We're Back!!!

My oh my, I guess it's been awhile since I've had time to Blog. Garrett is now 10 and Ryan just turned 7! Aaron is 4. We've been busy with school, baseball, Cub scouts, Tai Kwon Do, Camping and swimming. Can't believe the summer is almost over and time to be starting school again.

hoping to post photos of Ryan's party and some highlights of the summer 2011.

Garrett's 9th Birthday Bowling Bash

I can't believe my first baby just turned 9! soon it will be 10 then a teenager. I don't know if I'm ready. I often do a double take when I see how tall you are getting. We are very lucky and blessed by the great kid you've grown to be. I hope you had a fun day!

Fong Family Bowling Portrait

We tried to keep things small this year with just brothers and a couple close friends. We did Early Bird Golfing at Strikes and picked up your friends at 8AM. Mom stayed up late the night before with her last minute idea to make special Tee Shirts. The backs said "Garrett's 9th Birthday Bowling Bash" and the fronts had cool names like Garrett the Great, Rockin Ryan, Awesome Aaron, Noble Noah, Excellent Ellis, Thundering Thad,

Jumpin' Jack, Dancin' Dave and Dazzling Dad!

We are thankful that the Lord has brought such Great friends into your life.

Family fun in Columbia

Today we went to Columbia State Park for Harvest Festifall! It was fun to go back in time to the 1840's and learn more about the Gold Rush era and California History. There were lots of artisans, a Blacksmith, Stage Coach station, Bank, Mercantile and areas to pan for gold.

The Highlight of the trip for the boys was the old fashioned Bowling alley. Here's Ryan ready to roll!

All the boys had a blast. Garrett is always a good helper.

Garrett did a LOT of resetting the pins, even for other people that walked in.

Of Course Aaron is always one to pitch in and help. He's such a big boy.

This is just the cutest picture.

We watched the weavers spinning wool into Yarn.

Highlight number two was giant caramel Apples from the Kandy Kitchen!

Yumm! Good way to end the day.

If I Twittered......

If I twittered.....I'd tell everyone about our amazing evening.

"At the lake by our house, 2 families, 8 kids digging in the sand and playing in the water.
2 Mom's talking, 2 Dad's BBQing, wet, sandy, dirty, happy kids.
Sun setting, watching geese fly and fish jump.
Good conversation, kids running around in the dark, Memories being made.
Moon out, Stars out in an amazing display...a Kiss from God."

This is why we live 'here'. We are so grateful for how God has truly blessed us with our 3 boys, wonderful friends and this amazing home He's provided. This is a little like how I grew up in the midwest chasing fireflies in the night and running with friends from our neighborhood. I'm so grateful to be able to give these precious memories to my boys. We are thankful for all the friends He's brought in to our lives to play with, to Pray with and to live Life together!

The photos below don't really do justice to the beauty of the evening but will be a catalyst for the memories made. missing also is a photo of all the kids together...Thad, Garrett, Noah, Allie, Ryan, Jenna, Aaron, Julie and Baby Kunce #6 on the way.

Aaron in all his Splendor! Sun safety, Water Safety...what can you do.

first piano recital

Our First Suzuki Piano Mini Recital! Well, we've only been taking Suzuki Piano lessons for 1 month so far and both boys are doing fantastic. Instead of doing a big recital once a year, Suzuki Piano has Mini recitals where 8 or 10 students meet at a family's home. It is very low pressure and the kids just learn to perform from the very beginning in a non-threatening atmosphere. It is also a great way to hear other kids that have only been playing for 5 or 6 months and to see how far we can go if we continue to practice.

Ryan is playing the 'Popsicle' variation of Twinkle Twinkle Little star with the advanced accompaniament. Ryan has really good hand shapes here. Each boy played two pieces

The boys are learning good compact hand positions from the beginning. They learn to play with the teacher accompaning which keeps them at the proper tempo. They are playing with both hands with each hand using the opposite fingers which is harder than it looks, especially for a 5 yr old.

Garrett is playing "Honey bee" which is a harder song. He also played Twinkle with the advanced accompaniament.

Aaron is not taking lessons yet but practices sitting, playing with one finger and then taking his bow. Aaron wanted to be part of the recital. I just can't wait to see how he will be playing in a few years from now.

Great job Aaron!

Ryan got his certificate for finishing his Twinkles. For mastering playing all his variations of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star with Both Hands. Quite a task for 5 yrs old in one month.

Garrett and Ryan both won certificates for averaging 7 days of practicing a week. We were very proud of both boys participating in the mini recital and for integrating practicing into their day.

Enough with the Piano, this is what Aaron will remember about today!! The gigantic Nerf Gun!

You know how you love me?

We were at a birthday party today in a grassy area and Ryan my 5 year old says to me excitedly, "Mom, you know how you Love me?" He tries to catch my attention as I'm packing up and repeats, "Mom, you know how you Love me?" "Yes" I say. then he produces the sweetest little clover and says, "I LOVE YOU!"

I adore having little boys and he made my Day, week and Month!

don't forget to tell someone today that you love them.

Ryan, you are amazing, generous, gentle, sweet and loving and I love you so much. Mom!

and don't eat the birdseed

I had to share this post from someone else because I can soooooo relate. I was laughing out loud! I've probably said all these things and so many more. I cannot tell you how many times I've had to tell my boys to turn their Shirts around. I thought it was just my silly boys. We even have little phrases about their shorts like "Square pockets, in the back" and constantly "Tag in the back" for shirts and shorts. No one ever tells you that you have to repeatedly 'teach' these things to little men. Anyways, read and enjoy, I did.

...And Don't Eat the Birdseed

Written by Brenda Catherine Ottinger

Real Moms Real Jesus Contest. Learn more...

Happens at your house too, I bet. You know those words that spill out of your mouth; words that you never thought you'd say.
I'm learning this boy-life as I go, and I can't say that I understand yet ,what exactly makes them tick. The one thing that I have learned for sure is that – I have a lot yet to learn.

The things that come out of my mouth these days surprise, even, me. Especially me.

Don't lick your toes.
Don't pee on your brother.
Don't eat the cat's food.
Where are your underpants?
Don't chase the ice cream truck.
What is this and why is it on my table?
Don't step on your brother's head.
Do you have a death wish?
Yes, that is a beautiful rock, sweetie.
Spaghetti for breakfast?
What would possess you to drink vinegar?!

No, there's never a dull moment in my home. Being the only female in a house full of men makes for one very eventful life. One crazy, chaotic, beautiful, blessed life.
I suppose you know you're a parent when your day starts with: "Good morning, son....did you know that your shirt is on backward?"