Thursday, January 31, 2013
January Happenings
Just the usual business over here these days. Keeping the house clean, the boys busy and calendar straight is enough to fill our day! I am feeling thankful for that, as many households around me are sick with the flu. Will is upstairs singing in his crib instead of sleeping as I write this... so this isn't a long post. However, I wanted to share some pics, a cute video and a small conversation I had yesterday with Jake. The conversation was short and lasted maybe thirty seconds... but it made my day and helped me see Jake's heart for a second... love when that happens! We were sitting around the dinner table and he was grumpy and being a little fresh. He ended up having a little chat with Daddy and when he returned to the table... he wanted to sit on my lap. I said, "What do you say for your behavior?" He said," sorry... I was wrong." I thanked him, then asked him," What kind of a man do Daddy and I want you to be?" I was looking for respectful, kind or something along those lines. He responded by saying," a Christian." I said," well... that's true. Do you think a christian man would be fresh and disrespectful to his parents?" He thought about it. Then said," No, He would be a Jesus Helper." I smiled and he continued." He would be a follower and a disciple of Jesus. He would try and help others." Wow I thought... "You've got it Jake. You've got it."
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Oh Jakers....
I truly cannot believe I am sitting down to write your five year old
post. To think that I started this blog over five years ago when I was
pregnant with you is hard to believe. Where do I start? My life
changed the day I saw the word pregnant... and it has never been the
same. I've wanted to be a mother my whole life. I dreamed of the day
when someone would call me mommy. And then I had you. My sweet boy.
Jakers you have always had such an innocence about you. You are a sweet,
sensitive and very funny boy. You love telling jokes and making people
laugh. You have an endless amount of energy and enthusiasm for life. It
doesn't take much to make you smile or laugh. You have an amazing sense
of numbers and interest in learning. You love spending time one on one
with Daddy and I. I will never forget the day we brought Will home. You
jumped up and down and yelled, " My baby brudda... my baby brudda..."
You truly love your brothers. Although, they bug ya sometimes... I have
seen you protect them with tears in your eyes when someone tried to hurt
them. You are very protective of your family and friends and I can
already see that your heart is burdened when they are distressed in any
way. You have a tremendous capability for love. You are terrified of
hair cuts, yet will jump off a diving board without a wink. You are a
tough and very exciteable boy. You can be strong willed at times and
always have a plan and an opinion. You wear your heart on your sleeve.
It is not hard to tell how you are feeling Jake. Good or bad, it is very
clear with you. Although you have to learn a little about how it
affects others... you are an honest boy. That is so important. You can
be quite lazy at times. The latest thing that makes me crazy is when I
tell you to put your shoes in the bench. I usually find them under the
bench or on the side of the bench! We are working on it. However, you love to do
chores and earn an allowance. Lately, you have very big boy thoughts and
big boy interests. You want a pet very badly! You love playing with our
next door neighbor who must be at least ten years older than you. I
love watching you play with him. Your tongue hangs out and I can hear
you saying very," cool," words. You call me "mama." and say," It sure is
mama...." very often. I can't get enough of your kisses and hugs.
Especially because they are less often now that you are "big." You
always wake up with warm, red cheeks and are very pleasant in the
morning. You love playing golf the most and have become very good at it. You
like tennis and baseball too. You like to wrestle, play hide and seek,
Wii, anything outside, pretend, games and build legos. You love Jesus
and have asked him into your heart. You are often heard saying things
like," He is sooo fast. Not as fast as Jesus, but fast." Or," He is the
best... well Jesus is the best... but he is pretty great too." Next
year, you will go to kindergarten and it is killing me! I just can't
believe it. These past five years has been a precious time to Daddy and
I. We love you and are so very proud of you Jake!
And as I have said
many times... stop growing!!! Grow Down!!!
 |
| The day you were born |
 |
| 6 months old |
 |
| First Bday |
 |
| 2nd Bday Party |
 |
| 3rd Bday Party |
 |
| Abs Wedding, looking very handsome and old |
Saturday, January 19, 2013
A Hole in One!
