Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Lately


I don’t really have a reason for the lack of blog posts lately. Well, maybe I do. September and October were very busy…almost a blur. I am grateful for this early part of November to have a little rest before the holidays.

So…..what we’ve been up to lately…..

My parents came in October to visit for a week and a half. We always look so forward to them coming. We did a lot of our usual things while they were here. Eating, playing, shopping, and my dad messing around with the kids.

My baby started walking. Hallelujah! For those of you who don’t know, all three of our boys have a muscle condition and start walking pretty late. Luke started taking lots of steps at 18 months and is now fully walking at 19 months. I think this is my favorite time with my kids. I told Eph that I just now feel like I’m getting the hang of 3 kids. And no, I’m not ready to have another!

My oven has been broken for a week and a half. The gas valve broke and we had to order a new part. Luckily, we have a neighbor who can fix just about anything. Thank you Leif! I told him not to worry about getting it fixed right away because this gave me an excuse for not making dinners. But I soon realized that there are plenty of meals that can be prepared on the stovetop. Shoot.

I helped throw a baby shower for my friend, Kellie. I made 98 cupcakes and 36 peanut butter cookies. And it was the next day that the gas valve broke on my oven. Coincidence?



Ephraim has kept busy with his job and more schooling. He has started a doctorate program in Psychology. I often find myself competing with the laptop for his attention.

I have kept busy with my little side job…tutoring kiddos in math. I’ve also started an ACT prep course for the local high school kids. I held the first class in September and October. I love it. I have a great job!

Noah and Andy are growing like weeds. Noah is learning how to read and advancing quite quickly in math. He’s already learning fractions! I’m pretty sure I didn't do fractions until middle school. Noah goes to amazing preschool if any of you in the Hurricane area are interested! Andy loves his preschool and tries to keep up with his big brother. Our days usually involve a lot of legos, trucks, motorcycles, and diggers.

One more accomplishment. Andy, who has sucked his thumb regularly for the past 3 ½ years, has finally quit. All on his own! There may or may not have been some bribing involved. And we may or may not sometimes catch him sucking his thumb in his sleep. Regardless, we are very proud of him.

Oh yeah...Halloween. It was exhilerating and exhausting all at the same time. The kids' dressed up so many times that I lost count. Thanks to my mom again for the costumes!


And how cute are these neighborhood kids?...


So other than some fun diversions, life goes on like normal. Which includes me feeding three kids throughout the day, changing diapers, getting kids ready for school, preparing for tutoring, and entertaining a 19 month old. It sometimes can get monotonous, but we love every minute of it...well, most of it.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Back to School

It's that time of year again...and we love it. Not the driving and time-management so much. But the excitement and anticipation of what a school day holds...that we love. (and mom loves a few hours of freedom each week).

Both of the older boys are attending preschool just
down the street from us. Different schools...we just thought it would be better that way.

Andy was quite excited his first day.


How we got to school...


And Noah would stay all day if he could. (these pictures weren't forced or anything)



Noah just turned 5 at the end of July. We struggled over whether to send to Kindergarten this year or not. In the end, we decided that another year of preschool wouldn't hurt. I hope we made the right decision.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Happy Anniversary!


8 years
of Wedded Bliss
(We are celebrating our 9th Anniversary)


In all reality, I am blessed to be married to such a wonderful man. A great husband, father, and provider for our family. What a wonderful 9 years it has been.

A look th
rough the years...
(I couldn't get any of our wedding pictures to scan...we got married before digital photography got big...boy we're old)


In all our newlywed splendor...


Baby #1...


baby #2...

and baby #3... (obviously we failed to get a
complete family picture here)


I realize this is picture overload, but we got some great shots as we hiked in Zion National Park for our anniversary...

our hotel...




at the top of the mountain...

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Welcome Summer

Today
Jun 24
Sunny 105°/73°

Fri
Jun 25
Sunny 103°/72°

Sat
Jun 26
Sunny 101°/73°

Sun
Jun 27
Sunny 104°/73°

Mon
Jun 28
Mostly Sunny 103°/76°

Tue
Jun 29
Mostly Sunny 100°/73°

Wed
Jun 30
Sunny 99°/69°

Thu
Jul 01
Mostly Sunny 99°/67°

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Noah's preschool graduation

We love Noah around here for so many reasons. He's cute, fun, smart, informative, and compassionate.

Another reason we love Noah is that sometimes he is unpredictable (which adds a little entertainment to our otherwise boring lives)...

Noah's preschool graduation video (click here)
(bear with us for the first uneventful part of this video)

Highlights of this video...


1. Of course Noah's attitude towards this sweet, innocent boy sitting next to him.
2. Noah joining in on the last letter of the song
3. And Noah's comment at the end..."He distracts me."

Noah, we love you so much. Quirks and all.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Chiclet

So what do these...


and my baby have in common?



Seriously, have you seen bigger baby teeth on a child?

This has to be coming from the Hanks side of the family.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Just in Case...


I put on my shoes this morning only to find that Noah had autographed one of them. So just in case I lose my shoes, they can be returned to us. Maybe we should write our phone number as well.

The culprit (who is in desperate need of a haircut)...


When I asked Noah about the shoes, he walked directly to the kitchen table and said "I'll put myself on time-out."

At least something is sinking in.