My Baby Is 18!

Happy Birthday Ryan. I am having a really hard time believing this little baby I brought home from the hospital is an almost grown man.

I have spent some time strolling down memory lane, and decided to share Ryan's life with you through pictures - about one per year (lets hope blogger works!)

First Picture. The non-genetic birthmark makes its first appearance.

First Christmas. He was so smiley and cute!

Here he is at one!

His first birthday party!

Here he is age two. This was my first introduction to Gymboree.

Age Three.

Age Four.

He has always been a great big brother! This is when Kelsey was a little one.

He went through this phase where he LOVED this jacket. He wore it all the time - even when he slept! He also LOVED this pooh. He slept with it for years. Circa 1995.

1995 - aren't they cute!

His first kiss! 1996 with Jaclyn Hamm, a family friend.

1996.

1997 with Steven. They were playing with Ryan's Dr. Dreadful. He got it for Christmas and loved it.

Baptism day - 1998. Ryan and Eric at the church.

Grandparents Day, 1999. Ryan and Marilyn, Eric's mom.

1999.

Christmas 2000.

March 2001. At the hospital with the twins. He thought they were pretty cool - at least for a few days.

Learning to rappel at Cub Scout camp, 2001.

2002. He played roller hockey for a few seasons at the YMCA. He even broke his wrist when he got newer, faster roller blades.

2003. Couldn't find a great pic of him for this year. This must have been at one of his award ceremonies at the intermediate school.


His birthday 2004. Notice the cake? That is the one Caroline ate all the frosting off the top of after it was frosted. Nice Caroline!

First day of school, 2005. He no longer likes to have his picture taken. Can you tell?

Joe Dirt. Halloween 2006. This is what living in Tomball, Tx will do to you!

Ski trip with Eric, January 2007. He got to see some Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. That has become a little tradition with them - not the cheerleaders, but the skiing. It is their time away from the girls. When Ryan leaves next year, Eric won't know what to do!

Spring, 2008. Letter Jacket.

Remember his bald head? What can we do about him?

I know I am his mother, but I am so proud of the young man he has become. So Happy Birthday my little baby boy!

Not Much To Say

I know, a miracle. Me with nothing to say. We are just living our life. Working. Swimming. Getting ready for school.

Yes, getting ready for school. School starts 3 weeks from Monday. I am gone the week before school starts on business, and I will be gone part of the week before playing. This leaves us needing to get the school thing done. Shoes, supplies, clothes, etc. etc.

Soccer starts tomorrow. One week of two a days. Football starts the 11th. Two weeks of two a days. Our lazy days of summer are soon over.

The pics are from Megan's wedding last summer. It has almost been a year. Hard to believe.

So there you have it. Nothing new from the Pearson clan. We are going to Austin Pearson's wedding this weekend - he is Eric's brother's youngest son. He is marrying Maren Holyoak from the Tomball Ward. It is nice to have it so close - and we just love the Houston Temple.

What Was Ryan's Eagle Project

I realize I was on my soapbox, and did not clearly outline what he did. If you don't care, click away.

There is a run/bike trail that ran right behind our old house. It is used by the Champions Fit Running Group, as well as tons of others. Eric, Kelsey, Sophie and I also run on it. There were no markers indicating mileage.

For his project he placed markers at each 1/4 mile interval down the trail.

This is what one looks like.

While we were doing it, we had quite a few people stop and make comments about how nice it was. I think it is something that will be used by many people - the Pearson Clan included.

So, now you know! If we can just get all the paperwork done...

Yes, I Am A Nerd

Sunday was a down day - I laid around all day. Did nothing. Tried to recharge my very drained batteries. While flipping through the channels, I come across West Side Story on TCM.

I LOVE West Side Story. I even have the soundtrack - on vinyl. Sophie came down and watched with me. She is not so happy with the ending, but not everything ends happily.

As I think of the music, I think of each song and think that is my favorite. One Hand One Heart. Tonight. The Jets. Gee, Officer Krupke. A Boy Like That... I could go on and on. If you have not seen it - GO AND RENT IT!

I must have stolen the record from my mother - she also loves musical theater. I think of WSS and think it is really the first musical I fell in love with and paved the way for my love of musicals. When I become obsessed with one, I listen over and over. Ask the girls in our soccer carpool who now know all the songs from Wicked.

