Lindsey's Baby Blessing

On September 30, Baby Lindsey was blessed in church. Jeff gave her such a beautiful blessing and it was so wonderful to have so much of our sweet family here.

I am so blessed that my husband is such a good man! He holds and honors the priesthood which is a huge blessing, and he sets such a great example for the kids. He is so good to me and I swear, he has become a better father and husband with each kid we have!

 I made these little shoes for Katie's baby Samantha's blessing! But they were too small for her. Since even the newborn size didn't fit Lindsey, I figured the too small ones might-- so Katie brought them down and they did fit! I'm so glad they got to be used for Lindsey's blessing even though I originally made them for Sam!!

Sweet Baby Lindsey in her beautiful dress! A friend in our ward gave us the dress they purchased for their granddaughter, but it didn't fit. It was extra long nightgown style, which I didn't care for, so Terri helped me to chop off the bottom and hem it up. I love how it turned out and that I put some "craftiness" in it!

Kaylynn, Qai, Kendi and her kids and Ken and Judy came too! It was so nice they came to celebrate with us and Kaylynn was so kind to take pictures of the special day. Thanks Kaylynn for all the sweet cuddles and making it an extra special day!!

Everyone who made it for the blessing!

The wonderful men who blessed our baby: Grandpa Boucher, Rick Wride, Papa Kenny, Daddy, Grandpa Tom, Uncle Randy, Papa Ed.

Us proud parents :) Such a special little girl!

The Gingerbread Man:

The first week of school, Tyler's class made a gingerbread man. They took him to the cafeteria for the school lunch lady to bake and when they went to check on him, he had escaped! Each day, they chased him around school: to their big buddy's class, the library, the computer lab, and the nurse's office, only to find crumbs, but no cookie! On Friday, they finally found him in the principal's office in a drawer!

Tyler told me all about it that week and I figured out this was a brilliant plan to show the kindergartners the campus. When they finally found him, they took him back to class and ate him up!

A few firsts...

First Bath at home

August 17 (4 days old)

First Smile

August 18 (5 days old)

 First time at church

September 2 (almost 3 weeks old)

First time brothers read her a book

September 18 (1 month old)

First Days of School

Tyler had his first day of Kindergarten last week. I am really excited about his teacher Mrs. Wallace. She seems really great and a totally experienced teacher. Tyler was super excited to go, and has been happy to go every day. he is so ready for this new adventure! When I dropped him off and said Good-by I had to walk away quickly so he wouldn't see I was crying-- mostly out of excitement for him and a little bit of emotion, just because my little boy is old enough for school now!

Jackson's first day of Preschool was today! We met his teacher Mrs. Lott last week and he got to play in the classroom. He will learn shapes and colors and a little about the ABC's. I love this preschool and he has been looking forward to going there ever since Tyler started last year! He was so excited this morning and I can't wait to hear all about his first day!

Now what am I going to do with myself? Well, first of all, take a shower! Then cuddle this cutie and maybe do some dishes (or maybe not!)

Special Moments in Survival Mode

I've realized we are in survival mode: get through the days, get through the nights... Having a new baby is absolutely wonderful, I feel like she brought heaven with her into our house. Everyone has been happier and we've had some very peaceful special moments. But we've also had some rough days, where our lack of sleep makes coping with any challenges... well, a challenge.
We had one pretty rough day this week, a day where I realized that all this change has been hard for the boys, that they are adjusting the best they can, although they've been having some trouble with obedience and listening to me, and needing extra attention. That day, I prayed extra hard that we'd get through this transition and that the boys would be able to adjust better. I prayed that I'd be able to be the great mom I am always striving to be.
The next day, I was blessed with two very special moments that have helped me realize we are going to be just fine.
Friday morning, I told the boys that whoever was ready when Grandma came to pick us up for school would get a candy in their lunch. I can help them get dressed and brush teeth, but I can't physically pick them up or carry anyone, which makes it hard if they are not trying. When my mom came, Tyler earned his candy but Jackson didn't. We got to the car and Jack started crying that he didn't get his candy. I have to follow through now more than ever if I am reinforcing their good behavior. Tyler opened up his lunchbox and gave Jackson his candy. It made me so proud to see Tyler give away something he earned, something he wanted so badly in the first place!
Then later that day, the boys were swimming at my parents house. Tyler fell in the pool with his robe on, and he started crying that he was all wet again. My mom was about to go get him a towel, when Jackson took off his robe and handed it to Tyler. It was so sweet- the image of one brother taking off the "shirt on his back" to give it to his shirt-less brother was so special.
I am so thankful for moments like this, that help me to see that we are doing a good job. Jeff and I try so hard to always be calm and positive parents, but when we are running on just a couple hours of sleep, patience is a challenge. I feel so blessed that the Lord listens to our prayers and helps us during challenging times.