Snow Day

I was looking forward to it snowing in Oklahoma this year. Now that Noah is 3 years old, I knew he would really enjoy it! Grammy bought him a good snow jacket and I found those ski bibs at the Etc. shop (thrift store) in town. He is all ready to go...

Luke was outfitted in a jacket that John wore when he was a little boy. Yea, I know he doesn't match...

Playing in the snow...

I had to give Luke a ride before I took him in...

Noah and I made several snow balls and had a snow ball fight.

Then he took his snow balls down the slide.

Sweet boy!

Noah really enjoyed the sled this year. He got it from Larry and Robin for his 2 year old birthday but wasn't too fond of it. But now that he is 3 he loved it...his favorite thing was to watch me ride down it and then as I rode down he would run and tackle me so we could wrestle in the snow.

John and Noah also got some good snow to bring inside for snow ice cream. I typically make cookies and cream ice cream or butterfinger ice cream both with a milk base...our favorite. But, the 'ice base' for the snow ice ream was pretty good! I just made vanilla (with Mexican vanilla thanks to Grandma!) but it was great! Great memories with my sweet boys!

Sweet Tooth...I think so!

I made beef enchiladas (Robin Jones recipe...thanks!) Saturday night and John mentioned that he had been waiting for them all week. I hadn't made them in a while; I just forgot about the recipe even though I have a complete excel list of all the recipes I do. They are all typed up in one notebook (yes, you should be jealous...I finally accomplished this cherished book after wanting to do it for years). I told him he should have mentioned he wanted me to cook beef enchiladas and I would have...easy as that. Of course at that point I asked him to go through my excel sheet and pick out some of his favorites that I don't do often enough (something a concerned wife who likes to please her husband in every way possible would have done before this prompting...here is your cue to ask your husband). He then goes through the list while smiling really big...Auntie Anne's Pretzels, fruit pizza, giant ginger cookies, pumpkin bread, sour cream cookies...

OK. I meant main meals. He comments, "Oh."

Sweet tooth. Yea! This is after I made double chocolate chip muffins that morning, 2 bags of peanut butter popcorn on Thursday, white chocolate macadamia nut cookies (love my new recipe-my favorite!) on Monday, and white chocolate chip Oreo cookies (thanks Pinterest!) on the Friday before that. And he is asking for more. Sweet tooth....can I say that again? Sweet tooth. But I don't have any complaints! I love baking and eating it just as much as him! If you ever need sweets we probably have something! Just give me a call!

10...1215...330...545...7...830

That was my night night. Luke my 10 1/2 month old still sleeps like a newborn...yes, a newborn...STILL being the key word explaining the fact that I haven't slept well in over a year. Yes, over a year!

It all starts when you are pregnant and the baby is laying on or kicking your bladder. If you are not up every hour using the restroom, you are turning over (if you can actually manage to turn over) because your hips are expanding and aching. So the last couple or more months of pregnancy...sleep is already a distant memory. It is a great way for God to prepare you for the baby's arrival! I looked back in my log and noticed I got 4 hours total the last 3 nights before Luke arrived. Yes, 4! Now 10 1/2 months later, I am still not sleeping. I have gone over 30 different reasons why Luke still sleeps like newborn. I've read articles, I've listened to advice, and I've tried many, many things. A few times in Luke's life, he has only woken up once. Right before he got the cold he has now, he did it two days in a row...then got a cold from me that I got from John. Before that was on vacation but that was only because he was extremely exhausted from traveling all day and getting to bed hours late. Before that was a few days before thanksgiving...and then he got a cold at thanksgiving. Before that it was in Mesquite in September. Then we came home, kept him in the pack-n-play thinking he liked it instead of his crib...didn't work. And he only did it a couple other times before Sept.

Q: Why do I remember those cherished nights?

A: The answer is the same...10...1215...330...545...7...830

Q:Why do I lay in bed for up to 2 hours trying to fall asleep?

A: 10...1215...330...545...7...830

Q: Why have I forgotten how to sleep?

A:10...1215...330...545...7...830

Q: Why does it take me 2 to 3 different times in the night to get 4 or 5 hours of sleep over the last year?

A:10...1215...330...545...7...830

Q: Why can I not shut my brain off knowing the world will revolve without me awake?

A:10...1215...330...545...7...830

Q: Why do I eat at least once and often twice in the middle of the night?

A:10...1215...330...545...7...830

Q: Why do I hear phantom cries when Luke is actually sleeping?

A:10...1215...330...545...7...830

Q:How can I walk through the dark house at night and not bump into any toys?

A:10...1215...330...545...7...830

Q: Why do I wonder if he is alive and go in and check on him when he sleeps longer than 5 hours?

A:10...1215...330...545...7...830

Q: Why do I like to stay away from anyone who is sick?

A:10...1215...330...545...7...830

Q: How have I survived 10...1215...330...545...7...830?

A: Only by God's grace! He is the Sustainer! Praise God for being in control and letting me lean on Him! Only by Him can anyone survive a year like this!

