So Big, So Fast.

I just can't believe how big Smith has gotten already. This week he has started to sit up on his own, if only for 10 seconds at a time. He has also just about mastered rolling over from his back to his tummy. These seem like small things, but they are very exciting for us. The thing I can't seem to accept is how much quicker time passed with the second child.

Christmas gift

Trey's big Christmas gift this year was a potty chair, YEAH! He was very excited about it while it was still in the box. He carried it around the room for a long time Christmas morning. Once it was out of the box his excitement quickly dwindled. Too much work I guess.

So we thought we would just start with Smith. Is 5 months to soon to potty train?

Twas the night before Christmas...

I can't wait for Christmas morning! The boys don't know what's going on yet. I tired to explain Santa and such to Trey but I don't think any of it sunk in. I have done all the shopping, and wrapped all the gifts. I even made a breakfast casserole like we had as kids. I put the boys in some matching Christmas PJs and tried to snap a cute picture. Trey would not cooperate and didn't like Smith touching him. He just wanted to look at the camera. YEAH Christmas!

Mike

The other day I took the boys up to Walsburg (near Heber/Deer Creek) to visit uncle Mike at his home. Mike has lived there for a while, but this was my first trip up there. Every other week Mike works as a counselor at one of those wilderness camps for troubled teens, and he does a great job. So I guess compared to wilderness camp his place is pretty nice. And it really seems to suit his laid back personality. He lives in a 12x20 studio, well okay, it's a shack in the middle of a field. He even has a well outside for water.

Here we have the Bedroom:
The Enrty/Dinning area. We had to open the door cause the stove he uses to heat the place started to smoke.
And the TV / Pantry (food on the shelves)
Mike and Trey sniffing the cheese cake. mmm
Mike and the boys watching Wall-e.
I was really impressed with Mike's place, and the fantastic meal he put together for us. It's been a lot of fun having here nearby. We will really miss him when he moves to Portland next month. :(

A Happy Baby is a Sleeping Baby

The biggest news for me this week is Smiths great new sleeping habits. Since day one he has randomly slept for up to 7 hours. But only randomly. But normally it was more like 4 hours at a time. Which means I was getting up with him 2 or more times most nights. Blah! Last week he suddenly started sleeping through the night. The whole night, like 11 to 12 hours! It was like magic! Really I think he just started sucking his thumb, but the last week has been bliss! And he still takes 3 naps a day. I love my kids!!


Speaking of naps. Today Trey put himself down for a nap in the baby swing. He just sat down, turned on the music, pulled up a blanket and was out in minutes. If only he would do that everyday.

Trey also got his own personal "walkman" today. Really it was just an iPod, but he wouldn't let us put it in his pocket. Instead he insisted that Nate carry the iPod around behind him while he listened.

Fun Salad

Today I made "Fun Salad" for our ward Christmas Party. It's my favorite kind of fruit salad! Trey liked it too. I let him sit on the counter and watch. I also let him lick the spoon and whisk. He kept putting the dirty spoon back in the bowl when I wasn't looking. I wasn't to happy about that but it's hard not to laugh when his face is covered in pudding and cream. Fortunately, I don't think anyone from my ward reads this blog. :) Next time you need a salad for a party I recommend Fun Salad. Always a crowd pleaser. Very quick and easy.


2 cups buttermilk
12 oz. Cool Whip
2 small packages of Vanilla instant pudding mix
2 small cans of Mandarin oranges - drained
1 can pineapple tidbits - drained
1 package of fudge stripped cookies.

Mix everything except the cookies together and chill. break up the cookies a bit and mix in just before serving. Enjoy!

Good Music, Good Friends