Russell has a nick name already it is "our little lamb". When he is just
waking up or even sometimes when he is sleeping he makes this noise
that sounds just like a baby lamb. It is adorable! I wish he could stay
"my little lamb" always!
Gordon's mother day gift: It was a fill in the blank poem that goes like this
She has Brown hair and big hazel eyes.
She's 135 years old.
I think she's 150 inches high,
And has a heart of gold.
Her favorite color must be blue
...I think that's what she said.
She weighs about 160 pounds
and tucks me into bed.
Her favorite food is crave
I love her, you can see. She's just the perfect mother and means everything to me.
Ella's mother day gift:Ella's was also a fill in the blank
My Mom's favorite thing to do is play with me
The yummiest food my mom makes is pizza
The show my Mom likes to watch on tv best is sleeping beauty
My favorite thing to do with my mom is to play candylandThe silliest thing my mom does is make silly facesMy mom's favorite color are all the colorsMy Mom's best friend's name is Ali (my aunt)
My Mom loves it when I wash dishesThe nicest thing my mom does for me is make me dinnerIf my mom could go anywhere, she would go to ballet on TuesdaysIf I could give my mom anything it would be a Sleeping Beauty Doll
Ella while we were playing games tonight she was laying on the
ground and looked up at me and said, "Mom, show me your Rock Star face!"
One
of our games we have is called Zingo. It has little discs that have
simple pictures on them to play Bingo with. The game was out but we were
not really playing it. All of the kids where taking turns sitting on
the couch and holding Russell. When it came to Ella's turn she was so
excited. She had Russell in her arms and then she reached over to the
arm of the couch were she had placed one of these tiles from this Zingo
game. And this particular one had a heart on it. She showed it to
Russell and said, "See Russell I picked out the one with a heart just
for you, because I love you sweet boy!" Melt my heart!!
Eden is such a chatter box. She says cute things all the time and
just listening to the way she says it in her cute voice and with her
adorable smile it brings me so much joy!
Tonight I was going
into the kitchen to make dinner and Eden cut in front of me and was
blocking the way ans asked, "What is the password?". My first guess was
"Please" Eden's reply was, "Nope"....then I tried, "I love you"-thinking
even if that was not it she would still let me through. Then she got a
big smile on her face and whispered, "Try 'ice cream'". So I did as she
said and said, "Ice Cream" and she let me pass. ;)
Gordon's Kindergarten gradation was this morning. So proud of that kid! Ended the year with Straight A's :)
Two days this week Russell let me get 2- 4hours of sleep and 1- 5 hour stretch....I could get use to this!! ;)
I love my job! Wouldn't switch it for anything!!!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
5/8/12
Trying to get back on track...I only have a few, such a shame because I
feel like there have been so many adorable things lately the kids have
done...but my mind in not remembering much these days ;)
Ella : (yelled from upstairs down to Gordon) "How did you do at school today?"
Gordon: yelled up "Good"
---LONG PAUSE----
Ella: Yelled again "Now you should ask me 'How did you do at ballet?' "
Gordon: "Oh, How did you do at ballet?"
Ella: "Good, thanks!"
Eden came into the room the other day carrying our large feather duster. She held it up to her face and said, "Look it's my mustache."
Russell is growing up so quickly! He is already holding his head up quite well. And he is now eating like a champ. He is well on his way to being a rolly-polly baby like the others were. :) I just can't stop looking at him. He brings so much joy to our lives. I can't imagine life without him now!
Taylor has been working hard training for the Triathlon in Sept...and I am itching to start my training as well. I have my Dr. Apt next week to get the a.o.k. to start working out again. :) We have that coming in Sept. and last min we signed up for another race. This time it will be just a half marathon but I will be running it with an old teammate so I am very excited about it!
This weekend was wonderful to see so much family and to have Russell's blessing. What a wonderful occasion!
We love you all!!
Ella : (yelled from upstairs down to Gordon) "How did you do at school today?"
Gordon: yelled up "Good"
---LONG PAUSE----
Ella: Yelled again "Now you should ask me 'How did you do at ballet?' "
Gordon: "Oh, How did you do at ballet?"
Ella: "Good, thanks!"
Eden came into the room the other day carrying our large feather duster. She held it up to her face and said, "Look it's my mustache."
Russell is growing up so quickly! He is already holding his head up quite well. And he is now eating like a champ. He is well on his way to being a rolly-polly baby like the others were. :) I just can't stop looking at him. He brings so much joy to our lives. I can't imagine life without him now!
Taylor has been working hard training for the Triathlon in Sept...and I am itching to start my training as well. I have my Dr. Apt next week to get the a.o.k. to start working out again. :) We have that coming in Sept. and last min we signed up for another race. This time it will be just a half marathon but I will be running it with an old teammate so I am very excited about it!
This weekend was wonderful to see so much family and to have Russell's blessing. What a wonderful occasion!
We love you all!!
4/19/12
Ella came over to me the other day and said, "Here are baby Russell's
table clothes"...as she handed me a burb cloth. Close enough right :)
ALL of the kids LOVE Russell to death....and the girls might actually love him to death :) They give him kisses and loves all the time. I need to be around whenever they are in the same room just because they might smoother him with love....a problem I can totally handle :)
We were sitting in the front room the other day and Eden pulled out the mini hymn book and looked at Ella and said, "Time for scriptures...Ella, what did the Laminites do?" Then she asked Grandma the same question and me. She lead a great discussion.