OK, so Luke doesn't sleep this bad every night...but almost! He typically sleeps 4 or 5 hours at the beginning of the night...which doesn't do me any good unless I went to bed at 8pm. Which leaves me NO time with John or to do anything without one of my boys present in a 24 hours period. Like read the Bible, take a shower...something for me. I've even tried it and cannot fall asleep before 10 or 1030....why? 10...1215...330...545...7...830. Then he wakes up every 2, 3, or 4 hours. So, I am at a loss. Lately, I have changed my prayers from 'Lord, teach Luke to fall asleep on his own, back alseep on his own when he doesn't need to eat, teach him to turn around in his bed when he hits the end instead of standing up, and comfort him'....to 'Lord, work a miracle in his life.' I believe it would be nothing short of that for him to sleep well! Pray with me please!

Thank you all for reading. Sometimes you just have to share your experiences. I am sure you can agree with me that it is a miracle that God has sustained me and kept me sane with little sleep. To God be the glory!

Noah's 3rd Birthday Party

We had a blast celebrating Noah's 3rd birthday! I was pretty excited about his party since this is the first one where he really knows what is going on. I talked over several themes with him. He loved most of the ideas. I decided upon Toy Story since that is one of his favorite movies right now...besides Bambi of course! The only thing he could tell me that he wanted was a candle! We certainly had candles! I bought a Buzz candle with a rocket ship on it. I haven't used it yet but plan on making him a cup cake so he can practice blowing out the candle. He wasn't interested in doing that at the party.

We had a great time. I tried my best to prepare for the party but we've been gone, packing, unpacking, and cleaning clothes since about a week and 1/2 before Christmas. We had his party on Jan. 7th. He is a New Years baby! I guess he will always get to celebrate his birthday over several weeks since we probably will not have a party on the 24th. My preparation took longer than most parties because I planned on making some cardboard box creations. I saw the idea on Pinterest and loved it. I am all about free entertainment even it is involves a little elbow grease! I am upset that I didn't get any pictures before the party. Totally forgot and was engrossed in the moment. As I always am...I am not know for being great and taking pictures! But here are some pictures of the party after the fact...

I decorated the tables with army men, letter blocks, toy story characters such as buzz, woody, potato heads, legos, cars, made signs for Pizza Planet pizza, etc. We had Pizza, cupcakes, Woody sugar cookie badges, fruit kaboobs, and Buzz lightyear green punch.

Here is Sheriff Woody's office and Buzz's Space Portal...

I also made two of these space ships to 'ride' and a rocket. Kids loved them.

We had a bunch of other toys laying around to play with too including a Toy Story punching bag.

The horse was a hit! The kids rode it...some chose to wear the cowboy hat. We also had a hulla hoop and played Lasso Bulsey. So glad John's Mom saved that horse from when he was a little boy. Noah loves it too!

Here is the presents table...after the fact. I put the goody bags in the wagon for the kids on the way out.

Here is Noah checking out his cool new toys...

New bike from Grammy and Pop! Yea!

We also had a Mr. Potato coloring contest! The 'older kids' even got involved!

Noah picked the winner! Congrats Skyler!

A last view of the party...

Very fun! Love you Noah! You are such a big boy!

First Motor Home Vacation!

This was our first motor home vacation! We had plans to cheer on the Cowboys at the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona as well as go skiing at Santa Fe. I was thrilled about taking the boys without worrying about entertaining them in a car seat for 14 hours plus. Nice! I think the boys were pretty excited about going too...

Pop, Luke, and I got out at this look-out. Grammy was hanging out with Noah in the back bed while he took his afternoon nap. It was beautiful lookout (although I didn't get a picture of the lookout because of the sun shinning) and Pop bought Grammy and I beautiful necklaces from this Indian lady. She did an excellent job with all her work.

After a full day of traveling, we got out to eat at Golden Corral. Noah had his first experience with cotton candy. He is funny about weird textures and wasn't a fan of the treat...he went back for ice cream.

Luke also got a little taste of ice cream thanks to Pop...learning to love their grandparents for one of many reasons!

The boys also highly enjoyed moving in and out of the hotels every night. The cart was a hit every where we went. Noah loved climbing to the top and riding trying to give Mommy a scare and Luke just walked around it trying to climb on.

On Sunday, John flew out (thanks for Grammy's airline miles!) to meet us in Glendale, Az. He stayed to preach at church on Sunday instead of leaving on Friday with us. Monday, we took Noah to a place called Jump Street. It was so neat. They had so much to do and it only cost $4 to get in! Mommy and Daddy got to play as much as we wanted too!

This was a really big slide. John, Noah, and I all flew down it so fast. It went up to the ceiling! So cool!

These long trampolines went up the wall. Very neat! These were the smaller ones for the younger children. They have another bigger set for older kids. They also had a maze, a dodge ball trampoline court, a tramp that went off into a pit, etc. Neat place to say the least!!!

