clean and simple

Winston starts Second Grade

2016-08-10T23:02:00.002-05:00

Winston isn't quite as excited about starting school again: second grade to be exact.

Dave gave Winston a blessing tonight. Winston was so attentive (despite Henry's disruptive antics) and focused with his bowed head, tightly folded arms, and closed eyes. Here is what Dave shared, which, again, was so unique and individual to Winston:

know that you are different from your peers; you are a follower of Christ
because you are different, you can be a leader among your friends; help them to want to make good choices
find good friends, ones who will help you do good things
trust your teacher, your principal and your parents to help you
be able to hear the things you need to learn
study and work hard as you learn more in math, reading and science
the things you learn will come to mind and you will remember them

Lizzie is a Kindergartener!

2016-08-10T23:00:00.002-05:00

Lizzie begins kindergarten at Green Trails Elementary tomorrow. I am feeling all sorts of emotional about this. I'm trying to keep it together, but I feel like I just want her to stay home. But that's all about me. I know she's ready. She is so smart and so strong and so kind. She is going to be a great kindergartener.

Tonight Dave gave her a blessing. She demanded her blessing "NOW!" As soon as Dave began to speak, a hush fell and the spirit flooded our home. The words he shared weren't anything like other blessings I've heard hi give. Not even close. Obviously very personal and individual to Lizzie. Here is some of what he said:

be ready to be involved in all sorts of activities at school
know that Heavenly Father knows how you feel; He hears you when you pray and know when you think about him
home is a safe place; you can always come home and talk to mom and dad and feel love and feel safe
you are special
be a good friend to others, especially look for those who need a friend and someone to be kind to them

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Christmas 2014

2016-01-25T14:27:00.002-06:00

Christmas Eve 2014

2016-01-25T14:26:00.002-06:00

Attitude

2016-01-24T19:46:00.001-06:00

Dave: "What's she (Lizzie) been doing, reading People magazine all day?! I don't get it where she gets this attitude from."

Things Henry says these days

2016-01-24T19:31:00.001-06:00

Jan. 2016

Nnnnnope
Nopey nopey
Yes (with lisp)
Sanca Cause (Santa claus) is coming to town
Santa cos nap (when blow up Santa isn't inflated)
Mouse. House.
Roll call! Donald. Dailey. Goofy.
Mommy, come!
(Points to each of us and calls us by name)
Me Heh-wee
Bless ("bless you")
Huggie.
Squeezes.
Hold baby (hold me like a baby)
Mommy's car. Red car.
Elmo
Book. Bookie!
Cup. Cuppie!
Sawich (sandwich)
Yogrrr (yogurt)
Ah-sauce (apple sauce)

Sent from my iPhone

Easter 2015

2016-01-24T19:22:00.000-06:00

Henry turning 2

2015-09-19T23:48:00.000-05:00

Nnnnnnnno!
'Lo (hello)
Laura
Mama
Dada
Shsh
Papa; shouts papa when he sees Marquette HS
MaMom
Sings "Twinkle twinkle little star" and "small small small" from "once there was a snowman"
Likes to hear "head shoulders knees and toes" and "popcorn popping"
Eats!
Loves to play anything outside
Reads and reads and reads
Lives tractors, school buses, and garbage trucks
Likes to plug things in
Climbs everywhere! Particularly on the counter
Desperately wants to go to "schoo"
Sweetest little boy who consoles others when they cry with a hug and a pat
Loves his mom
Strawberry blonde curls
Loves to look at bugs
Can spot the moon before anyone else
Gap teeth
Skinny legs and shoulders; big belly
Always wants to play in winston's room
Loves blue blanket

We love you, Henry!

Lizzie first ballet recital

2015-06-02T10:15:00.000-05:00

EVR: 4 yrs

2015-03-31T19:25:00.000-05:00

Height: 43.3 inches 97%+ (off the charts)
Weight: 43.6 lbs 93%

Favorites...
Food: mac n cheese
Color: pink and purple
Friend: Helene, Oliver and Emmie and Norah
Drink: soda
Breakfast: Shake
Show: Sofia the First
Activity: watch shows and play ballerina and go to school
When I grow up...Cinderella
I've learned...art
Book: Pete the Cat
Dessert: ice cream
Vacation: New York City or Utah

Lizzie turns four

2015-03-30T19:31:00.000-05:00

Last night Lizzie and I walked into her room to tuck into bed. Before she climbed in she made a motion like she was taking a necklace off -- lifting over her head from around her neck. I asked what she was doing. She said she was taking off her "3". Tomorrow she would put on her "4."

