May Happenings

Troy and Liam moved up to bunk beds! It was a double change, Liam going to a bed and the boys sleeping in the same room. I was terrified. Liam wasn't contained and the boys like to jump off things. It's gone better than I imagined (which was pretty bad.) The first night they stayed up till 11:30. The next few nights I stayed in there till they fell asleep, which took about an hour because they were so excited. I actually didn't mind being next to Liam when he was so quiet. It was a pretty special time for me, but I also need me sleep! It's been over a week now and it's still a struggle but I know we will get through it! We are all a little more sleep deprived.

Troy's last day of joy school was yesterday. I did it the last two weeks because of circumstances. We had a lot of fun! I feel like I am getting more creative on the spot and the kids are much more obedient. I can't believe it's already been the whole school year! My favorite activity was when we made shapes and our names with twizzlers.

Liam is talking so much more. Every time he shoots a ball he says, "Good twy." Whether he makes it or not. He talks in sentences that are not perfect, but understandable. He understands me, but his 2 year old emotions are emerging, and it makes for some whining. 

(Liam LOVES to look at the pictures and camera on my phone. It's the only app he goes to.)

Any time I say no, the whining comes in. I have expected this from Troy, but Liam is new to it. But there are so many things he gets into that I have to say no! Whoever said you need to say yes more than no must not have had a two year old at the time. Maybe if I said, "Yes, you shouldn't be doing/breaking/banging/throwing that." ;) Luckily, Liam gets distracted pretty easily and so he doesn't cry or whine very long. In fact, he fell down yesterday and before he started crying he stopped to look at a bug. He touched it, and then started crying. I thought it was hilarious! Our kids are SO worth the effort. Liam is a huge joy and addition to our home. The trials of patience are treasured sometimes, mainly when they're asleep ;)

We have been going to different parks every Wednesday with a group of moms in our ward. We have a lot of young moms, but a lot of moms with older kids too. It is definitely a highlight of our week. I learn a lot from other mothers, and their stories make me feel better, or at least more normal. I struggled with the idea of staying in Provo after graduation, but one thing I love is talking about the gospel with my neighbors. I am surrounded by women of deep and immovable faith. I have really grown to love Provo. Perhaps we will always be here, but I feel like we are being trained or strengthened by all of the people around us as preparation for our life journey.

A friend of mine, Aubrey Sanchez, just had her third child, shortly after I did. We have been trying out watching each other's kids while we run. Liam and Brigham are playing below. Troy and Linnea are in the tent, probably going through a power struggle. It's only been a couple of weeks, but it works out pretty well. They are on vacation right now, so I took the kids with me to the clubhouse this morning and let them watch a show. Ben and I signed up for the Freedom Run again. Wish us luck!

We had Izek over yesterday because his mom is moving their stuff to their new house. He stayed after preschool and played cars with Troy. Poor Izek misses his mom like crazy, but thanks to Liam, I am the master of distraction... well, almost. We made it for a couple of hours, but then Veggietales came to the rescue. I actually love watching Veggietales. I sing all of the songs. I'm such a mom.

Katelyn loved staring at Izek and Izek was pretty good at playing with her.

Troy was trying to share his cars with Katelyn. Haha. Love it.