Walkers' Trail

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!...

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 w...

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!

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 10 th evening, woke up on the 11 th 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...

Three of my favorite things about Reid right now: His giggles. They are just melt-your-heart precious 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! 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!!!