Gordon lost another tooth! That makes his count to four. But with everything being a little out of our routine Taylor and I had forgotten a couple night in a row to put the dollar under his pillow and take his tooth. Then on the third day I woke up to a green post-it note on my bedroom door which Gordon had written "Tooth Fairy ???" I felt bad...but was also laughing out loud. I gave him his money and apologized. And then when Taylor woke up he too saw the note and was going to give Gordon his dues as well.....I caught him in time and told him I had taken care of it. The kid almost got double paid :)
At the hospital when Russell was born he "brought" the kids gifts. The girls got little baby dolls that have little shirts that say "Little brother". They both call their dolls their 'baby Russell doll'. Gordon got a light saber. And Russell asked him to watch his light saber until he is big enough to play with him. So Taylor and Gordon have had some light saber battles already :)
Today on out way home from my Dr. Appointment Ella was whining and complaining about something. Then I hear Eden say, "Are you going to talk to her when we get home.....because I am not a Mom."
We will all be sad to say goodbye to Grandma Nielsen! It has been WONDERFUL having her here!!!
ALL of the kids LOVE Russell to death....and the girls might actually love him to death :) They give him kisses and loves all the time. I need to be around whenever they are in the same room just because they might smoother him with love....a problem I can totally handle :)
We were sitting in the front room the other day and Eden pulled out the mini hymn book and looked at Ella and said, "Time for scriptures...Ella, what did the Laminites do?" Then she asked Grandma the same question and me. She lead a great discussion.
Gordon lost another tooth! That makes his count to four. But with everything being a little out of our routine Taylor and I had forgotten a couple night in a row to put the dollar under his pillow and take his tooth. Then on the third day I woke up to a green post-it note on my bedroom door which Gordon had written "Tooth Fairy ???" I felt bad...but was also laughing out loud. I gave him his money and apologized. And then when Taylor woke up he too saw the note and was going to give Gordon his dues as well.....I caught him in time and told him I had taken care of it. The kid almost got double paid :)
At the hospital when Russell was born he "brought" the kids gifts. The girls got little baby dolls that have little shirts that say "Little brother". They both call their dolls their 'baby Russell doll'. Gordon got a light saber. And Russell asked him to watch his light saber until he is big enough to play with him. So Taylor and Gordon have had some light saber battles already :)
Today on out way home from my Dr. Appointment Ella was whining and complaining about something. Then I hear Eden say, "Are you going to talk to her when we get home.....because I am not a Mom."
We will all be sad to say goodbye to Grandma Nielsen! It has been WONDERFUL having her here!!!
4/1/12
I updated the blog
www.earlfamilyblog.blogspot.
I know there were a handful of really cute things this past week, but no notes written down so they are gone from my memory at the moment...I hope they come back at some point!
But for now enjoy catching up by looking at the blog and I hope to get this next week in...before it gets too crazy! ;)
We are so excited to welcome Grandma Nielsen on Wednesday and then Russell on FRIDAY! This pregnancy has seemed to have gone so quickly! Gordon said the other day, "We are going to have six in our family soon!....well actually seven if you count Riley...that is A LOT!" It is a lot, but no enough to me...I think a couple more might be in the wings yet. :)
Love you all!!!
www.earlfamilyblog.blogspot.
I know there were a handful of really cute things this past week, but no notes written down so they are gone from my memory at the moment...I hope they come back at some point!
But for now enjoy catching up by looking at the blog and I hope to get this next week in...before it gets too crazy! ;)
We are so excited to welcome Grandma Nielsen on Wednesday and then Russell on FRIDAY! This pregnancy has seemed to have gone so quickly! Gordon said the other day, "We are going to have six in our family soon!....well actually seven if you count Riley...that is A LOT!" It is a lot, but no enough to me...I think a couple more might be in the wings yet. :)
Love you all!!!
3/18/12
Just a few week...I know there were loads more, but alas again I forget to right notes for myself. Love you all!!
During lunch today the kids were talking. Gordon said to Ella, " When you are a Mom you will get to have babies in your belly too." Then Ella said to Eden, "And when you are a Mom you will have babies in your belly too!" Ella said to Gordon, "And you too Gordon?" Gordon responded, "Nope, but I get to have the priesthood!" :)
Eden came up to me the other night and said, "When baby Russell comes out he can play the i-pad" and then this morning she was laying on my lap playing the i-touch and whispered to my belly, "When you come out you can not take the i-pad away from me, okay?"
We went bowling yesterday with Grandpa Earl, Uncle Cameron, and Lincoln. It was fun. The kids each had their St. Patrick's Day socks on. Gordon and Ella each got a strike! So fun to be together :)
During lunch today the kids were talking. Gordon said to Ella, " When you are a Mom you will get to have babies in your belly too." Then Ella said to Eden, "And when you are a Mom you will have babies in your belly too!" Ella said to Gordon, "And you too Gordon?" Gordon responded, "Nope, but I get to have the priesthood!" :)
Eden came up to me the other night and said, "When baby Russell comes out he can play the i-pad" and then this morning she was laying on my lap playing the i-touch and whispered to my belly, "When you come out you can not take the i-pad away from me, okay?"