So, yes I am a nerd. But maybe Sophie can follow in my footsteps and fondly remember watching West Side Story on lazy Sunday with her mom. She already loves Wicked. I can create another generation of nerds - my ultimate goal as a mother!

The Eagle Project

Anyone who knows me knows I have been nagging/pushing/demanding that the boy in this house earn his Eagle Scout Award. It has been an ongoing battle. Some may ask why - why push yourself, your child, and your sanity for such a thing? (I have asked myself the same thing on occasion)

Well, I have two stories for you. I have four brothers who earned this award. Most, at the time, did not see the reason for it - they did it to please their parents (wasn't that nice of them?). Crazy Uncle Patrick was one of these. When he was interviewing trying to get an appointment to West Point, he wore his Eagle Scout tie tack. He was meeting with Rep. Joe Barton who, upon shaking his hand, immediately noticed his pin and commented that Patrick was an Eagle Scout. This helped pave the way for Patrick to get the appointment, and now is a proud graduate of West Point.

Story number two. My friend and running partner Kim told me a story about her dad. He is close to retirement age. He is a VP of a very large corporation. Very successful man. He has many occasions to speak to large groups, and the company has put together an introduction they send out ahead of time. In this introduction, after all his accomplishments are listed, is the mention that he is an Eagle Scout.

So, does this matter - yes. This is why Eric and I have been working hard with Ryan for him to accomplish this. In five, ten, fifty years he will always have that accomplishment to his name. As parents that is our job - to see the things which will have lasting impact on his life and help him to achieve those goals.

The actual project took place on Saturday morning. We had great turnout, 19 in all, and we are very thankful for the support from family and friends (especially those who drove all the way from Dallas to help). Ryan is finishing his writeup, getting his application done, and waiting for an appointment with the "Board of Review". We are down to 15 days until his 18th birthday, and we will use each and every one!

I have included some pics of the project - just in case you are interested. And BTW - I am SO glad I only have ONE boy to do this with!

This is the one showing Ryan being the boss!

How many Linfords does it take to put in a mile marker?

It's The Little Things

I went for my run this morning. I came home to find that Eric had made the bed before he left for work this morning. It made me smile.

Here is the deal - he could care less if the bed is made - he really doesn't care. So, for him to take the minute and make the bed meant he thought of me and wanted to do something nice for me. And, it made me happy. Thank you! It is nice, 20 years later, to know he still wants to do the little things to make me happy. Because, it is all about the little things.

So, What Have You Been Doing?

I know - it has been a month. Here are the pictorial highlights. Lots of travel, most for work, and kid stuff making me nuts!

We sold our house!!!!!!!!!!! Close on the 17th!

Went to Dallas for the 4th. Patrick spoke at the 4th of July breakfast - complete with bootlegged line from National Treasure 2.

We played with cousins and uncles.

It's a shame Allie is not competitive. We had to stop the match between she and Josh - Caroline just jumped off when she had enough. Allie and Josh were pulling hair, choking each other, really going for it. It was funny.

Kelsey has a new best friend - Jenna.

Lots of swimming.

Playing way too much Wii. Oh well, what can I say?

And, wait for it, Ryan got his license. His Eagle Project is scheduled for the 19th of July, he has raised funds, gotten approval and we compromised by him getting his license a few weeks early. The real one will come in a few weeks.

I was gone for eight days straight. I was tired when I got home - nice to see this sign when I straggled in.

Now you are all caught up. Not that exciting, but it is us!

Life With Only Three Kids

Can I just say that losing the two teenagers and the husband has made for a laid back and quiet couple of days? Not that I would say two of those missing are that loud, sorry Kelsey I have a no lying policy on my blog, but just fewer bodies in the house helps. Sophie is enjoying being the queen of the little people!

Uncle Mark, Rich Uncle Mark that is, came out to the burbs yesterday and took us to see Kung Fu Panda. Now, I am NOT a fan of Jack Black, but I really liked it. It was funny, and Allie spent most of the movie laughing out loud.

Sophie and I spent most of today watching Season 5 of 24. It is our thing we do together - and it was great to just veg and hang out.

Back to work tomorrow.... Why can't I have the summer off like everyone else????

The Incredible Shrinking Woman

I am the oldest of 10 children. You read that correctly 10. As you would imagine, having 10 kids took it's toll on my mother physically (and I am sure mentally, but that is for another post).