We celebrated Jake's fifth birthday tonight with family and some of Jake's closest buddies. We went to a local place and had a glow in the dark miniature golf party. He is obsessed with golf, so it was perfect. We had an awesome night and Jake was just beaming the whole time. I have always loved Jake's enthusiasm for life, but special events really bring it out. It is adorable how happy he gets over the littlest things. Jon and I are very proud of the boy he has become. Jake's five year old post will come next! I still have a few days left of him being four! Five... blows my mind Jakers.
My favorite part of the night came at the very end. We were settled back home and about to go to bed. I overheard Jon say to Jake," You had some party huh bud?" Jake says back,"Sure did Dad... sure did." Thanks to all involved! You made his night!
My favorite part of the night came at the very end. We were settled back home and about to go to bed. I overheard Jon say to Jake," You had some party huh bud?" Jake says back,"Sure did Dad... sure did." Thanks to all involved! You made his night!
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Gifts
Life moves WAY to fast. Recent events in other peoples lives have been bringing this thought to my mind a lot lately. I need to cherish. I need to savor every moment. I need to stop worrying so much about my daily to do's and worry more about my daily "DO NOWs!" I have been completely overwhelmed with my boys these past two years and I don't have much time to just stop and look at them. Just stare... because tomorrow may bring something completely different. I took a few videos of them today. Just being themselves. Nothing fancy, just Jake, Will and Kev as they are right now.
After watching the videos several times already, I think it is great how in each they are showing their little personalities through their actions or what they are saying. Jake has re-dressed himself in multiple layers, some of which are summer attire or are backwards... he tries to control the whole video and is quick with his words... tear, so old. Will is singing constantly, wearing Jake's Spiderman shirt over his own shirt... and wanting to watch himself sing... And Kev is busy, chattering away and Will is interrupting the video most of the time (they are always together, like it or not).
Lord thank you for these three precious, beautiful gifts. I feel so undeserving. Thank you also for my hubbs whom you picked just for me. Help me to remember they are all gifts from you and do not belong to me, but I am blessed to spend my time with them... help me to remember this...especially when they are making me feel crazy!!!
After watching the videos several times already, I think it is great how in each they are showing their little personalities through their actions or what they are saying. Jake has re-dressed himself in multiple layers, some of which are summer attire or are backwards... he tries to control the whole video and is quick with his words... tear, so old. Will is singing constantly, wearing Jake's Spiderman shirt over his own shirt... and wanting to watch himself sing... And Kev is busy, chattering away and Will is interrupting the video most of the time (they are always together, like it or not).
Lord thank you for these three precious, beautiful gifts. I feel so undeserving. Thank you also for my hubbs whom you picked just for me. Help me to remember they are all gifts from you and do not belong to me, but I am blessed to spend my time with them... help me to remember this...especially when they are making me feel crazy!!!
Monday, January 7, 2013
Feeling the need
Every so often I feel the need to blog about what the boys are up to, saying and doing these days. I know I am going to forget 90% of the funny, cute things they do and the are growing up way too fast for me. So, here is yet another update.
Jakaroo (Now, almost five...)
- Still a very emotional and senstive little boy with such a sweetness about you
- Best giggle ever
- Easy to make laugh and love to be tickled
- Favorite activities as of late: golfing still, Wii (have to limit it, because you get addicted), running around the house playing a game we call Cheetahs, leapster, playing outside, board games, card games, anything thats a game, you even like silent game because it has the word game in it, helping me as my assistant in sunday school occasionally, building forts, hockey, throwing balls, hanging with friends, being a big boy and gaining freedoms that come with it.
- You are very smart and often remember or apply things you have learned in a very quick and logical way that comes only from your daddy
- You become frustrated with your bros sometimes but are doing a great job trying to be patient with them
- You like to learn math and love adding and subtracting numbers
- You enjoy reading books, watching movies and playing games together
- You prefer what you call," home days," to busy days... again like daddy.
