Sorry to have neglected the blog for a month now. Just before Valentine's Day we had some unfortunate things happen to members of our extended family that have taken a toll on me. I am not at liberty to write about what happened and my emotions are still hot and high. It just seemed easier to avoid writing anything at all - even the good stuff happening within our little family - because my heart was too heavy. After a lot of prayer and study and some time away from the people involved, I am finding room for forgiveness and peace. I realize that there is still a lot of wonderful stuff to write about and live for. No matter what happens around us, Jeremy and I love each other and our kids and that brings us joy; and that is always worth writing about.
Someday with permission I will write about what happened/is happening. The consequences of this person's actions will have long term effects for everyone involved. Jeremy and I hope that through this experience we will be able to help our children understand the importance of: living with honesty and integrity, being transparent in your marriage, avoiding selfishness, the value of hard work and following through over taking the easy way out, the necessity of obeying the laws of the land, and most importantly - how to have a relationship with our Father in Heaven and to utilize the atonement of Jesus Christ so that the Spirit can protect us from making terrible mistakes. We also hope they will learn how to accept others as they are, forgive, and trust again - we hope we will learn that too.
Joey turned six months old on the 10th. He is busting out of size nine month clothes and even some 12 month clothes, he loves to eat cereal, he still wakes two or three times a night, and he doesn't have any teeth yet. He has mastered sitting up and rolling over. His long dark eyelashes make grown women jealous. He likes bananas and pears in his cereal, but not apples - we think they're too sour for him. We're going to start veggies this week. All of our kids loved veggies at this age so we're hoping Joey will too. He is so happy and loves to interact with everyone. He doesn't have separation anxiety at all. If someone will smile at him and play with him, he will gladly leave Mommy or Daddy to connect with a new face. He is adored by everyone in our family. He can't live without a pacifier, his banana teether, and a blanket. He loves when people sing to him. He chews on his toes and can pull off his socks. He likes to be tickled. He loves to hold your cheeks in his hands and look at your face. It is the sweetest thing. Joey is a delight. He is a ray of sunshine everywhere he goes. We are so blessed to have our Baby JoJo!
Joey is also learning the drawback of being the fourth child. While Mommy was packing the diaper bag, changing Tommy's diaper, and helping Annie get ready for dance, Joey cried himself to sleep on the floor of his bedroom. Some days there are just too many kids and not enough hands.
Tommy loves to be the life of the party!
Lily's class made it to the 100th day of school. Everyone was supposed to dress up as if they were 100. Daddy found a wig in our dress up bag, Mommy let Lily borrow some pearls, and Lily picked out a dress and cardigan (because that's what old ladies wear). She was so excited to go to school. The wig lasted about two hours. It made her head itchy. She's the cutest 100 year old we've ever seen. The missing two front teeth really adds to the look, don't you think?
This is Tommy wearing an adorable shark sweatshirt Puna gave him. The teeth totally freak him out. He's worried the shark will eat him. Mommy managed to get it on him while he was distracted one day, but it didn't last long. At least it will be in near perfect condition for Joey once he can wear it.
See those tiny white legs in the background of the picture? That's Annie flipping into the foam pit at her gymnastics class. She is so brave and strong. It is fun to watch her enjoy gymnastics.
She is learning how to do back handsprings. Mostly the teacher flips the kids over, but I think it is great how they start moves like this young so the kids get used to the sensation and won't have a fear of it when they're older.
Daddy went to Utah for a business trip to view some software in Utah. Since he doesn't like it when we cook fish, we took advantage of the opportunity to eat some in his absence. Papa gave us a beautiful steelhead at Thanksgiving and is has been waiting in the freezer for a moment like this. The girls and I devoured it. Tommy wouldn't go near it - surprise! Thanks for the wonderful fish Papa. We really enjoyed it.
The girls addressed their valentines for their class parties. It was tricky helping them write the names and assemble everything while also keeping Tommy out of the candies. Annie gave Frozen cards with a pencil attached. Lily gave Tootsie Roll cards.
