More Loved Than Thomas

Someday (like in 2 weeks!) I will be writing and reading for fun once again-let me finish up this semester and I will update with birthdays, holidays, milestones and the boring mundane stuff of life I don't want to forget.  Tonight, I want to write a few words about my Wyatt.

It is after11 pm, and he is sitting on my lap, drinking apple juice (or gurgling apple juice all over my laptop), and talking my ear off about Baby Zoe (his new cousin), Thomas and Percy (his obsessions), his age (he will hold up 3 fingers and tell you he is 3 and his birthday is in March), Jeremy (he will NOT call his Dad by his proper title, which tickes Jeremy off), his favorite blanket, and whatever goes on in his active and imaginative 3 year old mind.  And he is giving me lots of hugs, snuggles and kisses.  A little known thing about Wyatt is that he is a snuggler-a very touchy feely, needs lots of physical attention-type of boy.  But he is very particular with who he snuggles with.  Wyatt hates going to bed by himself (which leads to his late nights, and his falling asleep with us), hates waking up alone, and basically just hates being by himself.  He can tell you every train that lives on Sodor Island and will only wear the latest in Thomas clothing, play with the latest in Thomas toys, and watch only those show that have to do with Sir Toppham Hatt and his happy little train workers.  His birthday was a Thomas the Train Extravaganga.  His favorite food is cereal, and some days has that for all 3 meals.  He fiercely loves his sibilings and his Barky.  He is also fiercely protective of his independence, and will not back down from a power struggle in order to get what he wants.  He likes to be called "Wyatt" and nothing else.  No nicknames for him!  He knows who he is, and he wants you to know who he his too.

I just asked Wyatt I just asked Wyatt who he liked more, Thomas or Percy.  He replied with Thomas.  I then asked him if he loved Thomas or Mama more.  After thinking for a couple of seconds, he answered, "Mama!" and rewarded me with a hug around my neck and a kiss on my cheek.  I am learning that I can't force him into what I think I want him to be.  I can't (and shouldn't) force him to wear dinosaurs when he really wants to be wearing trains.  And a million other little choices that I try to make for him every day.  He knows who he is-he knows what he wants.  And he knows what is important.  And what is important is that Mama, Jeh-my, A-in, Lee-a, Barky, Grama, Grapa, JuJu, Z-hoie, 'Nam and his other friends and family members are more important than Thomas. 

A long awaited day . . .

Aidan has lost his first tooth! He was so so so excited-all of his friends have lost teeth and he was the only one that hadn't yet and he was aching to join "The Tooth Fairy Club." Ace said that it didn't hurt at all-he was biting down on a marshmellow and out it came (it had been loose for a couple days). This of course warranted calls to grandparents to tell them the exciting news.

So, what does the tooth fairy give out these days? Aidan says $15. I told him that he tooth fairy wasn't big enough to carry that kind of cash.

Will You Be My Valentine?

The day of love came to our house quietly and with heart shaped pizza! And pink strawberry flavored cupcakes (that the boys helped me make).
Yay! Presents and pizza! This is the best day ever!
Each kid got one of these sock monkeys and new jammies (because I love new jammies!) Both of the boys are being silly with them. Lydia wasn't feeling great-she caught the flu the day before and we spent part of the day at the doctor. Her medicine hadn't quite yet kicked in yet. And because I promised you a shot of her wearing her new outfit . . .
Happy Valentines Day! We love you!

9 years and counting . . .

On February 8, Jeremy and I celebrated 9 years of matrionial bliss. We took the kids to Mom and Dad's (thanks!), came home and made ourselves a candlelit steak dinner, with dancing (to a custom made playlist) and cheesecake. We always have cheesecake on our anniversary because that is what we served at our wedding reception. We have been through a lot in 9 years, and our love has only grown stronger. Happily we have 3 wonderful children, a dog, and a house. We have all we need. Love you babe!

Words of Wyatt

I was holding Wyatt as he was waking up from his nap and we were talking. "Wyatt, are you a monkey?" "No." "Are you a shark?" "No." "Are you an elephant?" "No." "Are you an airplane?" "No." "Are you a choo choo train?" "No." "Well, what are you then?" He thinks about it for a minute and says, very dejected sounding, "I'm just Wyatt."

Anyone can sew!

Even me! I got a sewing machine for Christmas and have been having so much fun with it. Look at some of the projects I have made (links included if you are interested in making some of these too!).

Church bags (my own inventions, I'm sure you can figure it out) and crayon rolls. Each kid has a bag (Aidan's is the flames, Wyatt the trains and Lydia's the pink, flowery, girly one) and a matching crayon roll. We added a spiral notepad, a book, a treat and a small toy and that is what they get to do at Church. They have really enjoyed these, and are quite protective of their bags. These will get a lot of use in the years to come! Valentines day skirt and shirt for Lydia. This took me less than an hour to do. (I love the ribbon hem.) She is going to wear it to Church tomorrow and then again of Valentine's Day. I will be sure to get a picture of it on her. Sewing things for the kids have been so much fun! I am going to make some pillow covers for my next project. These make me so happy! I actually can sew something!

And as long as it is brag on Rachel day, I was on the news talking about the new educational plans proposed in Idaho. Check it out!

Slipping Through My Fingers. . .

Where is the time going with my sweet baby girl? She will be 2 in just 2 more weeks! Liddy Lou is definately not a baby anymore. She has turned into a little girl. Just now, I was working on some homework while listening to my iTunes and the Abba song "Slipping Through My Fingers" came on and Lydia crawled into my lap and gave me her customary kisses and hugs and just snuggled against me. I make it policy that when my kids crawl into my lap, that I stop and give them my undivided attention for a few minutes. So I stopped what I was doing, put my arms around her and listened to the song.

"Sometimes I wish that I could freeze the picture and save it from the funny tricks of time."

That lyric came on, and she had decided that she had enough and wiggled down. Before she left my room, she pointed to her eyes, then crossed her arms over her chest, and pointed at me, and grinned. It is the way we taught her to say "I Love You." That picture will be forever saved in my mind. I love you too, my darling sweetheart.