My Self Esteem Boost and Dose of Reality

I need to write a quick entry before I forget the funny things my boys say. It went something like this...
Liam approaches me: Mom, you are beautiful.
Me: Thank you Liam, that is so sweet.
Daniel: Mom, I love you so much, but you're not that pretty.

I told Nathan about the short conversation later and he nearly skinned Daniel, but I thought it was hilarious.

Sweet Dreams Caleb

Although Caleb is not yet 2, there are quite a few things that he can say quite clearly. He's become a great mimic. I like to send him to get his brothers and Nathan for dinner. (Most of the time he delivers the message correctly.) It is really fun to hear him say words on his own that we didn't realize he knows. I am especially proud of his clear enunciation of the word 'chocolate'. This might not be on every child's list of first words, but he is, afterall, my son. I guess the joke's on me though...a few times this week, in the middle of the night, I've been awakened by Caleb yelling for me. As soon as I come into his room to check on him he says, "Chocolate?" I know he is asking for chocolate milk or hot chocolate, which we often have with our breakfast, but how do I explain to this little guy that chocolate is off limits until the sun comes up? --No, I didn't give in to him. Actually, I just put him back in bed and told him to sleep. I think he must be dreaming about chocolate! At least he wasn't having a nightmare! Gives an entirely new meaning to the phrase 'Sweet Dreams!'

A few weeks ago, I walked in during Caleb's nap and found him just like this. He must have thrown his blanket out of the pack 'n play and pulled Tow Mater up to snuggle with instead. Silly boy.

Fun With Grandma and Grandpa Growly Bear

On Thursday Grandma and Grandpa Growly Bear (Bohman) arrived. Daniel was still at school and Liam was at preschool so Grandma and Grandpa were able to surprise them when we went to pick them up. The boys were so thrilled. They ran out grinning and immediately gave "bear" hugs. Daniel had so much fun, on the way home, showing Grandma and Grandpa that he wasn't using his training wheels.














Grandpa played with the boys in the back yard, blowing bubbles, and swinging. Liam reminded him of the last time he came and they drenched him with squirt guns. We explained to Liam that Grandpa had his camera out, so he couldn't squirt him. A short time later Liam told Grandpa that he needed to put his camera inside. (I wonder why?!) Grandpa is such a good sport. He went along with the whole thing. Of course he got drenched! The boys loved it. Grandpa read stories, tickled, and played.

Grandpa always travels with at least a few very nice, big cameras. Liam found them very enticing and kept begging to take pictures with them. Grandpa reminded him that he'd gotten him a little camera of his own for Christmas, but Liam insisted he needed a BIG camera. I guess he takes after his Grandpa. He has the camera bug. It is funny to see such a little guy behind a big camera. We may have to consider a new camera for Liam (not too big) and hand down the little one to Caleb soon.

Once Nathan got home from from work, we all went to our favorite restaurant, The Elephant Bar. (It's tradition.) We are never disappointed with the delicious food. The boys love the animal decor. It was a late night, but lots of fun and laughs. Before going to bed, Grandpa told one of his famous, Talouki stories. "Once upon a time, a long time ago, across the ocean, on an island, up a cliff, lived a sheepherder named Max and a sheep dog named Talouki..."(Like the ones he used to tell me when I was a little girl. They all start that way. This one was about "Branches the Moose").

The next day Nathan took work off so we could go to San Francisco. We crammed Caleb's car seat between his brothers' and he loved it. (They may be lodged in too tightly to ever remove!) Usually, San Francisco is cold, but Friday was gorgeous (around 80 degrees). I think it was the warmest day we've spent there. We went to the Golden Gate Bridge and then Discovery Park. The boys loved the animals, digging for buried treasure, and digging in the construction zone, they also loved playing on the boat. All of it was fun. (Daniel told Grandpa that when he was big he was going to dig holes all day! Wow. Lofty Goals. Grandma says he's going to be an archeologist--that sounds a little better.

After exploring the park we stopped for some pictures and then went on to the wharf for food and a little time on the beach. We topped it all off with some Cold Stone Ice Cream! What a great day.

Once again, we were late for bedtime. Caleb fell asleep in the van, but awoke before we got home. Liam was asleep when we got back so I carried him in. Grandpa carried Daniel in and put him in bed on the top bunk. Then Daniel jumped up and laughed. He had been faking asleep! What a silly boy. Poor Grandpa's back. It's funny, but I remember as a little girl, I always faked sleeping for the last 20 minutes of the drive home. I knew that if I got carried up to bed I wouldn't have to help unpack the car! Isn't that the worst part of any trip? I guess Daniel inherited it from me. So I guess it's payback.

On Saturday, Grandma helped me do some mending. Nathan and the boys started ripping out a section of fence that needs to be replaced. Grandpa helped us mow the lawn (with Caleb's help) and start on some other house projects before he admitted he was feeling totally sick and couldn't do any more. I felt so bad. He'd not felt entirely well since he came, but was trying his hardest to not let us know. We were able to call our friend Chad who came over to help Nathan give a priesthood blessing. I am so thankful for that priesthood. I hope my sons will see their Dad's example and one day use it to serve others.

Sunday morning we said goodbye and Grandpa was feeling a little better. The boys are already asking when they can go to the beach with Grandma and Grandpa again. We love the time we have together and wish it could be longer. Thanks for making the long drive for us. We love you! I have the best family ever.

Daniel Does it Again...Spectacular Student

Last week our family was thrilled to attend a school awards assembly for Daniel. He received both a Principal's Award for academic improvement and a Soring Eagle award for good citizenship. Daniel was one of the first students called and afterward Daniel said, "Good Job," or "Way to Go!" to each of the following kids called up. It was really sweet. His teachers sent home a Kindergarten Progress Report and Daniel is above grade level in all areas. We are so proud of how hard Daniel has worked and the good choices he has made. We love you! We also have fun being silly with you.