Sweet relief!

While on his mission, Jer was introduced to this drink. Along with it's tradition and heritage, I was interested in learning more about what it's made out of. We drink it occasionally. I have done a lot of research on this plant and here is what I've found.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yerba_mate

I have noticed that I don't feel as hungry between meals anymore and my blood pressure has been very good. Although it does tend to give me more energy. I found that out the hard way when I drank it before bed one night and couldn't sleep. My mind was way too awake.

Since becoming sick, mate has been the only thing that has helped me feel better. So thank you mate for keeping me awake when I should be a zombie and helping my throat feel better from hacking all night long.

Weekend happenings

Even though we were all sick this weekend, we still managed to get a few things accomplished that really needed to be done. I went through all of Brook and Mason's clothes that they had outgrown and put them aside. I have yet to put them in bins to be stored though. On the up side, I did find Mason's old camo hat for Dallas this summer. I hope it still fits in a couple months.

We switched the kids rooms around once more! Apparently we have finally come to the day when Brooklyn and Mason cannot share a room together. I walked in their room when they were supposed to be changing into their jammies and I found them both running around stark naked! I thought um they are a little too old to be doing this. So now Mason and Dallas are in one room and Brooklyn in another. Oh how I like this set up much better! I even caught Brooky sitting quietly in her room reading! Go figure!?

Here is Brook reading to her sick little bro. What a sweet little nurturer she is.

Brook's 1st kindergarten music program

Tonight was Brooklyn's kindergarten music program. She did such a good job! I am really impressed with how much she has matured since last year's Christmas program where all she did was twirl around and wave to people. I totally spaced it and forgot my camera so I took a few short videos with my cell phone. Hope you can hear them. Our favorite song or skit was the House that jack built. Brook's part was "that tossed the dog". Hilarious kids!

Crab found!

I'm not sure if I posted about our recent mystery but about a week ago we said goodbye to our guinea pig Fred, and hello to some fish. We gave Fred to a family next door to us. Along with our fish we bought a cute little crab. He was very entertaining to watch. A couple days later, we noticed that the crab kept climbing up to the top of the fish tank. Eventually I just couldn't find him anywhere! Well, tonight we found him hiding in the plant. At least what was left of him. I think he shed his shell. I'm sure happy we don't have a random crab crawling around my house!

Big Whoppers

Brooklyn oh Brooklyn, what will I ever do with you?

Lately my sweet little girl has been coming up with such whoppers. Its so hard not to laugh.

This Sunday in primary, Brook got up when they were singing the Birthday song. She told her teacher that it was her Birthday too. The teacher replied that she thought Brook had already had a Birthday. Brook said well, my mom just changed it to today.

Oh the things kids come up with!

These are a few of my favorite things...

I know Thanksgiving is the usual time to feel thankful for our lives and everything we have but as it gets warmer and spring is here, I can't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude for all that I have. I love love love spending time with my husband. He makes me laugh. The whole world could crash down around me and if he is beside me I can take anything. We get date nights few and far between but I treasure every one of them.

I just can't get enough of this gummy grin! Dallas has brought joy to our family in so many ways. Its amazing to watch Brooklyn and Mason interact with him and try to make him smile. I am so excited to see how all three get along as they grow older.

I love taking pictures! I know I am no pro but I consider my photos a living journal of my life. I hope one day that my kids can look at my photo books and really appreciate the memories they bring back. Whenever spring is here the trees start blooming and lawns get cut. I can't explain how excited and renewed I feel when ever I smell cut grass or see the beautiful blossoms.

the kids talking

garden fever!

I have garden fever! I just can't wait to get my hands dirty and grow something. The only problem is, we aren't allowed to have a garden here so I thought maybe I could try one or both of these. Here's the link for the vertical garden: http://www.instructables.com/id/VERTICAL-VEGETABLES-quotGrow-upquot-in-a-smal/

We have plenty of empty bins now that we cleaned out our garage so I may make the bin box too.http://earthtainer.tomatofest.com/

I can't wait!

3 months already?!

Dallas 3 month check.
Today I took Dal in for his 3 month check and shots. It breaks my heart to have to hold my babies down for those painful shots but I know they are for the best.
Here are his stats:
He weighs 12lbs 4oz
He is 23 3/4 inches long
and the Dr said he is above average for his neurological development.

Mason came with us and he was my big helper. He made sure and held Dallas' hand "so he could be safe" he told one nurse. I just love my boys!

P.S. the Doc said our little guy has a heart murmur and an abdominal hernia. She said he may grow out of the murmur but she wants to monitor him for a while and the hernia is okay as long as he doesn't get constipated and strain. other than that our little guy is just perfect.

Cleaning day!

Today was the big day! We finally cleaned and organized our garage! I have been looking forward to this day all winter. The kids sure got really dirty with all their bike riding and playing in the yard so I decided they really needed a bath. I called Jer's sister Jill to see if she thinks I could put our bumbo chair in the bath. Oh boy was that fun. Brooklyn had to hold Dallas steady while I washed him since he tried to float away. Over all it was a very good and productive day!

My bubble boy!

Mason was not happy to take a bath. Dallas is looking at him like "whats wrong Mason"?


Brooky and Dalli

Memories

I was just thinking about this post and it made me really excited for June!http://jeremiahsmithfamily.blogspot.com/2008/10/uncle-roberts-cabin.html

Its that time again!

Every year around this time I get this intense itch to switch things around. Some call it spring cleaning I feel like I'm just trying to make old things seem new. Anyway you call it, it sure helps me feel better. Now if i could only do this same thing with every room in my house. I would be a happy mommy.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter! I just love this holiday. Next to Christmas it is my favorite. After the kids woke up and saw their Easter baskets and hunted for eggs, we all sat down to watch conference. It seemed like today's talks were mainly on being better parents and doing our ancestry. All I can think of is how I need to do better. I want to be the mom who listens to her children and they know I am there for them. Its hard when the kids are so young to see the bigger picture sometimes. I know they won't be this way forever.

Yes, Brooklyn is wearing a cheetah shirt. She loves to dress up lately and this is what she has chosen to wear. She thinks it makes her run faster. Ha ha.