Caleb in the middle...

Mr. Caleb has always had a quiet determination about him. Somedays it seems a little more like stubbornness (borderline disobedience...) but, I try to see it as the gift of knowing what he wants and the ability to make a plan (often very creative) to get it. Sometimes I tell myself "If I can guide him and teach him in love then that very quality (that is usually frustrating at the moment) will serve him well someday!" Today I was telling the boys things that I think they are good at and writing a letter on their little fingertips with a pen to remind them. On Caleb's hand I had already written a "T" for trying new things, a "B" for being brave, and "H+K" for giving hugs and kisses. I asked Caleb if he could think of something he's good at and he said "Umm, me get what me want!"

These pictures are from a few weeks ago on a day when Caleb only wanted to wear green (because "gween my fav-wit colow") I said "That's fine. I like green too, but you're going to have to do it yourself." So he did. It took him probably 15 minutes to look through the shoe closet and find his old green shoes and put them on himself. The tantrum came when I asked him to please clean up the mess he had made in the process.

This was today when Caleb fell asleep MID-SENTANCE while he was talking to me as I fed Kaycee on the couch.

Looks pretty peaceful for a kid that is sure he does NOT need naps anymore ;)

A train ride I could handle...

The other day the boys built a long pillow train out of couch cushions. Everyone got a ticket, a seat, and a job to do. Caleb was the 'ductor (conductor), Ashy was the water and whistle man (i have no idea...), and Kaycee was the caboose of course (because she's the last one in our family). The boys had their train whistles and we all had a good ride. Much nicer than this horrible nightmare! (still a bit dramatic?)

Kaycee had fun playing with the boys and really liked the train whistles.

These pictures just make me laugh. Caleb is so fun. He never stops moving. His energy is always fast and uplifting! (know what i'm talking about, shiree?)

We nibble her neck...

...all day long. It's such a blessing to have this lovely lady in our family! She's so peaceful and calm. What a beautiful spirit she brings. I love you, Kaycee Noelle!

Sibling revelry (and a little bit of rivalry)...

but, oh, how i'm glad they're mine!

Pictures for Daddy and a lollipop if we're good...

Justin, we loved our cards and the decorations you left for us this morning! I think they asked me to read them at least 35 times. After breakfast I decided we'd try to take some pictures for you. Our boys are very motivated by lollipops. Asher had the great idea to tape some of the hearts you cut out to our shirts. We just wanted to say "We love you! Happy Valentine's Day! You're our Best!!" You really are.

p.s. our kids are funny.

Dear Valentine,

Thanks for making me a Hot Pink Smoothie every morning. Today's was particularly delicious. Who'd of thought I would start craving my morning dose of carrots, beets, coconut water, dates, etc. I'm already looking forward to tomorrow morning...

Let's hope I get to drink it all myself tomorrow.

They're smoothie monsters, I tell ya!

xo

with love.

Bedtime stories with Daddy...

Nothing we love more.

a kk cupcake...

Kaycee looked a little bit like a cupcake today. I loved it. The boys like choosing her outfits with me in the morning, but I'm sure it won't be too long before she's telling them what to wear :)

Caleb's contribution to her ensemble was a purple pair of Mrs. Potato Head's sunburst eyeglasses. I think Kaycee quite fancied them.

happy weekend.

Jumper McJump Jump...

The boys got a trampoline from their Grandma and Grandpa for christmas. Fantastic. My boys have a lot* of energy and this has been a fun way to use some of it up. We moved it into their room a while ago which makes for a little bit of a tight squeeze, but I got my family room back so it's worth it. Kaycee blue-eyes and I like to watch the boys do all their "rad moves". It has also been a great way for the boys to work out their arguments. We just say "take it to the ring"... I kid. But, it's an idea.

While I was watching the aforementioned rad moves I noticed each of their little stuffies collection on their beds. It's funny how particular they are about which ones they love, and kind of crazy how many I let them sleep with. Sweet little boys.

Caleb's bed:

Tigger, Pablo, Pooh Bear, Woody, Tree pillow from Honey, and Gray Kitty from Lily.

Asher's bed:

Snowman pillow from Honey, Rex, Brown bear, Pooh Bear, Noster-rister, Frog, and Monster from Jeremy.

* Understatement of the year.

A connection...

Asher was sick with the yucky coughs and sneezes so he, Kaycee and I stayed home on sunday. After breakfast we got him settled on our bed with a show while I got ready for the day. When I peeked on them they were holding hands so sweetly. They truly do have a connection.

Asher told me that "Kaycee girl is the only thing that can make me feel better...and orange juice."

Later that night Asher feel asleep on our bed like this. Justin and I thought it was pretty funny because he has been sleeping like that since he was three months old! Love it.

3 year old Asher

3 month old Asher

i love this lady!

asher, caleb, and kaycee noelle.

I'd love to reintroduce you to...

...my sweeter than sweet baby girl. I say reintroduce because we have changed her name.

(some of you knew that we did this and some of you probably didn't. it's a long story, and i've had a hard time committing, but i thought i'd

finally put it on the blog :)

miss

kaycee noelle carrier

Kaycee is 3 1/2 months old now and the sweetest little girl ever. Here are some pictures of her in her blessing dress. It was the same dress that I was blessed in 28 years earlier that was given to me by my grandmother. (Thanks Mom and Aunt Susan for keeping it safe so that we could share that sweet experience!)

So lovely.