Last Game of the Season

The boys had a lot of fun playing soccer this season, and I think they picked up some valuable skills. Aaron proved to be a good defensive player. He was good at keeping opposing teams from scoring. But he also had a knack for getting the ball down the field. Grant's intimidation diminished a little as the season went on. By the last game, he got in there and really tried to participate. It was really fun to watch them.

Baby Shower

 

My friends Amanda Lown, Amanda George, and LaDawn Austin hosted a gorgeous baby shower for me last weekend. They pulled out all the stops. It was so beautiful (these women know how to throw a party,) and I felt a lot of love and support. We received a ton of diapers and lots of cute girl clothes. We felt very blessed! A few women from the neighborhood came, a couple from different church congregations, and quite a few from our congregation. It was a good mix of people. I am thankful to have a variety of friends -- it adds to the spice of life!

The room was beautifully decorated. I loved the shabby chic theme going on. My friend LaDawn even broke out her beautiful china for the occasion. I was scared to use it since I am so clumsy when I'm pregnant! The food was DELICIOUS!

My friend painted this gorgeous two-part painting for the baby room. So lovely! I also received the darling bassinet to the left.

 Someone made this beautiful baby blanket. I definitely wasn't used to seeing this much pink! Guess I should get used to it. We are definitely ready for the baby to arrive. We can't wait!! Only about seven weeks till my due date. Woo-hoo! I can make it! (Just get me through Christmas!) :)

Sweet moments I want to remember!

Today Aaron paid me a great compliment. He said, "Mom, you're prettier than a princess, even with your big, enormous belly!" Thanks! (I think) ;)

The other day Grant and I were making cookies together. He looked over at me and said, "Mom, you're pretty. Even a princess."

I think all little boys think of their mom this way. Their compliments keep me going. I know they're well intended even if they do remind me of my largeness! :)

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A funny comment from Aaron: "Mom, are we in a movie?"
"No Aaron, this is real life."

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Granty did the the sweetest thing the other day. The boys were with me at the doctor's office. I was about to get a shot, and Grant looked at me and said, "It's gonna be okay." Then he took my hand and held it the whole time! It was so sweet. Aaron buried his face in the chair because he didn't want to watch. I can't blame him! :)

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The other day Grant said, "Boys grow up to be cowboys. Girls grow up to be princesses."

See what I mean about the boys growing up too fast?

At least these professed super heroes are keeping each other young! :) We love them just where they are and are trying to enjoy and appreciate these sweet moments.

Soccer

Here they are on their way to soccer practice. These photos kind of sum up Aaron and Grant's general attitudes about playing soccer. :) Aaron will get in there and play; Grant isn't too interested in the game at this point. At the game yesterday, he and a fellow teammate were making silly faces at each other while the game was in full swing. :) Although, he did score two goals! Granted they were for the other team. ;) (We were just excited that he was more involved in the game, and luckily there are no hard-core parents on the team. They all seem to have a pretty good sense-of-humor about the whole thing!) Aaron scored three goals for his team though, yahoo!! So I guess they about cancelled each other out! :) We'll get there ... They are so cute to watch. We love them!

Happy birthday Aaron!

Dear Aaron,

You just turned FIVE! I have been rather emotional lately -- granted I am pregnant -- about this milestone. I will tell you, "I'm going to miss you when you're not little anymore!" Your response? "Ya mean when I'm a teenager?" Yes, that's exactly what I mean! :)

You are wonderful. You scored a goal during your first-ever soccer game! You seem to be a good player! You are smart and often surprise me with your vocabulary. You get to start kindergarten next year! You seem to know a lot about the world around you. You LOVE playing with Grant. You enjoy climbing the trees in our back yard and have yet to get hurt (knock on wood!) You're very into super heroes, particularly Spider-Man, Captain America, Superman, and Ice Man. You enjoy reading from the children's Book of Mormon. You seem very attentive and ask good questions. You have a speaking part in the upcoming Primary Program in Sacrament Meeting. Your line is, "This makes it easier to make choices Heavenly Father would be happy with." You almost have it memorized!!

The only fruits that you say you like are apples and oranges. You love chocolate milk and root beer (who doesn't!) and will almost always eat your vegetables.

You had a blast in Virginia when we were just there visiting. Your Ninas and Papas and cousins are very special to you. You speak of them often. You seem to have a good grasp on the importance of family.

You often think of others. Your preschool teacher was sick the other day, and on your own, came and told me you wanted to draw her a picture to help her feel better. You told me what to write.

We hope you continue to be the confident, happy, and wonderful little boy that you are today. You give great hugs and kisses. You seem to be so excited to meet your little sis. The other night you hugged my belly and said, "I'm loving my sister."

You're a sweet little boy and definitely keep things interesting around here! Thank you for being a part of our family and for sharing so much joy everyday.

We love you!

Soccer Season!

Aaron and Grant play on the same soccer team and had their first game on Saturday. They did wonderful! Aaron scored his first goal. Grant was quite tentative on the field; he may be a little too young still to play competitive sports. :) We'll see how the next game goes. But it was still fun to watch. The boys were excited that their team name is the Sharks. (Picture to come!)

I'm sure most of you know by now, but we found out we are having a baby girl! We are so excited to meet this little one. My nesting instinct is in full force. Organizing rooms, getting rid of junk, I don't think I've ever been this determined to have a clutter-free, organized home! I want to only have stuff in our house that we NEED or that we LOVE too much to part with! The rid is just stuff! It feels so good to get rid of it. I love the quote, "Less is more." It's so much easier to keep a clean house with less stuff! I was really grateful to my husband who took a bunch of backyard toys to the dump while we were out of town.

Speaking of out of town, we traveled to Virginia for three wonderful weeks. The weather turned perfect while we were there -- the perfect blend of crisp fall weather. Oh I loved it. We happily spent time with both sets of grandparents and were so thrilled to see them as well as aunts, uncles and cousins. The boys and I had a great time! Unfortunately we were quite sick for a good part of the trip; however, we all bounced back and everyone is healthy now. Thanks to Nina and Papa Stathis and Nina and Papa Mathis for hosting us. We truly appreciate your generosity and your having us in your homes! We loved seeing you all!