

During Open House, we had a fun time having G show us his classroom and explain some projects he has been working on.

G is a wonderful artist as well.  We love having his creations decorating our home!

He did a great job of showing us all the fun things he is involved in.  Not much longer and we'll have another boy in school!

Good thing he has such a good example!

Brothers, a bike and Sue!

Today the boys learned something new...thanks to our good friend and neighbor Sue!

Before I continue with the day, I just have to comment on how grateful we are to have such wonderful neighbors.  I appreciate the friendship I have with Sue and love that she comfortably enjoys being a part of our little family's life.  She and Gary are people that we would choose to be our neighbors if given the chance.  We just love them!!

Okay, back to the day!

For whatever reason, our son D, has decided he still doesn't want to ride his two wheeler!  No matter how much coaxing or imploring, the answer recently has been "NO".  He still wants to ride a bike though, so he gets out the tricycle he was given for a past birthday.  He's pretty big for the tricycle, but he does have it mastered!!  :)  Today we headed out for a ride/walk.  Our youngest and I can walk just fine when D is on a tricycle!

As we were heading out today, Sue came out to chat for a bit.  She always is involved with the boys when they are around and today was no exception.  In fact, she introduced a new way of traveling for our youngest son--standing on the back of his brother's tricycle!

The boys were both pretty excited about this new adventure and Sue stayed right with them to make sure they were safe--giving me the chance to take a few pictures!

Do you think the boys had fun??

Yep, I think so too!  Thanks Sue!