Eight years

Yeah--eight years. I don't really know what to say other than THANKS BABE! I have the BEST husband on the planet. I know that lots of people think that they do, but I am telling you that I win hands down! He spoils me rotten, he helps with everything, he is an amazing daddy, he works so hard, he honors his priesthood, he supports me in all my ventures, he is the love if my life. I could never have imagined a marriage this good. As a little girl I dreamed about a lot of things that my husband would be...my dreams were never this good. It has been an amazing eight years. I love him with all my heart, and I thank the Lord for Tom every day! A special shout out to his parents for raising this amazing man!

My Baby?!?

Well, I guess I have to give in and admit that he is no longer my baby...Owen is TWO today. I can hardly stand it. I love this kid so much! He makes me so incredibly happy. He has so much energy! I am having a blast learning about all things boy! He is all about wrestling and physical interaction. The kids wants to take down anything and everything in his path. The problem is, he has no idea that he is smaller than almost all of those obstacles. He jumped up into the 10% for weight this year(24 lb 4 oz)--quite the accomplishment! Last year he was only in the 5%. He dropped down to the 8% for height though (31 1/2 inches). He was only in the 10% last year though, so it wasn't a huge drop. Owen is incredibly active and has taken more falls than the girls combined, yet they don't seem to bother him nearly as much.

He sleeps well (at night anyway) and eats...well...sometimes. The doctor told us not to take him off his whole milk, at least for now. I think that they are still hoping that he will gain some weight. Good luck with that...

At two this little man is in LOVE with "Ka-Chows." For those of you that don't speak this language, that would be Lightening McQueen and the other cars from the movie CARS. He loves Mater and McQueen the best. He will take several cars to bed with him rather than any blanket or stuffed animal.

This guy brings me so much joy! He keeps us all on our toes and he will keep us fit because he will not hold still. His sisters adore him, and as much as I try to get upset at him and scold him when necessary, his little mannerisms and faces melt me. He will grab the sides of my face and tell me "I done mama" and kiss me. Seriously--how are you supposed to discipline that?!? Don't worry--he has seen his fair share of time outs, but it isn't easy. Owen--you are my man, my angel, and I love you! I hope you are always so full of life that you can't help but infect those around you!

My baby is SIX?!?

It is hard to believe that Tori is already six! This has been such a big year for her! She started "big girl" school this year, and even though it is only half day she is learning tons and growing like crazy in every way! I am so proud of this little princess. She is in a special reading group once a week with the "GT" teacher. She started at the beginning of the year because there were so few kids in kindergarten that were reading that the teacher wanted to have a way to encourage them to continue. She is learning a lot of social things too, which is really exciting and really scary at the same time. She asks questions constantly, she is an amazing writer, and her imagination is fabulous. I am a very proud mama! She never ceases to amaze me.
She reads the scriptures all by herself. She loves to say prayers and is really starting to learn how to be aware of the needs of others and she takes those needs to the Lord. She is also learning how to manipulate her siblings, which I don't love. She still wants desperately to please people though, so when we tell her that she is being a "bully" she gets all upset.
Tori is still running a little bit small for her age, but she is definitely catching up! She is in the 60% for height (46 inches) and the 25% for weight (41 lbs) which puts her in the 5% for bmi. A little shrimpy still, but getting there. She dropped a tiny bit in the weight rankings, but looking at her that isn't a shock. She shot up in height though! Thanks for the height genes Daddy, 'cause that definitely didn't come from me.
All in all she is a beautiful, healthy, smart, fun and energetic young lady, and she is a great big sister. Tori, we are so blessed to have you in our family, and we love you so much!

My "Top Banana"

Tori got to be top banana the week before her birthday! It was perfect timing. She was SO excited! These are the posters that she brought in. She got to share them with the class.

She brought in a treat, and she read the class a book. I was so proud of her! She did a great job and her brother and sister loved being with the big kids. I was shocked at how well they behaved!

One for all....

and all for TORI! Today was Tori's Barbie and the Three Musketeers birthday party! She was so excited, and it all came together pretty well. I don't know why we make these things so complicated every time, but we do. I am not used to working with a theme like this, so we had to be a little creative. We started by decorating masquerade masks for the masquerade ball (that is where Barbie and her friends save the prince of course).

Next the musketeers needed to be armed and trained.

Once they were trained, and past the test, they were outfitted with their capes.

A quick break for presents and cake, then...
the masquerade ball (basically, the annual dance party).

Happy birthday princess! I hope it was what you wanted!