April 30, 2011 - Jaxon

Today my favorite moment was when we went out for family dinner.  Jaxon was holding my hand in the parking lot on our way out to the car.  He looked up at me and said, "I'm so glad you're my mommy."  He's so precious!

May 29, 2011 - Hill on Walk

Today my favorite moment happened when we were on a walk.  I was pushing Jaxon and Ollie in the double stroller and Devin was pushing Henry in the single.  Devin and I had discussed how my stroller weighed like twice as much as Devin's and how out of shape I was because I was tired after about 2 miles of walking.  We were just about done when we saw a hill that might offer a shortcut for the next time we went out.  My initial reaction was, "I don't want to go up there with this stroller!"  But then I told Devin, "What am I turning into?  I feel so lazy!"  So, we raced up the hill and down the other side, then up and back down.  The weather was beautiful, my family is wonderful, and my body is amazing and healthy.  Everything felt so perfect.

May 28, 2011 - Tire Change

Today my favorite moment happened when Devin was done changing our tire.  I was not thrilled about getting a flat tire, but I was so thankful for my strong husband who was able to change the tire.  I would have been in trouble without him.  Those bolts were on so tight he had to jump on the tool to get them lose.  When he climbed back in the car all sweaty without murmuring a single complaint, that was amazing.

May 27, 2011 - Jaxon

Today my favorite moment happened when I took the boys to McDonald's for some playtime.  I was visiting with Kiera while Jaxon and Henry played in the play place with Dylan.  All of a sudden I spotted Jaxon grabbing some little boy's t-shirt and then he actually punched the other little boy!  I ran over to see what was going on and the little boy started to cry.  Jaxon told me that little boy had hit Henry.  Of course it wasn't good for Jaxon to get rough with the kid, but it was cute that he wanted to stick up for his brother.  He told me that if someone hit his brother he was supposed to punch them.  What a crazy kid!

May 19, 2011 - H Ant

Today my favorite moment happened when Jaxon told me about something he did on one of his last days of preschool.  He said they were playing a game while pretending to have a picnic.  Each kid pulled an ant out of the basket with a letter on in.  Then they were supposed to say something they would want to bring on a picnic that started with that letter.  Jaxon said, "I got H so I said Henry.  I would pick him because he is my favorite brother." It so sweet that Jaxon thought of his brother!

May 25, 2011 - J, H, O

Today I had a favorite moment with each of my kids.

Jaxon - Today was Jaxon's preschool graduation.  It was adorable!  Jaxon got the "Most Huggable" award.  His teacher, Miss Melissa, said that he never left at the end of the day without giving her a hug.  She teared up and said she will miss his hugs.  I was so proud as he stood in his yellow graduation gown and sang with his little class.  He was loud and animated and so happy to be there.  He is such a smart kid!

Henry - Today Henry wiped his own bum after going poopie.  He was so proud.  I had no idea he was even in the bathroom, but he came running down the hall with a big grin on his face and asked, "Where's Daddy?" as he held up some crinkled toilet paper that had obviously been used.  Then I realized what was going on and made him take it back in the bathroom, but not without laughing and congratulating him first.  It was so cute how proud he was of himself.

Oliver - Tonight as I nursed Ollie before bed he was in such a happy mood.  He has been my happiest, easiest going baby of all three, and tonight he was especially happy.  He kept looking up at me and smiling and for about five minutes he and I just laughed back and forth.  He has the cutest smile and chubby cheeks!  I am so thankful he is such a wonderful baby!

I am so so so blessed with these amazing kiddos!  Plus, I have an amazing husband too!

May 24, 2011 - Henry

Today my favorite moment was when I was helping Henry get his underwear and shorts back on after going potty and he randomly hugged me and said, "I love you so much."  It was so sweet!  "Aw, I love you too!"  Then he said it again!  "I love you so much!"  It was adorable!

May 23, 2011 - Joshua

Today my favorite moment was when my brother called me.  He said he knows we aren't as close as we used to be but he wants to change that.  I have hoped we could have a better relationship many times so I was very happy to hear he wanted the same!

