Jonah's Funny Little Ways

Jonah has become obsessed lately with some very specific routines. I don't know if it's a stage he's going through, or if this is his way of having some control of his environment with a new baby in the family and in a new house. I vaguely remember Jacob having very specific routines around this age, and having some intense obsessions. Maybe it's part of how boys are wired? Anyone else have kids like this? So I'm documenting it on my blog since I think it's so cute (you're all going to think we're nuts and like we've lost complete control of our child), and I've almost forgotten about Jacob's and I want to remember this! When I go through the routine with babysitters, I swear they look at me like I've completely lost my mind . . . which is very possible. But the routine makes Jonah happy, so we indulge him!

Going to Bed routine:
-- The room must be clean (anything not belonging in the room Jonah tosses out into the hall) and the closet and bedroom doors MUST be shut.
-- He has a drink from his GREEN sippy cup and sets it on the shelf on his changing table, where it MUST remain all night long.
-- He turns on his music CD of bedtime lullabies.
-- Read him Jingle Bells while he's sitting in his Thomas the Train chair that's set under the window and next to the books.
-- He puts the books away, gets another drink and turns off the light BY HIMSELF.
-- He lays in bed with his head just touching the top of the bars with Turtle facing downward on his right side and the "Other Doggie," as he calls it, facing downward on his left side. He must have his favorite Doggie to snuggle with.
-- His blanket has to lay carefully over him without being flipped over or under anywhere.
-- He needs another quick drink and the sippy cup has to be placed directly on the shelf (I swear I don't know when to wash that thing), followed by a kiss good night and an "I love you."

All of this happens twice a day, at naps and at nighttime. Maybe it doesn't seem like much, or maybe you're thinking we are going to have serious issues with this child. I, personally, think it's a phase. If this routine gives him comfort and control in a household that often feels out of control, then I think as a middle child he deserves that. His intense personality makes for intense up's and down's, but we love our little Jonah. And the up's are so worth it!

Sarah's Sunday Snack

Sunday after church Sarah decided to make Daddy this scrumptious snack of her very own creation!

Oreo Surprise

Ingredients:

2 double-stuffed oreo cookies

peanut butter

raisins

Instructions:  Pull apart the oreo sandwiches and lick the oreo cream clean off the oreos (its too yummy to pass up).  Spread each cookie generously with peanut butter.  Top with raisins!

Bon appetit, Daddy!

Do You Think We'll Be Evicted?

The kids rolled down one of the windows in Brandon's car and it WON'T GO BACK UP!!! So we're waiting for the eviction notice from our new neighbors in our nicer-than-we-ever-thought-we'd-be-in neighborhood. Rusty, old, plastic-covered cars just aren't seen around here! Hopefully we can get it fixed soon without exceeding the price of what this old car is worth as a whole! Here's hoping! Thanks for yet another embarrassing moment, kids!

All I Want For Christmas . . .

Jacob is singing, "All I want for Christmas is my 2 front teeth . . . " this year. Although it looks like he may get at least 1 tooth in time for Christmas!

Jacob's 7th Birthday

Jacob turned 7 years old a couple of weeks ago. I can't believe it! Last year we got him cheap bike from Walmart and it's had nothing but problems. I told him it had to last him for 2 summers, but he rides his bike all day long, so the problems have been particularly annoying. And because we just moved into a new house we couldn't afford a nice bike that would last. But thanks to KSL classifieds we found this sweet, very gently used bike that Jacob LOVES and will last a long, long time!

Jacob was so excited to get his new bike!

Grandma and Grandpa gave him a really nice new bat to go with the new baseball glove and ball they gave him last year. Grandpa was in town to give it to Jacob in person! And I forgot to take a picture, but Nanny and Papa gave Jacob a really nice telescope fishing pole that'll be great for carrying in a backpack for scouts! What a lucky boy!

Jacob got a friend party this year and chose a bike party for a theme! Unfortunately, it was a busy weekend for lots of his friends, and only half of the boys could come. But that just made it easier for me! Yeah! We had a great time playing bike games, decorating license plates, eating wheel cupcakes, and hitting another pinata!

Isn't this a cute picture of Brandon giving instructions for a bike game? Jacob gave me a big hug after his party and said, "Thanks for making my party a huge success, Mom!" Wow! You're welcome, Jacob. What a blessing Jacob is to our family. His zest for life, love of the outdoors, willingness to help, and bigger than life personality fill our hearts. We love you, Jacob!

1st Day of School

Jacob and Sarah started school together this year. Jacob's in 1st grade, and Sarah's in Kindergarten! They both love their teachers and their new school. Although, Jacob is a little sad not to be in French anymore (and so is Mom). They get to ride the bus, which they love (and so does Mom). Sarah was a little nervous about walking to her class alone after getting off the bus. Her first time Jacob walked her and stayed with her because she was sad and crying until her teacher came out. Then HE was late to class. What a sweet brother! Luckily, (and thanks to a little bribing) Sarah has warmed up to the idea and is walking to class like an old-timer now!

Nathan's Blessing

A couple of weekends ago we blessed our darling little Nathan. It was a wonderful day full of family, good food, and a beautiful baby! I wasn't able to get all of the pictures that I wanted, but here are some:

Papa, Brandon with Nathan, and Nanny

Grandpa, Amanda, Brandon with Nathan, Amy, Justin, and Great-Grandpa. We felt so blessed to have my Grandpa there so soon after an eye surgery! What a wonderful man he is!

Chris, Brandon, Kent, Brandon with Nathan, Brett, Dad, Justin, and Grandpa made up the prayer circle for little Nathan.

Nanny has a wonderful tradition of buying each grandchild their own special blessing outfit. It's so special to be able to pick out exactly what we want for each child, and then keep it for the children to take with them. Here's Nathan in his darling little outfit on the beautiful blanket my sister, Brittany, made for Jacob when he was born! We're so blessed to have Nathan in our family. He's such a sweet little spirit in our home!

Fishing with the Guys

The guys all planned a fishing trip with Papa. But, sadly, not all the guys could go. So those who could, went. They had a great time. The girls had a fun girls' night together of making pizzas, painting nails, and watching a movie. I didn't get any pictures of that! Oh well!!!

Here's Brandon with Jacob! Like father like son!

Jacob, Brandon, Hyrum, Papa, and Samuel made out pretty well with all of their fish!

I love this picture of Jacob with the sky reflecting in the lake. He was up at dawn ready to fish! He caught A LOT of fish and can't wait to go again! Aren't "Guys' Weekends" fun?

Brothers

Jacob loves his new brother. And it's hard not to when he's so stinkin' cute! I'm so glad that Jacob sets such a good example for his 2 younger brothers!

Ballerina Sarah

After begging for TWO WHOLE YEARS to take dance, Sarah FINALLY started ballet this fall! I told her she had to wait until she was 5 years old (and in the free public school system and not preschool anymore). She LOVES dance, her teacher, Miss Liz, and all her new friends. I never took any kind of dance growing up, so I had to make several calls to my sister-in-law, Kimber, to ask all my dance-related questions. "Do you wear underwear under your leotard?" "Do they have to wear their hair in a bun?" "Where do you buy leotards and tights?" Thanks, Kimber, for helping me make it a success for Sarah. I'm anxious to see what comes from our little Sarah Ballerina!