Trouble

Just when you think you have passed terrible 2s, you get to experience treacherous 3s! Where to begin where to begin, Kan was a delightful 2 year old; he has proven to be a very taxing 3 year old. Everything that once seemed easy has become quite the challenge, who ever knew a 3 year old could argue like an adult? Their cute little stubborn souls are caught between the toddler world and the grown up world and in the midst of trying to figure out what place they hold, that place usually involves a timeout. There is a definite list of struggles that we've been challenged with in the last little while with Kanman. He is a persistent, repetitive, stubborn, ruthless, fiesty, ambitious, mouthy (at times), ball of wonder. If only I could climb into his little head and figure out how his mind processes things, to try and understand him better. He's struggled with baby Kimbree and her getting attention that he thinks belongs to him. He will not take no for an answer which has often resulted in hitting or throwing objects. He can go from ecstatic to temper tantrum in minus 2 seconds. We've found that being stern with him results in the best outcome but sometimes that simply doesn't work either. He wants to be king of the castle, ruler of the roost, large and in charge what he fails to realize is he's just a little guy and can't handle that responsibility; bless his little "BIG" heart. Kan definitely presents us with some major challenges but he is also an absolute delight to have around. He's querky and funny and can make up the most outlandish of stories that you can't help but smile over. He's busy and inquisitive about most everything in general. He's still a momma's boy which is a blessing and a curse but the quantities of love that pore out of my heart for him are limitless.

"UGH GIRLS"

I'm still trying to convince myself that Kaleb will wake up and realize that girls have cooties and are gross but that hasn't yet happened. He actually likes this girl and by like I mean he looooooovvvvvveeeesssss her or at least that's what I read in some text messages and over heard him say once DISGUSTING. If you ask me the "L" word is thrown around much too loosely these days and this loooooooooovvvvvvvveeeeee is nothing compared to what it will be someday, a LONG LONG time from now of course. For the time being I will continue making gag noises when I have to hear about another girl, besides me of course and just nod my head when I "overhear" that dreaded "L" word. Nonetheless I figured I better at least write a little something so he can look back and realize how retarded 14 year looooooovvvvvveeeeee is/was. Kaleb, little piece of advice, always love mama the most, nuff said....

Baptism (s)

In life there are a number of milestones that will tug at a mother's heart strings and as I stood back and watched Father Hope baptize our 4 children, I couldn't stop the tears from flowing. There is a sense of peace and tranquility that fills up all of the extra hidden corners in your heart when you see God's love pouring into your children. Kaleb and Kennedy were the oldest to be baptized, although it is something I've wanted to do for several years, I also wanted it to be their choice since their dad is a different religion than myself. I'm so glad they finally decided they were ready. All of the kids have the same Godparents (Bill and Toni Thayn) however; due to a world championship cookoff they were unable to attend and Lydia Burrola stood as proxy in their absence. There were 16 children total that were baptized on March 15, 2014 and it was a super incredible experience to be part of. We attended a pot luck at the church's hope center after the ceremony where large quantities of pasta salad were consumed and later regretted. I'm so grateful for the family that was able to attend and miss the ones who weren't. Religion is a foundation that should be instilled in every child and now that our children are baptized there is a sense of inner peace when I rest my head at night. Here's to the next chapter in our book of life. Congrats Kaleb, Kennedy, Kanyon, and Kimbree; I love you to the moon and back infinity times over.

3 Month Treasure

We've reached another monthly milestone, 3 months! Kimbree is such a little treasure, she proves to be more delightful as each day passes. Her personality is really shining through. She loves attention and is also quite content with being left alone. She's a superb sleeper and is like clockwork when it comes to her schedule (WHEW). She lights up the minute you chat with her and her little cheeks just swallow her whole face when she smiles. She has the most delightful laugh and will throw her head back just giggling in hysterics. She weighs 11 lbs. 4 oz. and is 24 inches long. Her little chub rolls are so squishy, I just love them. She eats six times a day and takes two good naps. She is sooooo long that she's starting to outgrow 0-3 months. Of course mommy is still her favorite person but daddy is taking a close second. She's not overly fond of Kaleb or Kanyon, and will poke her bottom lip out until the tears roll when brother Kaleb tries to associate with her. He hates that she doesn't like him considering he's tried so hard and is super sweet with her. She's discovered her hands and is starting to reach up and grasp toys that are within reach. I love when she gazes at her hands and moves them away and then back in front of her face like "what in the heck are these thingabobs." She celebrated her first Valentine's day this month and received some cute goodies: a new headband and a cute little wiggle ladybug toy, plus Grandma Patsy gave her a blanket with matching booties and bonnet that she crocheted (SUPER CUTE). Oh how I just eat up this little lady, she makes our days so much more fantastic!

Super Star

Recently Kennedy had the opportunity to go to BYU and present a "star events" project with her partner  Hailey Baggs.  The girls worked super hard and promoted healthy snacking at the elementary school. They spent countless hours making treat bags that looked like butterflies, the snack bags included goldfish crackers and pretzels. They also put together a power point show promoting all the benefits of healthy snacking and saying no to harmful things that too many young people put into their bodies (ex. drugs, alcohol). They placed at BYU and now get to updo their project and go to state. If they win at state then they will be going to regionals in California. Way to go girls!