Kyle is our helper! He is our "button pusher," as well, but he has the kindest heart and always the first to ask Jason or me if we need help with what we are doing, usually yard work or kitchen stuff are his favorites. So, we baked one afternoon while Reid was sleeping and took advantage of his half-day pre-k (did I mention he is now the ONLY kid doing this at his school? and he loves coming home early so great with me!). We made rice krispie pumpkins with a treat in the middle and then HE decided to run around to our neighbors and give them the treats. We only got one each ourselves! Also, I hosted several friends today that I have missed seeing and created these ghosts (think smores marshmallow-ish). Note to readers: Cooking 101 - when you try a new recipe, be sure to read the whole thing first. I started them at 9:00 last night, only to find that the eggs needed to be room temperature... started back at 9:45 only to discover they needed to cook for 1.5 hours. Oh well! It was a long day for me, considering it started at 4:40!

Thanks, Kyle-boy, for your caring and kind spirit!

This is my new "like" in our home. Inspired by my friend, Carrie, I took a twist on some of my favs of our boys. These are 11" square black and white canvases. I hope to create one for each boy at age 5, 10 or 12, and 18 (my Granny and Ken did this with their 5 children with beautiful photos and all of the younger generations love looking to see our parent and aunts/uncle at this age. okay, well, I enjoy it at least - can't speak for all of the cousins!). So, here they are so far! Since I didn't plan this, the photos are randoms in the high chair, laying on a blanket and then Reid's 4 month picture. These are all within a month of each other and the best I had on file! Keepers, no less! and our walls are not this ugly color of brown for those who have never visited - the light in the ceiling combined with the flash made for some funky colors and shadows!

Four Months and Awesome!

He's a perfect 50% for all categories - height, weight (thank you, GOD, for helping him grow and giving me the determination to continue with our plan!), and head size!

I realize the big photo at the bottom of the collage isn't the cutest photo BUT it shows his precious onesie the best. I wanted to put the photo of him sucking his thumb but the bib covered his shirt! He is such a joy (and it was a joy to beat those Big XII-leaving Aggies 30-29!)

excerpt from Reb Bradley article sent to me by my friend, Taylor -
I am convinced that the most contagious parenting is living a heartfelt faith before your children. Fruitful interaction is not about what you do to your young people, but who you are with them. It's about having a real faith in God, and expressing it in a real relationship with a real person--not about methods and self-working principles. God intends that the side-effect of loving Jesus and enjoying the grace of the gospel will be that all people--including our children--will be touched by the Savior in us.
I pray in Jesus' name that as you read these words you will experience the grace of God in a fresh and new way.

Our morning in pictures! It is school picture day, and for the first time, we aren't pre-ordering any photos (can't see them before you buy them). It took about 8 shots of both Grant and Kyle to get their photos below so I am kind of happy we didn't order! We are usually ready early and have time to play on the driveway and that is what we did today! You can also see how many outfits Reid has worn already! Cub Scouts 2011 Fundraiser Time! Grant has joined Cub Scouts this year. Instead of his fundraising efforts being devoted solely to neighbors and who his parents know, I thought he should have to put forth some effort this year. So, we made a video (he was nervous!) for people to hear directly from him! If you have any interest in buying popcorn, let me know and I can share prices and other details. He gets to work at Walmart's entrance on Saturday morning!

It's amazing what having a sweet baby is doing for my picture posts! It's just fun to share all of the joy that our family is experiencing as a family of five! These first pictures are of Reid's room. We are reusing all of Kyle's bedding, except a few monkey accessories and a cute sheet were cute gifts we received to give it a different look for him (or me!). I modge podged the letters. One entire wall in his little (def: itty bitty) room consists of windows so there isn't much room to arrange items.

This is what happens to a baby brother when he has two big brothers - stickers get placed on his tummy when he is taking a nap. This particular one is of Baby Malee, the elephant at the Zoo. Look at how big he is getting in his co-sleeper! Woo hoo!
The 2011 OSU mouthguards!

The 2011 OSU mouthguard-maker on TV when he was on the side-lines (white hat)! He had an incredible time and really enjoyed the view feet from the main action.

Just a cute photo of my little man wearing an outfit that was given to big brother, Grant, nearly 7 years ago!

Brotherly loves and talks!

Reid has decided he needs to try to keep up with his brothers! He is rolling over (first time was evening of September 11 and then I find him on his tummy in the mornings) a little bit now! Just keeping track for the record books!

September 11

Every American of a certain age has images that come to mind when they hear the phrase "September 11." I love America and I hated the events of 2001. However, in 2010, the date became very personal for me. My best friend, maid of honor, and longest friendship - Emily - was running and was hit by a car. She was extremely beat up and everyone told her she was so lucky to be alive.

Then there is my Dad. My Brown Bear. My Cuddlebug.

Most of you who read this are aware of his heart attack last year. He and my Mom were visiting because of an OSU game. He was so uncomfortable on the 10th evening, woke up on the 11th and called our doctor friend, who confirmed his feelings to go seek medical help. My parents chose the smart/dumb choice of driving an hour to the Heart Hospital. I say smart because it was a no-brainer. It's a phenomenal facility with excellent care. I say dumb because he could have died on the trip there.

His heart attack happened in the "widow maker" area of the heart (I have since forgotten all technical terms), and fortunately, he survived and suffered only minor long-term damage to his heart. Yay!

If you know me at all, you know my parents are very important to me. I have been and always will be Daddy's Little Girl. He always makes me give him kisses good-bye, and I secretly like it! :) Guess it isn't a secret anymore! My Dad has been at the birth of all three of my children, and in the room for the last two taking pictures (and filling in for Jason during Reid's delivery! ha!). He actively plays with my kids, is a friend to my husband, works hard to provide for his family, cherishes my Mom, builds a fort with us, goes to school lunch with his grandsons, and would literally attempt to move mountains in order to assure that his family was happy. Mostly, my Dad is one of the best Christian examples and is a great light of Him for others.

Thanks, Daddy. I love you so much!

So September 11 rings true for me to have my Dad and my best buddy still here!

I had so much fun going through these photos. We started taking digital photos in 2004 and it was fun to look back on the past seven years!

oh, and Dad... Jason wanted me to ask you how the MSM's are doing!?!? He just thought that would be a nice addition to the blog about you! :) love ya!

Three of my favorite things about Reid right now:

1. His giggles. They are just melt-your-heart precious


2. When I go to kiss his lips or lower cheek area, he tries to stick his tongue out to get me. He knows that he needs to do something with his mouth but isn't yet sure how!


3. I rarely get to nurse, but when I do, I love how one hand is either holding on to my strap, or he tries to grab my nose and ends up gently touching it over and over and over.

Also, congrats to Kristy for getting all of the pictures correct in the previous post. I had several guesses but she was the only one who was 100%. Lots of 3/4. Top: Reid, Grant Bottom: Kyle, Kyle. So tricky!!!