Levi at 6 months old

Levi has had to learn how to soothe himself to sleep. I was concerned about his "nursing to sleep" habit. For over a week I had him "cry it out" in his crib, which naturally allowed him to get rid of the binkie. Those first few nights were rough! And now that he is teething, I still find myself feeding him at least once a night so that he won't lose anymore weight. Gpa Lowe loves getting his baby fix and immediately wants to hold him no matter where he is or where we are.

He is very slobbery, using 3 bibs a day. He drools all over your shoulder and crib. He is learning how to sit up with support. I am introducing him to solids, but it has not been too exciting for him b/c he has a hard time pooping it out and often doesn't like the texture.

At 17 lbs, he has some great chunky thighs and fuzzy monkey hair!

Surprise 1/2 marathon

Jared once again amazed all of us with his 1/2 Marathon, one min. better than last year.

8:17 pace, 8th in your division. 1:48 min. Way to go honey!

We about missed his crossing of the finish line b/c we didn't know he would cross so quickly. We were trying to get out the door to see Wesleys' basketball game, but went by the race just to see how long we had for Jared's finish. I actually drove past him while watching the racers pass. So, we looped back around, I parked illegally and took a picture AFTER he crossed! oh well.

Great job Jared!

Pipa's garden

Pipa surprised the boys with seeds for their garden! They went out and bought the manure and dirt to start planting. The boys were so excited to see the seedlings in the ground. Wesley is diligent in "feeding" the plants everyday after school and I think it is a great thing to have in common with Pipa!

Events from January

Special Events: A great drawing from church, "Going to the temple makes me happy" from Austin, Isaac napping in his "chair," Wesley's first piano recital, landscaping, Wesley ALWAYS hitting the tetherball (even before he takes off his bike helmet or backpack), Levi sucking on anything, basketball season, Austin's wart removal...and the saddest picture of Isaac trying to keep up with his brothers on his bike as they ride off to school.

Isaac turns 3

Eggs, Toast, Bacon...I hungee! Isaac sure did love eating on the special red plate for his big 3rd birthday this year. He is a chatterbox as he told us "moo fetters and paw corn" was what he wanted. So, we took the boys with Gpa Lowe to go and see "Tin Tin" at the theaters for their matinee showing. It worked out great!

He was a bit shaky on his new balance bike, but loved walking it around the park with his brothers. Lemon Heaven cake for dessert.

Isaac:

Still drags me in to go potty and help with his pants

Follows Austin around all day

Huge sweet smile

Runs over to greet me when I come home

Loves graham crackers and milk/ crackers and cheese/ whipped cream/ orange juice (drinking it from the carton)

favorite movies: tarzan, robots, Ice Age 3, Dinosaurs

A Gratitude Challenge

It was WWII at my house this morning. I don't know why I think I can prepare my Gospel Doctrine lesson THE MORNING of, while getting my 4 boys ready, nursing the baby, curling my own hair, doing the breakfast and clean up duty, stay calm and have patience...all alone by 10:30! It never happens and never will.

So, while I am trying to put together my thoughts about Lehi's Dream, I had sweet Levi trying to stay content amidst his brothers wrestling in their church clothes all around him! No wonder he can't relax, he's overly stimulated by their screaming and yelling all day long. I kept hollering at them to go read, go play piano, go have some quiet time, go get dressed, go brush teeth, etc... but alas, none of it happened without some serious anxiety on my part. I can't prepare a spiritual lesson when I myself have NO spirit! Needless to say, I was a train wreck by the time Jared pulled up to take us to church at 10:50am...asked me to say the family prayer...yeah right! In no mood to do any of that!

Fortunately I did change my attitude, and by the time my class rolled around, it was one of my better classes (and lessons) taught...

I want to count my blessings tonight.

10 physical abilities: to see, taste, hear, touch, kiss, walk, multi task, laugh, type, read
10 material possessions: house, car, refrigerator, microwave, boots, shower, dishwasher, disposal, windows, money
10 living people: Jared, Wesley, Austin, Isaac, Levi, mom, dad, good friends (you know who you are), living prophets, family
10 deceased people: Joseph Smith, Jesus, Grandma Guzman, pioneers...
10 things in nature: sunshine (hello, Arizona!), rain, green cut grass (hello, Arizona!), birds, flowers, mountains, fresh water, bees, shade, beach
10 things about TODAY: a great SS class, Parmesan chicken, doctrinal chit chat with Gpa Lowe, playing U-no with the boys, hot curlers, red slippers, caramel syrup, hot shower, the Ensign, gchat
10 places on earth: Arizona, Argentina, my home, SUU, Temple grounds, Mexico, Mountainside Fitness, my back yard, Olive Garden, my bed
10 modern inventions: internet, cell phone, plumbing, reverse osmosis, netflix, tylenol, bicycle, camera, in-styler, binkie (which Levi is refusing as he is still crying it out in his crib right now)
10 foods: bread, cheese, tortillas, fruit, rice, spicy spaghetti seasoning, veggies, chocolate, marshmellows, yogurt
10 gospel things: restoration, eternal families, prayer, living prophets, Sunday church, General Conference, Visiting Teaching, missions, tithing, Book of Mormon

I'd be very grateful if I could get baby Levi to sleep through the night tonight!

Belated birthday party

I always feel bad when Christmas comes and goes, as well as birthdays for Jared and Wesley. So, I decided to do a belated birthday party for Wesley. That day he went to school for "hat day" with his brother Austin, dressed up in their cowboy gear. How cute is that!

Wesley invited over: Colton, Barik Boley, Cody Ashton and Mason Ashton. I made pizza dough and they put on their favorite toppings. Tetherball and U-no were the activities. Those boys were very competitive and some tears were shed as the ball bumped them in the noses and hurt their feelings as they would lose the match.

Fun presents! A remote helicopter, Bop it game, Football and Game Cube Star Wars.