Last summer, she started on a weight loss journey. I have mentioned it before, but seeing her over the weekend reinforced what an incredible accomplishment this is. I have lost and gained the same five pounds for years now, so 180 pounds is amazing.

This time I thought I would show you some pictures. I am well aware my mother will be mad at me, and the before pics are not so great, but it proves the point! And what is she going to do, fire me?

This was a year ago at my brother's graduation. Now, the camera angle is horrible in the best of situations, but you get the point.

This was a few months later. She had already lost weight, but it was a process.

This was over the weekend at Steven's graduation. Since it is the three of them, you can really see the change.

This could be her weight loss add. Yes, she is standing with both legs in one leg of her old pants.

These are just fun pics of her. So, congrats mom!!! You are amazing. And contrary to popular belief, it was not easy for her. It has taken hard work and dedication - oh in case you are wondering, she has NOT had any weight loss surgery!

Congrats Doodles

(Caption to this picture - Steven we are so proud of you - you were here is spirit Meg!)

We have been in Dallas for a few days to celebrate my brother Steven. He is the baby of the family, and only 16 months older than Ryan. He graduated from HS and went through the temple since he has been called to the Sao Paulo Brazil South mission. He reports at the end of the summer, which is great with us because it gives us more time to play with him this summer.

It made for a fun weekend - we got to see Crazy Uncle Patrick, Smart Uncle Michael (we give everyone names in the family), Aunt Shamel and grandma and grandma (we don't have two mommies, just a set of twins who perpetuate their bad speech habits).

Steven is, in many ways, the typical baby of a large family. We have marveled he has stayed alive this long - he was quite precocious as a little one. The biggest example of this is when he almost drove my mothers big mormon van off the back ledge of the driveway (about a six foot drop) when he was about two. He found the key, went out to the car, started it, put it in drive and it inched forward. Matt's quick thinking kept Steven from being really hurt!

Now he is all growed up (sort of). He wants to sit at the adult table, but still reserves the right to play with the kids as often as possible. He will be an awesome missionary, and we will miss him. For now, we will keep playing as much as possible.

More of the Same

Day four of summer break. Is is August 25th yet? Working from home with my five darlings will be a challenge this summer - partly because they think I should be at their beck and call and fulfill all their desires. Partly because I want to be in the backyard swimming with them. If you don't know, I am a sun worshipping fool. I am sure cancer is in my future, but if the Diet Coke doesn't get me, I know the sun will.

I do enjoy the no schedule days of summer, but we have been very very busy with Eagle Project plans (well under way), soccer try-outs (she moved up two teams - way to go Sophie), getting ready for Girls Camp and High Adventure, and of course trying to keep some semblance of a tidy home I am already losing my mind. It is all good. I need to get a program in place to help with the whole watching the little girls and keeping the house clean thing. Any suggestions besides yelling and screaming, because that is what I have come up with thus far. Let's see what Day Five brings...

Nothing Is As Cute As

A little girl missing her two front teeth! That was the highlight of our day.

Last Quiet Morning

Really, I am sure I will have lots of quiet mornings because after today all my brood will be home with me. All day long. Wanting to be entertained. While I work. Should make for a LONG summer.

We have spent the week with the end of the year activities. Can I just say I hate the end of the school year? There is TOO much to do. I guess, having five kids is my own fault, but give me a break. Between awards ceremonies, picnics, running to Tomball to get Ryan because his ONLY final was FOOTBALL, trying out for next year's choir...you get the idea.

I wound up my motherly school duties yesterday at the twins picnic. Since Ryan was out of school, I sort of twisted his arm to come with me - it was not that hard to do. Allie and Caroline thought it was so cool their big brother came to their picnics - and all the first grade boys think that Ryan hung the moon. He was the "rockstar" of the picnics. He got out there and played with the kids. At one point I looked up and this is what I saw

Now it is hard to see, but he is the orange dot in the lead, and the rest are all the kids running after him. I missed the best shot when he was out there all on his own with the masses following behind. The Pied Piper of first grade boys (and a few girls). In the end he was drenched in sweat, and the kids loved it.

So welcome summer. Let's hope we all survive!

Memorial Day Fun

The Jones' came over to our inaugural Memorial Day pool party yesterday, and I think fun was had by all. If spalshing, screaming and eating are any indication, it was a big success.

