Jack: Problem solver

So... Blake still loves his 'ba ba' (bottle) and we know it's about time he gave it up - you know, considering he's almost 2. So we've started to wean him off of it a little bit.

Well, we've had our ups and downs about it.. and I guess Jack decided to take things into his own hands today. Let's just say we were having fun cutting paper, and the next thing I know... he decided it was time to cut not one.. but the ONLY two bottles of Blakes.

Jack was even explaining to Blake how this 'NEW' bottle is so much cooler than his old one.

I had to post this picture of Jack also, because this is how he came out of his room looking today. What a stud!! He sure knows how to pick a wardrobe! :) haha.

Here is Blake after the excitement of the 'NEW' bottle wore off, and after many attempts at trying to drink from it. He looks thrilled doesn't he? haha. Oh well, I guess Jack took the easy route for us. Bye bye 'ba ba' ... I don't think we'll miss you ;) !!

My boys!

Jack is 3 1/2. His imagination is running wild. He always wants his socks and shoes off whenever he can take them off, and he still has his blue blanket from when we was just a little wee one. He loves all his uncles and can read simple books.

Today he counted to 100 for the first time. He is genuinely kind and sweet, and is a very good big brother. He loves cereal and 'cheesys' and will generally eat most things unless they look odd to him.

If you pick on him he tells you to stop because, "He is special." And boy does he have that right!

He always waits his turn in line, and is currently teaching his younger brother to share and use the potty. He loves to run and do any kind of sport. We are so lucky to have him in our family! <3


Blake is 22 months. This little kid is such a fire cracker and is just so darn fun. He has started talking now and will repeat almost anything you ask him to. His favorites are "No", and "Peas" (please).

He gets fired up over little things and will laugh at pretty much anything. He still has the amazing ability to calm me down whenever he snuggles into me.

Blake LOVES having his shoes and socks on whenever possible. He even has woken up in the night wanting them on before he falls back asleep.

He loves to do anything his big brother is trying, and makes a good friend to play with. He still loves to give slobbery kisses, and loves drinking milk.

Trent is my tall, dark, and handsome man.

Living life with this man makes me smile every day. I am so lucky to have him in my life, and I am so lucky we make such great friends. I feel as if I can do anything with him by my side.

He is still working at Hill, and works with some great people. But I think his main hobby right now is playing with all 5 houses we have tangled in our web.

Both Trent and I have been both called 'cheap' before. But now I think I have finally surpassed him :) . Although we both might always fight for that throne! haha.

Buddy doesn't get enough credit around our house. He is such a good dog, and we love him to pieces.

He is very patient with the boys and lets them love on him in their own way. Sometimes Trent and I wish we could give him more of the love he deserves. Buddy is a very good dog, and a good part of our family.

And last, but certainly not least, is this little baby boy growing inside of my tummy. I have been able to feel him move now, and it's helping me to actually realize I get the amazing chance to bring another beautiful person into this world. I am so excited for him to join our family.

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Promises:

Life is so full of uncertainty. Apart from unconditional and eternal love, what promise can a mother make to her child? We cannot promise health, wealth, or happiness. We cannot promise that we will always be able to provide the best of anything. We cannot even promise that we’ll always be here. Anything can change in an instant. Anything.

When I think of promises I want to make to my 3 little boys, my heart tightens a little bit. Like any mother, I want to promise them things I cannot guarantee. I feel an almost unbearable yearning for the power to smooth the road that lies before them, to save them from the hurt and pain that most certainly lies in wait. But, I know that even if I had that power, it would be wrong to use it. Hardship is what tempers the steel of our character. It is what shapes us into who we are. If a child is not challenged along the way, they will not have the chance to become the best person they can be. In the end, I’m grateful I don’t have the power to resolve all their conflicts and erase all their pain. It would be far too great a temptation.

After following my mind and heart in circles, searching for a promise I can keep, I realize that all I can do is give my children the means to make their own promises. So, my beautiful boys, I promise that as long as you stay true to your heart, you will always find your way home. I promise that if you are a friend to yourself, you will never be alone. I promise that if you learn to see life’s silver linings, you will discover paths that others cannot see. I promise that if you stay connected to the natural world, it will ground you and teach you patience and wisdom. I promise that the universe may not always answer your prayers the way you predict, so be open to unexpected messages and gifts. I promise that if you practice gratitude, your life will always be rich.

These are promises that can be kept. These are promises I can make from my heart with a clear conscience. They will withstand the tests of time and adversity, just like my love.

16 weeks %

Finally starting to feel somewhat better. It seemed to take longer this time around, and I am hoping within the next few weeks I will feel completely feel like myself again.. I know I know, I'm stretching, but that would be nice :) .

Belly is starting to poke out now, getting harder to tie my shoes and most people can tell I am pregnant now. Just a few more weeks and I will be halfway there. Yay!

So my cute little doctor offers a quick ultrasound in her office to look to see the gender. How could I pass that up?! So we went in... and low and behold, it's a..... BOY. Well she's pretty darn sure - but we will know for certain when we have our big ultrasound right before Thanksgiving. :)

We both weren't really sure how we would react either way, but we are both totally excited to have three little guys! I think it makes me even more excited because I see how close Trent and his brothers are. We are sure going to have lots and lots of fun with our little family!

Trick or Treat!

So the boys dressed up this year as Rag-A-Muffins. Or as Trent would call them: The 'Lost Boys' from Peter Pan :) . rag·a·muf·fin or rag·ga·muf·fin (r g -m f n). n. A shabbily clothed, dirty child.

Jack Loved helping making the costumes this year! Haha, who wouldn't? I thought they looked so cute anyway. Once we went Trick or Treating we threw some warmer clothes on them, so Blake became the 'infamous frog' and Jack was a cowboy with a 'Jack Daniels' hat. Blake would say,"Trick or Treat." Then he would hold open his bag.. and hold it open until they came back around to him, and most often times they would just laugh and give him one more. That kid had it figured out! haha.

Holidays definitely become funner when you have young kids!! Happy Halloween!

I heard someone say the other day that Halloween candy is children's way to pay for their room and board. HA. Hope you got some good treats.. I know we sure did!