- You like watching and playing sports. You are really excited to play T-ball in the spring and start "sports gymnastics" soon. (Your bday present from dad and I)
- Like to eat: PBJ's a lot, mac and cheese, carrots, cheese sticks, granola bars (but only the green kind-nature valley), yogurt, fruit, crackers, chicken nuggets, fish sticks, meatballs, pasta with butter and cheese, lately syrup and tacos are by far your favorites.
- You typically choose water or milk or juice.
- You are improving when it comes to transitions and especially leaving fun places on a whim or without as much notice.
- However, haircuts remain your biggest fear and we are still working on that. Daddy and I have tried everything... which explain the permanent short buzz you maintain.
- Daddy and I take turns putting you to bed and you always request us to lay with you for," Just a minute please."
- You don't like taking showers or baths right now or getting dressed actually. You do them because I make you, but they get in the way of your big plans
- Your favorite Christmas gift was your mp3 player, which I can't even get to work... but you still claim it is the coolest gift.
- You have been asking a lot about my mom lately and God and Heaven.
- You want a game called skylanders for your birthday and are excited about your glow in the dark miniature golf party we are having.
- You have a few friends who like to be "bullies," and you are currently trying to figure that out, but it is not an easy one.
- When you play video games and are "attacking bad guys..." I cant help but listen. You cannot think of a mean thing to say. You have been heard yelling in a mean voice at the TV.. things like." stand up and say hooray.." " Your not nice..." so funnny
-Jake current sayings...." I told ya,"..." Thats not even possible"..."That is amazing."... "Please stop following me (insert brother's name)".... " I need some privacy"... "Mom, is today a home day?" .... right when you wake up you ask for if Daddy is still home... "Mom, you can have one kiss"...
- Ugh, you know who you are marrying, kills me... I asked around at preschool about her though... she seems nice.... hehe (but actually did ask)
- You are very much into the concept of money, saving money, spending money, making money. This worries me a bit, but I can see that you a numbers guy like your dad so hopefully it can be put to good use!
-You are a very good boy at school and your teachers love you
-You never cease to amaze me with your never ending energy level and sensitivity. I love the boy you are now and forever! You make mama proud.
Willynills
- You are a fresh two years old!
- And by fresh, I mean fresh... it feels like you became a whole new you post two.
- You have opinions... and more opinions... and then loud opinions...hehe
- You love to tantrum right now which is fun. However, you are quickly learning that a big tantrum lands you right back in your crib and you do not like that...
- You are a smart boy! You pick up everything and are repeating any words I ask you to say. I love your little boy voice.
- Some things you say: You call your paci a dede, Kevin is called baby, "mommy r u??" is commanly heard throughout the house, You ask where your favorite people are all day long about fifty times over, you sing as much as possible, often in the car, you squeal in delight when you are really happy and people always assume there is something wrong until they see your huge smile.
- Your smile literally melts my heart
- You like to watch Elmo but often do not sit for more then 2 mins for TV. If Jake is with you, maybe 5 mins.
- You like playing Wii with Jake also.
- You love racing around the house after your brothers and wrestling or any type of rough play
- You like to play instruments
-You sometimes wake up in the middle of the night or very early in the morning... not fun, but you often just want to be rocked or "rock" as you request. We usually do not go in, but sometimes I give in and just snuggle you like crazy!
- You also love crashing cars together and can often be heard saying.."crash!"
- You love to eat still, but are not as big of an eater anymore. You like to eat: yogurt, some fruit, crackers, cereal, meatballs, rice, pasta, you chew and spit out carrots when we give them to you, grilled cheese, mac and cheese and nuggets dipped in ketchup and you love eating what other people have the most!
-You love your once a week mommy and me class and like singing the songs the most. Today you were the most vocal I have seen you in class. It was precious to me.
