Messy is Cool... Fun Slip n' Slide Ideas!

 

The funnest memories don't ever seem to involve vacuum lines in the carpet or perfectly pressed white shorts, right? With my band of men, I think they're definitely just the opposite. Those moments when we're all disregarding anyone watching or what could get hurt or if our idea seems a bit crazy, are the ones that I really believe the boys will look back on and really cherish. (Or, if nothing else, at least remember that Mom is pretty cool after all) ;)

So, it goes without really saying then that I'm not one of those Moms that can't handle mud and mess (I might just go truly nuts if I was!). If your life isn't really up for that, then the water fun idea I'm sharing today as part of The Joys of Boys' Summer Survival Series for Moms of Boys might not be for you... But if you're still reading at this point, then I'm guessing you already know this could be a BIG hit...

Cooper's 7th Birthday Shenanigans

This last weekend we celebrated as Cooper turned seven! We had a busy, fun Mountain Man style party right here at home :)

Cooper's friends from school, church and around the neighborhood, along with other friends and family, were here to support him- he was beaming the whole time! The kids shot bows and threw knives, hit a bison pinata, and were given little suede drawstring bags I had made, along with a few glass beads that they could trade around. Of course I got two pictures the whole time... I've seriously gotten horrible that way! It was a really great night though- we're blessed with wonderful, thoughtful people in our lives that make both simple times and big events better :)

Cooper and I the morning after his actual birthday...

and the Memorial weekend before below. Just him and I drove briefly through the 1,000 flags field here in town one night. I was so impressed with him as we were there- he was really respectful and asking questions, soaking it all in. 

Cooper is silly and goofy, excited and busy, smart and curious. He's often moving on to something new, soaking it deeply in and then looking for the next thing. He reads well and enjoys reading. He loves his bike, organizing his bedroom desk, wearing pants only when he absolutely has too, spending alone time with his Dad, and playing over at the neighbors, to name just a few. More than anything he loved mountain men and learning about frontier times. When he gets something in his head, he's always been "all in" on it and right now that is where his heart really is :)

He's not always patient or calm, he gets frustrated both with himself and with situations, and it boils him over sometimes. He doesn't seem to get it when enough is enough and thinks over-the-top silliness is the best thing ever. But he is loving and thoughtful, kind and desirous toward good. His spirit and happiness just shine through him. We love you, Cooper! :)

In other Buffat family news, too... we visited my Grandpa Huffaker's grave on Memorial Day with all of my siblings and my Grandma. I think this is the first time the boys have been here and it was just a nice time. We went to a park after and just enjoyed each other. I couldn't help thinking that it's the moments of our everyday lives, our decisions and our heartfelt efforts, that Grandpa is most present in our lives, more than here in the cemetery, he's just with us. :)

Taron and Keaton are with us again now for longer bit of time this summer! They make our life better for sure and I just want to soak up every bit of time they're here. The little boys come to life more fully with them around and I seem to operate at a higher energy level too. They complete us :)

Take it Outside, Boys

For real, I don't say that all too often.

I've kinda just had to give in to the fact that wrestling and chasing will be a big part of indoor life already!

It's just that we've been spending more time outside naturally lately, is all :)

Ok, so, ya... obviously guns I make them take outside ;)

We travel west to hit the desert for some shooting fun on Saturday mornings fairly regularly it seems. I should say the boys kinda drag me along... This very day Stephen was actually heading that direction to go shooting and I was heading opposite to do some shopping alone. I really like shopping alone, honestly. But on the way... my heart just kinda started to tug or something. The thought came to my mind, "What will really fulfill me?"