Here is our family picture at the game. This was the first full football game for the boys. We've taken Noah to about a quarter of a game before and he was very disinterested and wanted to run around. I wasn't sure how he would do at this game. But the boys did so well. Luke slept the whole first half (minus the last minute) and Noah was entertained the whole time (not really by the game). He ate popcorn, a hot dog, had a sucker, played games on the I-Phone, etc. It was such a fun game. A great memory for us!

Noah really liked the mascots and the band.

Luke had fun playing with Great Grandpa. It was so sweet seeing them play together. I will cherish that for a long time. I just had to have a picture of their hands meeting. So sweet! Love you Grandpa!

On the way home, we stopped at Denny's and a sweet lady made Noah a monkey! She did such a great job. Her husband and her (as well as another couple) both moved there to be missionaries. They do this on the side for a ministry and to supplement their income. So cool! Great entertainment for the kids while waiting!

The next morning we drove to Santa Fe to ski! John and I had a great time. I hadn't gone in a couple years because I was pregnant with Luke last Christmas. Grammy and Pop watched the boys while we had a blast! We hope to take Noah next year when I is 4. I bet he will love it! Loved the views...God you are amazing! What a beautiful creation!

I love skiing! It was such a warm beautiful day! The runs were great and they had even more snow than Colorado! What a fun time! Looking forward to the next ski trip already!

Thanks Grammy and Pop! We had such a good time!

Noah is 3!!!

My little man turned 3! Wow, cannot believe it! It seems like just yesterday when he was brought to us in the hospital in a stocking! He was born at 10:38 pm on Christmas Eve after 21 1/2 hours of labor. Absolutely loved holding him after his birth. What a blessing straight from God!

He has brought so much joy to our lives.

He is joyful,

handsome,

active (please let me out!),

full of adventure,

full of fun,

so sweet,

a perfectionist,

smart(working on #4),

full of an imagination,

and full of love!

Love you my sweet boy!

First Hair Cut

Luke had his first hair cut yesterday, on his big brother's 3rd birthday! What an eventful day!

I've always cut Noah's hair. He has gotten one professional cut and it costs $18 and it took her 5 minutes...not going to do that again!!! I may not do the most professional job but I am certainly not spending that kind of money for all three of the males in my life to get hair cuts...I cut them all myself. I will say Luke was pretty difficult though! Noah is pretty still as he watches TV but Luke's wasn't so interested. I tried to turn a Baby Einstein on but it didn't work. I got all around his head well but cutting the line around his ears and neck wasn't pretty difficult with a twitching child...reminded me of Buddy the Elf at the doctors office!

Here is the handsome boy!

He looks so much older! Where did my baby go?

9 Months!!!

Luke was 9 months yesterday! He is such a joy! I love him so!!!!

Updates on Luke...

-he eats pretty good. I do have to be a bit deceptive with some of his vegetable servings like mixing in applesauce. His favorites are still cereal (breast milk with oatmeal) and any meats. He has taken one bottle of 3 oz. when he was really hungry and I was gone. He is not a fan of the bottle! But, I guess I know that he'll survive if Jesus takes me home!

-he is over his separation anxiety. I am still his favorite but he is letting others hold him and play with him now. And thankfully not needing me all night long.

-he loves hugs, snuggling, and rocking. He is very loving and full of joy! Such a happy boy!

-he is increasingly more interested in Noah and what he is doing. He is starting to try to get in the mix while John and Noah are wrestling.

-loves taking a bath in the big bath and especially when Noah is in there! He just giggles and talks the whole time!

-he is still a bad sleeper. Right before Thanksgiving he had actually slept until 4 or 5 for a few days. I was loving it! But then he got a cold and ear infection from all the drainage and has been sleeping bad again. But now I have hope that he will sleep well one day soon and I will one day get decent sleep again. It has been way too long!

-his favorite thing to say is 'dada' but also says other things like 'mama.' He mostly likes to fake laugh like his big brother. They laugh often but I guess they feel the need to fake laugh too. So full of joy!

-lately his favorite thing to do to show off is give me a high five or flex his muscles. He loves flexing his muscles after we say 'strong.' He is soooo proud after he does it too! So cute!!!

-he has had 8 teeth for a few weeks now. I am sure the next will pop through any time now. I sure would love a break though!

-he has become quite the professional cruiser. He walks all along the walls and all through out the house. Dangerous!

-his favorite mission is sticking his hands in the toilet. He loves playing in the water. I am thankful he loves his bath but now a fan of this past time!

-he likes to follow his brother every where and even tries to crawl or walk in his walker to his room while Noah is napping.

-he has become extremely hard to change-whether it be his diaper or clothes. He just wants to turn over and crawl or stand up ALWAYS!

-he also still loves pulling my hair and trying to eat it. He is always playing with my hair and sometimes his!

Luke, you are such a joy! I love you more everyday!

New Jammies

Thanks Grammy! Noah thought is was so neat that they matched!

They bless my heart! Love them!