9/27/2022

Mason’s sweet note from his friend at school, Winston.
Jonas is nervous about his upcoming cross country race.  As he was talking about being nervous, Porter was so kind and encouraging.  Jonas also showed us his stretches for warming up and cooling down.  I love the Spider-Man stretch and the Mario warmup.
Brooks has loved trying Remy’s bike with training wheels.  Tonight in his sweet, sweet voice he said, “I want you to teach me.”  Melt my heart.
He has also been really into helping me bake and cook.  Right now he is practicing his knife cutting skills.  He was originally using a butter knife to cut the green pepper and then he switched to his camping utensil knife because it was “sharper”. 
Cam is so stinking cute.

12/15/22

Jonas had a basketball game and he was wondering if he should wear a shirt under his jersey. He showed me that if he didn’t then you could see his arm muscles:).

Today is Mason’s last night as a 5 year old!  We made Cinnamon Sugar muffins tonight because that’s what he wants for breakfast tomorrow.  I love him.  He is getting so much better and more confident at reading. I always love this stage where they are figuring it out. It’s so exciting and liberating to realize you can sound out words.
Mason still loves to just play, help and snuggle.  He is getting really good at basketball.  For a kindergartener he’s fantastic.  During his games he always scores and he’s really good at dribbling.  You can tell he’s played and practiced. 

Brooks and I went to the Gingerbread Jamboree story time today and it was a lot of fun.  Brooks got to chase the gingerbread man.  He loved that!

 

Jonas' Baptism 1/1/2023

Today Jonas was baptized.  He has been so excited and watching him prepare over these last few months has been really sweet.  He earnestly desired to follow the Savior and prepare for the covenant he'd be making and the ordinance he'd be receiving.  

You could see his gifts of tenderness, thoughtfulness, ability to be a friend and seek after reverent things. 

A couple of weeks ago we talked about what name/title of Christ is our personal favorite.  Jonas picked the same one as me.  The Prince of Peace.  Jonas said he loves this title because he wants to feel peace.  When you know Jonas, you can see this and feel it.  

Yesterday Jonas and I were able to go on a breakfast date.  It is fun to chat and hear all the funny opinions he has.  We went to Waffle Love.

Before the baptism when the font was filled and before the doors were closed Brooks said, "I want to go in there!  I can swim by myself."

Then during the baptism as they opened the doors to the font he started banging on the glass and saying, "I want to be baptized.  I'm going to break the glass."

During Brooks' sleep he said, "I don't want eggs!  I want candy!" 

4/17/23- Mason and Basketball

 Mason had a basketball game.  He’s a fantastic player.  Great at dribbling, shooting, fast breaks, being part of a team.

But, my favorite thing about watching him play is his desire to help his teammates succeed.  Tonight I noticed that several times during the game he stopped and passed to the same teammate.  I’ve seen him do this before with his good friend when he was trying to help his friend to meet the requirements his dad gave him to win ice cream after the game.
But, this particular kid isn’t one of Mason’s good friends.  After the game I asked Mason if his coach had asked him to pass to this boy.  Mason said no.  He had just noticed this boy didn’t get the ball very often and he just wanted to help the boy make a basket.
Talk about sweet, kind, observant, humble, etc, etc.
I was so proud of him.  He really is one of a kind. 

Brooks- "It's hard being this many." (9/25/2022)

This morning the boys were playing in the basement.  They were frustrated with Brooks because he was taking a toy they were using.  At this point they had barricaded the door so Brooks couldn't get in.  I came down to intervene and see how I could help.  As I sat on the bottom step, Brooks came to me with arms wide open and big crocodile tears.  I embraced him and as he sat down between my legs he said, "It's hard being this many."  (As he said this he held up 3 fingers.). Then he said, "Maybe it'll be better when I'm this many."  (Once again he held up fingers, but this time it was 5 fingers).  I reminded him that Mason is 5 and it's still hard for him sometimes.  

This morning I thought about this.  I love the thought of how we go to our Heavenly Father with arms wide open and big crocodile tears.  He embraces and listens.  But I also thought about how it's important to be "3".  There are things that we learn at each phase of life that prepare us for things in the future.  We develop spiritually, emotionally, etc.  What did I learn when I was spiritually "3" that deepened my spirituality and prepared me to be spiritually "5" and to face the challenges and experiences I would have during that next phase.  Skipping ahead isn't the answer, even though sometimes it's hard.  Often it's hard.  

Brooks is learning so much as a 3 year old.  I will always cherish 3 year old Brooks.  Sometimes it's hard being his mom.  He is independent, curious and bright.  But he is also tender and loving.  His arms outstretched wide for a hug are my favorite.  Him telling me, "I love you too", is the best.  His sideways eye glances and big cheesy grin make me laugh.  I hope I enjoy this phase of "3" with him, that I don't wish it would move along, but I'm present with 3 year old Brooks.