- Lately, you are not sharing very well and you actually told a kid in class to," Go away," in your growl voice (yicks) afterwards we had to have a wee chat outside of class you and I.
- You wish we would get rid of your diapers, but we know you are not ready for the potty. However, you ask for it ten times a day.
- You like to try and ride bikes and keep up with Jake as much as possible
- Your muscles are still stiff and sometimes it is hard for you to sit easy in a chair or get up and down quickly, but you do not let it stop you from keeping up!
- You love, love, love your blankie.
- You love to make others laugh and crack up when we dance like crazy in the kitchen together (probablly your favorite past time)
- You also love to read books and can be found in your room, rocking in your chair reading
- Your favorite Christmas present was probablly your Elefun game.
- Your cheeks are just too much, I kiss them 100's of times a day
- You have really grown up fast buddy, mama loves your heart and you make me so proud Will.
Kev-Dog
- Littlest... I fear you are going to give me the most trouble... you are quiet and quick
- I turn my head and your on top of a table or pulling down the christmas tree.
- You love to climb the steps and take adventures upstairs when I am not looking.
- YOu love exploring into my cabinets and the pantry if someone leaves it open.
- You can often be found carrying the olive oil or cooking spray throughout the house.
- You are easy to get to laugh as well and love to giggle.
- You love taking baths and never want to get out, but when I do take you out.. scream like crazy unti you are all warmed up. You do not like to be cold.
- At night, you will not let us read, sing or rock you.. you leap for your crib.
- You have been waking in the middle of the night lately, which I think is from your teeth we have been waiting a long time for. You only have three teeth so far.
- You have my senstive skin, sorry
- You like to eat. You are actually quite a big eater right now. You are not too fond of veggies, but rarely refuse to eat anything. I would say your favorite foods are blueberries, bananas, pancakes, chicken nuggets and milk.
- You also like to run around and be rough. You will jump right on top of the wrestlemania pile!
- You like to be outside too and enjoy walking around the yard or playing with cars and balls.
- Your hair has lightened up and is now a very light brown/blond
- You love your blankie now and have definetely formed a bond with it.
- You are my snuggler
- You cannot sit still and can squirm out of every chair I have locked you into. I think you may become a magician or a dare devil when you grow up. I hope not, but I fear it.
- You hug and kiss all the time
- Your favorite new thing is to stand on top of the slide and watch birds out of the playroom window.
-You are going through a daddy obsess stage. Daddy loves it, I am secretly jealous
- You don't love being in the car too long, but you are getting better.
- You nap twice usually and drink whole milk out of sippy cups.
- You babble all day long, Words: daddy, Jake, juize, rick, dis (this), up, mama along with many many others that I know you think are words!
- You are becoming a big boy and I can't stand it. Love you littlest, you are my sweet wee one! You make me proud!
Jakaroo (Now, almost five...)
- Still a very emotional and senstive little boy with such a sweetness about you
- Best giggle ever
- Easy to make laugh and love to be tickled
- Favorite activities as of late: golfing still, Wii (have to limit it, because you get addicted), running around the house playing a game we call Cheetahs, leapster, playing outside, board games, card games, anything thats a game, you even like silent game because it has the word game in it, helping me as my assistant in sunday school occasionally, building forts, hockey, throwing balls, hanging with friends, being a big boy and gaining freedoms that come with it.
- You are very smart and often remember or apply things you have learned in a very quick and logical way that comes only from your daddy
- You become frustrated with your bros sometimes but are doing a great job trying to be patient with them
- You like to learn math and love adding and subtracting numbers
- You enjoy reading books, watching movies and playing games together
- You prefer what you call," home days," to busy days... again like daddy.
