PLAYDOUGH

This was obviously taken before it ended up all over my floor. What is it about the colorful mushy stuff that brings out the kid in all of us. Thanks to Laura and JD for the new set of dough, cutters and tools. We ALL love it!

A bittersweet ending...

Last day of dance! It is a lot like the last day of school because even though Jocelyn hasn't really been thrilled to get up in the morning and go the last few months, I know that she will miss it. She has gone for 2 1/2 years and has made lots of new friends, has had three awesome performances, and has grown in talent and ability in both tap and ballet. I am most proud that she has always behaved with friendship and kindness and that she has stretched herself to be brave and has developed lots of confidence. Way to go Joc. for always trying your best and making it fun for yourself, your friends, and for me to watch. My one consolation at this "end of an era" or crossroad in her life is that I get to see my beautiful ballerina perform her final recital next week at The Browning Center at Weber State. Good luck Jocey, you'll do great and we'll be there to cheer you on!

Artist's right of expression...

Jocelyn is such a talented artist, and she has found a way to use her passion to communicate her plethora of little girl emotions. For example, this drawing was placed on the table where I was writing and then she ran away and hid. It is a picture of a frowny face and she was trying to tell me she was sad so I went to her and she told me what was wrong. I am glad she came up with this system of self-expression, because it saves me the trouble of guessing what she is feeling when she won't talk about it. You are brilliant Jocey!

P.S. This is off the subject, but last week on her own she drew a very detailed picture of Jesus which even included facial hair and sandals with toes sticking out. We'll save that one for sure!

Naptime...

One of the the greatest rewards as a parent is seeing how much your children love each other. I had put the girls down for naps in their own beds, but a few minutes later they were snuggled in Aimee's bed with her new Ariel blanket holding each other. Thank you Jocelyn and Aimee, for making Daddy and I feel like no matter what else is going on in the world, you have made our lives worthwhile. We love you!!!

Watching Baby Taylor

Sometimes I wonder if I'll remember how to care for a tiny baby when we have our new baby this fall. I know I have two already, but I still get anxious at the thought of taking this sweet, fragile bundle home from the hospital totally dependant on me in every way. I am getting a little practice though, which is good for me and for Jocelyn and Aimee, and we are having fun too. Taylor is Brandon and Amanda's sweet daughter born April 24, 2008 and I get to hold her and squeeze her and stare at her every Thursday! She is an angel of a baby who is too little to do much at this point but it is still tons of fun. We have the same style of swing as Taylor's at home so she'll sit in that for a little while when I need to do something for the girls but otherwise she prefers to be held. She isn't too thrilled about Tummy Time, as her Mom and Dad warned me, but she did discover a red phone rattle that she could grip really well. Thanks Brandon and Amanda for giving us the opportunity to spend some time with Taylor!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Aimee loves all things girly--which really surprises everyone who thought she'd be a tomboy. On her birthday she got to pick the day's activities and before she was even dressed we were painting her nails--fingers and toes. She is so cute and holds perfectly still asking me, "Is it perfect? Am I beautiful?" Here are some other pictures from the rest of the day with two of her favoritest people, her sister and her dad. Hope you had a fun birthday Aimee, we love you so much!!!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

( No Jocelyn isn't sickly, she was just a little cold by the time I got her to sit still for a picture because she was having so much fun.)


So, after Dance on Tuesday we went for a play date with our buds--Mom Jenny, Neeley (who is Jocey's age and in her dance class), Kayla (who is Aimee's age), and baby Lilah. Jenny suggested a picnic lunch at the park nearby so we took a short walk and enjoyed a fabulous lunch (of course everything tastes good to me!), and the girls played at the park. The only "damp"er on the day--forgive the pun--was that it was a little cold and windy and threatened rain. But even that held off until we were ready to head back. Then the girls played dress-up, their one true passion, while Lilah napped and Jen and I enjoyed some Mom Time. Isn't it great to have such good friends with kids the same ages and genders as ours who play and entertain each other so well. We love you guys and are thankful for the simple days packed with laughter and memories.

So last week Cody had to give a party at work for about 50 people and he decided we should make Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler. Aimee and I, Jocelyn was planting flowers in Grandma Hamer's garden, went to Daddy's work and had lots of fun trying to figure out all the gadgets in the industrial-size kitchen at the Air National Guard Base. The funniest was Cody trying to figure out the can opener--I tell you it did not look anything like a can opener! It was totally thrilling for me because I love to cook and I have never been in a kitchen like that, it was amazing! I sort of feel bad that I tricked Cody into letting me help out; I'm not sure if he liked being my "sous chef", but I couldn't help pretending I was on Iron Chef America going against my idol, Chef Bobby Flay. Okay, that was supposed to be a deep dark secret. Time to move on....