May 18, 2011 - Buddies

Today my favorite moment was when Jaxon came home from preschool and Henry said, "Jaxon, you are a buddy."

Jaxon tried to clarify what Henry meant by asking, "I'm your buddy?"

Henry answered, "Yes, we are buddies."

"And we are brothers" Jaxon added.

Then Henry said, "And Oliver's a buddy too."

Jaxon confirmed with, "Yes, Oliver is our brother and our buddy."

I am so glad these boys have each other as not only brothers, but as buddies too!  Some days I think I will go crazy with the chaos of all 3 of them, but I would never change it.  Hopefully we will only add to it with some little girlies next!



Later I asked Henry who his buddy is and he answered with a smile on his face, "Daddy!"  He is such a daddy's boy!

May 17, 2011 - This Blog

Today my favorite moment was when I realized how thankful I am that I am writing this blog.  Thinking about the small moments in my daily life has helped me realize blessings and special moments I would have otherwise overlooked and forgotten.

May 16, 2011 - Henry

Today my favorite moment happened when I opened the ketchup at dinner.  It splatted on me a little and I said, "Oh, it splatted on me."  Then Henry said in his soft little voice, "It splatted me too."  It was just so cute the way he said it and then had red spots of ketchup on his forehead.

May 12, 2011 - Oma

Today my favorite moment was when Oma (my grandma) was talking to Oliver and she said, "Oliver, you have such a good mommy."  Though she says, "I love you" often, Oma doesn't voice compliments very often.  It was nice to hear, in an indirect way at least, that she thinks I'm a good mom.  Coming from someone who had a big part in raising me, and that I hope is proud of me and the choices I've made and the person I have become, it was nice to hear.

May 11, 2011 - My Laugh

Today my favorite moment was when Devin and I were talking after the kids were in bed.  He made some funny comment, which I don't even remember, but it made me laugh.  Then he said, "You are so beautiful and you have such a cute laugh."  He was so sincere.  It was one of those moments when I could really feel his love for me and the special connection we have.

I love it when he makes me laugh.

I love that he thinks I'm beautiful and tells me so.

May 10, 2011 - Mowing

Today I had a couple favorite moments.

My first favorite moment today happened was while I nursed Ollie before putting him to bed for the night.  It was a beautiful day today--perfect temperature of 75ish, slightly breezy, and sunny--so we had our windows open.  Devin was in the back yard mowing the lawn.  Jaxon and Henry love when Daddy plays "lawn mow" (meaning he mows and they run around in the grass) so of course they were out there with him.  I could hear their laughter when he finished with the lawn and started playing with them.  Just sitting there, holding Ollie while listening to my sweet boys play with their wonderful daddy was such a sweet moment where everything in life seemed perfect.

My other favorite moment happened after Devin was done mowing and playing with the boys outside.  They all came in for shower time.  Devin did the ab wheel (the best ab toner in the world) then told the boys, "Time to show Mommy our muscles."  And Jaxon added, "And our naked dance."  They did do both!

May 9, 2011 - Henry

Today my favorite moment happened in the car after I helped Henry open his granola bar.  I handed it back to him and he asked, "Mommy, why you beary nice to me?"

May 7, 2011 - Jaxon

Today was Mother's Day.  My favorite moment was when Jaxon was telling me good night.  He hugged me and said, "Mama, you are such a sweet mommy.  Happy Mother's day today."  My whole day was so wonderful, but that moment was especially sweet!

May 6, 2011 - Fathers & Sons

Today my favorite moment was Devin took Jaxon and Henry camping for our ward's Fathers and Sons.  I got to have a sleepover with with my sister in law.  She, my other sister in law, my mother in law, Ollie, and I spent the evening together at the movies and then visiting.  I absolutely love, love, love all my boys, but having a break for girl time every once in a while is nice too!

May 5, 2011 - Last Daycare Day

Today my favorite moment was when the girl I watch was picked up.  I won't watch her again until August 25th!

