Old Timers

Eleven years ago I was in love and life was good.  I realize I didn't know much then, but I feel the same way now . . . magnified.  Happy anniversary, Greg.  You are my only.

The Aging Baby

I know, right? I'm not sure how this happened either. But it's true. Porter is 4. And what better way to celebrate a birthday than with Spider-PJ?

Some of Spiderman's 4-year-old favorites include:

Food: Peanut Butter & Honey

Treat: OtterPops

Color: Green

Movie:  Hercules

TV Show: Ninjago

Book: Spiderman books

Toy:  Thundercats Sword of Omens

Game: Candyland

Outside Activity:  Play Ninjago

Person: Momma and Daddy

Time of Year: When we go to the beach

In case you don't know Porter, he is hilarious.  Truly.  He loves to be the life of the party, and he is the BEST eye roller I have ever met, which makes thinking of his teenage years a bit foreboding. Oh yeah, and he is absolutely darling; a light in our home.  We love you, Peej.  Happy day!

A Mom Moment

Kassie was watching Lincoln and Porter for me yesterday while I did some work. While I was gone, she sent me a text that nearly made me fall off my chair. It read:

Lincoln just whispered into my ear saying "I was born to love my momma."

And THAT is why I love being a mom.

A Sweet Reminder

Lincoln's new primary teacher approached me after a stake Relief Society activity this evening.  She looked straight into my eyes, touched my arm and told me how much she loves Lincoln.  She loves him because he is so honest and speaks so freely, without guile.  He is sweet and tender.  She said she can tell he has been taught well.  My heart sang, and I wept. 

I thanked her for telling me.  Most of the time, day-to-day life is busy and crazy.  I know Lincoln is a good boy.  He is tender.  He is sweet.  He already has a marvelous testimony.  But I think sometimes those things get lost in the daily craze.  And an outside reminder of the goodness of one, or all, of my children renews me.

This is not a call for praise of my children.  It is just a sweet reminder to me, to be recorded in our little family's record, that my children are good.  They are kind.  They are special.

Another Year Bites the Dust

When we asked the littles if they wanted to try and stay up until midnight to ring in the New Year, they were ecstatic.  They put on their macho faces: "We can totally do it.  We don't sleep anyway; we're always faking."  Well, that was a lot of lip service if I ever heard it. 

At 8:55 p.m., Lincoln and Porter had checked out and Greg wasn't far behind. Ethan fought a good fight and made it until nearly 11:00, then asked how the New Year Elf would visit if he was still awake.  I told him to give in and go to sleep; 2 minutes later, he was gone.

I crawled in bed at 11:20, after all my boys were asleep.  I'm a strong believer that the best way to bring in the New Year is in your own bed, sleeping peacefully amidst those you love.

This was a great year for us. We expected to be apart a lot, and weren't at all. Greg is back in school and we're surrounded by family and friends. We're happy where we are, but admittedly, we've learned to be happy anywhere we are together.

Happy New Year, all.

Scripture Stories

Sometimes I cry when I read the scriptures with my children. But mostly, they're tears of hilarity. In the early books of the Book of Mormon, I remember reading one night about the Whore of the Earth and damnation and being cast down to hell.  Oh my.  Without hearing it yourself, it's not as amusing, but Porter's little voice repeated innocently every phrase I offered him, without qualm or hesitation.  I know we're supposed to read the scriptures with our families, but his little voice often makes me ponder, and chuckle.

But wait.  It gets better.

Last night, we were reading the story of Abinadi and wicked King Noah.  We each read a few verses of Abinadi's sermon, and then it was Porter's turn.  As soon as I started reading, I saw it coming, but by then, there was no turning back.

Mosiah 12:5

Me:  "Yea, and I will cause ..."

PJ:  "yeaandIwillcause..."

Me:  "...that they shall have burdens..."

PJ: "thattheyshallhaveburdens..."

Me:  "...lashed upon their backs;"

PJ:  "lashedupontheirbacks..."

Me:  "and they shall be driven before..."

PJ:  "andtheyshallbedrivenbefore..."

Me:  "like a dumb ass." [Greg and I are attempting to stifle our laughter, Greg less successful than I]

PJ:  "like...a...dumb...ass?  Um, Mom, what's a dumbass?

Hilarity ensues.

Rusty Bucket Does It Again

My yearly tributes to Michelle continue.  This photo shoot took 5 minutes - maybe; it could have been less.  Honestly, I could spend all day trying to get my kids to smile and take a mediocre picture, but Michelle, well, she has the magic touch.  And I love her.