A few little things

Kathryn loves building forts on a regular basis.  And she normally likes to decorate them afterwards.

Oh how I love this little boy.  Poor things has had an ongoing cold for the last two months.  At Michael's insistence, the doctor finally ordered a chest x-ray and found out he had a mild case of pneumonia.  

This little girl doesn't nap any more, but has quiet time instead while the boys sleep.  

Sometimes she helps me with things I need to get done or we read together.  

I'm trying hard to savor this alone time before she rushes off to all-day kindergarten in the fall.  

Doing some laundry with my little helper.  I have a similar picture of Maxwell around this age.

More laundry help from my little buddies.

These two can fight like cats and dogs, so I really treasure the moments when they are best friends.

Art studio

I sent Michael a few pictures and a message one morning.

Jen: The kids are playing art studio, so I don't know if we'll be going anywhere anytime soon.

Michael: Wow, I can tell I am a dad. All I see is a whole lot of potential clean up...:)

Unfortunately, that is the case sometimes. The mess seams too daunting.

But it wasn't this morning. They played until their hearts were creatively content.

This was February

Row 1: It snowed a ton one day, and then rained the next; Kathryn's castle; my sweet baby bug; 

Valentines Day scavenger hunt for the kids

Row 2: Someone (the young women) heart attacked us; Valentines Day scavenger hunt; Kat made four snowmen before the snow melted away; Max patiently waiting for blueberry muffins

Row 3: Another Snowman; Michael teaching Max to fist bump; decorating cookies for Valentines Day

Row 4: Reading Samuel to sleep; Max is "the best big brother"; More snowmen; first try at rice cereal

Enjoying the sun and reminiscing

It has been sunny, slightly warm and beautiful the past few days.  

Although we are in desperate need for snow, we (meaning me) are going slightly stir crazy.

It's just that time of year when I feel the need to spring clean and enjoy the sun.

So we've been having picnics and playing at the park with friends.

Last weekend, after Michael got off work, we drove to our old stomping ground.

More specifically, Michael's old stomping ground/playground from more than two decades ago.

Man we are getting old! It doesn't feel like it though. 

Before we bought our home, we lived near that old playground. And we spent a lot of time there.  

While Kathryn was standing on this toy, I had a flashback to 3 1/2 years ago.

So, I made her play on it again, for old times sake. And for a picture that I could reminisce about.

I just want to squeeze her chubby little two year old body, she's so darn cute.

 I love this sweet, kind, loving, creative, smart girl she's grown into.  She is our light and joy.

No nap

There's a particular little boy in our house who has been battling some sleep issues.

My very best napper on the planet, has been giving me every excuse possible not to sleep lately.

Even resorting to yelling, "No nap!" as I shut the door.

And it's not just naps, it's bedtime in general.  The other night, he had to go to sleep without Kathryn.

Michael had taken her to the high school basketball game, and Maxwell had a meltdown sleeping alone.

So on this particular day, I was very tired. I bribed Kathryn with a cookie if she would take a nap.

And for Maxwell, I just shut the door. Only to open it 20 more times and put him back in bed.

I was too tired to fight it, so I just went and laid down by him.  He takes his naps in the guest room.

Well, he was being pretty darn cute trying to quietly play with his cat and rooster.

Inching off the bed and tip-toeing around the room.

So by then, I just had to give up.  And take pictures.  

I opened the blinds and the dogs next door started barking at us.  Maxwell was well entertained.

We've been so lucky over the last year with him. He has been an excellent sleeper.

I guess it just reminds me that children are ever changing. They go through cycles.  It keeps us young.

Even now, my little monkey has opened and closed his door 22 times.  He's lucky he's so cute.

Samuel's Blessing Day

September 29, 2013 (from my journal)

Today we had the opportunity to have Samuel's blessing.  It was a beautiful day and we felt so much love and support from our family and friends.  I made it to church in the nick of time. Michael had gone early for meetings. It was his first time conducting sacrament meeting, and he did a wonderful job. The blessing was beautiful.  Afterward, several people commented that they could really feel the spirit.  They could feel how Michael was truly listening and being guided by the spirit in what to say during the blessing.  Here were some of the special things that Samuel was blessed with:

Samuel, you are a choice spirit.  

We are so happy you have chosen to join our family

You were eager to come to our family.  

You will seek to learn and to grow. You will have wisdom. You will heed the spirit.

You will be a faithful Aaronic Priesthood holder, 

which will prepare you for the Melchizedek priesthood and an honorable full-time mission.

You will serve a mission and when the time is right, you will marry a faithful woman.

You will have the gift of discernment.

You will recognize the needs of those around you and know how to best serve them.

You will love your family and be an example. You will be strong and steadfast

You will be healthy and strong. Know how much you are loved.

This was January

 Maxwell found his Halloween costume and wore it around for a few days.

Kathryn planned a tea party in her room one afternoon.

She even invited all of her little animals.  

 Brothers getting some tummy time.

Coloring. I think I've mentioned before how much the kids love coloring right now.  

Although, Maxwell found a new way to color on this particular night.  

This boy loves glasses.  Don't they make him look so mature? 

And this girl loves to dance. 

More coloring...I know...but I just love it too much! 

Last but not least, my precious baby of six months. I love you Sammy D.