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 Mason seems so big to us these days. Thank goodness, since being big means the world to him. But seriously, out of nowhere he is using all sorts of more grown-up phrases and words (like how he was "disappointed" by his new bottle of bubbles) and can't fit into any of his size 4 clothes! The other day he wowed me by doing a "cat skin" (what he calls a skin the cat on the monkey bars) and made me laugh out loud by calling me Big Momma! Where is our little toe-head baby boy?!!!! But as much as I miss him as his small self, I certainly am loving my 4 1/2 year-old! He takes his responsibility as the oldest brother very seriously and is (for the most part) happy to help out whenever he can. As you can imagine, we are LOVING the extra hands!

James and I decided that Mason is ready for an allowance of sorts since he is now expected to do so much more than his little brothers and we have started him out at 50 cents a week. He is thrilled! Up to this point he has had a cute piggy bank (given to him from our beloved Christine) full of of change and a few bills that he has acquired over the years. However, his money hasn't meant anything to him since he has never had any reason to use it. The other day we decided to change that and counted his money out, set aside his 10% for tithing and then told him that the rest of if was for him to do with whatever he wants. We figured that until he spends some, he won't value it and saving money won't mean anything to him. Over the next little while he kept his eyes peeled for his dream purchase and eventually spotted the cutest little fox at Hobby Lobby! Ever since this little nameless fox has gone nearly everywhere with Mason and the whole money thing is finally starting to click! As much as I wish my boys would stay small, it certainly is fun to see them grow!

 Mason designed these blue shinguards and had me help him sew them up. Even though they look like cheap legwarmers, he is pleased as punch to parade them around wherever he goes. When I asked him if I could take a picture of his shingaurds and fox he insisted on having me take the picture on the right and the close up below. Then he asked if I could take pictures of him running with his fox. I guess I take way too many pictures of this boy. :)

Now I really don't regret pushing him to be a fox for Halloween last year. Apparently I was on to something.