The boys were so sweet today.
Benjamin wrote Justin a note on the sidewalk with chalk to see when he got home from work. It reads (with standardized spelling), "April 4 Dear Daddy I love you today was a good day I would like to play with you love Benjamin" It was so sweet and arched around the sidewalk from the driveway to the front door. He also was so excited to watch General Conference this past weekend. His eyes lit up when he found out Conference was coming up, and when President Monson spoke, his eyes were riveted to the screen.
Tonight, Seth got out of bed to ask me where Jesus was. I replied He was in Heaven. He kept asking, and I pointed out the picture the boys have in their room; he liked that but kept asking "where Jesus?" I finally figured out he wanted the doll we used to play baby Jesus last Christmas. We had centered December around preparing for this doll and the service we gave to others became the soft bedding for baby Jesus to sleep on when He came Christmas Eve. I found the doll and took him to bed to sleep with Seth (who I haven't heard from in ten minutes so hopefully is asleep).
On a side note, Miss Madeline is fearless! She will try to dive off of beds or the couch to get something she wants on the floor (luckily I've always managed to catch her before she goes over the edge, but she just laughs and thinks it is a game). She also loves outside--crawling around on the grass or concrete to get to anything and everything (dirt, grass, rocks, sand)--which all go in her mouth. I once found a rock tucked between her cheek and gums! She especially loves the wind--even when it tries to tip her over like it did today. If nothing else will calm her down, stepping outside will.
Luckily, my last semester is almost over. Four more weeks and all my coursework--and capstone defense--will be done! (Watch out Justin! You won't be the only one in our family with a master's degree for long!) I'm staying on top of things but will be glad for summer to relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy my family.
I hope you, all our friends and family, are doing well. I apologize for slacking off on the blog--my only excuse is that I've been insanely busy (and my MacBook doesn't have an SD card slot to transfer pictures from the camera). Hopefully you enjoy what I'm able to post. Summer should be better!
We love you all!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Line upon line: Our children's growth
Our children are continuing to grow! Enjoy the mini-vignettes about their mini-milestones.
Benjamin is learning to read in school. He had really been down on himself earlier in the year because he was afraid that he wouldn't learn to read in time to go to first grade. We helped him calm down and reassured him he would be fine. Now he is one level above where he needs to be! He is doing really well sounding out words and recognizing his sight words! He also is using some big words (with occasionally interesting results). Today he came home and said that it was an "arguable" day in class. I responded with "argumentative?" "Oh, yeah. Everyone was fighting."
Additionally, he has been really nervous the past couple of week about going outside (some of his classmates have told him stories about the "scary" animals that are outside around here). I had assured him that Heavenly Father would protect him and that our yard is safe. Well, today he asked to play outside, and before he went out, he knelt down in the living room (without any prompting), and I caught a few words of his prayer for safety as he ventured out to play.
Seth is continuing to grow up (in addition to the previous post about his "cooking" skills). He is doing so much better sleeping in his own room--save for the occasional night I wake up to find him snuggled up next to me in our bed. We put a futon mattress on the floor and both the boys sleep there (think "sleep over"!). He has stopped calling Benjamin "Be-be" (some of the time) and can say "Benjamin" well. He continues to surprise me with the words that he knows. He also is into everything but comes up with serious face and an adult excuse every time I remind him he's not allowed--banging on the computer: "check my email"; dismantling a laptop power cord: "it my job!" He also loves to look at books and "read" them like his big brother does. He also is doing well in family scripture study repeating most of the words of a scripture as I read it for him. He folds his arms really well for family and meal prayers and loves to say prayers with my help!
Madeline is crawling well and can sit up after she gets somewhere (she is also 9 months old today). Also big news! She pushed her FIRST TOOTH through her gums! She is jabbering often (particularly at church). She is not very interested in the doll she got for Christmas--the boys' toys are just too interesting. She does however love the measuring cups Benjamin gave her--they bang so well! She loves chewing on books (and "tasting" everything else she can pick up or lean towards). She is very ticklish and has the sweetest laugh. She also smiles very big to see those she loves and will often bounce with happiness. She is going in for her check-up Thursday, and I will try to post her growth statistics then.
We love our family and are so happy to see them growing up so well and happily. We are so thankful we can be together forever!
