Congrats to Jared

 Well, the search is over.  Jared landed a job that he is really excited about this week.  He will begin working for L-3 Communications Mobile Vision Division in Maitland, FL on July 18.  We couldn't be more proud of him.  To show our love and support, we decided to surprise him when he came home.  We broke out the paints and smocks and the boys helped create quite the masterpiece.  It is still hanging up on the wall in the dining room. 

 Ethan loves to paint.  He was quite creative.  Grayson hadn't painted before, but quickly decided he liked it.  He also gave it a taste test, which wasn't a huge surprise to me.  The kid still puts everything in his mouth. 
We love you, Jared!

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to Jared!  He is an amazing dad and husband.  We are so fortunate to have him, even if he peels his gross feet in bed.  We made him a one-of-a-kind tie for Father's Day.  We had to speak in church that day and he wore it anyway because he loves us. Here he is with the boys.

Grayson!

Wanted to post all about Grayson.  This kid is growing up so fast.  We just love that he is in our family.  He is quite the goofball and so sweet.  He loves to give hugs and kisses and snuggle up in your lap.  Here are some cute new things he does.

1. When he sees or smells a trash can, he waves his arm and says "Phew!"  (Jared likes to take credit for teaching him that one.)

2.  He now says "No." by shaking his head rapidly and saying "Naoaoaoao."

3.  The way his little body moves when he walks to almost too much for us.  He is just so cute and determined about everything he is doing. 

4.  Grayson is very resourceful.  The other day Grayson wanted to swing, but the swing was looped over the top of the swingset because Jared had mowed the lawn.  He climbed up into the swing set, pushed the swing down, and climbed back down so that he could swing.  He is so smart.

5.  Grayson loves to go!  He is just like his Gigi.  Anytime we go anywhere near the front of the house, he swings by the shoe basket and gets his shoes.  He is ready to go at a moment's notice.  He can even get his own shoes on.  Pretty good in my opinion because Ethan can put his flip flops on, but not his regular shoes. 

Happy Father's Day

Found this cute article on lds.org that tells the history of Father's Day.  Here's the link.

http://lds.org/friend/1986/06/the-mother-of-fathers-day?lang=eng&query=history+father's+day

I absolutely adore my dad!  My husband is a wonderful father to our children and I am so glad he is my partner in this life.  Happy Father's Day to all the amazing dads out there.

A Conversation with Ethan

Last night Jared was talking with Ethan.  He decided to write down what they were saying.  It is pretty funny.
First, Jared asked Ethan about butterflies.  Ethan said, "I don't want to turn into a butterfly.  I want to turn into an Ethan kid."
Jared: What's your favorite color?
Ethan: Green.  I love orange.  No, I love white.  My favorite color is blue. (FYI-His pajamas last night were white, orange, and blue.)
Jared: What's your favorite toy?
Ethan: Trains!  Gordon, Percy, and Hiro.
Jared: What's your favorite song?
Ethan: (He doesn't name a song, he simply started doing a drumbeat with his mouth and dancing.  His version of rap, we think.  He also busts out into this mouth drumbeat thing whenever he doesn't know the words to a song.  Happens at church frequently.  Hahahaha.)
Jared: What's your favorite game?
Ethan: Mario-kart.
Jared: What's your favorite snack?
Ethan: Chocolate granola bars and I like yellow rice.  It's yummy! (We had yellow rice for dinner last night.)
Jared: What's your favorite drink?
Ethan: Juice and water.  Dad, I need another favorite color.
Jared: What's your new favorite color?
Ethan: Phoebe-color yellow.
Jared: What's your favorite treat?
Ethan: Broccoli (I suspect Ethan heard tree instead of treat.  He later clarified.) I love chocolate candy with colors.
Me: Oh, M & M's.
Ethan: Yup. M & M's.

Man, we love this kid!

Food and Jumparoos

Landon started rice cereal this week.  He was definitely suspicious at first, but has decided he likes it.  I cannot believe he is already eating foods.  Time really is flying. He also has found that he LOVES the jumparoo Sabra has.  I need to get video of it.  He is soooooooooo cute.

