Happy Birthday Thomas

Out little Tommy turned 2 years old today. It's amazing how much he's grown up in just the last few months. He is truly a delight to have in our home. He is so full of love, always quick to forgive his brothers. His eyes are constantly lit up as he finds joy in such simple things. He loves to snuggle and give kisses. He brightens our home and fills us with great happiness.


Here are some things about him at this stage.


Thomas....

• says "Oh....yea!" in response to almost everything



• is becoming very independent- walking down stairs by himself, getting out his own diapers, unwrapping his own candy and insisting on walking everywhere rather than being held



• has learned to count to three, but he gets confused since he hears his brother's "counting down" quite often. When I prompt him by saying, "one," he follows with, "too, tee, too" (two, three, two).



• has found that his finger fits quite nicely in his nose (unfortunately he learned this from his brothers and loves the reaction he gets from them)



• chases his brothers around, wrestling and playing with them



• loves to play baseball by pretending to hit the ball, then yelling, "home run," as he runs around the living room



• sings along with me at night as I sing him "I Love to see the Temple"



• can put shapes in the shape box all my himself



• loves cars, trucks, motorcycles, airplanes, helicopters, garbage trucks and basically anything else that makes a loud noise as it moves



• has a sweet tooth just like his daddy



• is fascinated with babies, calling out "beebee" whenever he sees anyone younger than him



• finally goes to nursery without crying
  

Here are some pictures of the birthday festivities, as well as the video of his second year.

We love you Thomas. Happy Birthday!

Lost and Found

Today I lost William in Walmart....I know it sounds awful. I have never really lost a child before and I have to admit it was really scary. Once I realized he wasn't with me I tried to remain calm, knowing that William is the type to just wander away without looking back; however, after only a few moments of not finding him I began to feel really nervous. At first I figured he had just gone to the next aisle, but after checking all the nearby aisles I realized he really was lost. My motherly instincts wanted to start screaming out his name, but instead I just began to quickly check aisles that were farther away. Still no William. I asked an assoicate if she had seen him and she began looking around, but to no avail. She then called customer service, but no one had reported a found child. At this point another associate came over and asked for a description of William. He was about to give a "code Adam" over the intercom when another associate came and said that he had been found and was waiting at the fitting rooms. I hurried over there as fast as I could and was so relieved to see him sitting there calmly. A sweet customer and her daughter had found William wandering around in the infant section (far away from where I had been). They said he calmly went with them to the fitting rooms to wait for me. I was proud of how calm William had been and felt so grateful that it was a kind and friendly person who had found him and taken him to safety. Anything could have happened in that 10 minutes while he was gone. I hope I can remember the feelings I had during this experience when I'm tempted to become frustrated with my children. They are just too precious! Nothing else should really matter than loving them, completely loving them!

Preschool Graduation

On Friday night we went to Hyrum's preschool graduation. He looked so grown up in his graduation shirt and hat. His preschool was a class of 5 boys and they did a little program for us parents, giving us a taste of what they do each day during school. They all seemed to be a bit nervous sitting up in front of everyone, but they did a great job. We are so proud of Hyrum and all that he has accomplished. It's fun (and scary at the same time) to think that this is just the beginning. He has only scratched the surface of his potential. Many more "graduations" lie ahead in his path.

Our proud, yet nervous graduate

Hyrum and Ms. Debra

WAY TO GO HYRUM!

Happy Easter

Half Marathon

Last Saturday I ran the Albuquerque Half Marathon. I've run a couple of races over the past few years just for fun with Dave, but it has been 6 years since I've really "raced." I love to run and I love to race even more...it runs deep in my blood.

Race day was absolutely beautiful! As the race started I got into my groove and just enjoyed the run (well, miles 11 & 12 weren't so enjoyable). I really pushed myself and ended up finishing in a time of 1:41 (which put me 1st in my age division and the 6th overall female). I wish my time would have been a little faster; however, I know I gave it my all and that makes me satisfied!

The gals and I pre-race

...and we're off

Waving to Dave and the boys

I met Rachel at mile 8 and ran with her for several miles. We became quick friends as we discovered that each of us has 3 kiddos. We chatted about motherhood as we ran, trying to take our minds off the pain of racing.

Cross Country runners in training...check out Will's awesome form!

At this point I felt like I had 20 pound hams tied to each leg, hence the short stride and lack of high knees as I tried to kick it in to the finish. Having Dave and the boys cheering me on gave me strength to make it to the end.

A Family Night Success

Last night for Family Night we did an Easter theme. I hid 12 eggs out in the backyard, each of them with something representing a part of Christ's life the week leading up to his crucifixion and resurrection. After having a great time finding the eggs, we went inside and opened them one by one, discussing what was inside each egg. Even though I made it very simple so the boys would understand, I found that my own testimony of and love for the Savior was heightened as I talked with them about such significant events. I'm so grateful for this time of year when we can refocus our thoughts on He who triumphed over death and made possible our own salvation.


After our lesson we ate bunny-shaped soft pretzels (I forgot to take a picture before we ate them all up) and decorated bunny bags, a tradition Dave did with his family growing up. I was surprised at how well the boys did at drawing bunny faces on their bags. Now the boys (Dave included) are anxiously awaiting when the Easter bunny will come and fill their bunnies with yummy treats!

Happy Birthday Hyrum

A few weeks ago our little Hyrum turned 5 . It's crazy how old that seems to me, probably because now he's old enough to start school....YIKES! I'm not sure I'm ready for this whole growing up thing. Ready or not, though, it's here and I'll just take it one story, one snack-time, one wrestle on the floor, one scraped knee, and one good night squeeze at a time.

Now, a little bit about our 5-year-old.


Hyrum....

• LOVES to ride his two-wheeler bicycle


• is an awesome big brother to William and Thomas


• requests ramen noodles everyday for lunch, stating "I hate peanut butter sandwiches"


• thinks that spiderman, batman, ironman, and star wars are "so cool" because that's what his preschool friends like (he doesn't even know what star wars is)


• is still completely fascinated by garbage trucks-friday mornings at our house are spent anxiously awaiting the suckers our friendly garbage man brings


• enjoys building and creating things out of odds and ends around the house


• loves to play at the park with Daddy during his lunch break


• can be heard singing/humming a little tune no matter what he's doing


• wears his CTR ring proudly, showing it to everyone


• runs outside each night when Dave gets home so he can sit in daddy's truck


• says, "Mom, do you think I'll get hurt doing this...." as he tries doing tricks off the play set in our backyard

Here is his annual birthday video....

We love you Hyrum!