Peter Pan 3 1/2 years old

David does not want to grow up. He is our Peter Pan man. He just starting wearing underwear this week. It took one toy motorcycle, a jar of jelly belly's, lots of praise and one Thomas Train to accomplish this. He loves/loved his diaper. He has no problem when Eden tells people, "I'm a big girl but David is still a baby because he wears a diaper". He will lay down right next to Ruthie for a diaper change. That is all the past now (hopefully). He also cries every Sunday because he wants to go to nursery. He does not like primary...because there are no toys and he has to sit and listen.
He LOVES to play with toys. He plays hard and sleeps soundly. He is still a cuddle bug. Almost every morning he has oatmeal with blueberries. He LOVES blueberries and strawberries. He will eat a whole carton in minutes. He is talking much more. Eden & I can understand him all the time. Most people can understand him about 70% of the time. He makes great sound effects. Some of his common phrases:
"You got to check this out."
"Did you hear that?"
"Talk to me, mom."
He still has tantrums and is learning to communicate instead of throwing himself on the floor. He really is the happiest boy with a tinkle in his eye. He is always laughing and smiling. We love him so much. Half way to 4...I love my Peter Pan man.

Mountain Green

Relaxing in Mountain Green at Paul's childhood house is probably one of our favorite things to do. Paul admires Dad's garden. I lounge on the hammock and the kids bask in the mountain air and love of their grandparents.

This place is truly heaven on earth. You feel at home. You feel at peace. You feel loved.

It really is a magical place.

Ruth's first time on Grandpa's swing. Pleasure is in her face.

Idaho with cousins

Playing with cousins is one of the best things about childhood. We went to Braydon's baptism in Twin Falls last weekend. All the girls gathered in Katelyn's room and had a lovely princess time. Kay & Katelyn set up a "daycare" for Ruthie. They babysat her for free! These girls are beyond priceless.

Then we headed to Stanley, ID where we had a grand old sleepover with Joe's family and Grandpa & Grandma Ordyna. It was a wild and crazy time sleeping all together. Kaylan became Ruthie's caregiver and took such good care of her.Aubryn & Eden are two silly girls. David was in heaven with Jerryck & Ky as his 'big boy' cousins. He learned the word murder and "bonged" Ky's head every chance he got.

Gigi & Papa's house

The kids are having a blast here in Provo. There is nothing better than a house full of people who love and adore them.

Ruthie has now warmed up to everyone and is happy as can be.

David helping Bradley in the garage.

8 months

17 lbs

Recently Ruthie has her tongue permanently stuck out. She reminds us of my younger sister who did the same and was nicknamed "Lizzie Lisa".

Ruthie Toothie has two bottom teeth. She sits up and mysterious gets around without crawling. It is a combination of reaching and scooting. She loves all foods and her bottle.

She takes some time warming up to new people. She has a loud voice and likes to squeal. When she is tired, hungry or wants to be held she throws her body back and scoots with her legs.

We all love her to pieces. She is a joy.

*Ruth with Papa at uncle Bradley's graduation

Lessons learned on Barry Cove

Saying good bye to Oxford was bitter sweet. Of course it was emotional saying farewell to beloved friends. Friends who took the place of family. As I walked the chapel halls our last week at church I recalled what I have learned and how we have grown. David was Ruth's age when we arrived. I was a new wife & mom not really knowing what I was doing. I reflected on what I have learned and will remember:

Keren Wells: Marriage is hard (especially living with a man) but having an eternal marriage is happiness. Love your children and teach them responsibility. Read and study the scriptures. Welcome all. Listen to your mother. Scrub toilets when angry. Love of reading. Ponder. Write your testimony to your children. Have children write in journal on Sundays.

Laurie Tait: Don't mess with the Mama. Protect your own. Keep your family close.

Marianne: I can still chat and giggle with girlfriends all night long. Having a true friend you can tell anything to is priceless. Gardening is a joy. Make your home a sacred place. Invite people over for dinner and games.

Lisa Blau: Motherhood IS the most important job. Family is the most important. Preparing meals every night and being home with your family is a priority. Teaching me how to shop with coupons and have patience with my children.

Susan: Grace and beauty. Let children make their own mistakes. Quality is better than quantity.

Betsy (aka Alisa): Laugh at life. Love everything about your children. Have faith, willing to serve, follow the spirit. Don't try to change people. Don't try to change your children, accept and love them. Do whatever it takes! Diets suck.

Katie: Seek the good in others. You don't have to be loud or bossy to be an effective leader. Humility.

