Sami turned 2!

Dear beautiful Sami,

I truly could not have asked for a sweeter, more precious daughter. I can't believe you are 2 already. You add so much joy and love and laughter to our home! If you just look at the above picture, you will see what a vibrant smile you have! You are super friendly; you always say hi to people and give a big, engaging smile. You ride a scooter like a champ have even started speaking in full sentences. Here are some of the cute things you say and do now:

-Every night when I tuck you in, you want to kiss me on the cheek. Then you say, "other cheek." Then you say, "nose." You kiss me on the nose. Then you say "mouth." Then you give me a big smile. You like to sleep with tons of blankets and all your babies, which you have a keen obsession with (both baby dolls and real babies.)
-You like to do things yourself now. "I do it!" you command. You like to climb in the car and get in the car seat all by yourself. You are good at putting your shoes on by yourself and seem to prefer having them on the wrong feet!
-You love to eat ice cream, Triscuits, apples, broccoli, carrots and cookies.
-You frequently say "Hold you!", which, interpreted, means "Pick me up!"
-You get so excited when daddy comes home. You run up to him and give him a great big hug.
-You love to laugh and make others laugh.
-You love princess books and dressing up for church.
-You love books. You will sit and look at them by yourself, and you love to be read to.
-You are an incredible climber! You seem to have no fear whatsoever. :)
-You love being outside!
-You adore your big brothers! You play with them all the time and have so much fun with them.
-You are (usually) very reverent when we pray. :)
-You love nursery! We are so glad that it grew on you ;)
-You have the sweetest, most beautiful brown eyes! People often say how cute you are, and you are!
-You are the funnest to go shopping with! You run around the store pointing at different clothes saying, "I like this!" :)
-I love that you are both a girly-girl and a tomboy. Perfect combination. :)
-You have started saying, "I love you," which just melts a mommy's heart. :)

We love you so, so much! You are such an amazing blessing! I thank Heavenly Father all the time for you! Daddy and your brothers love you so much too.

I love you!
Mom

Operation: Be Healthier

Have you seen or heard of this book?

 

I just read most of it, and it really motivated to give up the hard stuff: sugar. I do have a problem. I am quite possibly addicted to sugar. All of it. Honey, cake, Twix, Starbursts, candy corn (my biggest weakness.) You name it, I love it. Except Twizzlers. Ew. I can't do Twizzlers. (sorry Dad.)

In her book, Sarah Wilson breaks down quitting sugar down into an 8-week detox period, after which sugar can slowly be introduced back into the diet. The purpose of quitting is to get sugar out of the system and no longer have the cravings. The stuff is just bad for us and, really, makes the highs higher and the lows lower. The first 2 of the 8 weeks are really "gearing up" for quitting, but I've found I just need to do it cold turkey. So, tomorrow is day 1! I'll report my progress and where I may have messed up (I hope I don't though!) This blog will help keep me accountable! So hold me to it! :) Wanna join me on the sugar-detox journey? Buy the book at a store (I found it at Target) or on Amazon! And ... wish me luck on the journey!

So grateful for Ninas and Papas!

Here are some pics, in chronological order. We love grandparents!!

 

 Making Christmas cookies with Grandma. What's not to love?! 

The boys loving on Papa. 

A few generations.

 

The kids having fun reading a good book -- "Fly Guy"! -- with Nina during her visit in April. 

Going hiking with Papa! Love the matching hats!

Three generations.

We feel so blessed!

Aaron graduated from kindergarten!

Sweet Aaron graduated from kindergarten in May. We are so proud of him! He is reading like a champ -- improving all the time -- and playing the piano. He loves to play with Grant and loves his little sister Sami so much. Aaron is very creative and imaginative (see post down below) and loves to learn. He asks a ton a questions (thank goodness for Google) and is curious about the world around him. He loves dressing up as different characters and has fun riding his bike and going swimming. He is truly embracing his childhood! We love having him in our home and in our family!

Grant turned 5!

I can hardly believe that Grant is 5 years old. He is such a fun, lovable addition to the family. We love this adorable, smart, athletic boy. I want him to stop growing up though!! We celebrated at home as a family (we have friend parties every other year.) We asked Grant where he wanted to go eat, and he said the Thai restaurant (our family's favorite.) But then he requested that we get the food and eat it at home. So Mike picked up some Thai on the way home from work, and we enjoyed a delicious meal at home. He requested German chocolate cake for dessert! Fun night! Grant starts kindergarten in three weeks. He's going to rock! :)

18-month-old sweetie

I cannot get enough of this sweet, adorable little girl. She turns 18 months this weekend, so Sunday will be her first official day of nursery. So bittersweet! Sami is our last child, so it is sad to think that this is it! No more managing kids for three hours at church (maybe I shouldn't speak so soon.) We just love her to pieces. She really does complete our family. She is playful, fun, so loving, and just the sweetest thing I could have ever asked for! We love Sami so much!

Sami's 15-month stats

Height ~ 31.1 inches, 66th percentile Weight ~ 21 lb 4 oz, 23rd percentile Head circumference ~ 46 cm, 50th percentile