I've been thinking on that a bit lately- trying to motivate myself to be more motivated in general I guess. So, I turned around and met him in his tracks. I didn't really want to, honestly. I wanted to just shop and be alone. But I wanted to feed my soul even more. And these boys do that for me. Lately it's felt like when Taron and Keaton are with us, I'm breathing fully for that stint of time or something. Hasn't always been that way... but it is now. They complete me as a Mom :)

Easter Egg Kid Craft: Pom Pom Creatures

This week Cooper is home on Spring Break, and we're not really planning on anything too grand, just enjoying home. As long as I could get a little shopping in on occasion too, I'm pretty sure I could hang out at home indefinitely- ha!

It feels like Easter is sneaking up fast this year, so I wanted to try and do some Easter season sort of activities with them...

Regarding Boys: Dirt and White Shirts

Recently I had the chance to meet a blogging friend of mine in person, Kara from The Joys of Boys. You can imagine why we connected, eh? :) During that time, she mentioned that she started her blog because every time she told people she had all boys, there followed a negative connotation.

The point struck me- because it's so true! When I tell people I have four boys, it's pretty well always a defensive or cool comment in response.

Why is that? It must be the dirty, noisy and smelly labels that seem to be attached to the male species by nature? Maybe the masculinity of boys? Thank heaven for it, don't get me wrong... but it does mean more roughness, thoughtlessness, crassness...

At least, I guess it does....

See, today I had the chance to hear a really beautiful piano solo from a young man in our Stake. I just closed my eyes and tried to absorb it... Does music feed your soul the way it does mine? I daresay there is nothing that touches me more, motivates me better. I wondered briefly in that moment why I don't have more of it in my life... music, that is. The good kind that lifts me like that piano solo did.

source

Anyhow... it was a young man playing that piano. And he was in a white shirt and tie and suit. And I pointed out to Cooper that it was a guy making that music. He leaned into me a bit :)

Tonight I happened upon this video... don't worry, you don't have to watch it all, just a bit and you'll probably know what I'm about to say next...

... that there need be no negative assumption when I say I have all boys. Do you watch any part of this and think "Oh, wow, ALL boys," with any sort of hesitancy or negativity? Didn't think so.

Boys are wild and crazy, dirty and smelly, loud and obnoxious. They wrestle a lot. They don't sit still or stay quiet very well. They don't usually understand when enough is enough. Their excitement and joy are manifest in way that can be overbearing and frustrating. 

But they are strong and good, desirous and hopeful, energetic and willing. Their roughness doesn't mean that they mean to be mean. They mean to be happy and funny and someone you can approve of.

source 

The young men in this video, at that piano, and my own sitting around me, are worthy of my pride. My heart just wants to burst at how awesome our young men are. I want to be a good enough Mom that it's my own son I'm listening to or watching and soaking in (whatever it may be they choose to be doing). :) 

As a parting shot, this video includes the song in the piano solo I heard yesterday... and showcases even more awesome young men in white shirts ;) Enjoy!

Boy Mama Moments Lately

Every now and then the boys grace me with a selfie like this. Ya know, one of those that you just melt over even though it's grainy and no one's hair was combed :) The one that reminds you they actually do think you're pretty ok.

Ah, I love these moments- when Ry first wakes up and Cooper is already off to school. His cheeks are so soft and warm... just begging to be kissed. And he just snuggles before he decides there is anything more fun to do...

Meanwhile Cooper is off getting smarter. By 100 days now to be exact. Cutest thing ever to see him bouncing toward us in the car wearing this crown and cereal necklace :) I love picking him up from school. If I can help it, he'll never have to ride the bus in his school career- saves so much time and unhappiness just going to get him! Stephen usually drops him off in the mornings on the way to work.

Sometime you just have to celebrate Friday when you can... like on Wednesdays.

We've learned to keep Wednesday nights free for family time, since Stephen works practically 24 hours a day Monday and Tuesday, if not on Sunday too. Sound like an exaggeration? No, really, he can walk in the door at 9:00 after the boys are already in bed, only to hear his work phone chime, which means turning back around for another delivery to the hospital. Blessedly, it's Friday on Wednesday and he is awesome at making sure those nights are focused on the boys...