We went bowling yesterday with Grandpa Earl, Uncle Cameron, and Lincoln. It was fun. The kids each had their St. Patrick's Day socks on. Gordon and Ella each got a strike! So fun to be together :)
3/9/12
Gordon had an activity day at school called "field day" where all the
classes are outside for two hours and play lots of team games. The night
before I was prep-ing him about not getting disappointed if he didn't
get first place. I said, "So if you don't get first place it is okay,
right?" He said, "I know Mom, I am not the fastest. Kyler is the fastest
I will be second fastest." I then said, "Well still don't be sad if you
aren't second either". He said, "It's okay Mom, even if you get third
you still get a prize!" Such a positive kid! I love it.
That positive attitude carried over to tonight. Gordon and Ella were playing 'Go Fish'. And Ella was doing very well. She kept getting match after match and every time he would say, "Oh Ella...I think you got another match you are doing very well!" At the end the final score was Ella 7 Gordon 1 and he could not have been more happy for her. Made me smile!
The girls and I were in the car on our way to pick up the kids from school. We were at a stop light and Ella asked, "Mom, does that sign say 'licorice'? I looked over and said, "No, it actually says 'liqueur' " so I went on to explain what that liqueur is alcohol and how the prophets and Heavenly Father have asked us not to drink it because it is bad for our bodies.....and then it hit me that she was trying to READ the sign....
Ella has been reading the level one reader books we have and doing a great job! She is always asking to do 'school stuff'. Wow would she be so ready to start school next year....we have to wait a whole year, but I am glad...I will be sad to have to send another one off to school, I love having them home!
Eden rolled her ankle this week. She is a tough cookie. She got a little nudge off of the couch and just landed wrong. So for the past few days I have been her crutch. She just asks to go somewhere and waits for me to carry her to her destination. Today I have been doing lots of Gordon's birthday party preparation so I was not getting to her as quickly as she would have liked....so she started crawling to where she wanted to go. Hopefully it heals quickly!!
We have 4 weeks to go until our little Russell makes his debut into this world. I can't believe it...it has come so quickly. I am so excited to meet him! And the girls will ask just about everyday, "Is today the day that Russell gets to come out and play?". :)
We sure love you all!!
That positive attitude carried over to tonight. Gordon and Ella were playing 'Go Fish'. And Ella was doing very well. She kept getting match after match and every time he would say, "Oh Ella...I think you got another match you are doing very well!" At the end the final score was Ella 7 Gordon 1 and he could not have been more happy for her. Made me smile!
The girls and I were in the car on our way to pick up the kids from school. We were at a stop light and Ella asked, "Mom, does that sign say 'licorice'? I looked over and said, "No, it actually says 'liqueur' " so I went on to explain what that liqueur is alcohol and how the prophets and Heavenly Father have asked us not to drink it because it is bad for our bodies.....and then it hit me that she was trying to READ the sign....
Ella has been reading the level one reader books we have and doing a great job! She is always asking to do 'school stuff'. Wow would she be so ready to start school next year....we have to wait a whole year, but I am glad...I will be sad to have to send another one off to school, I love having them home!
Eden rolled her ankle this week. She is a tough cookie. She got a little nudge off of the couch and just landed wrong. So for the past few days I have been her crutch. She just asks to go somewhere and waits for me to carry her to her destination. Today I have been doing lots of Gordon's birthday party preparation so I was not getting to her as quickly as she would have liked....so she started crawling to where she wanted to go. Hopefully it heals quickly!!
We have 4 weeks to go until our little Russell makes his debut into this world. I can't believe it...it has come so quickly. I am so excited to meet him! And the girls will ask just about everyday, "Is today the day that Russell gets to come out and play?". :)
We sure love you all!!
3/2/12
A few more for the week. We love you all!!!
Ella's new phrase that she says to Taylor all the time is, "Dad, I love you from the floor to the ceiling!"
Eden had a big step this week! She was still sleeping with her pacifier at night so we decided to go to the store and buy a baby doll Cinderella toy. Every night we would show her the doll and say if you give up your pacifier then you can sleep with Cinderella. For a couple of nights she looked at the doll and would say "good-night" and choose her pacifier. Then the third night she decided to throw her pacifier away and sleep with Cinderella. It was a very easy transition. She only asked for her pacifier a couple of times...totally worth it! Now on to the potty training :)
Every morning before Taylor goes to work he is smothered with the kids love. They all have to give him a hug and a kiss before he leaves. If they miss that chance they are so bummed! Likewise when he comes home as soon as the garage door opens you hear them all yell... "DAAAAAAD" and rush to meet him and give him big hugs. It melts my heart every time!
Ella's new phrase that she says to Taylor all the time is, "Dad, I love you from the floor to the ceiling!"
Eden had a big step this week! She was still sleeping with her pacifier at night so we decided to go to the store and buy a baby doll Cinderella toy. Every night we would show her the doll and say if you give up your pacifier then you can sleep with Cinderella. For a couple of nights she looked at the doll and would say "good-night" and choose her pacifier. Then the third night she decided to throw her pacifier away and sleep with Cinderella. It was a very easy transition. She only asked for her pacifier a couple of times...totally worth it! Now on to the potty training :)
Every morning before Taylor goes to work he is smothered with the kids love. They all have to give him a hug and a kiss before he leaves. If they miss that chance they are so bummed! Likewise when he comes home as soon as the garage door opens you hear them all yell... "DAAAAAAD" and rush to meet him and give him big hugs. It melts my heart every time!
2/21/12
Just a few for now. Also check out the updates on the blog. www.earlfamilyblog.blogspot.
Love you all LOTS and LOTS!!! :)
We have a McDonalds near our house and most times when we drive by Eden will yell out, "Look Donald...Duck".