Benjamin is learning to read in school. He had really been down on himself earlier in the year because he was afraid that he wouldn't learn to read in time to go to first grade. We helped him calm down and reassured him he would be fine. Now he is one level above where he needs to be! He is doing really well sounding out words and recognizing his sight words! He also is using some big words (with occasionally interesting results). Today he came home and said that it was an "arguable" day in class. I responded with "argumentative?" "Oh, yeah. Everyone was fighting."
Additionally, he has been really nervous the past couple of week about going outside (some of his classmates have told him stories about the "scary" animals that are outside around here). I had assured him that Heavenly Father would protect him and that our yard is safe. Well, today he asked to play outside, and before he went out, he knelt down in the living room (without any prompting), and I caught a few words of his prayer for safety as he ventured out to play.
Seth is continuing to grow up (in addition to the previous post about his "cooking" skills). He is doing so much better sleeping in his own room--save for the occasional night I wake up to find him snuggled up next to me in our bed. We put a futon mattress on the floor and both the boys sleep there (think "sleep over"!). He has stopped calling Benjamin "Be-be" (some of the time) and can say "Benjamin" well. He continues to surprise me with the words that he knows. He also is into everything but comes up with serious face and an adult excuse every time I remind him he's not allowed--banging on the computer: "check my email"; dismantling a laptop power cord: "it my job!" He also loves to look at books and "read" them like his big brother does. He also is doing well in family scripture study repeating most of the words of a scripture as I read it for him. He folds his arms really well for family and meal prayers and loves to say prayers with my help!
Madeline is crawling well and can sit up after she gets somewhere (she is also 9 months old today). Also big news! She pushed her FIRST TOOTH through her gums! She is jabbering often (particularly at church). She is not very interested in the doll she got for Christmas--the boys' toys are just too interesting. She does however love the measuring cups Benjamin gave her--they bang so well! She loves chewing on books (and "tasting" everything else she can pick up or lean towards). She is very ticklish and has the sweetest laugh. She also smiles very big to see those she loves and will often bounce with happiness. She is going in for her check-up Thursday, and I will try to post her growth statistics then.
We love our family and are so happy to see them growing up so well and happily. We are so thankful we can be together forever!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Seth Singing
Seth has been singing more Primary songs over the past several months and getting better everyday making his words clearer. His favorite song is "I Love to See the Temple." We've been trying to get it on video for so long but something always happened to mess it up (background interference from Madeline, stage fright once the camera came out, etc.)
This time, we had just given him his own pocket size Children's Songbook (he loves the one at Aunt Marianne's). He found the page on his own and started singing! I frantically motioned Justin to find the camera. After a long minute stretched by (finding the camera, waiting for it to turn on), I told Seth we were going to sing the second verse. The result is below--Enjoy!
Seth loves the song so much that he loves to clap after we finish!
The words to the entire song are below:
"I Love to See the Temple"
I love to see the temple.
I'm going there someday
To feel the Holy Spirit,
To listen and to pray.
For the temple is a house of God,
A place of love and beauty.
I'll prepare myself while I am young;
This is my sacred duty.
I love to see the temple.
I'll go inside someday.
I'll cov'nant with my Father;
I'll promise to obey.
For the temple is a holy place
Where we are sealed together.
As a child of God, I've learned this truth:
A fam'ly is forever.
(Words and music: Janice Kapp Perry, 1980. Children's Songbook of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1989).
I love the Primary songs! I love the reminder in this song that families can be together forever. Sometimes when I sing this song for the boys at night, the Spirit is strong, and I feel a small portion of the special peace I find at the temple.
I'm so thankful that I know my Heavenly Father lives and that He has given us temples to seal families together beyond death into the eternities!
This time, we had just given him his own pocket size Children's Songbook (he loves the one at Aunt Marianne's). He found the page on his own and started singing! I frantically motioned Justin to find the camera. After a long minute stretched by (finding the camera, waiting for it to turn on), I told Seth we were going to sing the second verse. The result is below--Enjoy!
Seth loves the song so much that he loves to clap after we finish!
The words to the entire song are below:
"I Love to See the Temple"
I love to see the temple.
I'm going there someday
To feel the Holy Spirit,
To listen and to pray.
For the temple is a house of God,
A place of love and beauty.
I'll prepare myself while I am young;
This is my sacred duty.
I love to see the temple.
I'll go inside someday.
I'll cov'nant with my Father;
I'll promise to obey.
For the temple is a holy place
Where we are sealed together.
As a child of God, I've learned this truth:
A fam'ly is forever.
