Breanna's Birthday

I know this is a bit (ahem) overdue, but Breanna had a birthday party! It was really fun to make her feel special and she soaked it all in. We mostly had family there and one church friend, I didn't want to make it too stressful, but my sisters were there to help and that made the party go really smooth.  I have to say the star of the show was my niece Evie, she even kept the conversation going. They really were having conversations as they ate cake. It was sooo cute!! And I must give a special shout-out to my sister Candace who played the "real princess". She was for sure the highlight and did this only, and I mean ONLY because she loves Breanna. Haha-thanks, Candace :)

Baby Afton Ruth

Baby girl, little piece of heaven, you are here!

(If you want to read Afton's very detailed birth story, go here)

Memory

Lately I've realized something. Nothing makes it past Jesse. He's too smart. These are just a few recent examples.

(Jesse and his cousin Maren)

- Yesterday morning Brad promised Jesse he would bring a treat home from work. He forgot, but Jesse didn't! Brad had to turn around when he got home from work an hour late and go to the store for a treat. Brad likes to make promises to Jesse to get him to do this or that and Jesse never lets him get away with anything. We ask him how he remembers and he says "my brain works good".

- A few weeks ago we told Jesse Brad's work was having a coloring contest for little kids and he should go in it. Well, I forgot about it. Brad forgot about it. But then yesterday Jesse said to me "remember I have to color a picture for the contest?" Oh yah!

- The past few school days Jesse has worn his boots to preschool and I keep forgetting his indoor shoes. So on Friday I said, Jesse, next time you need to remind me to bring your indoor shoes to school. Of course I forgot again, but thank goodness for Jesse who on our way out the door said "Mom! My indoor shoes!"

And finally the kicker:

- Yesterday when Brad was taking a long time getting home I said to Jesse in frustration "where is daddy?"

He replied, very calmly, "I don't freakin' know where he the heck is."

Haha! Oooooooops! How were we supposed to know he was listening? :S

First Snow Day

Can I just say, I love love love snow. I think it is one of God's most beautiful creations.

Breanna asked to play in the snow and I was so excited about that. I told Jesse to get his snow pants on, he didn't want to, so I said, well it's either outside or in bed. He went to bed. As you can see, I feel very strongly about my kids' outside time. Breanna went out and had a great time. About half an hour later I went into Jesse's room, dragged him out of bed and got him dressed in his snow gear myself. He went outside and had so much fun he didn't want to come in. He could stay out there all day if he had someone to play with and Breanna comes in the second her hands start to get a teensy bit cold. My kids have played outside more in the last few days than they have in a long time. It makes me so happy. I can't wait to take them sledding! I just wish I could get out there and roll around in it with them. I can't, though. I have no coat or snow pants that fit. Look at how happy Breanna is!!

Speaking of beautiful creations, look at this little boy. Beautiful inside and out. I swear he's in overdrive all the time. But then at night when Brad and I go to tuck him in he's always asleep with his scriptures open beside him. Last week was the primary presentation. Jesse was all over the place as he stood in his chair-bouncing, twisting, leaning this way and that way- but he knew all the words to all the songs and sang loud. Really loud. But in tune! He has a very nice voice.

See my puffy red face reflected in the mirror? Yes I am in my underwear. These kids are ready for church, but I didn't go to church today. Even though I wanted to. I am the never-ending pregnant woman. I look like I'm ready to have the baby by the time I'm 6 1/2 months. You can imagine the comments I get at 9 months pregnant. Like, when are you going to have that baby? It makes me uncomfortable just looking at you! I've never seen a belly like that. You must be ready to pop now! Girl, when are you due? Is it twins? Etc. Etc. I just couldn't bear it today, or to wear the same dress I've worn for the past 6 Sundays in a row. Yes, the mumu. Brad said to me last Sunday: "That dress is a bit...played." Yes, yes it is.

I am trying everything to hurry up and have this baby. Today would have been perfect. Alas. Just one teensy contraction? Please? I was overdue with both of my other children. Jesse 8 days, Breanna 10. So I'm envisioning myself missing 3 more weeks of church. Or going next week and listening to this from everyone I see in the hallway: "you're still pregnant??????????" 

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH! :)