Describe your kids in just three words...

...LOTS OF WORK!



He-he, -- although true, that's not what this post is about.



If I were asked to describe my children at this point in their lives, I could go on for quite some time about each and every small detail , but (unless you are a grandparent), most of us would prefer the "abbreviated version."

So, here is what I came up with - the top three words I would use to describe each of my children at this point in their lives:

JACKSON (age 5)
* Leader
* Active
* Charming

JESSICA (age 3)
* Creative
* Independent
* Confident

LIA (age 1)
* Happy
* Pleasant
* Funny


Of course, these traits are seen through a mother's eyes! Hopefully, the rest of the world agrees with me.

What I've learned from my kids...so far!

These first few years of parenthood have been exciting, educational, and at times, very challenging.
Jason and I have learned many little "life lessons" on our journey so far.

Here are just a few thoughts that come to mind when reflecting on what our kids have taught us...

-Slow down! Take the time to look and listen from a baby's perspective --it's fun!
-The first year of life is the most amazing year.
--The most exciting nature walk can be had just going around the block.
-Dandelions ARE flowers! And are to be worn behind the ear when given as a gift.
-Singing is fun! It should be done several times a day, every day (sometimes very loudly)!
-There are six Power Rangers (I can even tell you all their colors too).
-I'm a Jeopardy master at the categories: "Dinosaurs" and "construction vehicles."
-The more siblings you have, the longer you should wait to walk.
-A three-year-old's rendition of "Old McDonald" (or any song for that matter) can be very entertaining.
-Kissing owies makes them feel better and heal faster!
-Sometimes late night feedings can be precious and fun.
-It is possible to function on less than 2 hours of sleep every night for at least one full week before crashing.
-Caffiene is my new B.F.F.!
-You can have your very own outdoor adventure every day! A new adventure is waiting just outside your front door--all you need is a tremendous imagination.
-Water noodles also double as swords and excellent bubble poppers.
-Hugs and kisses, before parting ways (and before bedtime) are always a must!
-Snuggle time is the best time of the day.
-A tummy makes a terrific wind instrument.
-It is possible to love more than one somebody with all your heart!
-A masterpiece is in the eye of the beholder - and can be created with a single sheet of paper and a few color crayons, every single day.

-We've also learned that we are the "best parents in the whole wide world"...
for our kids!

Daycare-Spring 2011.

A few recent shots taken at "Miss Lisa's" daycare:







Such a good group of kids!
Hard to believe this school year is almost over--it's been a fun year.

Jackson's first soccer experience.

Jackson had fun playing soccer for a team this Spring.
Their team name was the 'Cheetahs.'
Every Saturday morning (weather permitting), Coach Dave would lead his group of six kids through a half an hour of skill building, followed by a half an hour of game play.
The Cheetahs won every game except one.
Cousins, Maddy and Logan, were also on the team, as was Jackson's friend, Tristan.
The kids are showing off their team medals in this picture...


A few action shots...





This picture is special because it was taken after Jackson scored his first goal.
He is running back after kicking the ball into the net, and his coach is clapping and shouting words of praise to Jackson...

Easter 2011

Getting ready for Easter...
we had fun painting and decorating eggs on Thursday before Easter.





We spent Easter Sunday morning at Grandma Chris' and Grandpa Bob's house.
The egg hunt was done inside their house this year because it was too cold and wet outside.
Here is a picture of the kids with their egg findings...






And Lia had fun watching as her older brother, sister, and cousin found their Easter "treasures."






Our family had a fun time at Grandma Barb's and Grandpa Terry's house in the afternoon on Easter Sunday. Although I do not have pictures from that family event, the kids sure had a nice time playing with their cousins, Cortney and Cade.

The kids were treated with another egg hunt and another Easter basket full of goodies!

While our son is well aware of the true meaning of Easter...

When asked what Easter is about, he replied, "Jesus."
What did Jesus do?
He said, "come back to life."

When I asked our three year old the same questions...
What is Easter about? She replied, "Eggs."
Who came back to life? "The Easter Bunny."

...guess we have a little work to do before next year!

Happy Birthday Lia!

It's hard to believe our little baby is already 1!





April 29th fell on a Friday this year; however, we celebrated your birthday with a LADYBUG theme party on Saturday, April 23rd.





Lia,
When you were only three months old, I made a wish for you to "stay little" --knowing you would be our last baby, I wanted to hold onto your "littlness" as long as possible.

Well, Lia my dear, you must've been listening; you've done exactly what your mama asked you to do by taking your time...with everything!

