Matching Set

The boys are always sad when their Nana Grover leaves town, but they look so stinkin' cute in these matching Ron Jon Surf Shop T-shirts she brought them from her vacation.

Jack-o-lanterns

For FHE this week we had our annual "watch-Aaron-de-goop-and-carve-our-pumpkins" night. Its a good thing that Aaron is such a good sport because Hank and Max like to sit back, let Aaron do the dirty work, bark orders from afar, and then take all the glory for the pumpkin masterpeices. Oh wait...thats what I like to do, too:)

Ray of Sunshine

Yesterday was a hard day. A difficult doctor's appointment and poor test results made my heart feel heavy and my spirit feel dark. Last night I prayed for the peace to accept life's trials and today I received the exact lift that I needed. With the sun shining, the boys and I went for a walk on the trail by the river near our house. My heart was healed as I played in God's great outdoors with my three beautiful little boys: Hank, wearing his little blue hoodie, steered his scooter through every puddle along the path. Max ran with his arms flailing in pure happiness, stopping every few minutes to make sure there was "no bee, no meow." And Ben. Enjoying the sunshine on his face, the happy noise of his brothers around him, and smiling brightly at me. We stopped along the trail to toss rocks into the river, and then we headed back along the trail, stopping at the park to play. I felt peace in my heart. The beauty of that moment reassured me that it will be ok. I can do it. Life is good. God listens.

....and then we came home. The kids were dirty from playing with the rocks at the park, I was tired from pushing a 100+ lb stroller up and down the trail, we were all hungry (translate: cranky)--everything fell apart. Back to real life. The trials are still the same, but I have tucked away this small ray of sunshine and feel strengthened to keep going. Humble. Thankful. Renewed.

Primary Program

Hank did such an awesome job in our primary program today! I was a little nerveous that he would clam up when he stood up in front of the microphone, but he nailed it! The sunbeams recited the first article of faith, sang, "I am Like a Star," and then Hank delivered his line, "Jesus Christ in the Son of God." Perfect!

Hank also provided a little comic relief during the primary performace. As soon as he got on the stage, he thought he was a celebrity and called out and waved to all his peeps. "Hi Dad!" On the way to church, we had practiced Hank's songs and had tried to encourage him to sing nice and loud. Well, I guess we made our point because Hank kept shouting to Aaron (who was sitting in the middle of the congregation), "DAD! Can you hear me, Dad?" Aaron tried to answer Hank and also silence him by just smiling and nodding but Hank wasn't satisfied. Hank told Aaron, "DAD! Just give me a thumbs-up if you can hear me!" Wanting some feedback, Hank would yell out and ask Aaron, "DAD! Can you hear me?" after every song. Hank is lucky his is so dang cute or I would have just hid!

Baby Diet

In order to reduce calories, I have been encouraged by our pediatrician to replace a feeding with solid food. Unfortunately, up until now Ben has not been a big fan of baby food. He dodges it, complains, and purses his lips so tight that I can't even get the food in. Well, it turns out that Ben is a bit of a "princess and the pea" and didn't care for my rubber-y baby spoon. I tried several different spoons/utensils, Ben picked one out that is more to his liking, and now he's eating his applesauce like a champ!

"playing A"

I would never be able to get dinner on the table if it weren't for starfall.com. Hank and Max love to sit together and "play A" while I prepare dinner. It works great because Hank can navigate through the site with the mouse all by himself, they stay occupied for a long time, they actually play really well together, and they really are learning ABCs and early reading skills! What a lifesaver!

Tipsy

I guess there is some benefit to having a broad base....he wobbles a little and tips over here and there, but Ben has nearly mastered sitting! Yay for Ben!

Mwwaaaah!