Gentlemen in Training

I get a fair amount of comments along the lines of, "You've got three boys? That must be crazy!" Or, "Wow, three boys," accompanied by a head shake of disbelief, "My one boy is wild enough for me. I don't know how you do it!" Etc, etc. I was surprised when I first started getting these types of comments because they really did not reflect my own personal experience with my children and I truly felt that any "sympathy" was misplaced.

I usually tried to explain, "My boys are actually really good boys...I wouldn't describe them as wild and crazy...Sure they've got plenty of energy, but it's typically very well channeled...Sure things get crazy sometimes but overall they're pretty well behaved...etc, etc." Nobody ever really seemed to believe me though, and it started to get kind of frustrating to keep running up against this stereotype.

So, I am pleased to report that I have finally come up with a response that seems to convey what I am trying to get across just fine. It is to tell those who would be sympathetic to my "plight" that MY boys are three Gentlemen in Training. And guess what? It works great! So far, people seem to really like this and have responded well. I am then able to explain the other stuff, like that they're not really wild and crazy, etc. and they seem to get it. Amazing! It's a good feeling for me and my boys to finally be understood.

Now if I can only figure out how to get a certain Gentleman to dry his hands without leaving the hand towel on the floor, that would be great. But we're working on it, and he almost always opens doors for me which is so very Gentlemanly and makes me so very proud.

First day of 1st Grade

No, Joshua is not starting school in October, it's just that I am just now getting around to updating a little bit (he actually started the day after Labor Day). I assure you it is no coincidence that I have not been blogging so much since school started.
P.S. this shot reminds me that I really like our front porch

Family Hike

We went for a hike at a place called Forest Park that's actually inside the city of Portland. It has over 80 miles of trails and we're excited to go back sometime and explore a little more of the other 78 or so. It has been so nice getting to know our area better.

Family Photo Shoot

At the end of August we had family pictures taken by our friend and neighbor Jen, who has her own cute photography business. We think she did a great job and wanted to share some of them with you!







I just thought this one was cute. Lucas really didn't like being set down on the grass. His expression reminds me of the tragedy half of a comedy/tragedy mask.

I love this one


Jake says, "This picture tells you all you need to know about Daniel."