Winter update

Here are a few things we've done this winter.  I am so happy it is warming up but kind of sad to not enjoy the snow anymore.  I have to say I will not miss the cold.

Mike grew his hair out.  He didn't do it on purpose but more out of laziness.  He said this is the longest he has grown it since before his mission.  He looked like a new man the day he cut his hair and shaved. 

Here is our truck getting worked on.  It died on Mike about a month or so ago and after much work he found the problem to be the gas pump.  On a few  not so hot, sunny days he went to work.  Grandpa came to help a few times.  We are so blessed to have family close.

Here is Mike not too excited about doing this.  After he changed the pump he found that the new one was broken too.  So off to the store again and another few days to fix it.  I know Mike didn't enjoy having to fix the truck but it was a great hobby for him and he even got new tools out of it.  I am so grateful for the talents Mike has.  He had some ideas of the problem and even though he didn't know how to change a fuel pump he learned how.   We are very grateful to Arn for letting Mike borrow his truck while ours was not working.

Here are the boys playing in the mud.  Even in cold weather they love shorts.  I couldn't keep them out of the mud if I tried so this year I have tried to embrace it. I now require shoes off at the door, hands washed and stairs vaccuumed every day.  They love this mud stuff but I am happy to see dirt again.

Elsie enjoyed taking pictures in the snow one day.

Here is the latest mishap.  With the weather warming up and days getting longer I have made a goal to go on a walk every evening with the kids.  The first night we tried it this is what happened.  Camden walked around the block all by himself and kept up great.  Outside our front yard he wanted to walk on the cement curb by himself even when Kaden insisted on helping.  Well, after 5 steps he missed and went head first into the curb.  This picture was taken 15 minutes after it happened.  Camden was very distraught about it hurting.

This picture is of Camden's eye the next day.  He was very sad he couldn't open his eye.  Well, maybe a sliver.  He had to lift his head up to see us.  Other than that he was happy as could be until he remembered his eye and then he'd get sad.

Here is Camden's eye now.  He is still sad that it hurts, more so when he looks

 in the mirror.  We are so thankful it didn't break the skin and is healing nicely.

Elliot is 4

Elliot turned 4 the end of January and is so excited and ready for school he says. He asked for a camera, phone, and a wallet with money in it.  He got the later one and asked why he didn't get a camera.  He has been spending his money very carefully, only buying some candy and oreo cookies.  He will know how to spell his whole name by the time he goes to school.  We are already working on learning to read because he wants to.    Elliot is full of so much energy.  He takes after his brothers and can do anything they can.  I love Elliot for so many reasons.

1. He is always willing to help.  He likes to work and play.  He is up at the counter helping me get meals ready.  He loves to cook and eat.  Although he takes forever eating.

2.  He reminds me of the important things.  He always likes to say prayers.  He remembers to bless people and loves the temple.  In primary he is learning about Heavenly Father's plan and prays that he can go back to him.

3.  Elliot always tries his best.  He loves to do a good job and even before he had a chore he wanted to work.  Now he gets his bed made and kitchen floor swept before breakfast. 

4.  The reason I love Elliot the most is that he shows so much love.  Camden can't get enough of Elliot and loves to be with him.  Elliot loves to share smiles and hugs.  He really likes to cuddle and my favorite is he always manages to make me smile when I am sad or mad.  He comes up to me and says "I love you mom" or "mom, you're beautiful".  It always brings a smile.

For Elliot's Birthday he got curious George the monkey, some books, and some money.  He also got a game, puzzle, and moon lap that he said was way too bright for him.  For treats Elliot asked for a root beer float on his special day.  For his family party he wanted a white cake with sprinkles on it.  Elliot wanted it cooked in bread pans.  What more could a mom ask for.  I think Elliot wanted that so he could decorate it all himself.

Here is Elliot singing.  I hope it works.  It took forever to upload.