(Words and music: Janice Kapp Perry, 1980. Children's Songbook of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1989).
I love the Primary songs! I love the reminder in this song that families can be together forever. Sometimes when I sing this song for the boys at night, the Spirit is strong, and I feel a small portion of the special peace I find at the temple.
I'm so thankful that I know my Heavenly Father lives and that He has given us temples to seal families together beyond death into the eternities!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Seth Growing Up
Since he hasn't wanted to stay in his big boy bed at night, we've had to stop giving him naps. This has made him rather cranky sometimes. One of the first times he just had "quiet time" instead of a nap, he fell asleep on the floor in the middle of his toys. His door was open, and I snapped a picture!
Seth, like Benjamin, loves to be a big helper! Here he is helping to cook the sauce for enchiladas.
As a side note, in these pictures you can see the back splash I painted in the kitchen (sunflowers and ladybugs)--I took separate pictures when I finished it last summer but never got them posted :).
He kept asking to "check" the chicken--he would pick it up with the spoon, say "not done yet" and drop it back into the water. He LOVES to stir! (Even after he grazed the pan and had to spend a minute with his finger under the cold water, he still wanted to help cook!--I gave him a longer spoon that time around.)
He also loves to "wash dishes" though he often gets distracted "making soup."
He has his moments of terror, but we all love him!!
Seth, like Benjamin, loves to be a big helper! Here he is helping to cook the sauce for enchiladas.
As a side note, in these pictures you can see the back splash I painted in the kitchen (sunflowers and ladybugs)--I took separate pictures when I finished it last summer but never got them posted :).He kept asking to "check" the chicken--he would pick it up with the spoon, say "not done yet" and drop it back into the water. He LOVES to stir! (Even after he grazed the pan and had to spend a minute with his finger under the cold water, he still wanted to help cook!--I gave him a longer spoon that time around.)
He also loves to "wash dishes" though he often gets distracted "making soup."
He has his moments of terror, but we all love him!!
Madeline is Mobile!
So, I don't really know what to call how Madeline moves in this video--creeping, army crawling--but whatever it's named, she is mobile!
p.s. In the two or so days since filming this, Madeline has improved dramatically in her coordination and muscle strength--it looks like traditional crawling more of the time!
p.s. In the two or so days since filming this, Madeline has improved dramatically in her coordination and muscle strength--it looks like traditional crawling more of the time!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Christmas
When we read the story of Christ's birth this year on Christmas Eve, we also acted it out. Our boys really enjoyed it (Justin less so for the dressing up). Madeline kept not wanting to lay down and play Baby Jesus. We also borrowed a tradition from one of our neighbors and throughout the month of December we placed a soft piece of cloth in a box every time we did something like Jesus would do. It really helped center Christmas around Christ and His birth. On Christmas morning, the boys woke up to see Baby Jesus in his box under the Christmas tree. They really liked thinking about how soft the bed would be for Baby Jesus.
This year, instead of trying to capture our children's faces as they opened their gifts, I opted for enjoying watching them. I did pull out the camera for this wonderful photo below of the boys enthralled with the last gift they opened.
The boys' favorite toy is this train set Grandma Clendening sent. They play with it every day (Justin of course loves to help them set up cool new arrangements).
We had a wonderful Christmas and enjoyed all the time we were able to spend together as a family. I love this time of year that we get to focus on the Savior, His birth and His life. We hope that all your Christmases were equally merry!
This year, instead of trying to capture our children's faces as they opened their gifts, I opted for enjoying watching them. I did pull out the camera for this wonderful photo below of the boys enthralled with the last gift they opened.
The boys' favorite toy is this train set Grandma Clendening sent. They play with it every day (Justin of course loves to help them set up cool new arrangements).We had a wonderful Christmas and enjoyed all the time we were able to spend together as a family. I love this time of year that we get to focus on the Savior, His birth and His life. We hope that all your Christmases were equally merry!
Halloween Photos
So I know this is totally belated but enjoy the Halloween photos below.
The boys loved making and frosting Halloween cookies (and of course eating them too!).
Miss Madeline was adorable in the ballerina tutu that Aunt Marianne made for her! We got so many comments on her as we were out trick-or-treating with the boys.
The boys loved being pirates! Seth got pretty good at saying arrgh!
The boys loved making and frosting Halloween cookies (and of course eating them too!).
