Today....

LUKA IS TWO YEARS OLD!

LOVING...

THIS

HAM

Luka likes a basic lunch- ham and cheese and maybe some chips or apples. So when it is lunch time I always say "you want ham and cheese?" Due to these two items always being pared together the following conversation always occurs during picture time.

(if you look closely you can see that his mouth is forming the word ham)

Me: "Luka say cheese"

Luka" Ham"

Or

Me: "Luka lets take your picture"

Luka: (with big smile on his face yells) "HAM"


We always get a great laugh at this. He is so cute and he isn't even doing it to be funny- ham and cheese just always go together according to him!

Dear Grandma,

Yesterday was the one year anniversary of your death. In some ways it seems like just yesterday and in other ways it seems like it has been years. I remember my dad calling early in the morning and telling me you were gone. It was impossible to breathe- my chest hurt so bad, my heart broke a little.

I am your oldest grandchild. You were one of my best friends. I was lucky enough to live with you during college for few months here and there. You and Grandpa and I had such good times. I loved making dinner with you, quilting with you and you would always surprise me by doing my laundry, or ironing or buying me a fun treat. We would laugh so hard and have the best talks. I really miss all of that.

5 weeks ago I had my 4th baby- a baby boy named Cannon. I cried a few days after he was born because I knew I wouldn't get to take him to your house to meet you. Then I cried even harder a few weeks later when I was mailing out his birth announcements and I could only write Grandpa's name on the announcement- it looked so empty without your name too. I know in my heart you met him before he came here- but I am selfish and I wanted to see you meet him for the first time. I wanted to hear you whisper sweet words in his ear. I wanted to see you hug him tight and smile so big and tell me how beautiful he is.

Yesterday Julie and I took all the kids up to Logan to visit your grave. It was snowing- I know you would have loved it. When we got to your grave SueAnn was there. She was sad- really missing you too. Then my dad got there and grandpa. I could feel you there. Julie and I left a Pepsi and chocolates on your head stone.

Cooper built you a snow man.

We told the kids how much you meant to us. Then we headed over to your house.

I miss you being there. I miss you running to the door when we walked in with your arms wide open, hugging each of us. I missed you placing your hands on each of my cheeks and telling me how beautiful I am. I missed the smell of you, your soft skin and your sweet voice.

The feeling at your house was upbeat though- the way you would have wanted it. The kids ran around and played- they showed off for grandpa and had so much fun. Grandpa seemed happy. He has come a long way in the last year. He told me he loved me- he hugged the kids and enjoyed them.

He held Cannon and met him for the first time. They looked at each other, he smiled at him and gave him lots of cuddles. We ate chocolates in your honor- we drank Pepsi and we felt your presence there.

It was a wonderful trip. The first trip I have taken with all 4 of my kids. I couldn't have done it without Julie's help (thanks Jewels). I love you Grandma and I can't wait to see you again!

today is.....

Picture day at school. I will admit I am a picture snob. Come to my house and you will see- I only like the best of the best when it comes to my art (my children). So I have never had school pictures done of my kids but last night they were feeling left out so I decided we would buy the cheapest packet (to go with the cheapest pictures HA).

So before they left for school I snapped a couple of my own pictures which I am sure will be better than the "school" ones HEE HEE!

Top Ten ways to know ......

You have 4 kids ages 7 and under

10. You go to Costco with your husband and it feels like a special "date" because you only have two of the FOUR kids with you

9. You have to do 3 loads of laundry a day or you will be BURIED in it

8. Instead of spending money on fun dates you are buy diapers and formula

7. You change at least 12 diapers a day

6. You go to bed in the same bed with your husband but wake up next to a kid

5. After 15 minutes of driving in your car alone you wonder why you are still listening to Disney music

4. The raciest thing in your DVD collection is Pocahontas

3. Going to the grocery store by yourself is almost as good as a spa day

2. There is always at least one kid in the bathroom while you are using it

1. The only time your husband sees you naked is when you are in the shower and he is brushing his teeth to head out the door for work

One month Old...

Cannon- time is flying by (sometimes it doesn't feel like it at 3 am:) but seriously the days are zooming by. You are one month old already. When I think that you are growing so quickly and I will never get these days back I cry. I seriously cry and try to hold you so tight- hoping so slow down the growing process. Trying to memorize every snuggle, the softness of your cheeks in my neck, the way you hum when you are sleeping, the gulping sound you make when you eat. I know it is all going to disappear before I know it and I want it etched into my mind and heart forever.

Significant things to remember at one month:
*You are starting to be awake more often
*You go four to four and a half hours at night now between feedings (thank you very much)
*You are starting to see well and will stare at things with great interest
* You are trying so hard to smile- today you gave me the most pleasant look and my heart melted
*It feels like you have been a member of our family forever- I knew you belonged here!
*Luka loves to kiss you and pet you and say "hi, my baby"
*Cooper likes to hold you and sing to you. He is very proud of his ability to sooth you with his groovy singing
*Savannah likes to burp you, to snuggle with you and mother you

*We can't get enough of you!