The Latest

I asked Jonathan to put his shoes on and go to breakfast. When he didn't come out for a while, I went to check on him. Cute....
Rachel, Katie, Aunt Stephie, and Grandma came out for a visit and to see Jonathan in his Preschool Program. This is them: Gabe, Rachel, Jacob on Aunt Stephie's lap, Jonathan, and Katie.

Today, I had Jacob come help me wake Jonathan up from his nap. If I do it, it's tears and sadness and "I'm still tired," but with Jacob softly rubbing Jonathan's back and climbing all over him, it was ok - and everyone's smiling (the picture-taker too!).

Not a lot else to report - the garden is growing - I've planted anywhere I can think. We've done a lot of biking to the library and the park. Jonathan accidentally broke a DVD from the library and he did a good job of taking care of the problem (which included cleaning up the little twigs that fell on the library lawn during the last big wind storm). The boys want to play outside all the time. Jacob gets into everything and is smiling as long as you don't take anything away from him. I have been attempting potty training Gabe - who's been doing great with #1, but on Saturday, after sitting on the toilet for an hour (watching his favorite cartoons), he went town stairs and not only made a lovely #2 mess, but stepped in it.....several times. When I got down there, I didn't know what to do and where to start! I just kept saying, "Don't move!" to all the boys. I masterfully cleaned it all up (even touching up some other dirty spots in the carpet), but I gave in to the pressure and he's worn a diaper since. I'm trying to get the courage up today to try again.......

I'm really not feeling it.

My Mother's Day

Well, I just got thru reading everyone's mother's day posts, and thought I should add a little on my own. It was fun being home with my family. It was fun taking the boys to hear their Aunt Stephanie speak in church.

Garrett gave me some very sweet mother's day gifts and I'm thankful for how thoughtful he is. First, he ordered the part for the KitchenAid (please don't ask, I'm too embarrassed to admit how I broke it...) that was needed to fix it and he followed directions to get it all put back together.

Next, he ordered some gerber daisies from the ward young women's group and gave half to my mom and half to me. Both halves made me happy - It was fun to share in giving some fun to my mom!

Finally, he bought a Mary Kay basket from his sister to pamper me and it has been fun. There's some exfoliant for my hands and lips and moisterizer for them as well. I really like it!

Mother's Day reminds me how blessed I am to be a mother, to have such a wonderful mother, and to have so many wonderful examples in the women around me.

Siblings

Here's Steph and me.


Here's Steph and Joseph (and a little bit of darling Jenn).

This weekend, I got to spend time with my siblings and their spouses. I continue to be amazed by all of them - They are such good examples for me and I love them. I'm so grateful for their influence in my life.

Cousins!

At the "Welcome Home" celebrations, the cousins got lots of together time. Here, you see Katie taking her turn to do tricks for Uncle Dave (usually said with wild screams by his adoring neices and nephews), Matthew, Gabe, Ryan, Brooke (back facing the picture), Jonathan, and Sarah.
And here, they are jumping around in circles (Jonathan, Brooke, Gabe, Uncle Dave keeping it "clean" with Matthew and Ryan, Sarah, and Katie)

Aunt Stephanie Came Home!

Aunt Stephanie came home from her mission to Australia!
This is the boys with their aunt. Gabe, Jacob, and Jonathan w/Stephanie!

Here is the family anxiously waiting for her return (Dad holding a squirming Jonathan, Mom holding an active Jacob, Me holding an anxious Gabe).

Here's Garrett letting Jacob wander around the airport on his finger.

It's been so fun to get to see Steph again and have the boys aware of the great opportunities that a mission provides.

Trip to Temple Square

Garrett and Jacob at the Reflection pool.

Jonathan and Gabe playing IN the pool.

Everyone at the Reflection Pool by the Salt Lake temple.

Jonathan and Gabe - I've been to this many times, but next to this was a new family display that I'd never seen before. It was neat.

There was an interactive children's area. Gabe was the only one interested in taking care of the little babies. He pretended to eat the baby and then tried to feed the babies feet.

The boys dressed up and almost climbed right into the nativity.

This is the statue of the Angel Moroni.....and in the background, Jonathan doing some random pose that he always does.....who knows why?

Jonathan at the podium.

It was a lot of fun - 2 hours was the perfect time. We continued on to American Fork, where Garrett got a haircut from his mom and the boys spent time with Grandma and Grandpa. We also got to hang out with Ben, Amanda, and Vincent. It was great!

Then, Tuesday, we got to go to the airport and see Aunt Stephanie come home from her mission. But those pictures will have to wait until next week! Welcome Home Steph!

Helping Daddy with the Boat

This is the fishing boat where my Grandpa spent hours fishing.
This is a great catch!

Jacob's getting ready to GET the fish!

All ready to fish - Do we (parents = 2) dare to take them (children=3) fishing???