- You like watching and playing sports. You are really excited to play T-ball in the spring and start "sports gymnastics" soon. (Your bday present from dad and I)
- Like to eat: PBJ's a lot, mac and cheese, carrots, cheese sticks, granola bars (but only the green kind-nature valley), yogurt, fruit, crackers, chicken nuggets, fish sticks, meatballs, pasta with butter and cheese, lately syrup and tacos are by far your favorites.
- You typically choose water or milk or juice.
- You are improving when it comes to transitions and especially leaving fun places on a whim or without as much notice.
- However, haircuts remain your biggest fear and we are still working on that. Daddy and I have tried everything... which explain the permanent short buzz you maintain.
- Daddy and I take turns putting you to bed and you always request us to lay with you for," Just a minute please."
- You don't like taking showers or baths right now or getting dressed actually. You do them because I make you, but they get in the way of your big plans
- Your favorite Christmas gift was your mp3 player, which I can't even get to work... but you still claim it is the coolest gift.
- You have been asking a lot about my mom lately and God and Heaven.
- You want a game called skylanders for your birthday and are excited about your glow in the dark miniature golf party we are having.
- You have a few friends who like to be "bullies," and you are currently trying to figure that out, but it is not an easy one.
- When you play video games and are "attacking bad guys..." I cant help but listen. You cannot think of a mean thing to say. You have been heard yelling in a mean voice at the TV.. things like." stand up and say hooray.." " Your not nice..." so funnny
-Jake current sayings...." I told ya,"..." Thats not even possible"..."That is amazing."... "Please stop following me (insert brother's name)".... " I need some privacy"... "Mom, is today a home day?" .... right when you wake up you ask for if Daddy is still home... "Mom, you can have one kiss"...
- Ugh, you know who you are marrying, kills me... I asked around at preschool about her though... she seems nice.... hehe (but actually did ask)
- You are very much into the concept of money, saving money, spending money, making money. This worries me a bit, but I can see that you a numbers guy like your dad so hopefully it can be put to good use!
-You are a very good boy at school and your teachers love you
-You never cease to amaze me with your never ending energy level and sensitivity. I love the boy you are now and forever! You make mama proud.
Willynills
- You are a fresh two years old!
- And by fresh, I mean fresh... it feels like you became a whole new you post two.
- You have opinions... and more opinions... and then loud opinions...hehe
- You love to tantrum right now which is fun. However, you are quickly learning that a big tantrum lands you right back in your crib and you do not like that...
- You are a smart boy! You pick up everything and are repeating any words I ask you to say. I love your little boy voice.
- Some things you say: You call your paci a dede, Kevin is called baby, "mommy r u??" is commanly heard throughout the house, You ask where your favorite people are all day long about fifty times over, you sing as much as possible, often in the car, you squeal in delight when you are really happy and people always assume there is something wrong until they see your huge smile.
- Your smile literally melts my heart
- You like to watch Elmo but often do not sit for more then 2 mins for TV. If Jake is with you, maybe 5 mins.
- You like playing Wii with Jake also.
- You love racing around the house after your brothers and wrestling or any type of rough play
- You like to play instruments
-You sometimes wake up in the middle of the night or very early in the morning... not fun, but you often just want to be rocked or "rock" as you request. We usually do not go in, but sometimes I give in and just snuggle you like crazy!
- You also love crashing cars together and can often be heard saying.."crash!"
- You love to eat still, but are not as big of an eater anymore. You like to eat: yogurt, some fruit, crackers, cereal, meatballs, rice, pasta, you chew and spit out carrots when we give them to you, grilled cheese, mac and cheese and nuggets dipped in ketchup and you love eating what other people have the most!
-You love your once a week mommy and me class and like singing the songs the most. Today you were the most vocal I have seen you in class. It was precious to me.
- Lately, you are not sharing very well and you actually told a kid in class to," Go away," in your growl voice (yicks) afterwards we had to have a wee chat outside of class you and I.
- You wish we would get rid of your diapers, but we know you are not ready for the potty. However, you ask for it ten times a day.
