Landon's Birthday

Today was Landon's birthday. It is hard to believe he is four years old. So much has happened in the past four years of our life. My parents were in town on Sunday night so we had cake and ice cream to celebrate Landon. His dad made a basketball cake but unfortunately we didn't get any pictures because the battery was dead on the camera. Maybe next year. Landon got a firetruck from Grandma and Grandpa which he absolutely loves. His Dad bought him a teenage mutant ninja turtle and a GI Joe which they have been playing with together. He also got a Leapster hand held learning game which he loves. Mimi and Poppy sent him a balloon boquet. It was so fun for him to open the door and get such a fun suprise. Landon took zingers to preschool for his birthday treat and has so much fun passing them out. I also took the kids to McDonald's for lunch.....they loved getting happy meals. Jerry made an awesome dinner and we had fun as a family honoring Landon. He got to eat on the "You are Special" plate and was very excited. He is a wonderful boy. We are so grateful he is part of our family.

Avery

Instructions

This is what happened when I had my back turned and the kids were playing with the markers they got from Grandma Faye. Apparently I have never mentioned that markers do not go on your face, they go on paper. At least that is what Lauren maintained when ask why she would ever do something like this. I now know I have to give them VERY explicit instructions and at least repeat them 100 times or more.

Big

Dialogue between Landon and Lauren this morning:

Landon: " Sissy, when you get big you can fit in my jammies AND you can go to preschool AND you get to wear earrings like mommy!"

Lauren: "When I get big I supposed to get angry AND bounce my head off!"

I am not sure what else to say.

Two Months Old

Today Avery is two months old. She is a joy to have in our home. She is a very good baby and is the calm amidst the chaos of life with a 2 and 3 year old. She is starting to make noises, sigh and talk when she lays on her changing table. She likes the swing and sleeps there a lot. She likes her baths and kicks a lot in the water. She was weighed this week and weighed over 11 pounds. She has been sick this week but seems to be doing better. She had a cold and the doctor said to use the humidifier and saline drops to keep her nose clear. We are praying she does not get RSV and continues to improve. She doesn't have as many BM as the other kids so we are giving her prune juice to help her along. The doctor says it is ok if she just has one a week. This was not an issue for Landon or Lauren. She takes a bottle well and takes a pacifier. She is usually content although she does like to be held at night. We have been putting the older kids to bed early so this gives us time to spend with her in the evening. She is a little piece of heaven here on earth and we are so grateful she is part of our family. We look forward to getting to know her little personality more.

Sick

So all the kids have conjunctivitis. Landon and Lauren got it and we did our best to keep Avery away. Apparently it didn't work. She now has it in both eyes. I am so worried about her getting RSV. Her friend Grant has been in the hospital for one week because of it and her cousin Britton has been sick as well. After Landon was hospitalized at 10 days old with RSV, I promised myself I would never have another winter baby. Ummmmm.....this time I chose December so I could spend two more months trying to keep the baby healthy. Jerry has a horrible cold and I have a mild cold. It hasn't been the best weekend as far as getting out and doing things but we are hoping everyone will be doing better tomorrow. I am sad because we missed our stake conference meetings. The weather has been in the 50-60's. The kids have been able to play in the courtyard and ride their bikes which is one of the blessings of living in a warm place.

Gary

Today is the day Gary passed away last year. His passing was a big shock and very hard to deal with. I miss him everyday. He was an awesome big brother and always took good care of me. He was protective of me as his little sister. He has a love for life and was always doing things for others. I am grateful to have association with his kids. They possess his traits and spending time with them reminds me of him. I am so grateful to have the knowledge that I will see him again. I am grateful for the time he spent here on earth and in my life.

Birthday

Yesterday was my 32nd birthday. So much has happened in all these years. I want to thank everyone who made my day so special. I got many phone calls and e-mails to wish me a happy day. What thoughtful family and friends I have! I am very lucky. Jerry and the kids gave me two beautiful cards, sang to me and Jerry made dinner AND cleaned up. It was great. I took Landon to preschool and met my friend Mary Jane at Costco. We love that place. She reminded me we had been serving together on our mission 10 years ago on my birthday. She always makes a big deal about celebrating and gave me a beautiful card and a gift card to Costco. She is so thoughtful and sweet. We had fun looking around and having a treat on the way out. Jerry got off work early and took me to run a few errands. Then I wanted to go to the temple and visitors center. It was a beautiful day. It warmed up to about 45 degrees and the kids had a fabulous time picking up pecans and cracking them as we walked around the temple grounds. There are pecan trees all over St George. We then went to the visitors center. There is a sister missionary serving there from Leverkusen in Germany. I actually served in her ward when I was a missionary. She happen to be there and took us through the family presentation the kids love. It was a very special day and I have much to be thankful for!