The girls were in the car with my yesterday and Eden was scratching the top of the car. Ella looked at her and said..."don't do that or it will ruin the car and we will have to throw it in the really big garbage can made for cars"....confession...I may have mentioned that before, at least she was listening ;)
We were driving home from school today and Gordon said, "Mom, when I am a grown-up will we still have this car?" I said, "Maybe...why?" His response... "Well I really like this car and I still want us to have it when I am a grown-up".
Love you all LOTS and LOTS!!! :)
We have a McDonalds near our house and most times when we drive by Eden will yell out, "Look Donald...Duck".
The girls were in the car with my yesterday and Eden was scratching the top of the car. Ella looked at her and said..."don't do that or it will ruin the car and we will have to throw it in the really big garbage can made for cars"....confession...I may have mentioned that before, at least she was listening ;)
We were driving home from school today and Gordon said, "Mom, when I am a grown-up will we still have this car?" I said, "Maybe...why?" His response... "Well I really like this car and I still want us to have it when I am a grown-up".
2/3/12
Gordon was practicing the pledge of allegiance the other night and at
the end he said, 'and eternal life for all' ...I like his version better
;)
Eden was in the bathroom with me the other day while I was getting ready and she was belting out all of the words to 'Part of your World' from Little Mermaid. She has never seen it...but we hear it on pandora a lot and it stuck. :) It is actually Eden and Ella's favorite new tune to sing. And they really do know pretty much all the words.
Ella started ballet and went to class for the second time this week. She can't get enough of it. She came home singing the songs and showing me the positions...looks like she was ready :)
I went in for my 3-D ultra sound this past week hoping to get a glimpse of this little boy...and he is shy and/or difficult. He had wedged his cute little head right into the side of my hip bone and would not move even with lots of poking and prodding. He was just as comfy as could be and was not smiling for the camera at all. The tech thought she could at least get some cute pictures of his hands or feet...but his hands were shoved up right by his face tucked away... and he had managed to cram his feet up and under my rib cage, also out of range for a good picture. Alas, no (3-D) photos yet...but a healthy baby so I am one happy Mama!
We started a new tradition. We have started a countdown to Valentines Day. I found a cute little mail box so each morning the kids wake up to mail in this little box along with a fun surprise. Each day Mom and Dad tell them a reason why we love them and then there is also a way listed for them to show others their love. It has been really fun! And hopefully it will help let the kids know how very much we love them and also teach them how important it is to show our love to others. :)
Speaking of LOVE...know that we love each of you very much! Sending all our love!
Eden was in the bathroom with me the other day while I was getting ready and she was belting out all of the words to 'Part of your World' from Little Mermaid. She has never seen it...but we hear it on pandora a lot and it stuck. :) It is actually Eden and Ella's favorite new tune to sing. And they really do know pretty much all the words.
Ella started ballet and went to class for the second time this week. She can't get enough of it. She came home singing the songs and showing me the positions...looks like she was ready :)
I went in for my 3-D ultra sound this past week hoping to get a glimpse of this little boy...and he is shy and/or difficult. He had wedged his cute little head right into the side of my hip bone and would not move even with lots of poking and prodding. He was just as comfy as could be and was not smiling for the camera at all. The tech thought she could at least get some cute pictures of his hands or feet...but his hands were shoved up right by his face tucked away... and he had managed to cram his feet up and under my rib cage, also out of range for a good picture. Alas, no (3-D) photos yet...but a healthy baby so I am one happy Mama!
We started a new tradition. We have started a countdown to Valentines Day. I found a cute little mail box so each morning the kids wake up to mail in this little box along with a fun surprise. Each day Mom and Dad tell them a reason why we love them and then there is also a way listed for them to show others their love. It has been really fun! And hopefully it will help let the kids know how very much we love them and also teach them how important it is to show our love to others. :)
Speaking of LOVE...know that we love each of you very much! Sending all our love!
1/24/12
I was on the phone with Alison yesterday and the kids were playing in
the backyard. They had been out there for a little while and I looked
out the window and could not keep in my laughter. I saw our cute little
Ellanor swinging with her the wind blowing in the air with only her
unders on with not a care in the world. Such a free spirit she is. And
then a few moments later I looked out again and saw that Eden had gone
to the recycle bin and pulled out the ads (the more slick ones) and was
using on the slide to help her fly down faster. :) So creative.
Today was Ella's first ballet class and she loved it! It took her a little while to warm up to all the people she didn't know. (so surprising...I have never known Ella to be shy) but once she was comfortable she was dancing all around. And she is already talking about next weeks lesson. And she looked so adorable in her outfit! Black leotard, pink tights, pink tutu and black ballet slippers with her hair in a bun with a big pink flower. (I sent a picture earlier today...but I will take more soon...I just didn't have a camera on me. That picture was taken on a friends phone)
I was at Target yesterday and they were having a sale on shoes. I found some Sunday shoes for Russell for a few dollars. Getting so excited to meet this little guy!!
The girls were able to tag along on one of their friends field trips to the grocery store. They loved it. It is actually the store that we go to so it was fun for them to see it in a different way. They got to try loads of samples and even got to ring things up at the registrar. Such a fun filled morning for these girlies :)
For family night last night we talked about Captain Moroni from the Book of Mormon. And how he wrote the Title of Liberty. We wrote our own family 'title of liberty'. We simpified it for the kids and asked them why do we want to be righteous. This is the list they came up with: 1) So that we can live with Heavenly Father again 2) it shows our love to Heavenly Father and Jesus 3) it shows our love to Mom and Dad 4) so we can have the Holy Ghost 5) so we can be nice and happy 6) so we can be helpful to Mom and Dad.