- You like to try and ride bikes and keep up with Jake as much as possible
- Your muscles are still stiff and sometimes it is hard for you to sit easy in a chair or get up and down quickly, but you do not let it stop you from keeping up!
- You love, love, love your blankie.
- You love to make others laugh and crack up when we dance like crazy in the kitchen together (probablly your favorite past time)
- You also love to read books and can be found in your room, rocking in your chair reading
- Your favorite Christmas present was probablly your Elefun game.
- Your cheeks are just too much, I kiss them 100's of times a day
- You have really grown up fast buddy, mama loves your heart and you make me so proud Will.
Kev-Dog
- Littlest... I fear you are going to give me the most trouble... you are quiet and quick
- I turn my head and your on top of a table or pulling down the christmas tree.
- You love to climb the steps and take adventures upstairs when I am not looking.
- YOu love exploring into my cabinets and the pantry if someone leaves it open.
- You can often be found carrying the olive oil or cooking spray throughout the house.
- You are easy to get to laugh as well and love to giggle.
- You love taking baths and never want to get out, but when I do take you out.. scream like crazy unti you are all warmed up. You do not like to be cold.
- At night, you will not let us read, sing or rock you.. you leap for your crib.
- You have been waking in the middle of the night lately, which I think is from your teeth we have been waiting a long time for. You only have three teeth so far.
- You have my senstive skin, sorry
- You like to eat. You are actually quite a big eater right now. You are not too fond of veggies, but rarely refuse to eat anything. I would say your favorite foods are blueberries, bananas, pancakes, chicken nuggets and milk.
- You also like to run around and be rough. You will jump right on top of the wrestlemania pile!
- You like to be outside too and enjoy walking around the yard or playing with cars and balls.
- Your hair has lightened up and is now a very light brown/blond
- You love your blankie now and have definetely formed a bond with it.
- You are my snuggler
- You cannot sit still and can squirm out of every chair I have locked you into. I think you may become a magician or a dare devil when you grow up. I hope not, but I fear it.
- You hug and kiss all the time
- Your favorite new thing is to stand on top of the slide and watch birds out of the playroom window.
-You are going through a daddy obsess stage. Daddy loves it, I am secretly jealous
- You don't love being in the car too long, but you are getting better.
- You nap twice usually and drink whole milk out of sippy cups.
- You babble all day long, Words: daddy, Jake, juize, rick, dis (this), up, mama along with many many others that I know you think are words!
- You are becoming a big boy and I can't stand it. Love you littlest, you are my sweet wee one! You make me proud!
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Christmas Post Numero Tres
Yet another Christmas post. Being believers in Jesus Christ, I daily feel the need to talk to my kids about Him and make them aware that this world is not what is important. However, Christmas time amplifies my feelings. Our family did the Jesse tree this year, an activity I have wanted to do for some time. It is an advent tree which explains the true story of Christmas. Each morning you hang an ornament on the jesse tree that symbolizes a part of the story and read a passage and scripture to go along with it. I found a great version that is child friendly and also provides an adult version. I felt like Jake understood most of it and I learned a few things too. I wish I could say we did not miss one morning reading... but, I have three very little, needy boys... so we missed a few here and there. Hopefully next year we will get through the whole month without missing one.