Here is my question - why is it that when the "dads" get in the pool with the kids the craziness increases instead of the othe way around? A full on pool fight involving the super soaker and many many sloppy balls ensued. At one point it was everyone against Ryan and Parker, and they were just fine with that. Those two have had to learn survival skills early - they are each the only boy child in a family dominated by women folk.

I meant to get a picture of the fun fight, but that would have required me to move off my chair, and I was sunning myself. How is that for the truth?

Check this out. I stole it from Sarah's blog.

She brought awesome Martha Stewart treats. She has announced her intention of making fun cupcakes all summer, and we are on board with helping her eat them.

And what does the dumb man I live with say when he sees these? He turns to me and says, "why don't you ever do anything like that?" Nice....

We ended the evening with the Kennington's swinging by for a quick dip in the pool on their way back from Frisco. It was a great day full of swimming and friends.

Three and a half days of school and counting...

The Prom

Ryan went to the Cypress Creek Prom on Saturday night with Jessica. Don't they look cute? I can't believe my baby boy is this old! He did not get home until 6:20 am! I am getting way too old - I can't imagine staying awake all night. All in all the report was a good time was had by all.

Choir Banquet

Kelsey got to go to the Choir Banquet on Friday Night. She and Eric got to go on a date. I was with Ryan to get his tux for prom - more on that later.

I asked Sophie to take a picture of Kelsey and Eric. I not sure what happened, but Sophie told me Eric refused to have his picture taken. Nice...

This brings an end, after today's pop show, of a great Choir year for Kelsey. She has had the chance to go to TMEA and work to improve. I really hope she continues with choir in High School.

Good Job Kelsey. I hope someone takes some pictures at the Pop Show Tonight (I am going to miss it since I am gone). She and a couple of friends are doing Hannah Montanna. Should be fun!

Life Imitates Art

I swear this happened to me today.



Only they did not have another car, I was told to just sit and wait about 45 minutes until they had one for me. (Needless to say I walked away from Hertz and I will NEVER rent from them again). I am in the only hotel in town, Days Inn on the highway and it scares me. I went to Applebee's for dinner, something I never do because it is gross, and it only reinforced my hate of the place. AND, they only had Pepsi. Do you get the feel of this trip? Hell.....

Where The Heck Have You Been?

Have you been wondering that? Or do you not care? Either way, I have been travelling like a maniac and I am TIRED!!!!!

I was waiting to post until I got pictures from Kelsey's State History Day competition - I of course forgot my camera and now I am at the mercy of another mom. They have not come, but post I must. If the pictures ever make it here I will add.

I was in UT and it snowed on May 1st. I returned home on Friday the 2nd for three whole hours until Kelsey and I left for Austin. She had made it to the state competition for her history day project. The project rocked, but they did not move on to the national competition. It did give Kelsey and I the chance to be together and that was great. We finished up in Austin and went to San Marcos, outlet shopping mecca. She bought a ton of stuff at Aeropostale for really cheap (rather I bought it for her). We did not get home until about 8:30 PM on Saturday the 3rd.

I had to go to Syracuse on Monday at 6AM for a sales meeting. Got home Wed and we went to Dallas on Saturday the 10th for Kirsten, Pearson niece, and her new hubby's wedding reception (after a very disappoint loss for Sophie's soccer team). We got to spend Sunday Morning with my mom for mother's day, and then we hightailed it home. Or we tried to hightail it home.

Between Madisonville and Huntsville there was an accident that required FOUR helicopters. We turned the engine off. We sat for 1 1/2 hours. Everyone had to go potty. Eric did the manly thing and went in the "woods" on the side of the road. Allie and Caroline had to go, but Eric was being Mr Man and would not "let" them go into the woods, he would just block them right next to the car. Allie refused to pee that way - and Caroline tried but had stage fright. Ryan decided to go into the "woods" and was nice enough to take Allie with him. The picture is Allie victorious in her urination. Nothing like small victories.

Got home and went to College Station all day yesterday. So, I AM TIRED!!! Hear me whine!

I am home for a few days now so I hope to get caught up on my laying around. I have a ton of work to do, but what I really want to do is read The Host - Stephenie Meyer's new book. I will have to work first and play later. It sucks being a grown up!

It is May 1st

And it is snowing in Utah. Need I say more?