The Nitty Gritty

Van had his 4 month checkup last week. He is a whoppin 17 pounds (87th percentile) and 26 1/2 inches long (93rd percentile). He screamed his head off when he got his shots. I think it was a combination of the poke and that he was coming down with a cold and had a slight fever. Since then he has been sick with a congested cough and runny nose. It is so sad. He has this squeaky cry and it just breaks my heart. I hate it when my kids are sick. Hate it. Will had it first and I was trying so hard to keep him far away from Van (an impossible task). I woke up on Saturday morning feeling like s-word and since then have come down with a cold myself. Argh. I was hoping we could finally get out of the house this week and do some fun things. Oh well. Here are some cute healthy pictures to enjoy. Van loves to have stuffed animals close by. Bath time buddies Every time I got Van to smile he would stop when the camera appeared. Ha ha! Will wanting to get in on the photo taking action Will...

My 2011 goals: MORE: dates with Isaac girls night outs new recipes because I am sick of cooking the same stuff outings with my kids time with my sisters homemade treats time for prayer & scripture study journal entries blogging How are you doing with your resolutions?

Is what my mother-in-law said last night. It is true. I do. My sister Kelly on the phone yesterday said she was sad she hasn't seen Van in a while. So I dedicate this post to Grandma Bruiser and Aunt Kelly. Thank you for encouraging me to do more blogging. Here are some videos of Van. Let me just say that I am crazy about this baby. I'm sad to admit that it was harder for me to feel attached to Van right away like I did with Will simply because I couldn't spend all the time in the world with him. But it felt like magic just as this new year was beginning because I finally felt IN CONTROL. When Van was first born, it was hard to adjust to sharing myself between two boys, having a messy house constantly, letting Will watch WAY too much television, being confined to the house, etc. etc. After the holidays when Isaac returned to work, I actually made my bed. It was awesome. I had a routine that allowed me time to do that. Then I made Will's bed and got both of the boys dr...

I can't believe Isaac is turning 30 tomorrow! I was thinking about the first time I met him over 11 years ago and how I was immediately drawn in by his good looks and charm. Here are thirty+ more words and reasons why I love you now. Happy Birthday! dedicated/funny/selfless/musical/liberal/ doting daddy/thoughtful husband/conversationalist/helpful/noble/smart spontaneous/loyal/perseveres/teacher/honorable/happy/ respectful/spiritual/chivalrous/creative/forgiving/family man kind/understanding/sensitive/romantic/uplifting/friend/eternal mate Okay Nitty Gritty fans, it's your turn to share your reasons why you are happy to know Isaac.

Van was blessed last Sunday. For sacrament meeting we had Favorite Hymn Sunday. That means, whoever wants to, gets up and shares what their favorite hymn is and why and then the congregation sings that hymn. I shared my favorite hymn "I Stand All Amazed" in honor of my Dad, my father-in-law Steve shared his favorite hymn "How Great Thou Art", and Kemp my nephew shared "Called to Serve." I was glad that the bishopric decided to do Favorite Hymn Sunday because it gave members of my family to share their testimonies on a non-fast Sunday. Van was super cute all day and I'm thankful Isaac got to bless him.

This year on Christmas Eve, we attended the Workman party. Grandma Mary sewed knight costumes for the grandsons. Will LOVED it! What a good idea for a gift. After the party, I was hoping to read the Christmas story in new Christmas pj's, but Will had a meltdown (look at Isaac's shoulder covered in snot and tears) and we managed to get him happy long enough to shoot some cute pictures. squeezing in for a family Christmas eve photo Probably the best part about Christmas this year is Van got to meet Grandpa Steve and Grandma Dana for the first time. We had a lot of fun playing games and visiting. It's always sad to see them go. I wish they'd move back or at least visit more often (hint hint). Happy Birthday Aunt Abbey! Abbey's birthday always gives the family another opportunity to get together again after Christmas. Hooray! Van & Grandpa. He always got Van to sleep holding the pacifier in his mouth and bouncing Van in his lap. Van & Grandma Dana....