Overall, we had a wonderful holiday and were blessed to spend time with much of our family. We had game night Sunday night with just our siblings and Abby's new hubby, Thomas! Then, Christmas Eve was spent with my siblings where we made a big feast in usual fashion and attended church service. This year, as we walked out of church the most beautiful snow was coming down. Jon said," Jake can you believe it is snowing?" He said," Dad... it's Christmas... it always snows." We thought that was just a perfect answer. Christmas morning came and our normal tradition is to wait until everyone is awake...well Jon and I were up FIRST! We couldn't believe it. The boys were not up until 7: 15. I know that is early for some of you... but here at the Sharp house, that is sleeping in! Once they were all up, we crept downstairs to discover our family room was wrapped in wrapping paper(another tradition). Then, we let the boys bust through! This year, Will was into it too. Jake was so psyched I thought he was going to go through alone, but he waited and held hands with Will. The look on their faces is always priceless to me. We took a look at all the gifts and the empty plate of cookies and carrots, then sat together on the couch to read the last Jesse Tree Reading. Well, we attempted to sit together. Jon read to Jake while Kev was trying to open all the gifts... Will was yelling," Eat Now Mom," and Jake was sitting and listening intently. Then we sand happy birthday to Jesus, a new tradition, and got to the opening! I always love watching Jake open gifts. He is so animated and exited about everything. Will was very into opening too, which was exciting to see. He loved each gift and didn't want to move on to the next. Kev walked around for awhile sitting on laps, opening different gifts and eventually landed in his high chair eating cereal and observing happily. All in all... success! Afterwards, we headed to Jill's for breakfast and then a chill few hours at home. That night Janet had us for dinner which was lovely.
This year in particular, I am thankful for family and quality time. My extended family in Ireland so, I did not grow up with family all around me all the time. However, my parents did an awesome job to create a network of friends for us and it felt like family. I have come to learn that there is something priceless and amazing about a family that grows together. It is so important to me that I know my family. Not, just check in with them occasionally, but know them. I want my children to love each other dearly. To be there for each other always and make a point of just being together. Life moves at a fast pace these days. Maybe it always has, but I constantly feel the need to slow it down and just be. My new year's resolution is to continue to strive to slow it down and be together as much as possible! Here are some pics from the festivities.
Overall, we had a wonderful holiday and were blessed to spend time with much of our family. We had game night Sunday night with just our siblings and Abby's new hubby, Thomas! Then, Christmas Eve was spent with my siblings where we made a big feast in usual fashion and attended church service. This year, as we walked out of church the most beautiful snow was coming down. Jon said," Jake can you believe it is snowing?" He said," Dad... it's Christmas... it always snows." We thought that was just a perfect answer. Christmas morning came and our normal tradition is to wait until everyone is awake...well Jon and I were up FIRST! We couldn't believe it. The boys were not up until 7: 15. I know that is early for some of you... but here at the Sharp house, that is sleeping in! Once they were all up, we crept downstairs to discover our family room was wrapped in wrapping paper(another tradition). Then, we let the boys bust through! This year, Will was into it too. Jake was so psyched I thought he was going to go through alone, but he waited and held hands with Will. The look on their faces is always priceless to me. We took a look at all the gifts and the empty plate of cookies and carrots, then sat together on the couch to read the last Jesse Tree Reading. Well, we attempted to sit together. Jon read to Jake while Kev was trying to open all the gifts... Will was yelling," Eat Now Mom," and Jake was sitting and listening intently. Then we sand happy birthday to Jesus, a new tradition, and got to the opening! I always love watching Jake open gifts. He is so animated and exited about everything. Will was very into opening too, which was exciting to see. He loved each gift and didn't want to move on to the next. Kev walked around for awhile sitting on laps, opening different gifts and eventually landed in his high chair eating cereal and observing happily. All in all... success! Afterwards, we headed to Jill's for breakfast and then a chill few hours at home. That night Janet had us for dinner which was lovely.
This year in particular, I am thankful for family and quality time. My extended family in Ireland so, I did not grow up with family all around me all the time. However, my parents did an awesome job to create a network of friends for us and it felt like family. I have come to learn that there is something priceless and amazing about a family that grows together. It is so important to me that I know my family. Not, just check in with them occasionally, but know them. I want my children to love each other dearly. To be there for each other always and make a point of just being together. Life moves at a fast pace these days. Maybe it always has, but I constantly feel the need to slow it down and just be. My new year's resolution is to continue to strive to slow it down and be together as much as possible! Here are some pics from the festivities.
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| Can we just get one nice picture... |
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| alrighty... |
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| Good Enough |
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