So we went to The Lego Movie on a Wednesday recently and totally loved it! The boys actually hadn't ever owned or built their own small Legos before- crazy, I know! Here we are a house of boys, with nothing but big blocks around. So we picked up a few sets and they love them! They are all over the place... and the finished pieces are less toys than they'd like... and oh my my, Lego is stinkin' expensive! But, still, the under tones of the movie make me willing to support them and I know the older Coop and Ry get the more they'll enjoy them :)

We've also got two cute, chubby puppies right now! Stephen could have sold lots, lots more, but is hoping things work out better with his next batch. They're just now getting big enough to play with and  the boys are anxious to enjoy them more while they can.

Indoor winter fun :) I love how thrilled they are with simple play like this magnetic fishing game. Once I got them rolling, they adapted it and played for a couple of hours on this one actually...

Aww, this picture just melts my heart! Cooper found this little camera that had been missing and it immediately became the coolest form of entertainment ever... for two or three days. Once of the first pictures he wanted to take was a selfie with Ryder- I was so pleased! Sometimes you just gotta take the little reminders that they really do care about each other beyond being wrestling partners, ya know?

And in parting, here's a little quip from each of  the boys recently- why I'm remember them over the other things they say that I should write down immediately, who knows :)

Cooper...on His Future Wife:

"I'm gonna marry someone who loves me. And is not mean. And is beautiful like you, cause you're a really good cook." (Good thing there are still qualifying years ahead, since as of now the standard is pitifully low) :P


Ryder...on Food

"Chocolate is my favorite dinner." (For what it's worth, no, we really have never eaten pure dessert for dinner!)

For Real :)

Cozy Roadster Giveaway (Cutest Push Vehicle Ever!)

Don't you just love that mini tug in your heart when you see something super cute?! I do! It makes me want to share it with everyone!

So when I saw this opportunity to join a fun giveaway for this adorable Little Tikes 2-in-1 Cozy Roadster, I was excited! Now that little pang in my heart is just relative to the fact that my little guys are too big for it themselves!

Ya, this bike ride picture from not too long ago? Cooper's bike is seriously small and out of commission in plenty of others ways too, and poor little Ry could easily walk faster than those teeny wheels of his! I'm thinking their Easter baskets this year might need to be bike sized :)

But for anyone who had smaller littles, this giveaway is perfect and so cute! Can't wait to be congratulating one of you! Good Luck!

Product Features

• Shade canopy provides a shade with two cup holders
• Real working horn
• Quiet tires are durable for outdoor surfaces and gentle for indoor floors
• Friendly character face
• Adjustable handle can be attached to front and back of vehicle
• Handle can be used for both pushing and pulling
• For ages 1-4 years old

One lucky winner will receive a Deluxe 2-in-1 Cozy Roadster.

Organized by: Iowa Mom. Giveaway ends March 2nd at 11:59pm, open to US residents, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: The participating bloggers were not compensated for this post. We are not associated with any of the companies named above. No purchase is necessary to enter. One entrant per household. Void where prohibited by law. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received. Confirmed Winner(s) (by Random.org) will be contacted by email. Winner(s) have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this sweepstakes. My blog is not responsible for product shipment/delivery. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Contact theiowamom@gmail.com if you have any additional questions or comments.

 

Hasbro Marvel Super Hero Mashers Review {These Rock!}

I got lucky as a member of the Mom it Forward Blogger Network, and was able to write this sponsored post for Hasbro's Marvel Superhero Mashers. I would say all opinions are 100% mine... but really in this case, they're my boys' :) 

I knew when I had the chance to review these toys that they could be a pretty awesome fit for this boys' world. I even kept it a secret from them and let them feel the thrill of getting a surprise package in the mail! There was even superheroes on the outside! They could hardly contain themselves... ok, really they almost never even try that hard to... they're boys :)

Inside our box was Spiderman and Hulk.There are more than 20 unique Marvel Superhero Mashers characters planned for 2014, but these two couldn't have been more perfect- two of Coop and Ry's favorites.

