His silly side...

(Asher getting his sister to laugh by making funny faces and wearing her hat.)

This kids sense of humor cracks me up. Yesterday I cut an apple for his snack. Before he started eating he said he needed to go to the bathroom. As he was walking away he said (in a very concerned manner) "But Mom, while I'm gone my apple might start to DECAY!" I kind of just looked at him blinking. Then he said "I'm just teasing you, Mom. It takes a little longer then that!"

Another thing that I love is before he starts something (ie cleaning up toys or throwing something in the trash) I've heard him whisper to himself "I can do it. I'm a brave man!"

Asher, you're awesome!

Why, yes I do like the taste of my own hands...

Thanks for asking.

my eyes are welling, my heart is swelling...

seven years ago, today.

(happy sigh.)

a favorite old picture (you see?! i was listening when you showed me how to use the scanner :)

a favorite new picture. (don't take that face personally. we love your kisses!)

happy anniversary!

To the people who told me it doesn't snow very much here:

I want my money back!

Snarly halloween teeth...

I asked the boys if I could snap a picture of them wearing their scary teeth (before I threw them away. shhhh.) After I took the picture I helped them take the teeth out. Asher said "Mom, that was disgusting." and Caleb said "Me teeth back in!" It's funny to watch their different personalities.

Oh my...

Happy one month Miss Jocelyn Noelle!

Well, I've been here for a whole month, and I've gotta say, I'm loving life on earth! I get to sleep, and eat, and sleep, and snuggle, and sleep, and smile, and sleep. It's great. I keep everyone busy (especially my mom), I'm growing fast (but don't worry i'm still tiny), and I love my brothers (they are really great). Well, before I go to sleep (again) I just wanted to say "Happy Birthday" to my Auntie Gretchen! Can't wait to meet you!

Casual dinner conversation with a 3 year old...

Asher (holding a purple wildflower): "Dad, do you see this green, and purple, and yellow? It's pollen, and bees carry pollen to make more flowers."

Me (amazed and astounded that my 3 1/2 year old knows the word 'pollen'): "You're right Asher, good job! Where did you hear that?"

Asher: "No where, I made it up myself."

In case you're curious, after a little coaxing he confessed that he learned it on Sesame Street. Or was it The Cat in the Hat? Wow, little kids really are sponges. Especially this one.

Side note: Yesterday evening after work I took the boys to run a few quick errands (and give Abby a needed break); as we were headed to the bank Asher says, "Dad, we should get Mommy some flowers." After another brief "what an extremely smart kid" moment, I whole heartedly agreed. He continued, "we should get ones with different colors...like red, and blue, and orange." These boys sure do love their mom. It was really sweet, especially after a rough day for them all.

This photo...

...was the only cute thing about this morning. Yikes.

You win some, you lose some.

Sweet baby J...

Well, none of us can get enough of our little girl. She's been kissed countless times in her short life (89% of which has been by Caleb. he LOVES kissing her head!) The boys are now way more excited about seeing her in the morning than seeing me (i guess i understand). And I'm loving this feeling of comfort and completeness in our little family of five. It was so wonderful to tuck all three of our babies into bed last night, then sit by Justin and laugh almost harder than my post-partum pelvic floor muscles could handle. What a crazy ride we're on :)

Here's Jocelyn trying to decide if she was going to leave the almost-as-big-as-my-face flower on her head or not. Josie said yes, but Caleb said no. It got in the way of his kissing.

Oh, I love big baby yawns!

Well, mom...

...I'm pretty sure I'd rather just sleep in your bed. On your pillow.

Yep, pretty sure that's what I'm gonna do.

Happy belated birthday Peter!

Happy 30th from one brave firefighter to another ;)

Hope you had a good one! We love you!

So, this year I was a little busy (having a baby and such) and didn't get around to thinking about halloween costumes until the day of. Oh, well. So, the boys wore their pajamas. Asher was Superman and Caleb was a firefighter. Justin threw on his Ukrainian outfit and they all had a great time. Happy Halloween. See you again next year.

Jocelyn's got style...

This little lady makes me laugh. We were just snuggling after I gave her a bath and got her dressed. I looked at her and had to smile. Now, don't get me wrong, I think she's the cutest thing to grace this big planet, but what kind of an outfit is that?! Then, I started thinking about how I get to teach her about fashion and style and thought "Oh, boy. I'd better get me some of that, pronto." Well, I'll try... but if I don't step up my style before it's time to teach you about it... then I'm truly sorry baby J ;)

Even when she's sleeping...