While Tommy was in the bath, the girls kept Joey company. They are so cute!
The girls were so excited about their Valentine's Day parties. Lily and Annie both dressed up for the day. When Tommy realized Mommy was taking pictures of his sisters, he wanted to get in on the fun too. Annie was pink from head to toe. Lily requested a big red bow for her hair. Something tells me the boys won't be nearly this enthusiastic about Valentine's Day when they are 7 and 5. I'm so thankful for sweet little girls who love a reason to celebrate.
Lily asked us to come and have lunch with her at school for Valentine's Day. Daddy was still in Utah so Mommy came with Annie, Tommy and Joey. We even picked up lunch from Wendy's. It was a really fun date but we missed having Daddy with us.
After lunch I took Annie to preschool and took the boys to a sitter, then went back to school to help with Lily's Valentine's Day party. I was in charge of one game and I helped with the treats. I had to pick up Annie early from preschool so she got to spend a little bit of time at Lily's party. She felt so grown up playing games with all the first graders. My game was a big hit - especially with the boys. Thank goodness for Pinterest! I found a cute game called Heart Zap. It was simple to make, fun to play, and didn't cost a thing. Win! I taped hearts to a wall with different point values. Mixed among the hearts were hearts with the word ZAP on them. The children had to bounce a ball against the wall to earn as many points as they could in a few seconds. If they hit a ZAP, they lost all their points. It was a hoot to see how competitive some of the kids got. Lily is such a kind big sister. She made sure Annie felt included in all the activities. When it was time to sit down and have treats, they girls looked so cute sitting together, I just had to capture the moment with a picture.
Tommy is in a "Ring-Around-the-Rosie" phase. He plays is until we're all too dizzy to stand. Annie is the only one who can keep up with him.
Lily did a fun writing activity at school. They made a snow globe picture and then wrote about what it was like to be in the snow globe. The words say, "Let me tell you about living in a snow globe. Kayt put me in here. Now I am sledding. I feel sad. I got out by a scroodriver (screwdriver). I hope you like my story about living in a snowglobe." so cute. In the picture she is riding a green sled and going past two buildings.
Joey is big enough to sit in the bath with Tommy. Let the fun begin! The boys are enjoying playing together in the bath - and splashing a lot. Joey still slips around a lot so we need to hold him up, but he loves sharing bath time with his big brother. And Tommy loves having a bath buddy - no more lonely baths!
Puna and Papa came for a quick weekend visit. Joey sure loves his Papa! We're always happy to have grandparents come and spend time with the kids.
Our tiny dancer had her first performance of the year this weekend. She was so excited to get dolled up and dance for her family. The girls did a routine to "Be Our Guest" from Beauty and the Beast. Dancing on the big gymnasium floor was a little tricky for them. But they did a great job. Annie loves to dance and it is a delight to watch her shine.
Trying to find their spots was a challenge. Their sweet teacher was quick to help.
Look at these adorable princesses. Such a treat to watch them grow together as dancers and friends.
Valentine's Day was Sunday. During the night we set out the Valentines from Mommy and Daddy and the grandparents. The kiddos were bouncing off the walls over all the candy and fun gifts.
Tommy is a choco-holic like his Mommy. He was happy to have his very own box of chocolates with a monkey on it.
Lily read the new books to the kids. She is excelling in her reading and loves to read to Annie and Tommy when she can.
The girls all dressed up for church. They climbed into bed with Mommy and Joey when we got home from our meetings.
Joey is not loving the camera. He is startled by the flash every time. Look at those huge eyes!
Daddy found the wig Lily wore for the 100 day party at school and decided to have some fun. He was glad to have a little more hair on top again.
Papa passed out on our floor one night. Annie danced around him for a while. Then she gave up got on the floor with him. So cute to see them together.
Daddy and Papa took the girls up to Kelly Canyon for an afternoon ski trip. It was cloudy and the snow wasn't great but the girls said they had a wonderful time with Daddy and Papa and that's what matters.
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