Just for You

Here is Tim crossing the monkey bars. We thought Grandma Shellie and Grandpa Bob would be impressed.

Free Time

Instead of hearing, "Can we play the Wii?" I am hearing, "Mom, can we play outside on the playset?"I am enjoying it while it lasts.

Wait...I changed my mind!!!

I generally hear groaning from Tim and Mary when bathtime is announced.

"Wait," they pause and then ask, "Is Luke having a bath?" If the answer is yes, Tim and Mary's tune quickly changes as they shout, "Luke is having a bath!"  And they race up the stairs to join in.

Why they ever complain about having a bath is beyond me. Once in it is always giggles and screams.

Lessons from a Younger Brother and Sis

Jeff and Brittany were in town for a week and we loved spending some time with them. Apparently Jeff has been wanting to play Monopoly for a while, so he suggested a few times we play BYUopoly (our version of the game). He eventually got his way and played for close to two hours with Tim, Mary and I (although I had to bow out a little early with Luke). They are now enamoured with BYUopoly and have requested to play it over and over again. So, after they left I decided to take it on and we played again, not quite two hours because Luke would not have that, but close to an hour. They continued to laugh and play and have a great time after I left until Tim was the declared winner.
Not only did Jeff and Brittany devote 2-hours Monopoly time with the kids, but they also played Crazy 8s, Slap Jack, snow games and Simon Says over and over again. As they played with the kids and their eyes lit up with "Jeff and Brittany enthusiasm" it was a reminder to me to enjoy this special time with my kids. Tim will only be six once. Mary is almost five. Luke is changing while I am writing this post. I love my kids. They have brought countless smiles to my face...a bit of frustration and some tears once in a while. But I wouldn't change the opportunity to be their Mom for a minute. Thanks for the reminder to slow down and enjoy the ride.

Fairies and Fathers

Ryan and Mary enjoyed a night out together at her preschool Daddy/Daughter activity. She came home and reported she got treats galore, pixie dust, her face painted, dinner and LOTS of treats. She even made a fairy wand and got a butterfly to put in her hair. Ryan and Mary said the highlight of the night was the dancing. I think Mary was in 4-year-old-girl Heaven.

My Wednesday Fun

Every other Wednesday I am fortunate to be able to volunteer in Tim's kindergarten class. Can I tell you how much I love it? It is one of the highlights of my week to see those kids (Tim especially). :) It's so fun to see their differing personalities, hear their off the wall comments, and interact with them. Tim thinks kindergarten is simply amazing and it is fun to be able to catch a glimpse of it. And, on the off weeks, when my friend goes to the kindergarten class, I get to hang out with these cute munchkins. They are alot of work, but in a way it is fun to be forced to slow down and sit and spend an hour keeping a close eye on them.

 Josh (10 months) and Luke (7 months)

These smiles make my day

The Before