Landon is 4 months

 Went in for Landon's 4 month visit today.  He turned 4 months on June 2.  He weighed in at 18 lbs, 10 oz (90%) and was 26 inches long (95%).  He is our biggest boy so far.  He is ready to catch up to his brothers.  It was crazy with all three at the doctor's office, but nurse Melissa and Dr. Coffman are fabulous and we left with stickers and lollipops!  Landon favors his left side with his neck and the right side is weak.  Dr. Coffman gave us some exercises to do so his head doesn't end up the wrong shape.  It is already pretty flat on the back left side.  Guess it is a lot of work carrying that huge head around.  ;P

Totally unrelated, but so cute.  Ethan and I made some Gloopy Goo out of water, borax, and school glue.  So much fun!  He had a great time and to hear him say Gloopy Goo is hilarious. 

Recipe: 3/4 Cup water mixed well with 8 oz (1 Cup) white school glue (Add food coloring if you'd like.  We didn't have any: (

Stir well 1/4 Cup water with 1 TBSP borax and add to water/glue mixture, stirring well.  Repeat until no liquid left (took us two borax mixtures to use it up)

More than conquerors through him that loved us

After feeling so sorry for myself yesterday, I read this article today and it helped my perspective.  This is really a small trial in the eternal perspective of things.  And, in the end, I will be better for it. Also, this is nothing like going through a divorce, losing a child, or struggling with infertility.  I'm going to focus on those around me (even in my own family) that need lifting up and stop dwelling on the one little thing in my life that I don't like.  Plus, my patriarchal blessing (a blessing given in our church that is specific to each individual) tells me that I will be blessed with more than I need so I can help others as long as I pay my tithing.  So, the Lord has already promised me that I will be able to pay my bills and take care of my family as long as I keep the covenant of tithing.  Since I'm doing that, I should be good to go.  The link to the inspiring article is below.  No matter what you are struggling with currently, its counsel applies.  Check it out at

http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/more-than-conquerors-through-him-that-loved-us?lang=eng

Just because I'm feeling sorry for myself

People have real problems.  I do know that.  I work with people with real problems.  I have problems, but they aren't that bad.  I have food to eat, shelter, beautiful, healthy children, handsome husband that loves me, etc, etc.  We even have jobs, although they don't do much in the way of covering all the necessary expenses of a family of five.  But we have them.  And thanks to my loving, patient in-laws we have been living pretty well while Jared looks for work (a new job, post-graduation, that will hopefully pay more than below the poverty line).  I told my mom the other day that I'm tired of being poor.  Jared finally got a job offer, but it was so low we didn't accept the position.  With the extra insurance cost to us and the $1200 price tag to park in downtown Orlando where the offices are located, we were not making anymore than we are currently making.  Big bummer because we are both so ready for this job search to be over.  I know I am struggling with patience, but we sold our home in October 2010 and have been living with parents since that time.  So ready to have my own space, cook my own meals, see my pictures on the walls, and sleep in my bed. 
Just feeling sorry for myself today.  Is it too much to ask that a college graduate get paid a decent salary?  Seriously!  I looked into going back full-time, but the childcare costs would eat up anything I would make.  Lame.  I think I've spread enough ill-will for the day, so I'll stop.

Summer is Here

Okay, it's a month early, but summer is here because it is Florida and it is HOT! We have been hitting the kiddie pool regularly and our tans are already starting out quite nice. Here are some photos from our latest happenings.   Landon and Grayson hanging out in jammies!  No shirt for Grayson because...SURPRISE... he spilled his breakfast all over it. He is actually getting pretty good at eating with a spoon and fork.  Except, he tends to turn it over just prior to entering his mouth, thus spilling food all over himself at the last second.

 Tummy time!  Landon is getting so, so big.  He goes in for his 4 month check up tomorrow.  He turned 4 months on 6/2 (last week).  He is really smiley, although I can't seem to capture that on camera. 

Heading to the car for a family outing.  I quickly snapped their cuteness.  Ethan is our big helper and is always looking out for his younger brothers. 

 Memorial Day, we got together with the Krause's and had some water fun.  Here are the kiddos enjoying the Waterpillar my mom got for us.  It was Hunter's favorite!  (Nate Nate--WE MISS YOU!)

Ethan is our ham.  Like mother like son: ) 

Kalia strikes a pose. 

 Nothing special, just cloth diaper laundry.  Ethan helped me fold it and wanted to take a picture of his handiwork. 

Post nap TV time.  Too hot to do anything else.