...he has to be close to her!

Asher parked himself right under the swing while Jocelyn was dozing yesterday. He is so smitten with her. Someone told him he was adorable the other day while he was out with Justin and he didn't know what it meant so he asked. Justin said it meant "really cute". Now, multiple times a day, he tells Josie "You're adorable! That means really, really cute! You're my best baby ever." Such a great older brother.

So, this is my 500th post. Wow. 500 funny stories about my kids (with pictures). I hope they enjoy reading the stories someday. I hope the grandma's and grandpa's have enjoyed it too ;)

I'll leave you with one more: Yesterday I was asking the boys what they wanted to be when they grow up. Asher had lots of ideas and we talked about it for a while. Then, I asked Caleb "What about you kiddo? What do you want to be?" He thought, he scratched his head, then he said "Me be Andy!" (Andy is Caleb's super cool older cousin).

Light speed...

Today it feels like it's all going too fast! It's hard to believe we have 3 kids. 3 kids! And my oldest is only 3 1/2 years old. Holy smokes! Tonight Justin and I watched a few old videos of when Asher and Caleb were little(r). We know Jocelyn will be there in the blink of an eye. Our hearts are full!

A few of my favorite days:

The day Asher was born!

April 4th 2007 - American Fork, UT

The day Caleb was born!

August 10th, 2008 - Murray, UT

The day Josie was born!

October 13th, 2010 - Kennewick, WA

Oh, I really liked this day too ;)

December 13th, 2003 - Going on 7 years. Crazy!

So, thank you everyone for the kind thoughts and well wishes! Things are going so wonderfully. I feel 198% better not being pregnant :) My mom and sister have gone home (we miss them and their help and company was so perfect!) Tomorrow is my first day to go it alone while Justin is at work. The real test ;) I'm sure we'll make it, hopefully we'll have fun, and yes, I did buy cookies to bribe the boys if need be. Here's to tomorrow!

Little Miss...

Here's Jocelyn in her adorable new hat. Does anyone else think she looks just like a baby doll? (Thank you Aunt Nancy! It's perfect!)

Josie put her fist to her chin like that herself. It made me think of Deb from Napoleon Dynamite "Now slowly move your fist to your chin. That's going to be real nice." (or something like that :)

Have a wonderful day!

Some blurry pictures of a very sweet moment...

She's a very lucky lady to have a dad like Justin.

A few more pictures...

Asher and "Joce"

Caleb and "Little Sister"

Asher, Caleb and Grace

Little Bitty Jogging Suit...

...for my little bitty girl.

Jocelyn Noelle at 1 week old.

A walk with cousin Grace...

This picture melts my heart and I'll tell you why...they're cousins. My kids have such awesome cousins that they love (We miss you Lily, Andy and Ben!). It's been so fun to have Grace here visiting and I can't help but picture me and my cousin Liz. I hope the future holds lots of visits, being pen pals, summer sleepovers at Honey and Papa's house, and other great adventures for these two little sweeties.

Asher and Caleb on our morning walk/ride.

Asher loves to be by Jocelyn! He always rubs his cheek on her soft head and sighs "I just love her, Mom." I feel the exact same way, Buddy.

Life as a newborn...

Justin and Josie in the middle of the night after changing her diaper.

Baby J's sweet forehead wrinkles (that I love!)

Jocelyn loved her first bath at home. She practically fell asleep while I did all the work ;)

Josie had a high bilirubin count and we thought she might have to be treated for Jaundice (just like Asher and Caleb) but after spending hours lying in the sun spots around the house she's doing great and doesn't need any light therapy. Wahoo!

Super-duper older brothers...

Caleb is being such a wonderful older brother! He loves to hug and kiss his sister and always asks me if she's happy. Great job, little buddy! Asher is doing awesome too! I'm so impressed at how much they love and think about her.

3 days old...

Jocelyn is so much fun to cuddle with. She's a great little sleeper and and loves to be held. My heart is full of gratitude.

Here she is, all relaxed and peaceful, just about to get her diaper changed. She's not a fan of this process. It's pretty much the only time I've heard her cry.

Her petite little scream makes me want to run out and buy one of those wipes warmer things just to see if it would make it less of a shock for her. I love this little lady!

Here is my friend Johanna meeting her for the first time. They are going to be fast friends! Johanna did so much to help me during the rough times of this pregnancy. I really don't know how I would have done it without her!!