Gordon got his second round of grades back. Straight A's again...he takes after his Daddy :)
Love you all!!!
Today was Ella's first ballet class and she loved it! It took her a little while to warm up to all the people she didn't know. (so surprising...I have never known Ella to be shy) but once she was comfortable she was dancing all around. And she is already talking about next weeks lesson. And she looked so adorable in her outfit! Black leotard, pink tights, pink tutu and black ballet slippers with her hair in a bun with a big pink flower. (I sent a picture earlier today...but I will take more soon...I just didn't have a camera on me. That picture was taken on a friends phone)
I was at Target yesterday and they were having a sale on shoes. I found some Sunday shoes for Russell for a few dollars. Getting so excited to meet this little guy!!
The girls were able to tag along on one of their friends field trips to the grocery store. They loved it. It is actually the store that we go to so it was fun for them to see it in a different way. They got to try loads of samples and even got to ring things up at the registrar. Such a fun filled morning for these girlies :)
For family night last night we talked about Captain Moroni from the Book of Mormon. And how he wrote the Title of Liberty. We wrote our own family 'title of liberty'. We simpified it for the kids and asked them why do we want to be righteous. This is the list they came up with: 1) So that we can live with Heavenly Father again 2) it shows our love to Heavenly Father and Jesus 3) it shows our love to Mom and Dad 4) so we can have the Holy Ghost 5) so we can be nice and happy 6) so we can be helpful to Mom and Dad.
Gordon got his second round of grades back. Straight A's again...he takes after his Daddy :)
Love you all!!!
1/17/12
The other day I ran out to the store to grab something and I had all the
kids with me. We were all walking back to the car through the parking
lot. I was holding Eden's hand and Ella and Gordon were holding hands. I
looked back to check on them and I saw Gordon holding Ella's hand and
with his other he had his arm raised as high as he could straight up
into the air. When I looked at him he said, "Mom, see I am making myself
tall so the cars can see me so they don't hit Ella and me." Always
thinking that little boy. Cleaver, and a great protector :)
We were looking through the pictures my friend had taken of the tough mudder race that Taylor did on Saturday. There was a picture of him at the top of one of the slippery muddy mountains he had to climb. Gordon being proud of his daddy said, "Look, dad is like a law....I mean a lawyer!"
The kids have been really soaking things in during scripture study. We have done "quiz night" a few times last week and they really know their stuff. They know even the littlest details. It warms my heart every time!
I feel as if I am always playing catch up with these grandparents journals lately...I am hoping to find my groove here again soon. Don't give up on me just yet :)
Love you all so very much!
We were looking through the pictures my friend had taken of the tough mudder race that Taylor did on Saturday. There was a picture of him at the top of one of the slippery muddy mountains he had to climb. Gordon being proud of his daddy said, "Look, dad is like a law....I mean a lawyer!"
The kids have been really soaking things in during scripture study. We have done "quiz night" a few times last week and they really know their stuff. They know even the littlest details. It warms my heart every time!
I feel as if I am always playing catch up with these grandparents journals lately...I am hoping to find my groove here again soon. Don't give up on me just yet :)
Love you all so very much!
11/25/11
We had some coupons and thought we would use them to get the kids some dinner. And Gordon a bit grumpy over not liking us buying tacos at Jack in the Box. Eden and Ella singing "Follow the prophet!" and she turns to Gordon and says, "Gordon, be happy. Sing! Follow the prophet!"---Then Sunday during the Primary Program Gordon was up singing and Eden was down in the row with me being a little sad and fussy. Gordon was motioning to get Eden and my attention. We look up at him and I noticed that the song they were singing was "Choose the Right Way...and be happy". So it was Gordon's turn to sing and cheer up Eden.
I went to the Dr. on Tuesday morning to find out what we are having. Taylor could not make it to the appointment and we thought it would be fun to be all together when we found out. So I had them put it in an evelope that we opened together as a family that night. The kids were so excited! Then when Taylor said, it is a BOY...Gordon was jumping up and down and running around the room saying YES, YES, YES! Ella was sitting in my lap and instantly started to cry...well more like bawl! She finally was about to say, "But I wanted to call her Rosa Lee". I was trying to console her while Gordon as having a little party to himself in the background. The way I got her to calm down was to tell her that maybe the baby would bring her something that she could call Rosa Lee. Instantly she stopped and got a big smile on her face and said, "Yes!". Then Gordon ran over to me and said, "Mom, the boys WIN!" I replied, "No, it is three to three we are tied." He quickly responded, "No, Riley is a boy so we WIN!!!" Smart cookie, does look like the girls are now out numbered :)
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving week. Seeing Eric and Anna-Lena's family was such a treat! All of those kids are little peas in a pod. They all stayed up till about midnight. So many fun memories made! And yesterday we were able to have a family over from our ward that had no place to go for Thanksgiving. They were more than grateful to have somewhere to spend the day. It was lovely.
Life has been packed and I glanced at the calendar and looks like it will be getting even busier. I love this time of year, packed with lots of fun things and service opportunities. I hope to be better at remembering/writing down each of these memories. We love you all and are so THANKFUL to be a part of your eternal family! So grateful for the gospel in our lives, the testimonies we have and are able to share with others and especially our children. We are blessed in so many ways and are glad for this time of year that we have to remember and reflect on them.