Miss Madeline was adorable in the ballerina tutu that Aunt Marianne made for her! We got so many comments on her as we were out trick-or-treating with the boys.
The boys loved being pirates! Seth got pretty good at saying arrgh!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Updated Pictures
We tried a couple of times to get more family pictures over the Thanksgiving break. Marianne was amazing--taking copious amounts of pictures two separate times. However, when you have to try getting three small children to be happy and all smile at (and look at) the camera at the same time--even miracle workers (like Marianne) have difficulty. It probably didn't help that it was nearing nap time, and the boys wanted to play since we were outside.
Luckily, I've discovered a new feature on my computer (thanks Marianne!) that allows me to capture selections of photos. So, below are the pictures I wish were all in one!
Seth holding his favorite bear (luckily it made it through the wash recently though the tag warns against washing). He loves all stuffed animals but this bear is his favorite. (As a side note, his nickname, Squishy, used to apply to his posture but still fits because he loves to squish stuffed animals--either in his arms (hugs) or on the floor).
Miss Madeline in one of the rare face front smile (ish) faces. She has a full-face, open mouth smile that is heart-stealing. I'll have to get more pictures from Marianne that have better photos of her.
Benjamin was having fun with grandparents visiting and being outside with everyone.
While I like Justin and myself in this picture, I love Madeline's face! It is so indicative of her personality. She is so excited she got her arm free from Mom's jacket! She loves to wiggle and move and surprise those around her!
Hope you enjoy these pictures of our family. I will try to get more photos and updates posted in the next three weeks that I have off from school.
Merry Christmas!
Luckily, I've discovered a new feature on my computer (thanks Marianne!) that allows me to capture selections of photos. So, below are the pictures I wish were all in one!
Seth holding his favorite bear (luckily it made it through the wash recently though the tag warns against washing). He loves all stuffed animals but this bear is his favorite. (As a side note, his nickname, Squishy, used to apply to his posture but still fits because he loves to squish stuffed animals--either in his arms (hugs) or on the floor).
Miss Madeline in one of the rare face front smile (ish) faces. She has a full-face, open mouth smile that is heart-stealing. I'll have to get more pictures from Marianne that have better photos of her.
Benjamin was having fun with grandparents visiting and being outside with everyone.
While I like Justin and myself in this picture, I love Madeline's face! It is so indicative of her personality. She is so excited she got her arm free from Mom's jacket! She loves to wiggle and move and surprise those around her!Hope you enjoy these pictures of our family. I will try to get more photos and updates posted in the next three weeks that I have off from school.
Merry Christmas!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Growing up!
Our children are growing up!
Below is the result of Seth refusing to take a nap in his big boy bed a few weeks ago--he fell asleep during Kung Fu Panda!
He is getting better sometimes at staying in his big boy bed to sleep--he will occasionally take naps and sleep there at night. The other nights he sleeps in the pack 'n' play as Madeline is now sleeping in the crib.
She is also sitting up! While she does tip over eventually, she does sit up for extended periods of time (at least when she wants to).
While we tried some rice cereal a few weeks ago (to disastrous results--she screamed and fussed the whole night long), I brought the highchair in tonight so she could watch the rest of us eat dinner. Usually she is in her bouncer near the table during dinner (though she ends up on my lap or Justin's), but she enjoyed being able to see so much better from the highchair and contributed some gurgles to the conversation!
Below is the result of Seth refusing to take a nap in his big boy bed a few weeks ago--he fell asleep during Kung Fu Panda!
He is getting better sometimes at staying in his big boy bed to sleep--he will occasionally take naps and sleep there at night. The other nights he sleeps in the pack 'n' play as Madeline is now sleeping in the crib.She is also sitting up! While she does tip over eventually, she does sit up for extended periods of time (at least when she wants to).
While we tried some rice cereal a few weeks ago (to disastrous results--she screamed and fussed the whole night long), I brought the highchair in tonight so she could watch the rest of us eat dinner. Usually she is in her bouncer near the table during dinner (though she ends up on my lap or Justin's), but she enjoyed being able to see so much better from the highchair and contributed some gurgles to the conversation!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Seth in a Big Boy Bed!
Madeline is getting big enough that she will need the crib soon. We weren't sure Seth was really ready for a big bed but we tried it last night! We set up the bunk beds in the afternoon (with Seth watching and helping) and then put them to bed at night. Seth only got up twice (but never came out of the room and slept well!
They love their bunk beds!
They love their bunk beds!
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