Best Picture Ever

Check out my new super cool pic of the boys.  I love it so much I put it in the header so I can always look at it.  I owe a big thank you to my niece Gabby for it.  I think it may be my all time favorite photo of all four boys.  It was taken March 13th during Mitchell's Second Birthday party.  We had a blast.  I just can't understandy why my boys keep wanting to grow up?  It truly baffles me that Mitchell is already 2.  I can still feel the heartburn and the swollen ankles.  Okay, I know, not the picture I should be painting...but really, how is it possible that two years have gone by since he was joyfully welcomed into this world?

Yes, he was...and still is...joyfully welcomed into this world.  I cannot imagine life without Mitchell.  Neither can his brothers.  They all love him so much.  He fits into our crazy, loud family so well.  He is so full of smiles and laughs.  He's quite a talker...already babbling away in sentences.  My favorite is when he prays at meals.  He simply says...Thank You.  Amen.  That's it.  Really, do you need any more?

Our family is such a blessing to me.  There is simply no way I deserve to be the mom to these boys.  My hearst is overwhelmed with love for them. 

Too important to forget

I want to make sure I write down a few really special things so that I don't ever forget them.

First of all, on Wednesday night (March 2) we were all sitting in the rec room after dinner. I was telling Craig about my day and how I had a conversation with one of my co-workers about the end times.  My co-worker asked if I believed in the people who were saying May 21 is it.  I told him...I don't really believe it, but I'm ready none the less.  It led to a good conversation about heaven with this co-worker.  Well, as Craig and I were talking my conversation at work...and about heaven and several books about heaven...Connor was sitting next to me.  As of a sudden he says quietly..."I talk to Jesus about that in my brain."  I asked him to repeat himself...he did and added  that he believed in Jesus and wanted to be with Him in heaven.  :)  My heart swelled.  He went on to say that when he gets to heaven he wants to see Sam our dog.  We talked a little more abut what he believed and how happy we were that he wanted to follow Jesus.  At bedtime I kneeled next to his bed and prayed with him. 

On Fridyay night, (March 4) Craig went to Philly to pick up his mom at the airport.  I was alone with the boys and decided we should do a few special things.  So, we made soft pretzels.  It was fun...a little messy...but fun.  The boys rolled their own and made special shapes.  When I got the finished pretzels out of the oven I put cinnamon and sugar on them and passed them to the boys.  I broke Mitchell's into smaller pieces so it would be easier for him.  Well, Mitchell sobbed!!!!  I couldn't stop him from crying..and was at the same time trying to monitor the next batch.  Bless Connor's heart...he walked over and started feeding Mitchell his own pretzel.  (a heart shape he worked really hard on making)  Mitchell calmed down and thoroughly enjoyed the special treatment from Connor.

THEN...Jackson got upset because his pretzel was to crispy and I wouldn't let him just eat dough.  He started sobbing.  Again, nothing I did worked....but Connor put his hand on Jackson's shoulder and spoke quietly and sweetly to him until he stobbed crying.

THEN...I got out a Scooby-Doo video that Craig had bought that afternoon for the boys to enjoy.  They got soooo excited.  Connor immediately said...let's thank the Lord!  I was taken aback.  He went on to bow his head...encouraging his brothers to do the same....and said a prayer of thanks.  He thanked Jesus that Daddy would be so nice as to get a special video..and that Daddy would get home safe. Wow.   Then he said...God please send this message to Daddy so he knows how happy we are that he got this video.  :)

I started the video...then called Craig to tell him.  I was so pleased.  Craig's reaction...We must be doing something right!

We are so blessed.

Valentine Wrap-up

We ended up having Valentines all week long at our house.

These are our finished treats for friends at school.  We wrapped smooshed lots of frosting between two  mini-chocolate cakes then rolled them into some Valentine sprinkles.  Next we wrapped them in individual bags with a pink ribbon on top.  I stapled the boys card to each treat so they knew who it came from.

I think it turned out pretty good.  :)

We also gave goodie boxes to our family...we filled them with the mini-whoopie pie/cakes...and some chocolate pretzel treats.  the boys also made homemade Valentine cards for them.  So cute.

The other day, I had to vacate the house for a few hours while we got some work done to our kitchen.  Jackson and Connor were at school so I took Mitchell and Sawyer to the mall.  We had a blast.

Say cheese!

The boys road on the rides at the mall for about 20 minutes.  Best part, I didn't put a dime in...they had fun anyway!

Take a look at these....

Craig's sister Lori dropped these off.  Individual heart-shaped cakes for each of the boys...and one for us!  They looked just like conversation hearts...and tasted even better.  Yum.

Basketball Video

here's my little super star.  first game.  loved every minute.

Sweets for the Sweet

After church we got to work...

I baked 55 mini-whoopies pies...

They smelled sooooo good, but I felt so bad....I wouldn't let the boys snack on them.  I needed to make sure we had enough to give to our valentines.

After they cooled, I made buttercream frosting and rolled them in pink and red heart sprinkles.  Too bad I didn't think to take a picture of the finished product.

While I baked and decorated, Craig kept the boys occuppied.

They played board games...and had so much fun.  I see a future filled with fun times playing games.

Busy Saturday

The boys have been loving their Upward Basketball games.  Jackson has improved so much, but best of all he is having a great time.  I tried to grab a few shots of his latest game.

He is in the thick of the action here...which is saying a lot...though it would be nice if you could actually see him in my picture.

Here he is...blurry, yes...but he's out there.

Wanted to share this one too.

This little guy loves this chair in the play room.  He could seat there all afternoon and watch his very favority movie of all.

Toy Story 2

Heart Day Preps

We've been having a lot of fun getting ready for Valentine's Day.  While Connor was at school, Jackson went to town perfecting his hearts.  He did such a great job.  So cute. 

Jackson is also working on his writing.  I am amazed at how good he is getting.  The best part....he loves it!

After he finished his hearts...he wanted to write all of our names down.  He put his version of a smiley face next to everyone's name.

Next, he added a 100 for each of us.  I guess that means he likes us?

He was so proud he wanted me to take a picture of him when he finished.

After he looked at the first pictures, he made me take another.  He wanted to be able to see the entire board...and his smiling face.  :)

I LOVE this kid so much.  He is such a sweetheart.  I'm overjoyed that he is showing so much interest in writing and reading.  He loves to snuggle and is quick to ask for a hug or tell me he loves me.  He is also a nice kid.  Everyday at the end of pre-school he wants to say good bye to all of his friends.  It is precious.  He does get a little sad if he misses someone.  I pray that he never loses the sweet innocent and wonderful gentle heart.

This weekend we also worked on making valentines for school parties.

Jackson wrote out the name of every child in his class.  It took a little while, but he did a great job and enjoyed the finished product sooooo much.

Connor also made hand made Valentines for all his friends.

He addressed them too...though I wish he'd work a little on his hand writing.

Next up....Valentine treats.....