Lizzie...I'm so glad Jesus sent me

2015-03-29T21:13:00.000-05:00

Tonight when I put Lizzie to bed she said, "I'm so glad to be here with you. I'm so glad Jesus sent me here. And that SheShe can be here. And MaMom can be here. And Poppy. And Maria, too."

Pretty sweet.

Heaven ward temple day

2015-03-27T19:01:00.001-05:00

Heaven ward temple day

I really enjoyed the spirit in the temple. Felt like I was going about doing an important work.

Endowed for Nevada Bell Dill.

Ran youth baptisms. Impressed by righteous, good youth. Strong kids.

At end of the day, I felt anticipation for the day when my kids can come to the temple. I hope they will feel as engaged in temple work as the youth tonight. I hope my children will feel and see that they can contribute to this great work. I hope they will Want to contribute.

I'm so thankful to have been in the temple today.

Henry 18mos

2015-03-20T19:27:00.000-05:00

Height: 33.5 inches 80%
Weight: 25.6 lbs 46%

Funny hair in the back
"Thank you"
Bottle before bed, finally drinks milk from cup during day
Still dairy free
Goes upstairs on his own when he's ready to go to bed
Usually about 7:00 every night
Finicky sleeper
Makes car noises and pushes cars around
Loves the bathtub
Pb&j still fave food
Likes to throw food
Loves to run outside
Nursery -- hooray!!!
Usually goes willingly, but first child to be somewhat hesitant
Only naps in his bed
Looooves to look at books
Climbs on everything: counter, table, play kitchen
Blows his nose like a champ (doctor even wanted to see it!)

Christmas Break 2014-15

2015-01-03T14:24:00.000-06:00

We were supposed to go to Utah to see family and attend Justin and Laura McBride's wedding. Alas, Dave came down with the flu and we ended up in the emergency room the day before we were supposed to go. Big bummer! Instead of spending New Year's at Deer Valley, we spent it at the Larsons with the Lakes and the Bezzants. It was a great time...but sad we weren't in Utah.

Lizzie's Christmas Program at St. John's

2014-12-19T21:19:00.000-06:00

{Sunbeam class}

{Lizzie and Helene Eisenbath}

Lizzie...when I grow up

2014-12-17T21:50:00.001-06:00

Katie: "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
Lizzie: "A writer. I could just write stories for daddy and mommy and Winston and Henry."

Nothing could make me prouder.

Lizzie Milestones

2014-11-30T14:08:00.000-06:00

Lizzie

Singing I am a child of god for the first time. 12.22.12

Always stripping down to nothing in bed. Lots of washing. 12.2012

ABC's like a pro.

" ...and SNAP that monkey outta the tree."

Made mommy and sheshe spoon on the couch after she told us to "wie down" and "seep!" on New Year's Eve.

Says "artichokie" all the time.

Favorite books are "the little mouse, the red ripe strawberry and the big, hungry bear" and the 100 pictures word book.

Song repertoire:
The Wheels on the Bus, I Love to See the Temple, Popcorn Popping ("copcorn copping"), Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam, Happy Birthday, Teach Me About the Temple, The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock,

"No way!"

"Ok!"

Dramatically said, "Oh MAN!" when Winston unwrapped her baby doll.

Nightgames

"Sweet dreams"

"I talk to her!!!"

Cried at the tree falling down.

Still talking about the penguin that splashed her at the zoo (three weeks later!)

Best friend is Emmie Lake

Insists on putting her shoes on herself and buckling her carseat.

7.2013
Has learned how to unbuckle her buckles.

"My Winston"

When confronted, she always asks for the person who isn't present. For example, if mom reprimands her, her response is, "where's my daddy?"

