Profound thoughts from the boys

Max - "Mom, in that movie the Book of Mormon, I know its a book too, did they eat grapes?"

Jackson - After I left for work on Monday and he was home with his dad, I saw him jumping up and down in the front window. I stopped pulling out and went back inside quickly to see what was happening. He was sobbing and said, "Mom, you can't leave people without giving them a hug and a kiss!"

I hope we can be like kids and be thinking about the Book of Mormon at odd times in the day and always be giving hugs and kisses!

Moments

For the new year, I have a few resolutions. One of them is what I am going to call my "Moments Journal." I have realized over the last few months that what you miss when you work are the little moments of the day with each of your kids. You get to see them everyday and do planned fun things, but you miss the little smiles, or laughs or heartaches that happen everyday. I feel so blessed to only have to work one day a week and so when I am home with them, I want to record the moments. I am also going to try and make it a point to create a moment with each of them each day. I know that I will forget somedays, maybe even most days. But when I am frustrated at times with the monotany of being home I can read the journal to remember the priceless moments of life that will be gone soon.

Motivations

Max - We made a chart to track his shoe tying progress. He had to tie his shoes perfectly 24 times (that was the amount of stickers in the package) and he could get a Star Wars ship I found very cheap on eBay. Within 6 hours the ship was obtained.

Jack - He has had a potty chart for 3 weeks. He has been promised a trip to McDonalds play place for one milestone, Chuck E Cheese for another milestone, and a Gigantic semi truck toy that he picked out for the final milestone. As of today, there is 1 sticker on the chart.

Hmmmm.... I believe my kids are motivated differently. I still have no idea what motivates Jack. I'm beginning to think nothing. It's a bit worrisome, but everyone tells me that no child goes to Kindergarten not potty trained. I still think it's going to be a feat.

What I DO like about this cold weather

So it has been cold here lately. REALLY COLD. All in all, it's not my favorite but there are a few things that are actually better because of it.

1. My Diet Coke in the garage is so cold it actually becomes a slushy. It is amazing. I love it. I crave it and highly recommend it. It also doesn't take up space in the fridge!

2. It's actually ok to stay in and cuddle up to watch a movie, read a book etc.

3. Our front door has a window pane in it and when you look out, it is so pretty with the white snow everywhere.

4. The kids want to hold my hand as we go places so they won't fall. I love the feeling of those little hands in mine. It's precious.

I could only come up with four things, but they are pretty good things don't you think?

Christmas outfits

Our little Christmas Cardinal in the snow. She is so cute I can't stand it. Thanks to my friend Angie for the beautiful dress. What 7 month old wears cashmere??

Here are my handsome boys. I hate that the Transformers had to be in the picture, but you have to pick your battles.

Our first lost tooth

Thanksgiving

Our table.

Our little chef who was very interested in helping cook this year. Hmmm??? Who does he take after???

The kids table.

My two little naked Indians.

Halloween

We found these really cute pajamas at Gymboree and loved having the kids in them. When Claire wears them and I go check on her in her crib. She glows in the dark. Very funny.

For Halloween this year we had, Jango Fett, Princess Leia, and Mr. Incredible.

Max's Birthday

The KIDS: We went to a bouncy house place that had lots of massive inflatables. Very Fun.

The Birthday BOY

The cool cake. Eldon and I tried to recreate the lava lightsaber fighting scene between Anakin and Obi Wan in Star Wars three. It is the lava planet built with working volcano. We love to do this type of thing.

Fall Catch up 2

One of the really fun things about having Eldon's parents on a mission in Michigan is that we get to visit all the time, or they can come see us. This is in their back yard. It was a great visit.

Fall Catch up

Max's First Day of School. Yes I know we are at Christmas break, but I did take pictures and yes I did cry all day.

Jackson's crazy hair

Jackson has crazy hair. It is thick, course, and there is TONS of it. We have to buzz him every three weeks or he looks like a gorilla. We let it grow out a little and then we asked Andrew, our hairdresser to give him a mohawk for a photo op and then we would finish the buzz. So here is the before, during, and after.

When he gets a little older, I think we will go with the mohawk if he likes it.