Sunday was Blessing Day for Samuel.  And it was so nice.  In our church, babies are brought before the congregation and given a blessing by a priesthood holder (typically their father).  Derek gave a beautiful blessing and talked about Samuel’s name and the Samuel’s in the scriptures that we hope he will emulate.  Because Derek…

My boys all have "dude" nicknames that Derek and I use to distinguish between them. Jacob = Big Dude, Caleb = Middle Dude, Samuel = Little Dude Little Dude turned 2 months old on Thursday.  He’s so fun right now…smiling at all of us and trying to make little noises…finding his voice.  It will be…

Been thinking about music this morning.  I am a late-bloomer when it comes to the whole IPod, ITunes revolution.  But in the last few months I’ve gotten HOOKED.  Was downloading some songs this morning.  I’m really quite boring when it comes to my musical palate (come on, I buy my clothes at Costco, what do…

I threw two cans of corn, a can of black beans, and 1 and 1/2 cups of salsa in the crock pot today with 4 chicken breasts, and boy, is it yummy.  Served it with tortilla chips and a green salad.  The chicken is very tender.  My family loved it!  The crock pot is my…

I have always loved to compare and contrast…one of my favorite activities in school.  And so with three children of the same gender, it is no surprise that I must do some comparing and contrasting…especially with baby pictures!  Each of these pics is taken 4 days before their 2 month b’day.  Why, you ask?  Because…

Caleb continues to marvel at the miracle that is, Samuel.  Twice last week he said "Mom, I just can’t believe we have a baby of our very own."  And "Mom, does he get to stay for forever?!"  It is so cute to watch him and Jacob with the baby.  They wake up every morning delighted…

If this doesn’t make you go "ooh" and "aahh", you need to seek professional help! Is he the cutest baby ever?!  What a smile! Ok…let’s get back to being serious… And just because we love it when he makes funny faces… Look at those cheeks! 

So there is a variety show coming up at Jacob’s elementary school.  The first 30 kids to sign up are the kids that will be in it.  Jacob has expressed strong interest.  This conversation is word for word how it happened today…no joke. M: "Buddy…you should do your new piano piece…the Tchaikovsky one!" J: "Actually,…

I’m really stretching it with this title, but bear with me… FAME Wall of FAME, that is.  I’ve been wanting to frame, and hang, our in-house "masterpieces".  I found this spot near the kids’ room. 1.  Jacob’s version of a Van Gogh, on sand paper 2.  "Colorful Cruise Ship" – winner of an "Award of…

TO STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES!