Happy Easter!

Today as we sat down to our Easter dinner....we discussed the Savior and why we celebrate Easter. Ethan informed Ava that Jesus lived here "in this world" a long time ago. He thought it would be fun if Jesus lived on our street because then he could participate in the Easter egg hunt and get all the eggs that were hidden up high but that he couldn't peek while mom and dad were hiding them. This comment made Todd and I giggle a bit but then as I thought about it...Ethan really does see his Savior as his best friend. He is always talking about him as if he is right there with him, truly a part of his life, sharing his experiences. The faith that a child has is amazing! I was humbled as I thought how I could do a better job of making Christ a part of my daily activities.

Just a note for posterity...Ethan gave his first talk today in primary, "Jesus is My Savior" and Ava gave the scripture and sang with the primary during sacrament meeting. We were proud! One of these days we'll get Ethan over his fear of perfomance and maybe he'll join the group without breaking down in tears:) Poor kid! I remember what that fear was like all too well!

8 MONTHS

Yes, Andrew is 8 months. It has sped by - I really can't get over how fast - and I'm already missing the tiny infant I had what seems like just yesterday. That said, I truly LOVE this age and can't get enough of my "tiny mighty" as I so affectionately call him. Though getting older, he is still so small and spry. He has mastered going up the stairs (about 3 weeks ago) though down is another story so needless to say - I spend much of my day chasing him off the stairs all together. He loves dirt and sticks and hence makes of a mess of my potted trees around the house. He hates grass but loves to be outside swinging and tasting the wind blowing on his face. He has finally sprouted his first tooth (about 2 weeks ago) and has at least one other that should surface any day. He screams a lot...I suppose this is a stepping stone to finding his own voice. Really cute, for the first couple of seconds...but quickly becomes annoying as he becomes incessant about it. Fortunately he is moving on to bigger and better things lately and the screams have transformed into a variety of babbling noises. I really appreciate this! This kid has a smile for everyone, loves his siblings and has had some really cute moments with his dad. I'm, of course, his favorite - I am still the milk truck and as such, cannot be replaced or forgotten. But overall, he is turning out to be one dang cute little man!

Slowly becoming a "HERMIT" and LOVING it!

This year Todd and I have made it a goal to cut our expenses and learn to really save money. For me, this means locking myself away at home so that I have nothing to be tempted by and see no need for any expenditures. This really works! That's if you can tolerate the rarely leaving home part. There are many days I never even get in the car! Those are good days really because it means I got off my lazy butt and actually walked/ran/rode Ethan to and from school. Really, it's only 1/2 mile from home! There is no excuse! I'm truly surprised at how easily I am handling it all. I always thought I'd be a bit more stir crazy - or maybe I just believed I was like most other people...this really isn't for everyone - but it turns out that having 3 kids has turned me into a kind of home-body. I actually enjoy it! There is a simple peace just being here with my kids in a quiet regular routine. It's when I break this routine that things get a little chaotic. Maybe it's nice right now since the baby likes to nap during all times of the day that I would normally be running around...maybe I'm just boring?? I suppose there really are days that I miss all the playgroups and activities before Andrew came along...but you know, I'm no worse off now. Thank goodness for some great neighbors that my kids beg to see everyday! I'm sure this is all short lived and I'll be back playing chauffeur and activities coordinator soon enough. On the days I struggle through it all, I remind myself of this truth. Your kids are only small once. How great it has been to spend so much quality time with them! I will say however, it is strange that for all the time I spend at home...I really don't get any more done than I used to, though, I will admit, I am a better "mommy" most days and that really does bring us joy!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Flowers from Daddy to his girls (thanks Toddly! We love you).
Yes, her hair really does look like this after a nap!

Upside Down

Why do you think babies love to hang upside down?? I think it must have something to do with all of the time they spent in utero stuck upside down!

Ava's New Bike!

Yes, Todd got a new bike...or is that Ava's???

She loves to ride her new princess bike up and down the street and can actually do it. We learned the hard way not to buy a bike too big for your kid in the hopes that they will grow into it instead of out of it. It's made it harder for Ethan to get into riding his bike though, over a year later...he is actually doing a pretty good job of riding without training wheels! Good job Ethan! (I really need to take a picture of this:)

Andrew is 7 months old!

Yes, he is now over half a year old and it's going so FAST! I already don't see him as a baby and the thought saddens me but I love to watch him grow and learn and become more and more able every day. At the ripe old age of 7 months, he is able to crawl quite proficiently, pull himself to standing on anything, stand (albeit, VERY briefly) without supporting himself, feed himself (ok - not well but he won't allow me to do it anymore), and has fallen into a wonderful sleeping schedule! This is bliss for me! He loves to swing and be outside, loves music...when I'm not listening to all the political banter, and really enjoys playing with his brother and sister. We love Andrew! He is such a joy in our life.