Grateful

A friend of mine designs fabulous gratitude journals. The purpose of these journals is to write down something that you are grateful for each & every day. Being grateful changes your attitude & outlook. It helps you to see the good in every situation. So I have taken this challenge... At first I was a little leery, but I can already see the benefits of doing it.

I hate mornings. I am NOT good at them...my college roommates can attest to this! Anyhow, my morning today began as usual: fighting with the alarm clock by pushing snooze several times; finally getting out of bed only to realize that I have once again gotten up too late; muttering a choice word under my breath. Not a pretty picture, right? As I lifted Lyla Jane out of her crib, she greeted me with a huge smile, wrapped her arms tightly around my neck, & said, "Ma-ma, I wuv 00!" Instant attitude change. This is one of those parenting moments that make it all worth it. So today I am GRATEFUL for these 3 beautiful children whom Heavenly Father has entrusted to me. I am GRATEFUL for their sweet spirits & unconditional love. I am GRATEFUL for the quiet moments like the one I had with Lyla this morning that buoy me up & remind me what is truly important in life. Today I am GRATEFUL!

GQ

I had to share this picture of William. He just started to pose like this without any instruction. We were all dying... He thought he was pretty hot stuff!

Seriously?

I received a few sneak peaks today of our latest family pics. All I can say is, "Seriously?" I am speechless which is saying a lot for me. I love them. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Katie & Dan! Your talent continues to amaze me.

Birthday Central

2 birthdays in 3 days. What was I thinking, right? The second week of November is now referred to as "Birthday Central" in our house. Those of you who know me well, know how much I LOVE all things birthday...especially when it comes to kids' birthday parties. We kicked off the festivities this year at IncrediblePizza with Nate's parents. My kids had never been, & needless to say, were quite excited.

Next, a combined family party for Lyla Jane & Will.

Then, a dino-themed birthday party complete with an erupting volcano cake. I couldn't of pulled this off without Grandpa & Grandma Coyle's help. There were 14 boys total!

And last, but certainly not least, a surprise trip to Disneyland!!! More to come.

5 Years Old!

William Patrick turned 5 on November 17! 5...This seems so old. Officially a little boy. Old enough to start elementary school. Embarrassed to have mom give him kisses in front of his friends. Tall enough to ride the "big" rides at Disneyland. Over "Lightning McQueen" & "Thomas the Train." Even though it makes me sad to see him get older, I am in love with the 5-year old version of him. He continues to be the sweetest boy. William LOVES life. As Grandpa Jerry says, no one has a much fun as Will. He is so creative & has an amazing imagination. He has a thirst for knowledge & I never tire of his questions. This boy has his mommy wrapped around his finger for sure!

Will's current likes are:

1. Dinosaurs, dinosaurs, dinosaurs. Oh & did I mention dinosaurs?

2. Volcanoes

3. Skeletons & the human body

4. "Creating" - give him a roll of scotch tape & some popsicles sticks & he's one happy kid!

5. His friends - This boy is ALL about playing.

6. School - Every morning is started with the question, "Is today a school day?"

7. His mom - Always has been his mommy's boy. He still loves to cuddle!

8. Legos

9. Outings with grandma - The dinosaur museum is usually his first choice. Grandma's a good sport!

10. Bathroom talk - Seriously, what's with boys & bathroom talk? Who knew the word "fart" could be so funny.

Happy Birthday, little man. We love you!!!

Boys will be Boys...Or Girls?

A few weeks ago, William had his buddies Daniel & Mason over to play. All of the sudden I noticed that it was a little too quiet (never a good thing!). I began to look around the house for them & finally noticed that the door to Olivia's bedroom was closed. This is what I found! You can't tell from the pictures very well, but William's face is covered in makeup. They thought it was absolutely hilarious... I guess even little boys like to play beauty parlor now & then.

2 Years Old!

I can't believe our sweet "Janie girl" is two. CRAZY!!! She seems so much more grown up to me at this age than her brother & sister did. She is a spitfire & is so full of life. She talks non-stop & keeps us really busy! She is really strong-willed & definitely holds her own with her brother & sister. We love her spunky personality... Nate & I are already worried about what she's going to be like as a teenager! Her current likes are:

- Minnie Mouse & "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse"

- Winnie the "foo"

- William: She loves to wrestle with him & thinks he is hilarious. No one can make her laugh like him.

- Tomatoes: Seriously the only thing she ever wants to eat.

- Swedish Fish: She's her daddy's girl

- Books: Especially "Goodnight Moon" & "10 Monkeys on the Bed"

- Her monkey feet p.j.'s

- Grandma "Nina"

- Her bottle: Not proud of this one, but this girl will NOT take a sippy cup. I know, I know... It's got to go! I am taking suggestions of how to get rid of it.

- The phrase "Oh Yeah"

Happy birthday, Lyla Jane! We all love you so much & can't imagine our worlds without you. You make our home so fun!

First Snowfall

William always anxiously awaits the first snowfall. This year was no exception. Once he woke up & looked out the window, he couldn't get outside fast enough. Of course, his buddies Daniel & Jake joined in for the fun!

Halloween 2010

Halloween 2010 was crazy as usual! We definitely got our money's worth out of the kids' costumes...both grandma's parties, trunk-or-treat, school parades & parties, & 2 birthday parties all led up to the big night. William was so into Halloween this year! Holidays just keep getting better & better as my kids get older. While I admit that I was glad when the last trick-or-treater came, we all had a great time!

A "Punk" Witch (emphasis on the "punk". Liv was very clear on this matter!)

Minnie - We thought it was only fitting since Lyla Jane is currently OBSESSED!

Our "vicious" tiger

Livi Lately

Liv ran in the school Jog-a-Thon. It is always fun to see all of the students running through our neighborhood. I was so proud of her this year because she actually ran...Last year she "wasn't into running" as she put it & walked the whole way with her teacher (I think she came in dead last for the first graders). I had to laugh & couldn't argue with her because I hate running too!

She also lost her other front tooth...Just in time for Christmas!!! She has been singing "All I want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth" ever since. She is quite proud of herself!