You started to crawl at 10 1/2 months.
Since then, you've learned how to crawl from one box of toys to the next, dumping each one as you go.
Your dad and I call you the 'little tornado' because you always seem to leave a path of destruction wherever you go.

Once you have created a mess to your liking, and have surrounded yourself with spilled toys, the real fun begins...

Lia's step-by-step description of operation playtime:
1. hand-pick through the toys and find one to pick up and hold in your hands
2. carefully examine (with your eyes) the toy you have chosen
3. taste-test this toy
4. shake this toy to hear if it will make noise
5. taste it again
6. bang the toy on the floor and on other nearby toys to hear the noises it may make
7. taste it one last time
8. release this toy by either dropping it behind your head or tossing in front of you
9. repeat steps 1-8
...and, that about sums up how you like to spend your free playtime.

When you turned 12 months old, you started pulling yourself up onto furniture, tables, and toys. We look forward to the excitement of your first steps.




Lia, you are a very content and happy little girl. You smile and laugh at mom, dad, brother, sister, and daycare friends all the time.
Having two older siblings and several daycare friends help fill your days with noise and action; you seem to love it. Although you are not yet part of the action, you seem to enjoy watching it and appreciate all the attention you get from the other kids.

Lia, you weigh 19 pounds. You have 2 bottom teeth with two top teeth just poking through.

Peek-a-boo is one of your favorite games. You also enjoy being sung to and dance with. Whenever you hear music on the radio, TV, or from one of your toys, you swing your arms and rock on your knees.

You can say the words, "mama" "dada" "uh-oh".

You know how to wave bye-bye, give high-fives, and play SO BIG.




You still enjoy those comfort fingers too!




And, yes, your dad and I do look forward to the day when you will eat your fill of table food, and give us a full night's sleep; but for right now, we are enjoying all the wonderful moments you are bringing to the family.

We love your snuggles and kisses full of drool. The way you get so excited to see mom or dad walk into the room. And the way you play with your right ear while you drink you bottle.
We love how you use your comfort fingers to soothe and entertain yourself.
Your precious laughter, the silly sounds you make, and the way you are so content when we hold you...all a few of the amazing memories you have given us.
We love you Lia.

Here are a few more pictures from your first birthday party:

Jessica is 3!

Jessica wanted to have a "Pirate party" for her third birthday.
She really likes the show, 'Jake and the Neverland Pirates' on the Disney channel.

Jake is pictured on her birthday cake.
Thank you, Grandpa Mark and Grandma Bonnie, for getting this perfect picture cake for her!





Jessica's party activities included a parrot craft project, pin the eye patch on Caption Hook (each child got an eye-patch to wear when the game was over), a golden egg treasure hunt (eggs filled with chocolate goldibloons).
The kids also each got to have a hook hand (made from a red plastic cup and some aluminum foil) to wear...








Party Decorations...








A few of the party guests...









To my daughter, Jessica, my big girl, my middle child -

On your third birthday, this is what mom has to say about you...

You are a free-spirited, fun-loving little girl!
You love to play with, and learn from, your big brother, Jackson.
I get a kick out of watching and listening to the two of you during playtime; you both act out imaginary roles (i.e. cats, tigers, ponies, unicorns, mom/dad, Jake/Cpt Hook, princess, Iron Man, etc.) and have make-believe conversations. Although arguments are still a daily occurence between you two, respect and fair play shows through most of the time.
You also love to "help out" with your younger sister, Lia. We are still working on the art of "appropriate touching," you have learned to be more gentle. In fact, I think Lia is beginning to like all of the love and attention she gets from her big sister.
You like to 'hang out with the boys' at daycare; you enjoy playing trucks and dinosaurs with them.
You enjoy singing songs (mostly ones you make up the words to) and dancing around the house. Two of your favorite songs right now are Old McDonald and ABC's.
You also enjoy reading books (current favorites: any book about animals, most all Dr. Suess, and Dora books), doing puzzles, and coloring pictures.
Some of your favorite playtime activities include: cooking, serving, and pretend eating your food in your kitchen area, playing ponies, and playing with your animals.
You love to snuggle with mom and dad, and you give wonderful hugs and kisses!
Favorite stuffed animal: kitty.
Two best words to describe your personality: determined and poky.
You love doing things on your own --"I do it myself" is one of your favorite things to say.
And, yes, you are just about as poky as they come. To say you like to 'stop and smell the roses' would be an understatement. You have a carefree-la-dee-da attitude when it comes to doing things you don't particularily care for, like running errands or picking up your toys.

Jessica, your dad and I love you so much. We enjoy your creativity and your infectious laughter.
It is so much fun to watch you grow and learn every day. We are very proud of you.
Love, Mom