May 4, 2011 - Naptime

Today my favorite moment was when all 3 of my children were napping at the same time!  I don't think that has happened since Ollie was born...so ever!  Jaxon rarely takes naps anymore unless we go on a long drive.  It was so nice!  What did I do?  Nothing!  I had already vacuumed, mopped, given the dogs haircuts and baths today, so I figured I could relax and do nothing for a change!

May 3, 2011 - Henry

Today my favorite moment was when I said, "Jaxon, where's my kissie?"  And Henry answered, "Right here!" as he blew me a kiss!  What a cute kid!

May 2, 2011 - Henry

Today my favorite moment was when Jaxon and Henry were playing He-Man outside in their underwear.  I had the door open with the screen so I could hear them from inside while I was in the kitchen.  I looked outside and saw Henry holding his underwear in one hand while he peed in the grass.  It was so cute to see his little bare bum!  Then I was thankful he peed in the grass and not in his underwear.

April 29, 2011 - Hide & Seek, Trampoline

Today my favorite moment happened at Granny's when Devin mentioned Hide and Seek and Jaxon said, "Mommy, can we play that?  You and me."  It was so sweet.  I had to lay Ollie down first, then we played in the backyard.  Jaxon told me to "Hide in tricky spots" and "Count to 12, no count to 8."  Jaxon and I took turns hiding and Henry always hid.  He usually gave the hiding spot away because he is not very good at whispering.  After we played for a while, Daddy came out and we all jumped on the trampoline together.  It was so fun to play with my boys.  I am so blessed.

April 28, 2011 - Temple

Today my favorite moment was in the temple.  I just love going and feeling the peace there.  I love how the temple workers greet you when you go in the temple.  I feel so welcome!  I kind of think of it as what it will be like when we get to Heaven.  You know, like everyone is so glad you are there?  Anyway, I loved going today, just like always!

April 27, 2011 - He Knows

Today my favorite moment happened while I was nursing Ollie before putting him to bed.  It was a tough day.  Henry was tired and hungry because he got up too early and didn't eat much.  Jaxon cried a lot because Henry wasn't very nice to him because of the above mentioned reasons.  Days like this are challenging.  One high point was when Devin came home at 5:00 instead of 7:00 like I was expecting.  He took advantage of his extra time at home and mowed the jungle we had growing in the backyard.  While Jaxon and Henry were outside with Daddy, I nursed Oliver.  I was completely burnt out.  I was feeling frustrated as I relived moments of my day and feeling guilty for not being more patient when my kids misbehaved.

But as I looked down at Oliver, suddenly I felt so blessed.  I felt my Heavenly Father's love for me.  I felt a confirmation that He knows motherhood can be difficult at times, but He is pleased with my efforts.  He knows I try and though I fail at times, he is glad I still keep trying.  I thought about how some women have difficulty bearing children and I have been extremely blessed with the three I have.  I know that no matter how crazy life might be with them, I would have nothing without them.

April 26, 2011 - Jaxon

Today my favorite moment happened when Devin was mowing the lawn.  Henry wanted to be outside with him but also wanted his shoe on.  (Single shoe because his other foot is in his cast for his broken leg.)  The mower was running so Devin couldn't hear Henry asking for help.  I was watching from inside and about to go out and help, when Jaxon, who was also outside, realized that Henry needed help.  Jaxon bent down and helped Henry get his shoe on.  It was just so sweet that Jaxon saw that Henry couldn't get his shoe on without help and chose to help him.  No one asked Jaxon to do it and he did not know anyone was watching so he did not do it for praise.  As a parent, I just hope my boys always see opportunities to serve others and take those opportunities.  Especially those times when no one is watching.

April 25, 2011 - Henry

Today my favorite moment was when Henry went to the bathroom all by himself!  I didn't even know he had gone in there until I heard him calling to me, "Mommy, come wipe my butt!  Come wipe my butt!"  Oh the joys of motherhood!