12/22/11
While we were eating lunch Ella said, "I had a dream with you in it, Laura. You were in a bathtub full of applesauce and trying to eat it all!" What an imagination she has.....
If you want to check out a picture of last weeks Bird that Gordon made check out our blog. www.earlfamilyblog.blogspot.
I remember my Mom telling me that she was able to get Christmas gifts for us while we were at the store with her. I could never understand how that was possible. Well I did it the last two days in a row...there are so many things for them to look at that they are pretty easily distracted. I think I am all done Christmas shopping!!! Yahoo :) And I didn't even need to find a babysitter!!
We were listening to the Christmas radio the other day and the song, "All I want for Christmas is You" came on. Ella looked at me and said, "Mom I don't like this song!" I asked why...she said, "she is talking about how she doesn't care about the presents or the tree...WE care about those things right!?!" I tried to explain to her that she was singing about how she loved people MORE than the presents or the tree. She thought about it for a min and then said, "Oh, okay. So she likes the tree and presents too".
Gordon and Taylor went to a charity dinner party while I was gone. And Taylor asked Gordon to go in his room and choose a few toys that he would like to give to other kids that don't have a lot of toys. And the first toy that he went to give away was his Star wars Storm trooper gun. We were both very impressed with that quick decision. We know he likes that toy and it is one that all of his friends when they come over love to play with. He then continued to choose a few other toys. I asked him the other day 'What is Christmas about'....he replied, "It is about baby Jesus and about giving to people". Feels good that he is starting to really grasp the true spirit of Christmas :)
When I was in Utah for the past few days I called to talk to the kids and when I was talking to Gordon I was asking him about his day and what he had been up to...then at the end of the conversation I said, "well I love you so much!" And he said, "HEY....is this MOM!?!" He thought I was Alison the whole time :)
Ella and Eden are really getting quite good at memorizing a lot of words to many of the Christmas songs. I would have to say the one chorus they sing during the day the most is 'Last Christmas I Gave you My heart...the very next day you gave it away. This year to save me from tears, I'll give it to someone special'. Rodolph, Jingle Bells, and Silent Night are runners up. But I would have to say my favorite to listen to is Feliz Navidad. They have a very cute rendition.
We love you all! And are so excited to be able to see most of you at this most wonderful time of the year :)
Stay tuned for our 12 Days of Christmas Service activities.
If you want to check out a picture of last weeks Bird that Gordon made check out our blog. www.earlfamilyblog.blogspot.
I remember my Mom telling me that she was able to get Christmas gifts for us while we were at the store with her. I could never understand how that was possible. Well I did it the last two days in a row...there are so many things for them to look at that they are pretty easily distracted. I think I am all done Christmas shopping!!! Yahoo :) And I didn't even need to find a babysitter!!
We were listening to the Christmas radio the other day and the song, "All I want for Christmas is You" came on. Ella looked at me and said, "Mom I don't like this song!" I asked why...she said, "she is talking about how she doesn't care about the presents or the tree...WE care about those things right!?!" I tried to explain to her that she was singing about how she loved people MORE than the presents or the tree. She thought about it for a min and then said, "Oh, okay. So she likes the tree and presents too".
Gordon and Taylor went to a charity dinner party while I was gone. And Taylor asked Gordon to go in his room and choose a few toys that he would like to give to other kids that don't have a lot of toys. And the first toy that he went to give away was his Star wars Storm trooper gun. We were both very impressed with that quick decision. We know he likes that toy and it is one that all of his friends when they come over love to play with. He then continued to choose a few other toys. I asked him the other day 'What is Christmas about'....he replied, "It is about baby Jesus and about giving to people". Feels good that he is starting to really grasp the true spirit of Christmas :)
When I was in Utah for the past few days I called to talk to the kids and when I was talking to Gordon I was asking him about his day and what he had been up to...then at the end of the conversation I said, "well I love you so much!" And he said, "HEY....is this MOM!?!" He thought I was Alison the whole time :)
Ella and Eden are really getting quite good at memorizing a lot of words to many of the Christmas songs. I would have to say the one chorus they sing during the day the most is 'Last Christmas I Gave you My heart...the very next day you gave it away. This year to save me from tears, I'll give it to someone special'. Rodolph, Jingle Bells, and Silent Night are runners up. But I would have to say my favorite to listen to is Feliz Navidad. They have a very cute rendition.
We love you all! And are so excited to be able to see most of you at this most wonderful time of the year :)
Stay tuned for our 12 Days of Christmas Service activities.