"I'm 2 and a half." (7.31.13)

"Hi baby. What's happening?" 9.25.13

"Mom! Where you are?!" 9.25.13

Always feeding her baby like mommy.

Finally likes to snuggle.

Shrugs shoulders.

L: Mom, I want to drive a car.
Me: ok. You can when you're 16.
L: ok. Then you get to sit in the back.
2.3.2014

At bedtime I asked her what her favorite part of the day was. She giggled, then said, "snuggling with you."

Took Lizzie on a walk. Out of the blue she says, "Mom, when we get home, can we snuggle?" 2.22.14

"You da best mommy I eva seen." 3.5.14

"Thank you for my birthday. " (right after she woke up...4.1.14)

Always taking care of her brothers, even Winston.

To Steve and sherry one night when the tv wasn't working: "my mom is the mommy of the house and she can have the tv off when she wants it."

Refers to jelly beans as "jingle bells". 4.2014

"Poilet taper"

Always talking in her different languages

On Friday, during her stocks week of school, I was dropping Lizzie off in the carpool line. One of the teachers who had subbed in her class the day before stopped me as I was pulling away. I rolled down my window and she said, "Lizzie is just the sweetest girl. I subbed in her class yesterday and for lunch bunch and she is just so sweet." Made my day. That spicy girl is certainly sweet, too.
9.12.14

"In the name of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, amen."
11.3.14

Germs and a lesson learned

2014-11-24T21:50:00.000-06:00

Tonight we met Steve, Sherry and Jennifer for dinner at Chipotle. During dinner, Winston pulled out Dave's old keychain, which included a Swiss Army knife. We told Winston that was not a toy, he needed to put it in his pocket, and we'd talk about it when we got home.
Well, on the way home, Winston opened the knife. We couldn't see in the dark back seat, but about half way home he told us that he'd cut his finger. Then he started crying because he could feel the blood, and I'm sure it hurt, too.
When we got home, we got him and his very minor cut all cleaned up. It was bloody enough to cause him enough alarm so that he hopefully won't repeat the same mistake, but thankfully it was relatively small.
As I put him to bed tonight, he said he didn't want to tell anyone what had happened. I suggested that if anyone asks, he could just say that he cut his finger. Again, he said he didn't want to tell anyone. Then his eyes welled up with tears and said he really didn't want to tell Sadie (Lake). I asked and asked and asked why, just trying to understand why he didn't want to tell her and why this made him so sad. Finally, he said he didn't want to tell her because then she might think he has germs and wouldn't want to be by him anymore.
Oh my sweet, dear boy!!!

Winston Milestones

2014-10-30T19:40:00.000-05:00

Winston

"what are you talking about?!"

No more naps. :( (5.2012)

Fell off his bike and scrapes his knee. (6.2.12)

First roller coaster: dragon coaster at St. Monica carnival (6.1.12)

Mealtime still a challenge.

Always has to say the prayer.

7.6.12 I was making my bed and Winston was wearing my boots and pretending to be Woody. I asked, "Hey Woody, would you come help me make my bed?" He walked out of the closet and said, "Woodys don't make beds. Cowboys don't make beds."

7.5.12
"what do you want to be when you grow up?"
W: Putting his finger to his nose and really thinking about it says, "Um...big. With all of my family."

8.15.12
Can the angel come and take my tooth and leave me a surprise like a toothbrush?

9.21.12
We were kneeling down for prayer tonight and W volunteered to say it. He started, "God is g..." like his prayer at school. Knowing something didn't sound right, he looked up somewhat confused and clearly blank and sincerely says, "Um, I don't know how to start it."

9.2012
"I love you to the airplanes and back."

"Oopsie-doozie"

10.17.12
Lizzie was having a hard time going to be and had been upset for some time. On his own, W went into L's room and sang "I am a Child of God" to her. Minutes later she was quiet and went to sleep.

10.25.12
W: Can I have a dollar?
Sheshe: Why do you need a dollar?
W: So I can go on a mission! I don't have enough yet.
Sheshe: Where do you want to go on a mission?
W: Ummm, maybe to MaMom and Poppy's house.

