The One Who Changed It All

Joseph Luke was born on August 20th. We are so excited about his arrival for many reasons! For one, he is healthy and as cute as can be. Also, thus far amongst the 6 of us sisters that have more than one child, unless you start girl and then boy, you continue to have the same sex child that you start with. For example, my oldest sister, Lisa, has 3 boys. I have 3 boys. Erin will very soon, (I'm sure not as soon as Erin would like), will have 3 boys. Lori and Kendra had a girl and then a boy, I must mention that Lori had a girl and then 2 boys. And Amy had 3 girls, until Joseph Luke. He is the one who changed it all. Congratulations Amy on your little boy. You are going to love being a mom to a little boy!

Noah

I have been feeling like Noah needs a blog dedicated all to him. He is such a joy to have in our family. Every single day I am amazed at his personality. He loves his brothers so much. He hates to be left out, which explains his very short naps. You can tell he has 2 older brothers because he doesn't babble quietly, he yells to be heard over them. He's a total mama's boy, but at this point he has no other choice. He loves his bath and splashes just about as much as Brenden and Connor. He thinks he can sit up; we give him an A for effort. He smacks his lips when we eat. When he eats, he is so excited he pulls my hand or the spoon to his mouth. His bald little head is slowly getting hair, although I think I'm the only one who can tell. He loves to sleep on his side, every time I put him in his crib he rolls automatically to his left side. So many things about him make him so unique and we are so blessed to have him in our family!

Happy 6th Anniversary

Gary and I had our 6th anniversary yesterday. It wasn't the best anniversary, seeing how Gary was not here to celebrate it with me. Not to mention Brenden, Connor and Noah completely forgot, HaHa. The past 6 years have flown by and we have so many wonderful memories that we have made together. I feel so blessed to have a wonderful eternal companion. I posted some pictures of our wedding day, becuase it was an excuse to get them out, blow off the dust and look through them. We've definately changed, but that is what you would expect 6 years and 3 boys later!

Twin Falls Temple Open House

During our recent visit to Idaho, I was able to take my boys through the Twin Falls Idaho Temple. It was so gorgeous! I can still remember when President Hinkley annouced the temple at the October 2004 Conference. I was teaching Sunday School to the youth then and I printed off his exact words and read them to the youth the next Sunday because I was so excited. My excitement was complete when I was able to go there with my boys, my parents, and 5 of my 6 sisters and their families, it was wonderful. We missed Amy and her family and of course we missed Gary! It was wonderful being inside the temple with so many of my favorite people.

I was talking with Brenden later about our experience at the temple. He said, "I know what it's like in the temple. You go inside and they put white things over your shoes and feet, so that you don't get the floor dirty." I also asked him who was on top of the temple and he said,"Ramoni". I asked Connor what the temple is and he said,"Jesus' house." I am happy I was able to take them though. They may not remember, but I will always be able to tell them they went through and show them the pictures of when we were there. I feel truly blessed for temples.

Spongebob Squarepants

We went to the pediatrician this week. Brenden weighed 42 lbs and was 42 3/4 in tall. When the pediatrician came in she called Brenden Spongebob Squarepants because his weight matched his height. I thought it was a little weird, but a funny post nonetheless. A friend of mine helped me make this beautiful picture of Spongebob SquareBrenden.

Call me Melancholy

Every year at this time, right after Connor and Brenden's birthdays, I get melancholy. I can't believe my boys have turned one year older. So I thought I would take you all on a stroll through memory lane. I have posted a picture of Connor and Brenden on each birthday. It is so fun to see how they've changed and they love looking at pictures of themselves. Enjoy!

Through the years with Brenden

Happy 4th Birthday, Brenden!

Brenden on his 3rd Birthday.

Brenden's 2nd Birthday.

Brenden swimming on his first birthday.

Brenden on the day he was born. I like this one because this is what I remember, tons of tubes.

Through the years with Connor

Connor's 3rd Birthday!

Here is Connor's 2nd Birthday!

Here is Connor on his first birthday!

Connor on the day he was born.

Happy 4th Birthday Brenden!

I can't believe my oldest little boy is 4! We had a great day up at the Lake. It was a bit of a repeat from Connor's birthday, but it was what Brenden wanted to do. We had a pinata and a fun swim in the tube! Brenden is really getting the whole it's my birthday thing down. As I was getting the boys out of the tub, Brenden said, and I quote, "I really wanted to go on a walk today for my birthday." He has figured it out already that he gets what he wants on his birthday. Needless to say, we ended the day with a fun walk/bike ride around the neighborhood. Brenden entered the world 6 weeks early. He was excited to get here and we are continuing to enjoy his excitment for life. We love you, Brenden!