12/10/11
I was able to go to Gordon's school to help wrap up their wood and paper
unit. We were to help our child make something with various wood and
paper items. Each child was asked to go to the two different supply
stations and choose the items they wanted to construct something. Most
kids were choose various shapes of wooden blocks, Popsicle sticks, and
other things of that nature. And many of them had the idea to build a
castle, house or a boat. (which is what I was thinking we would be
constructing too) Then Gordon came back from the wood table holding two
pieces of wood. One was somewhat like a misshapen triangle and the other
looked like it was ripped off of a branch from a tree, very jagged and
curved. I thought to myself 'why would he choose these what on earth are
we going to make'. He dropped the wood off at his desk and ran to the
other station and came back with yarn, paper, Popsicle sticks, and a
paper cone cup. He had a giant smile on his face. I was still cramming
my brain trying to figure out what we were going to make with these
things that would not seem disappointing when we were done. And then
Gordon announced, "Mom we are going to make a BIRD!" And that is what we
did. Gordon had the whole thing mapped out in his mind. He was telling
me what to do and how to construct it. And the finished product looked
great. I was so proud of him! For his quick idea and knowing what he
wanted to do and ran with it. He changed and modified a few things as we
went along but at the end most of the kids had come over to check out
"THE BIRD". Such a fun treat to be there with him at school today in his
environment and watch him at work. He made his Mom feel like a million
bucks today. At recess he just wanted to sit with me on the bench and
talk instead of playing out on the playground. Melted my heart. An
afternoon I will always remember :)
The girls and I were in the car and I hoped out real quick to drop something off and came back to the car and looked back and saw Ella's head on Eden's lap and Eden was playing with Ella's hair and singing her a song very softly. Eden looked up at me and whispered, "Shh, Mom Ella is sleeping". (she wasn't really but she could have fooled me....it was adorable!)
Eden's little finger nail is as loose as a tooth these days...but has not fallen off yet. The bottom of the nail it still totally attached and the rest is flapping back and forth. How am I going to help keep a little two year old from pulling/picking if off until it is ready...could be an interesting story (stay tuned :) )
Christmas time is so fun with the kids. I feel like every house decorated with lights they see it as if it is the first house with lights they have every seen. Every single one brings such excitement and joy, I love it!
The girls and I were in the car and I hoped out real quick to drop something off and came back to the car and looked back and saw Ella's head on Eden's lap and Eden was playing with Ella's hair and singing her a song very softly. Eden looked up at me and whispered, "Shh, Mom Ella is sleeping". (she wasn't really but she could have fooled me....it was adorable!)
Eden's little finger nail is as loose as a tooth these days...but has not fallen off yet. The bottom of the nail it still totally attached and the rest is flapping back and forth. How am I going to help keep a little two year old from pulling/picking if off until it is ready...could be an interesting story (stay tuned :) )
Christmas time is so fun with the kids. I feel like every house decorated with lights they see it as if it is the first house with lights they have every seen. Every single one brings such excitement and joy, I love it!
12/5/11
Stockings in our house are often called "sockings" --close enough right?
Ella and Eden now have a bunk-bed and the crib is moved into Gordon's room. It has been a challenge to convince Ella to sleep in the top bunk. (I never thought it would be possible to have to talk a child into sleeping on the top...I thought all kids wanted to be on the top???) Well we have gone with 'it is like sleeping in Rapunzel's tower' and that has worked a bit. I found the kids in there this morning with Ella on top and Gordon down below yelling up... "Rapunzel, Rapunzel let down your hair". Hopefully this will end our nightly debates.
We delivered some Christmas goodies to some friends the other night and Ella went up to the door with Taylor on one house. She came back to the car and said ,"Mom she called me darling". Taylor added, "And she called me dear." Ella chimed in with, "....like a REIN--DEER!"
After we put up the tree last night Eden climbed up on our four step- step stool and belted out, "And at last I see the light...". Gordon also took his turn on top and was leading the Christmas music we were listening to with a slinky. It was entertaining to watch :)
We love this time of year for so many reasons! It really is magical...and after all these years it still is for me and in a whole new way, kids make everything better!
We love you all!
Ella and Eden now have a bunk-bed and the crib is moved into Gordon's room. It has been a challenge to convince Ella to sleep in the top bunk. (I never thought it would be possible to have to talk a child into sleeping on the top...I thought all kids wanted to be on the top???) Well we have gone with 'it is like sleeping in Rapunzel's tower' and that has worked a bit. I found the kids in there this morning with Ella on top and Gordon down below yelling up... "Rapunzel, Rapunzel let down your hair". Hopefully this will end our nightly debates.
We delivered some Christmas goodies to some friends the other night and Ella went up to the door with Taylor on one house. She came back to the car and said ,"Mom she called me darling". Taylor added, "And she called me dear." Ella chimed in with, "....like a REIN--DEER!"
After we put up the tree last night Eden climbed up on our four step- step stool and belted out, "And at last I see the light...". Gordon also took his turn on top and was leading the Christmas music we were listening to with a slinky. It was entertaining to watch :)
We love this time of year for so many reasons! It really is magical...and after all these years it still is for me and in a whole new way, kids make everything better!
We love you all!
11/12/11
Sorry I missed a week :)
Julie and the boys came down to play this week and we were over at the park. Ella was getting right up in Alexander's face talking to him and giving him love. I said to her, "Don't pop Alexander's bubble". (we are working on personal space) She said back, "Mom, HE doesn't have a bubble." I said, "Everyone has a bubble". She looked up at me and said, "Well I don't have a bubble!"
One of the kids new phrases that they say all the time now is "That is easy peasy lemon squeezy" :) When Eden says it it always makes me smile!
The kids like to play "house" except they call it 'honey and sweetie'. Then this morning after Taylor left for work Ella looked over at me and said, "Mom, is Dad your really real honey?" "Yes he is!!" was my reply. :)
I was getting Eden ready for bed tonight, first I took off the Rapunzel dress, then an apron, then her jumper, then a shirt, then a green tutu and then a pink tutu. I had no idea she had all of that on. I thought the dress looked a little more poofy than normal :)
Eden was laying in my lap and she looked up at me and said, "There is a baby in my belly" I asked her what she was going to name her baby. She then informed me that the babies name was 'Doggie'.
