Happy Birthday Kimball!

Eight years ago today I was gripping the passengers side handlebar and doubling over in pain ever min or so while Troy drove like a crazy mad man all the way from Island Park Idaho to Utah. Our wonderful friends Rob and Erin sat in the back timing my contractions and reminding me to breath. Needless to say I cut our trip to Island Park over Memorial Day short by going into labor early. We welcomed Kimball into our family that day and have been thankful ever since then for this wonderful child in our lives.

Kimball is our little man. We called him that from the begining. He was two going on twenty five. He was the perfect baby and we didn't understand what everybodies deal was with their crying kids and why they couldn't figure it out, untila we had other children. We get it now! He never spoke in baby talk. Only full sentences from the begining and all about work trucks and working hard. I have never met a kid that likes to work outside and work hard as much as he does. He looks forward to cutting the grass (before we let him mow the lawn with the lawn mower he use to cut it for hours with sissors) and all the snow storms we have and shovels our walk and all our neighbors before school each time. He lacks a healthy fear when it comes to hiking and heights and loves all outdoor recreation. He is a very matter o fact child...if it is 8:12 and you say 8:15 he corrects you. He likes things exact. He keeps us smiling and loves to update us on the news and any other interesting fact that he happens to come across that day. I love his desire to choose the right. He tries so hard to make the right choice and I couldn't be prouder. Kimball is the best big brother a boy could ever have...according to Cole. (sometimes I think that it is the other way around). Kimball and Cole are very blessed to have each other and I love to hear Kimball read to Cole at night and explain things to him. I love seeing Kimball's desire to learn and read increase each month and how he is growing into a true little man. We are so proud of you and love you. Happy Birthday!

1 step forward and 2 steps back

Today is day two of potty training Lauren. I find it a bit sad that I already have put her back in her diaper. After numerous accidents and amazing tantrums I gave up. When the diaper came out she clapped her hands together and cheered "Yeah Diaper!" What do I take of that? She is so stubborn. Troy thinks I have met my match...what is that suppose to mean?
Anyway, today is one of those days where you take one step forward and then everything unravels and you are two steps behind in the end. For example. I thought I would be a good mom and take the kids for a fun walk...(Truthfully, I just hadn't gotten to washing the upholstery in the car since Lauren threw up last night in it and it still was too stinky for me to drive without adding to the smell myself)... Lucy wouldn't stop being fussy so I strapped her into the baby Bjorn, Lauren wanted to ride in the stroller so I pushed her...for about 5 min. then she decided she was done rididng. We were far enough away from our house and late enough with picking Cole up from kindergarten, that there was no turning back. We barely made it to pick him up with Lauren crying from being rushed from picking all the millions of dandelions along the way.(Hasn't anyone heard of weed and feed)? Lucy was semi asleep with an occasional cry from the sun shining right down on her poor head. Cole freaked out when he came out of school insisting that he Hates walking apparently I chose a bad day to take a walk, and he refused to walk all the way home. We only live maybe ten min. from the school (walking time). So, with two kids complaining about 100 yards behind me, one baby crying and one really grumpy mom we set off for home. I laugh now thinking about how much I was wishing someone would drive by and rescue us. Actually, my wonderful next door neighbor did drive by and then stopped and backed up and offered the kids a ride. I know she was inspired and I was grateful. So the moral of this story is that the next time you see someone out for a walk don't hesitate to offer them a ride, you never know.
I know I am complaining but actually this is my crazy life and after a day or two I can look back and laugh at all the madness that goes on every second of every day. I am sure this hit home to a few of you and you are laughing to yourselves. If so good, I am hoping something good came of all this.

I am hoping this will be one of many posts for me but honestly there is no promises!
Lots of love from Idaho.

All about Lucy!

It's about time that we post some darling pictures of our little sweetheart. She is so fun and really such a wonderful baby. I keep thinking that I will make the time to get a great picture announcement mailed out to all of you so you can see how fun she is but honestly, I am facing the fact that email is the only way it is going to happen. So here you are a bunch of fun picutres of our sweet baby. I am loving having her here and wish I could hold onto the baby stage even longer. I sit and cuddle her all the time and really just spoil her. I find it so sad to box up the newborn clothes and keep wishing I could slow down time and keep her a baby for longer. She is so loved by her brothers and sister. They want to hold and be right next to her all the time. I think life will always be exciting for her!