Baby Elle

My sister had her baby today--the first girl on our side since she (my sister) was born. Ehlana April is super cute and I'm so happy to share my birthday with her. She has a full head of hair--hooray for bows! Congrats, Delee and Steve.

Life's Realities

It all started with Paul watching and becoming obsessed with Toy Story. He loves to fly around like Buzz Lightyear (saying "to infinity and beyond" as well). So I made him some cardboard wings out of a diaper box. He was thrilled and went outside to try them out. After jumping and running a bit he looked back at me in disappointed surprise. "Mommy, my wings don't work. I can't fly like Buzz." The poor kid thought he was actually going to be able to fly. It took some convincing that he is a boy, not a bird or an airplane and jumping off the lamppost or table will not help him fly. Jeremy has been trying to tell him that Buzz doesn't actually fly either. He remains unconvinced. I told him Buzz just falls with the wind. His response: "No, Mommy. Buzz is in the bedroom. There's no wind in there."
I also broke down and bought him a skateboard, which he has been asking for almost a year. (But what "good" mother buys her 2-year-old a skateboard, seriously?) I saw a plastic one made for little kids at Shopko and since we've been cleaning out (and getting rid of) toys, I thought he could have it. He was sadly let down when the skateboard didn't "go by itself" or roll very smoothly on it's own. He still practices his tricks with it though and it slept a couple nights in his bed and took a trip to Grandma and Grandpa's. One day when he's grown-up (even though he insists that he is 5 now--"I had a party and grew up") he can have a real one.
Today was national Take Your Kid to Work Day. Jeremy was super excited. He woke Paul up at 6:30, had him take a shower and get dressed up and go to work with him for about an hour. Paul did pretty well and sat through one exam. Although the bus ride lived up to all he expected, he did want to stay the whole day with Daddy.
Oh, little Paul, you'll be grown-up soon enough...

Sam's Haircut

Last weekend I also cut the boys' hair. Sam had lots of whispy baby hair that needed trimmed. He was so good for his haircut. His hair has become very blond (although you can't tell in the picture). His eyes are (and were from infancy) such a dark brown that I assumed his hair would stay dark too like Jeremy's. It's actually the same color as mine when I was little. He's such a handsome little boy.

New Do

This is the first time in my life that I've grown my hair out long. It's been awhile and I've really liked long hair, more than I thought I would. But with summer approaching, I decided to chop it. I'm not very talented at hair styling, so I wanted to go back to short--my comfort zone I guess. I'm also not photogenic, so the only picture I'll post is of the back. My sister-in-law's friend, Bonnie, cut it and she did a fabulous job for a great deal. I got some highlights too. I'm totally in love with the results.

Ok, ok...here's a picture of the front too.

Springtime

I LOVE spring! Apparently it runs in my blood. Here is part of a letter written by my Grandma when she was on her mission: "I couldn't resist the spring, so I cleaned out the flower beds in front and planted some petunias and some tomato plants. I probably will never eat the tomatoes from them but I hope some one will enjoy. The petunias are already starting to bloom." I always think of her when I am "gardening." In honor of spring I spruced up the balcony and planted some herbs and veggies. I hope they all survive.

I Love Being a Mom!

So I have good Mom days and bad ones. Lately I've been having good ones, so I thought I'd post this so I can read it on the next "down" day. My boys have been so sweet this weekend--it's like I can't get enough of holding, hugging and kissing them. I guess that's good since Sam was very clingy today (Jer is gone for boards and he did this last time too I think). Today we went out for a walk between Conference sessions. I got Sam out of his stroller and let them roam around a little meadow for a bit. Paul loved it and picked a bunch of grass. Sam wasn't sure what to do, so he found a dried leaf and brought it to me. It was wonderful being out in the sunshine watching my boys play. I feel so blessed to be their mom. They are such wonderful little guys. I love watching them interact. Paul has gotten over his sibling rivalry (for now) and is a great big brother. Sam imitates most everything he does. They both have cute little senses of humor. I've always dreamed of being a mom and today was one of those times when I felt like life doesn't get any better than this. I'm grateful that I get to be home with them and I'm grateful for my knowledge of the importance of motherhood and family. I'm grateful that I have such a happy and loving family. I'm grateful that I feel so rewarded for trying to put them first in my life. I'm grateful for the example of my mother, too. Being a mom is just the best!

Update

Paul: Conquered the fireman pole at the playground. Is Mommy and Daddy's big helper. Loves to be in charge. Says the funniest things. Enjoys gathering random toys into buckets, bags, and suitcases. Sings "Take me out to the Ballgame" and " I am a Child of God." Likes to watch Playhouse Disney. Still wants a skateboard.
Jer: Works at the Eye Institute of Utah. Likes watching surgeries and basketball. Plans to fix up the Vespa. Is looking for a Saturday project. Is the boys' favorite parent. Is excited to graduate soon.
Sam: Is practically running now. Wants to climb. Has favorite words: "don't," "daddy," "yea!" "beep beep," "baby," "no," "uh-oh" "hi" "mommy." Loves to go down the slide which he calls, "wee." Enjoys putting lids on things. Copies Paul. Points at everything. Blows kisses.
Terra: Is the mom. Has become the ward babysitter. Enjoys being Achievement Day leader. Is excited for Spring to come.