Walk already-would ya?

Noah is SO CLOSE to walking, and honestly it is getting really annoying. Today I was ready to pull my finger away and say "sink or swim, baby"! It is very nearly impossible to get anything done because he no longer finds scooting on his bottom acceptable. Now he must walk everywhere, albeit with a finger to lightly grasp. Our neighbors told us about a cousin who finally put a tube of chapstick in their little boy's hand, and that got him going on his own. I'll have to try that. Noah is now officially 18 months-as of the 23rd, and although everyone has had their stories of this child or that child that didn't walk until they were 15, 16, 18 months, no one has told me of a child who started walking past 18 months. I know people, it will happen SOMEDAY, but I am ready for that day TODAY!!! Meanwhile, he is saying cute things like "I l-l-louve ooo", "ready?", "okay" & "See it?". At least he'll be able to talk while he's grasping my finger on the way into Kindergarten.

Back to School?????

It's the middle of summer, and yet again my kids are back in school. There are some things I really don't like about year-round school. However, the plus side is I get my routine back, as well as my nights. LOVE 8:30 bedtime!!! Once again I failed to take a first day of school photo-so I shall attempt a 2nd day photo and post it tomorrow. But, lest you think I'm a neglectful mother, I did make pancakes for breakfast. Now that doesn't happen everyday!

Devin is in 4th grade and has Mrs. Christensen. We have heard great things about her, and so far Devin thinks she's pretty cool. He said she told a lot of jokes today. He also said they have their own water cooler and McDonald's cups since they are out in the portable and don't have easy access to a drinking fountain. He was definitely the nervous one this year. But, I was glad to hear things turned out okay.

Sam is in 2nd grade and has Miss. Wilson. Once again, we've heard great things. Both teachers sent letters before school started, which I think is very nice. No, Sam did not get up at 5am- or some other ghastly hour like last year. He must be maturing. Although, he was very excited. When I picked him up he told me they played name Bingo-something to do with the names of kids you don't know yet-and he won. The prize he picked? A ring with a big blue stone and little diamonds all around it. Not something all little boys would pick, I'm sure. But, I'm thinking because it was blue he thought it was for boys. Devin later told me that when Sam does things like that it embarrasses the "crap" out of him. Ahhh, the life of siblings. I told him if he was embarrassed that was his problem and he'd best get over it. At least it was blue!! ;)

Mark gave the boys blessings for the school year after church yesterday. That is my very favorite part of back-to-school. The boys were really good, and listened the the blessings, for the most part. It is so wonderful to have the priesthood in our home!

Theme of the Week

Do you ever have weeks when a common theme seems to dominate? Well, this week has definitely had one. Last Sunday our Gospel Doctrine teacher asked me if I would share a mission story next Sunday, something that was difficult, but helped me grow...that will be a piece of cake-what wasn't difficult? Anyway, so Monday I started reading through my mission journals to refresh my memory a little-it has been 14 years this month since I got home from Japan-can you believe that???? Anyway, then on Tuesday night Mark took Devin and Sam to a Raptors game with cousins and I stayed home with Ty and Noah. I decided to take them to Arctic Circle for a cheap ice cream. On the way home Dawn (my neighbor) calls me and says "Jennifer from the MTC is in your driveway". I said, "What???" Jennifer was my companion in the MTC. She's from Provo, but her family now lives in Westerville, Ohio. It's been at least six years since I've seen her. They only spent an hour at our house, but it was so good to see her and catch up a little. It really brought back some fun, and interesting memories. Good times. Dendo suru aishiteimasu!

It's a.....

GIRL!!!! I am still in shock. Devin and Ty wanted another brother, Sam said he didn't care, but when the lady doing the ultrasound said, "Are you ready? You're going to have a little sister." The boys all said "Yea!" A little while later Devin seemed upset about it, and I tried to ask him why, but he didn't want to talk about it. I'm sure he's worried it's going to ruin the boy vibe we've got going on. But, he perked right up when Mark told him they could both stand at the door with shotguns when she brings boyfriends home. Just one of the benefits of being a big brother :) (Mark didn't mention that Devin will be 26 by the time she is dating...) She'll be a lucky girl to have four great big brothers! I remember thinking how great it would be to have a big brother when I was growing up. Any advice from experienced girl moms would be appreciated :)