April 24, 2011 - Ollie

Today my favorite moment was when Ollie was smiling after I nursed him and I got a glimpse of his little dimple!  He is a super happy baby, but particularly today he was so happy and smily that I noticed his dimple a few times.  He is adorable and I am so thankful he is our happy little guy!

April 23, 2011 - 51% of the Bill

Saturday - Today my favorite moment was during another family Easter celebration.  We just have so much fun as a family!  I really feel like the family I married into is my own.  One of the highlights was when my brother-in-law found the egg with a ripped $20 inside.  My father-in-law thought it would be a joke to put it in an egg and hoped Josh would get it.  So it was great that Josh found that egg, but then Josh claims that since it is more than 50% of the bill, the bank will exchange it for a brand new bill.  So, dad is out $20!  Bummer for him that the joke backfired!  But we all got a good laugh and Josh is $20 richer!

April 22, 2011 - Run

Today my favorite moment was when I got to run outside.  It was a beautiful morning and I didn't have to push a stroller.  I am starting to get back in shape and today I got a taste of the running feeling I really love.

April 21, 2011 - Jaxon

Today my favorite moment was when Jaxon brought me a Lego man and excitedly said, "Look, Mommy!"  I wasn't sure what he was showing me about his toy so I asked what I was.  He said, "This is my pirate that goes in space."  I laughed and told him how cool it was.  I noticed the Lego man did have an eye patch and scruffy face like a pirate, plus, a space helmet.  A Lego space pirate, very creative!

April 20, 2011 - Henry

Today my favorite moment happened at Oliver's doctor check up.  Henry was standing by the door when the nurse was leaving and she told him, "Watch your fingers, baby."  Henry turned around and said to me, "Mommy, that doctor called me a baby.  I'm not a baby!"  Just the way he says things and how he insists he is so grown up is just adorable.

Oh, and he calls the lawn mower the "lawn mary."  I wanna remember that one.

April 19, 2011 - Bed

Today my favorite moment was getting in my cool sheets and relaxing to go to sleep.  It wasn't a bad day or anything.  In fact, it was a good day, but I'm beat!

April 18, 2011 - Jaxon & Henry

Today my favorite moment was right after we finished family night and the boys were looking at a picture of Ammon and the sheep.  Henry was being silly and asked if the sheep were bugs.  For some reason, Jaxon thought it was so hilarious that Henry called the sheep bugs that he just kept laughing.  Then, because Henry loves to make people laugh he kept saying "Yuck, bugs!" and Jaxon just kept laughing!

April 17, 2011 - Our Family

I just love Sundays.  Pretty much every Sunday is spent with our little family, in our home, just being together.  It's not only a physical day off work, but a mental day off as well.  I don't do bills, housework, or pretty much anything but go to church and play with the kids.  It is so nice to be together.

April 16, 2011 - Easter

My favorite moment today pretty much happened all day.  We went up to the family cabin to celebrate Easter.  It was so much fun.  The drive was great.  The kids slept while Devin and I talked.  The time at the cabin was fun with family, food, and Bingo!  The boys went to the creek while the girls visited.  The kids were so worn out they slept in the stroller next to the table while we enjoyed an adult dinner out!

I guess one specific favorite moment on Saturday was spending time with my brother-in-law.  He's so funny and we always have a great time!  --That's for you, Josh!

April 15, 2011 - Egg Hunt

Today my favorite moment was during our first egg hunt for Easter.  (We still have a few more planned.)  The weather was just perfect.  Henry set his basket down and picked up eggs one by one and carried them back to his basket.  Jaxon ran around gathering all he could.  They were both so cute and excited to show off their findings.  I just felt so blessed for my sweet kids, family, and the amazing reason we celebrate Easter.

April 14, 2011 - Henry

Today my favorite moment was when Jaxon and Henry were playing outside.  It was a nice day so we had the door open with the screen so we could let some fresh air in the house.  Jaxon came up to the screen to talk to us and Henry followed him.  As Jaxon was talking to us, Henry was smooshing his nose and lips up against the screen.  It was so cute to see his little face innocently being funny.  And, the funny part was he wasn't trying to be funny.  He was just waiting for Jaxon to come back and play.  It was so cute.