Kristin: Never a mean word. Charity and optimism. Finds opportunities to serve without being asked.

Tina: You are always finding and defining yourself. Look for the good in others. Cherish each moment. Remember your heritage.

Roberts family: Magnify every calling.

Mandy: Enjoy your babies, have patience and laugh at yourself. Support your husband with whatever crazy idea they have. Get to know your neighbors. Trust your children.

Jalyne: Fun quality time as a family is important.

Kelly Liffereth: Motherhood is fulfilling. Finish things you start. You can have nice things and small children.

Jennifer Griffin: Living close to your family has it's pros and cons. Call friends. Learning time with children.

Rhonda Webb: You can bring Utah anywhere. Listen to Sherry Dew driving down HWY 7. Laugh at yourself and life. Creativity never ends. Make your dreams can come true. Go to the temple.

Allison: Life can change so fast, it can snowball according to your choices. You control your destiny. Repent properly. People forget and forgive. Time heals. You only punish yourself when you leave the church.

Tiffany Morris: Don't make things too complicated.

Kristy Britt: It's OK to accept help. Naming your baby is fun. Notice and record all the things your children do. Be happy.

...just to name a few. Farewell Mississippi. We love you. We miss you. We will never forget you.

P.S. Dear Mississippi,
It was snowing this morning. It is still snowing. There is at least 5 inches on the ground. Paul's newly planted garden is frozen. Everyone has drippy noses and stuffy heads. We are cold, wet, sick. A perfect day to be homesick of Mississippi spring!

2010 Law School Graduate

He did it. Paul graduated with honors today. I am so proud of him.

Ole Miss Student Union Jai Ho Break-out

Check out Paul in the backpack.

Coming to an end

* David, Annie, Sophie, Eden (favorite play friends)

We are just two short days away from saying good bye to Oxford, Mississippi. Home of Ole Miss. Our home for the last three years. Tonight we went to Avent park for the last time. We also went to an Ole Miss baseball game for the last time. Paul and I are "sentimental" sad. We are leaving with fond, very fond memories.

* Conversation with David tonight.

Me: "David, come upstairs"

David: no response

Me: "Pumpkin, please come up stairs"

David: (yells) "I'm not a pumpkin, I'm David!"

Paul: " But your wearing an orange shirt."

David: (looks down at his shirt) "No no no, I'm David"

7 months

Ruthie Dawn has changed so much this past month. She now...

rolls over, sits up, scoots on her tummy, grabs everything (especially noses) and drinks formula!

She will eat whatever I give her and LOVES the bottle. When she is hungry and sees a bottle she will start shaking and whimpering until it is in her mouth. She throws her head back when she is tired and hungry.

She shrieks and squeals with delight. She is always smiling and laughs when Eden throws clothes over her head.

This is my favorite age. My absolute favorite stage of their first year. She is an absolute joy. Love you forever Ruthie.

Last final

At noon today, Paul is officially done with Law School.

Finished.

Today we will celebrate. Tomorrow we will celebrate. Sunday we will celebrate. Then we will finish packing. Clean all the walls and try to cover any evidence of menace children ever living here.



Next Saturday he will graduate.



Monday we will load a Penske truck, drive it to West Lafayette, IN and unload it in a storage unit. Then we will drive to Utah where we will spend the summer while Paul prepares for the Bar.


Here we go. Today is a happy day!

Can't stop

Do have something you can't stop kissing?

Something that is soft, squishy and so adorable your lips are pulled to them every 5 seconds?

Something that makes you giggle deep down inside when it smiles?

Something that makes all your problems seem like blessings?

Something that you can never get mad at?

Something you marvel at?


I do...mine is called Ruth.

It is decided

*Paul 1987

Paul accepted an offer from Purdue University and will start their PhD (in Accounting) program this fall. West Lafayette, Indiana will be our home for the next 4 years.

Easter

Hoppy Easter Ruthie Toothy.

Hunting eggs

It was a wonderful conference weekend. Loved every talk and every minute together as a family.

6 months

My BabeRuth...

is NOT rolling over, sitting up or bouncing on her knees. She loves to nurse and hates formula.

Thank you Ruth for still being my baby, I love you, I love you.

- She ALWAYS grabs my face and holds it in her little hands.
-She puts her binkie in her own mouth.
-She is still sleeping in the cradle.
-She still likes to be swaddled.
-Her hair looks like it was dyed because golden blond is growing from her roots.
-When I hold her on my hip she often opens her arms wide and nestles her head on my shoulder (usually it means she wants to nurse...but I pretend she is giving me a big bear hug).