Winter Fun, Inside and Out

Time to share my beautiful boys with you again :) We've been doing some fun things lately in the snow specifically! I've also been trying to get more pictures of them... I used to practically follow them around behind the lens, but with all my blogging goings on, I feel like I've photographed more staged stuff these days. And I want to make sure it's all in balance... that they are my real focus, more than whatever is sitting in front of my makeshift photo backdrops :)

Blessedly, we've had snow off and on intermingled with the cold- makes winter much more bearable for sure! Ryder's been asking when we can go to the beach or the park a lot lately- he is a summer kid for sure!

Recently we were at the grocery store and he asked if we could "stop on the way home and get ice cream at that cart with the chairs around and the straws." (Something along that line.) It didn't compute... I crouched down in the busy aisle and got him to repeat himself, tried to ask questions that would give me more clues about what he meant. And finally deduced that he wanted to get snow cones! See what I mean- you don't have an August birthday and not live for the summer I guess! :) He melts me...

Silly :)

Masculine 2014 YM/YW Theme Printables

I rather like themes. I'm always excited to see what new theme the organizations in our Church will have for the coming year. For Primary this year, it's Families are Forever. And for the youth, it's the beginning of Moroni 10:32- 'Come unto Christ, and be perfected in Him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness..."

I love this- I feel like it has power to motivate teenagers in a hurry, or anyone of us really. I've given Taron and Keaton small printed cards of the theme for the past couple of years... I wanna say in their Easter baskets. And every time I buy those cards, I have to seriously scour that small section of the Church bookstore to find anything without flowers or scrolls or loopy cursive and such. If I'm remembering right, I think I actually settled for a slightly girly one last year... still totally worked, just wanted quite as "guy-ish" as I'd have liked.

December Has Wings

How is it that this month, of all months, really does just seem to fly?! December forever goes so fast that I can't help but feel like I just kinda miss it to some extent. We have done some fun seasonal type things, though and I thought I'd share them before I post about Christmas Day itself :)

Sprinkle blizzard at the boys' graham houses :)

My Own 'Christmas Shoes' Story

Oh, my, it is seriously past time for a family update around here! This little blog is keeping me busy lately and I LOVE it, but it also means that otherwise I just want spend time with my little band of men, instead of get behind the laptop again to blog about them, shaknow? :) I do have the most heart warming little Christmas story to share with you- I've been frothing at the bit to get this posted...

So Cooper has been really concerned with what he's giving to everyone this year- he loves giving gifts! Comes by it rightly ;) He's slowly been checking off family members, earning a dollar here and there, and wanting to spend his own money on the gifts he's giving.

He recently set up a little "Chrismis Popkorne" sale at our aquarium shop on Saturday afternoon while Stephen was open and busy. He loves stuff like this! (Ry's face in this pic makes me so sad! He was obviously tired. I sure love my trooper baby- he endures a lot in the name of everyone else.) Anyhow, at the end of the day Cooper just begged me to go to Michaels because he had earned $3 selling popcorn (surely from his Dad and older brothers) :) I knew we had time, so I did agree to swing to Michaels before home. He was over the moon!

Fall Fun at Grandpa and Grandma's

What an awesome way to start our November- a trip home to Grandma and Grandpas! Their lawn was loaded with leaves and it ended up being a beautiful afternoon, so we had a ball raking and jumping (for the boys at least). It's actually been a really beautiful Fall in general I'd say. I love these fun pictures :)

My Mom is the coolest Grandma ever.

Really. She is. :)

LOVE this shot of Ryder- bliss!

Stephen was hosting the Idaho Falconer's Association field meet around Arco again this year and we made some nice soups to meet him at the park to serve everyone lunch. It made for a fun time for the boys again. They are so blessed! Hope they really realize it someday. :)

As always, life is good and boys rule :)