Priceless

Luke and I were snuggling on the couch tonight spending some good quality time together. The other boys were already in bed alsleep and Curt was at Scouts. The house was nice and quiet.

We had read about Nephi in the Scriptures and then read a wacky Dr. Seuss book that Luke had checked out from the school library. We went through all the months of the year and discussed whose birthdays were when. He can hardly contain himself when he talks about turning 6 on December 4th!! He still cracks up every time we talk about how he and Grandma Debbie share the same birthday. I don't know why it's so funny to him, but it makes me laugh that he's so tickled by it.

And then, there were the snuggles. I love to cuddle with my boys, but Luke is usually the only willing participant. Occasionally Ty will cuddle with me, but he usually doesn't last very long. Tonight, though, Luke said..."Mom, I just really love you too much. I think I have a crush on you." It was funny that my almost 6 year-old is already talking about crushes! So, I tried my best to explain what a crush was and that he didn't have one on me. It reminded me of when my nephew Andrew was around Luke and Ty's age and had determined that he was going to marry me when he grew up.

Little kids are so innocent, and I wish I could freeze my kids at that stage forever!

A Must Read!

My mother-in-law Marla gave me this book to read. I thought it sounded "interesting", but was not expecting it to be life-changing by any means. It has totally done that...changed my life! I feel so much more at peace with how my life has unfolded so far. Since reading this book, I feel an even stronger desire to dedicate my life to my family, my Heavenly Father, and to serving others. I have read and re-read this book as to not forget the messages in it that have touched me so deeply.

This book may not impact others as it has me. It may have been just what I needed at the time to get my priorities in check and to get my life back on track. I would highly recommend it to anyone, especially to those who have lost a loved one.

Jake Turns ONE!

Our little (or should I say "big"?) Jake turned one on October 9th!! We had a fun party for him, although he had no clue what was happening. Grandma & Grandpa Holbrook, Aunt Alayna, the Clemons family, and the Anaya girls (all of our favorite neighbors!) joined in on the celebration.

Jake had his 12 month check-up the next day and had to get 4 shots...one in each arm and 2 in one of his legs. He was very ticked off about it, but was fine after a minute or two. He is now weighing 24.5 lbs and is 30 1/2 inches tall!

Jake doesn't seem too interested in walking just yet, but is keeping up with the big boys none the less! He loves to show his affection by smacking people (mainly ME)in the face. He likes to scream, wave bye-bye, and shake his head "no" while he's crawling like a mad man...or "crazy crawling", as we like to call it.

Such fun, this kid is! We love you, Jakey!

The Dreaded SCHOOL PICTURES!!

Clearly, I was nervous for no reason. Luke's first school picture turned out SOOOO much better than I was expecting! And for that, I am grateful. Just look at my handsome little dude. He looks so grown up...(sniff sniff).

Thanks For the Great Pictures!

Debbie and my dad sent me copies of the photos they took in July when we were all in Ohio. Debbie always takes the cutest pictures of the boys.

More Ohio Pictures!

This is my favorite photo! I LOVE Jake's blue eyes that match his and Papa's shirt. Not to mention the sweet kiss on his noggin from my dad.

I actually see some resemblence here...Jake's smile looks an awful lot like Papa's!

Ty, being the clown that he is, is demonstrating for Papa and Grandma Debbie how the dog was going pee.

Ty eating his Ring Pop.

The boys with their Uncle Marcus (or Untle Watiss as Ty used to call him). I was having troubles getting rid of Ty's red eyes, but decided to just leave it as is. It is rather fitting, I might say. He has a streak in him. I don't know where he gets it! (sarcasm? Who, me?)

Fall Break!

The kids' Fall Break has officially started. I am looking forward to just chillin at home and not having to run around dropping off/picking up kids throughout my day. Luke always gets so bored when he's not in school, so I will have to keep him busy. Fall Break is when a lot of families I know go on vacations, and I sort of wish we were going SOMEWHERE. But, then I remember what it's like to travel with Jake and how he doesn't sleep well if he's not in his own bed. We'll have plenty of opportunities to take fun trips when the kids are older...at least that's what I keep telling myself!

On Wednesday, I had parent/teacher conference with Luke's teacher. It went really well. He is excelling on every level and, of course, I was so proud of him! She praised him for being so kind to the other kids and the teachers. Apparently he always talks about his "baby brother" at school and how he loves to play with him. His teacher also told me that Luke's reading level is a lot higher than the other kids, so she is going to start having him read different books during the day. Luke is a very intelligent kid, but it isn't because of us. He has always had an interest in learning and, sadly, Curt and I don't really sit down with him to try to teach him more. Luke has learned mostly on his own. Perfect example...he was about 18 months old when I discovered that he knew almost the entire alphabet by sight. One day, I drew an "A" on his Magna Doodle and asked him what it was. To my amazement, we went through the whole alphabet and he only missed 4 letters! Had I worked with him before?? Uh, no.

Anyway, I love all 3 of my beautiful boys! They bring me the most joy and frustration I ever thought possible. I wouldn't trade them for the world.