Love Day

Here is a picture of me with my little "Valentines".  Of course, my main Valentine had already left for work.  We LOVE Valentine's Day around here.  It is always so much fun and a bright spot in the month of February (I do have one child that claims she doesn't really like the holiday because you have to give cards to boys in your class with messages that you don't really mean!  Good point.)

We were busy with LOTS of class parties- 4 this year!  I also got to attend a delicious Valentine brunch that one of my great friends had (wish I would have snapped a picture).  After Cole's preschool party, we headed to the elementary school.  Jordan was up first and I tell ya what, Cole is treated like a prince in that 3rd grade classroom.  He loves visiting those kids and Jordan's fabulous teacher.

It's kind of sad to think of this as being Ashton's last elementary party.  Where does the time go?  I love 5th graders.  They are so funny- kind of awkward but full of energy and excitement.

Finally, it was on to Regan's class where they were playing heart bingo.  Notice her hair when we first arrived.  Of course, I had to fix it. (The girls all wore their headbands that our neighbor made them a couple of years ago...Regan said it was to remember her by because she moved....love you SP!)

For Tod and I at this stage, it is hard to find time to really celebrate V-day.  We have a little tradition where we leave a Valentine and favorite candy bar on the table for the other person- this year Symphony for him, white Kit-Kat for me....a perfect tradition- easy and inexpensive!

(Sadly the most recent picture I have of us is from Christmas!)

Of course, this day always stirs dear, special memories of my mama- she would have been 63 years young on V-day.  I miss her every, single day but especially on this day of love.  This year I found myself wishing that she could know these grand kids of hers.  I know she would love to spend time with them.  I do believe that in some way, she does know them and have a strong bond with them already.   For now, I am thankful to have so many memories of her and our time on earth together.  What a lady!

Wintertime

Oh, what do you do in the wintertime???  Well, around here, we do manage to stay busy!
We were finally able to finish celebrating Jordan's birthday (when everyone got healthy!) with a bowling party!

And she finally got to wear her birthday outfit to church!

We have been playing A LOT of basketball!  Regan played for her first time:

Jordan played on the 3rd grade Wildcat team.

Hanging out with friends at tournaments is so much fun!

I have been coaching Ashton's 5th grade team- what a workout for a pregnant woman.  I have done a lot of coaching from a seated position!

Regan lost her first tooth- SO exciting and a reminder that she is growing up fast!

Cole tried to sneak in as much playing time on the DS as possible!

And he dressed up a few times too!

We had a fun time at Activity Days learning about manners with a Valentine Tea.

This baby is growing and growing...only about 8 weeks left now!  Can I make it for that much more time?  I don't have much of a choice...but I am looking forward to having this little guy here!!!

Happy 9th Birthday!

Jordan is 9 years old today!  After some warmer weather last week, we woke up to some bitter, cold temperatures and snow!!!  Pretty typical for January birthdays in Iowa.  So Jordan has already learned a big lesson for a 9 year old....things don't always go as you plan or want them to go.  That is such a big lesson that comes up over and over again in life.  Like me, Jordan is a planner and we had some big birthday plans for the weekend...then the little kids got sick mid week....when I picked Jordan up from school on Friday for a birthday lunch, she burst into tears and said she wasn't feeling good...sure enough she had the dreaded fever and flu.  (This picture was right before she told me she was sick!)

So we had to postpone her birthday party, cancel Tod's family coming and instead, take care of some very sick kiddos!  She's been a little sad, but we've still managed to celebrate (she got a new desk for her room) and have both practiced "looking on the bright side of things." (A good reminder for me!)  One bright spot, her basketball team was in a tournament yesterday and she was soooo disappointed not to be able to go.  She spent the day in bed...then her sweet coach called to check on her and just let her know they had some afternoon games and were short on players.  Jordan said, "Mom, I want to try to go!"  She pulled herself out of bed and went (I took her because my stubborn streak would have caused me to do the same thing!)  Her team ended up taking 2nd place...she tried so hard and I know it was a huge effort for her.  She came home and collapsed into bed clutching her trophy!

 Not the way you really want to feel on your birthday, but we managed to get a few smiles!

I love this girl so much for all that she adds to my life and to our family!
Nine things about Jordan at age 9:
1.  She is so organized and responsible.  From keeping her bedroom clean to her school work, I never have to worry about her getting things done or doing things right.  What a blessing for me.

2.  She is so good and patient with little kids and they just love her.  All the kids at church and in the neighborhood are always looking for Jordan.  She can get Regan and Cole to do just about anything.  Sometimes when my patience is gone, she will just step in and take over with them.  It is amazing.
3.  Jordan is motivated to improve- recently, she set a goal to read scriptures every night and to see her follow through with that is so neat.  She also works so hard to get better at the different sports she plays.
4.  Jordan loves to play school.  She has tons of school supplies and teaching things...she will spend hours in her room with her pretend class demonstrating all the latest teaching techniques.  She has recently taught Regan to read!
5.  She has a calming effect on our family.  She is such a good sister to Ashton who has the tendency to worry.  Many times I will hear her quietly reassuring Ashton that something will work out or that things will be okay.
6.  Jordan is so helpful to me.  She is seriously my second hand man.  She will do pretty much anything I ask her to do- from planning Family Home Evening to cleaning a room or baking brownies.  I appreciate it so much.
7.  She is developing a testimony of the Gospel.  Recently, she shared this experience with me- she told me she fasted to know the truth of Joseph Smith's First Vision.  When she went to church, her primary lesson was on this exact thing.  Many of her questions were answered and her testimony grew.
8.  She loves fashion!  She always puts together fabulous outfits complete with accessories and everything.
9.  Jordan is her own person.  She isn't really swayed by what others think or say or do.  She makes decisions and sticks with them.  She knows what she likes and wants and goes after it.  I hope this quality will always stay with her.
Happy Birthday Beans!

Christmas Day

A day full of laughing, yummy food, playing together and good memories!

(Cole was still having a hard time waking up!)
Lots of fun surprises!

Merry Christmas to All!