Lots of Eden stories but here is one more. Whenever ANYTHING is hard for her to do she looks at me and says, "Mom it is too heavy". Most times it is not the phrase you should say but she says it anyway with confidence. :)
We sure love you all!!!
Julie and the boys came down to play this week and we were over at the park. Ella was getting right up in Alexander's face talking to him and giving him love. I said to her, "Don't pop Alexander's bubble". (we are working on personal space) She said back, "Mom, HE doesn't have a bubble." I said, "Everyone has a bubble". She looked up at me and said, "Well I don't have a bubble!"
One of the kids new phrases that they say all the time now is "That is easy peasy lemon squeezy" :) When Eden says it it always makes me smile!
The kids like to play "house" except they call it 'honey and sweetie'. Then this morning after Taylor left for work Ella looked over at me and said, "Mom, is Dad your really real honey?" "Yes he is!!" was my reply. :)
I was getting Eden ready for bed tonight, first I took off the Rapunzel dress, then an apron, then her jumper, then a shirt, then a green tutu and then a pink tutu. I had no idea she had all of that on. I thought the dress looked a little more poofy than normal :)
Eden was laying in my lap and she looked up at me and said, "There is a baby in my belly" I asked her what she was going to name her baby. She then informed me that the babies name was 'Doggie'.
Lots of Eden stories but here is one more. Whenever ANYTHING is hard for her to do she looks at me and says, "Mom it is too heavy". Most times it is not the phrase you should say but she says it anyway with confidence. :)
We sure love you all!!!
11/7/11
WOW I have been horrible the last couple of weeks. I think I forgot at
least one week and this week I have been saying to myself A LOT that
"that has to go in the grandparents journal" and I have not written notes to myself and with my prego brain have not remembered them. :(
We sure love you all! And have been thinking about it more and more especially around this time of year. We are so grateful and blessed to have each of you in our lives and the examples you have given us! So glad that we have you all for eternity :)
Just have...
I made the girls a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch today. And Ella asked, "Is it called a girl-ed cheese sandwich?"
Gordon is doing so well in school! We call him our 100% boy. Every Friday he comes home with his test sheet to show us he got them all right again :) Life is good.
We sure love you all! And have been thinking about it more and more especially around this time of year. We are so grateful and blessed to have each of you in our lives and the examples you have given us! So glad that we have you all for eternity :)
Just have...
I made the girls a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch today. And Ella asked, "Is it called a girl-ed cheese sandwich?"
Gordon is doing so well in school! We call him our 100% boy. Every Friday he comes home with his test sheet to show us he got them all right again :) Life is good.
10/22/11
I was reading through some old grandparents
journals the other day and it was fun to remember different things. I
hope someday the kids will get a kick out of all of these. I sure love
these kids of mine! And love all of you :) Thanks for helping me to stay
committed to doing this somewhat consistently.
On the way to get the kids from school the last few days the girls have been beat-boxing: (Beatboxing is a form of vocal percussion primarily involving the art of producing drum beats, rhythm, and musical sounds using one's mouth, lips, tongue, and voice. ) It is really cute to listen to and watch.
Taylor and I went to Gordon's parent teacher conference this morning and Mr. Wray had nothing but kind things to say about Gordon. He told us that Gordon is just a joy to have in class and that he is always trying his best and obeys the rules. He also told us that Gordon is a great leader. He doesn't boss kids around, he leads them by example. And Mr. Wray said he was very impressed with Gordon's handwriting. :) Gordon got all A+'s with one A. And in every other area he received "E" for Excellent (which is the highest mark). He is doing wonderfully and loving it, we couldn't be happier :)
I was talking on my cell phone to my Mom and the call was dropped so I said to myself out loud, "Oh, I lost Mom". Ella quickly turned her head and said, "Where is Grandma? We need to find her!"
Grandma Nielsen is coming for a visit next week and I was telling the kids that she was going to be coming. They were all getting excited and then Eden looked at me and said, "And Grandpa come too!" I explained he couldn't come this time. And she was trying to talk me into the the idea that no he is coming. We are going to miss having you here too Grandpa :)
Can't wait to see Grandma Nielsen in two days!!! :) Woot Woot!
On the way to get the kids from school the last few days the girls have been beat-boxing: (Beatboxing is a form of vocal percussion primarily involving the art of producing drum beats, rhythm, and musical sounds using one's mouth, lips, tongue, and voice. ) It is really cute to listen to and watch.
Taylor and I went to Gordon's parent teacher conference this morning and Mr. Wray had nothing but kind things to say about Gordon. He told us that Gordon is just a joy to have in class and that he is always trying his best and obeys the rules. He also told us that Gordon is a great leader. He doesn't boss kids around, he leads them by example. And Mr. Wray said he was very impressed with Gordon's handwriting. :) Gordon got all A+'s with one A. And in every other area he received "E" for Excellent (which is the highest mark). He is doing wonderfully and loving it, we couldn't be happier :)
I was talking on my cell phone to my Mom and the call was dropped so I said to myself out loud, "Oh, I lost Mom". Ella quickly turned her head and said, "Where is Grandma? We need to find her!"
Grandma Nielsen is coming for a visit next week and I was telling the kids that she was going to be coming. They were all getting excited and then Eden looked at me and said, "And Grandpa come too!" I explained he couldn't come this time. And she was trying to talk me into the the idea that no he is coming. We are going to miss having you here too Grandpa :)
Can't wait to see Grandma Nielsen in two days!!! :) Woot Woot!
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