April 13, 2011 - Henry

Today my favorite moment was when Henry pooped on the toilet for the first time!  He is barely 2 1/2 and we are tired of changing and spending money on his diapers!  It may be wishing a lot, but I hope potty training him will be a short, easy process!

April 12, 2011 - Devin

Today my favorite moment happened when Devin called me on his lunch break.  He said, "You wanted me last night, didn't you?"  I answered truthfully, "It would have been nice, but you had to do your homework."  Then he came back with, "I'm gonna get big and strong for you."  I just laughed and told him thanks. I'm glad he is suddenly motivated to exercise, but he already has a 6 pack and doesn't even work out!  He really is a super stud!

April 11, 2011 - Jaxon

Today my favorite moment was when I asked the boys, "Guys, what are you doing?" and Jaxon answered with, "We're not playing in the front room."  They totally were.

Classic.

April 8, 2011 - Mommy Duck

Today I have a "not-so-favorite" moment to share.  I was driving on the freeway and I saw a duck on the side of the road.  Yep, a duck.  Have you ever seen a duck on the freeway?  I hadn't until today.  Anyway, it was a mommy duck.  She seemed to be watching the cars pass by.  Then, I saw 4 spots of feathers on the road...her babies!  It was so sad!  I could just imagine her wondering where her babies were and not understanding what happened.  Poor little mommy ducky!  She lost her babies.  I almost cried for her.

April 7, 2011 - Jaxon

Today my favorite moment was while saying family prayer, Jaxon said, "I'm thankful that I can never brake Mommy's heart."

The "I'm thankful" actually means "please bless."  He always says "I'm thankful" when he asks for things.  Ex: "I'm thankful that Granny and Gramps will have a different job that they will like."  Or, "I'm thankful that Henry can never throw fits at night."  etc...

So, he was asking for help so he would never break my heart.  So sweet!

Earlier in the day he asked what it meant to "break her heart."  He heard this on the movie Tangled when Rapunzel gets out of the tower and tells Ryder "it would break my mothers heart if she knew I was out" or something like that with the phrase "break her heart."  I told him it meant that her mom would be sad because she was not obedient.  So, learning what he did from the line in the movie, he didn't want to be disobedient and break my heart.

April 6, 2011 - Oliver

Today my favorite moment was when Oliver was watching and smiling at Devin as he said family prayer.  It was like he knew that we were praying and he was happy to be here in our family.  So precious!

April 5, 2011 - Devin

Today, my favorite moment was when my husband was thanking me for all the things I do around the house, for him, for the kids, etc, by saying, "I am the most blessed out of any other human being on earth."

Maybe he wanted some action:)  Maybe it worked...

April 4, 2011 - Jaxon

Today my favorite moment was when I told the boys to stop wrestling in the front room and Jaxon said, "We're not wrestling.  We are doing head smoosh games."  Whatever that means???  I guess brothers know how to play.

April 1, 2011 - Guy at the YMCA

Today my favorite moment was when we went to reactivate our YMCA membership and the guy helping us, upon seeing my baby, asked if I was there to lose some baby weight.  I told him yep and he said, "All those ladies back there are gonna hate you.  You are already skinnier than all of them!"  He probably says that to everyone.  And it is definitely not true, but I was flattered nonetheless.

February 9, 2011 - Oliver

Today my favorite moment was when I went in the get my 6 week old baby from his crib.  He was sleeping, but we leaving so I had to wake him up and get him in his car seat.  Usually, when I get him from his crib he is awake and crying.  When I woke him up, he looked at me and smiled!  It touched my heart because this was one of his first smiles and first times he recognized me.  It was like he knew me and was happy to see me.  It was such a special moment I want to remember forever.

I am blessed with moments like these often.  I could never remember them unless I wrote them down.  So, I started this blog...