10.26.12
I had a really hard day. I had been crying for some time. W wasn't sure what was going on, but he said, "But mom, we love you!" Later that day he told me I was a beautiful princess (I was dressed like a witch). Sweet boy!

1.2.2013
(Joke)
W: what do astronauts eat?
Me: I don't know. What?
W: Christmas lights!

I wish I was big like my daddy. Then I can go to work and have a watch have a tie. (1.23.13) Winston

"It's kind of boring when we don't have Lizzy. " (1.24.13) Winston

Brushes his face with my hair to fall asleep. 1.31.13

Gave the scripture in primary for the first time. 2.17.13

M: what did you learn today at school?
W: We learned about how cows make milk today.
M: How do cows make milk?
W: they have those little downy things on their bottoms and that's where they make milk.
3.1.13

Mom, does it make you sad that I'm four now? 3.12.13

I don't want to be a missionary. I want to be a prophet. 3.18.13

Loves sunsets and gets so excited about the different colors. 8.2013

"I think you should go to the hospital today and get the baby out." (During a particularly hard day). 8.2013

"I love you more!" 8.28.2013

I say with Sunbeams during sharing time today. W sang the "I like to look for rainbows" song to my belly so the baby could hear. 9.8.2013

I asked W if he thought the baby would have a rubber nose like him and daddy or a nose like me and Lizzie. He said a rubber nose like he and daddy. Then he pushed on my belly and said, "I feel it right there. That's his rubber nose right there." 9.16.13

I don't want to get married. I just want to stay with mommy and daddy and Henry forever. 10.5.13

Praying to know the church is true

Praying for Henry to grow up and play Legos with him.

Praying for Henry to grow up so w can teach him to wrestle Lizzie.

Primary program. 11.17.13

Legos!!!

"Save it for the jury!" 2.6.14

Sneaks around the house. Likes to play "spies"

"I sweated the bed!" 3.2014

I was tucking Winston in one night. I apologized that I hadn't been a nice mom all day and that it had been a hard day. His response: "Huh? No you weren't. I don't remember." 3.2014

Wore a tie to stake conf today. Before we left: "do you think anybody will recognize me with my tie on?" 3.23.14

I picked up w today from school. When he got in the car he let out a big sigh and said, "College is gonna be really hard." 3.25.14

K: Will you still snuggle with me even when you're big?
W: Mhmm. Even when I'm a dad.
4.9.14

Started kindergarten. 8.12.14
Rode the bus to school 8.22.14
Bought school lunch. 8.22.14

Lost first tooth. 8.23.14

W: "When can I get married?"
K: "After you graduate from high school and go on a mission. Then you'll go to college and then you can get married."
W: "Then AnnaLeah's going to get married soon?"
I then explained that it takes some time to find someone you love.
W: "Well I already know who I'm going to marry. Sadie (Lake). Or Briana (friend from school). I really like them."
9.23.14

Loves to whistle. And snap. His big trick is to do both at the same time. But he can't whistle when he's smiling. 😉
11.2014

Lost second tooth. 11.16.14

Thies Farm 2014

2014-10-28T21:49:00.000-05:00

We keep coming back, year after year. My parents, too! God bless them!

Henry 1 yr stats

2014-09-20T19:45:00.000-05:00

Weight: 21.4 lb 30%
Length: 30.5 in 73%
Head: 79%

Henry 1st birthday party

2014-09-13T13:55:00.000-05:00

All is well

2014-09-03T13:29:00.000-05:00

In the chaos that is sometimes my life, no other place feels as peaceful, safe and calm as lying in bed while nursing Henry. I can't quite find the words to adequately describe the sweet, sentimental feelings I have for this time. And I'm always reminded how fleeting this time is. My heart aches when I sort of snap back to realize and remember that this won't last forever.

Lizzie is off to preschool

2014-09-02T13:51:00.000-05:00

I don't know that I've ever seen a little girl so excited for school. Lizzie could hardly contain her excitement, which would ooze out in spurts of squealing and laughter at any given moment. She was thrilled to go to school, just like Winston.

Sunbeam Class!

Lizzie's teachers are Ms. Barb (pictured), and Ms. Mary. They are such kind, patient, fun teachers. Winston was lucky to be in their class, too. We love St. John's.