Here's our Story

Friday, September 26, 2008

My new "skill" ...

I decided that it would be a useful and fun thing to learn how to twist balloons. Come on, three young kids, surely it'll come in handy in some doctor's office or long grocery line, right? I had visions of being the hit of many a preschooler party! Anyway, last weekend while on our date, Matt and I went to Borders bookstore and found a neat little kit complete with balloons, a pump and instructions. It's really quite tricky and the only animal I've been able to complete is the hummingbird. I have also made several almost complete animals such as a neck -less dog, a one eared elephant, and something else that we decided was a tail-less Brontosaurus. I have however mastered the art of the pirate sword... or it can be a princess wand as well. And I have made different variations on "the hat" which, depending on what color it is and who is wearing it, can be either a princess tiara or a pirate hat (enter imagination) I was so proud of this flower that I made (with out it popping) that I actually asked to have my picture taken with it.

All for one, and one for all!

Charge!

do you like my hat?

funny mommy

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Who's Who?

This one is Megan Kaye
These are Brianna Sarah, I think I've perfected cloning...?

Going through our old movies this morning, we found these little gems that had all of us just a little confused. The resemblance is amazing. It will be fun to see the similarities as megan gets older and bigger.

Kids say the darndst things.

Coming home from church on Sunday, I was talking with Jack about his speaking parts in the upcoming Primary Sacrament Meeting Presentation.

"I'm grateful to be me because _______" and
"Heavenly Father planned for me to come to a family. I can strengthen my family now"

We were discussing how he can strengthen our family. I was throwing out suggestions like, saying prayers together, or reminding us to read scriptures. Jack stopped me and said "Mommy, you can't forget the most important thing..." what's that Jack? I asked, hoping for some profound statement. "I make sure you feed pete!" (we have a little pet frog named pete) Matt, in his infinate wisdom of a father said "yes, son.... doing chores can strengthen our family"

--ALSO--

There is a little girl in Nursery with Brianna named Mia. Mia doesn't come very often because her young, single mother is less active. She comes with her grandparents (also in our ward) more than with her mom. Brianna loves Mia. They are best nursery friends and she's always telling me about the fun games they play together. Well, Sunday during sacrament meeting I was out in the foyer with Megan and so was Mia's Mom. I was telling her how much Brianna enjoys playing with Mia when she comes into nursery. Mia's mom said, "wait... is your daughter Brianna? Mia is always talking about playing with Brianna. She begs me to go to church so she can play with her friend Brianna". While telling Matt about this converstation over lunch after church I told Brianna that in her own little way she's being a missionary. Brianna very "matter of factly" told me. " NO, mommy.. I'm not a missionary, I'm Brianna" It was cute how concerned she was that I was confused who she really is.

In Loving Memory...

Melinda Gayle Howe Shillig
Nov 9, 1962 - Sept 17, 2008
A dear friend, and sister in the gospel passed away last week. Mindy Shillig was a mother of seven children (ages 18-7) and has been an example of strength and positive attitude to me and everyone whose life she touched. Mindy had been fighting cancer in one form or another for almost 9 years now. Throughout her battles, she always had a smile on her face. She was always willing to help and did her callings faithfully (since I've been in the ward she's been Nursery Leader, Primary Counselor, and Activity Days Leader) She never complained, at least not to me, and I always felt she was a true friend. I'll always remember how she held her head high as she walked (so carefully) into church each week with a smile on her face. My heart and prayers go to her husband John and her children Samuel, Ammon, Seth, Elijah, Asa, Enoch and Elisabeth. How grateful I am for the peace that the knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ brings. Families CAN be together forever, and this is what gives us hope through our grief. May we all be able to look through the pain of our trials (whatever they may be) with the hope and optimism that Mindy always displayed.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Melt My Heart

There were three in the bed and the Little one said...

Scurvy Dogs!

Jack's best buddy, Michael just turned four and had a swashbucklin' pirate party. I thought the invitation (arrived in a IBC rootbeer bottle) was mighty creative. Here's some pics of all the good times.

Birthday boy Michael and best bud Jack

everyone had a nametag of a real life pirate

swing set turned pirate ship... and her crew

Pirate pinata, peg leg and all (beat with a pirate sword of course)...Arrggh Matey!

What's a pirate party without a treasure map to buried treasure? Yes, Brianna wanted to dress up too, but not as a pirate, that's to "boyish" so we thought the ships crew needed a bride...?

I Hope they call me on a Mission!

Right now we have an Elder Nielson serving in our ward from Idaho. Our kids absolutely adore him. Here, you can see why... (this was taken on P-day and they came for dinner after playing basketball, to explain the casual attire)

Say Cheese!

Thursday, September 4, 2008

A smile is like the sunshine, it brightens up the day. It gives the eye a twinkle and chases frowns away!

Here's some video Megan doing her new trick. I got her to do it for the first time during a 7 am feeding. I was so excited, I went in to wake up daddy and show him. I'm sure he would have been matched my enthusiasm if it hadn't actually been 7:00 in the morning. She wasn't exactly cooperating, so we tried again later and found success. This is everyones new favorite pastime, "talking" with megan as she looks you in the eyes, coos, gurgles and let's a big smile shine. Jack and Brianna get absolutely giddy when "she's happy at me!" We've yet to catch a still shot of it, but you can count on that making the blog when it happens!