Miles at 9 Months

Stats

Ht   28 inches   43%

Wt   16 lb 1 oz   3%

HC    17 inches    10%

Miles is progressing quickly! He's walking along furniture, standing on his own for a few seconds, crawling with fury. Miles will eat cheerios on his own, but isn't great with fingers, so he uses his whole palm to shove it into his mouth. It gets pretty messy. He is still so smiley, wakes up once a night, and gets determined to get to what he wants. He starting into the mess phase. Pantry messes, tips over the garbage can, and empties my bathroom drawer. That smile gets me every time though. I don't even get bugged. We love our little man!

Mother's Day

I had a wonderful mother's day. I'm pretty lucky to have four beautiful souls call me mom. This year I have felt more than ever, that my time with my children is short. It feels like they are growing so fast and my influence is such a short time. And even with this grasp on time, I forget my importance in the mundane. My weaknesses don't go away, but I recognize them more and hopefully improve. 

I'm amazed by Troy's grasp on other's emotions and ability to communicate with others. He makes sure not to push other's boundaries and wants fairness. When he talks about getting a toy, he talks about what Liam and Katelyn will get too. When he goes to the store with Dad, he worries that I will be alone and won't have anyone to "play" with. Troy has such a good heart. 

Liam is our independent man. If we are not able to help, he will get it done himself. It's quite helpful with Miles. Liam has helped me see when I am intervening too much. I can let them do more than I realize. That's a goal I have this summer. To grow their independence. Liam also helps me know how loved I am. He is quick to remind me how much he needs my love and is quick to forgive my shortness with him. Because I raise my voice with him the most. 

Katelyn is a sweet and sassy 4 year old. She is trying hard ever day to be more sweet than sassy. I can see her understanding more when I explain things. She is far ahead in her communication skills and I'm grateful for the ability to reason with her, unless we have hit the 4 year old "point of no return." But I see so much potential in this strong little girl. She has so much confidence and the ability to soften hearts. 

Miles brings me more smiles than I thought possible. He loves to smile at anyone and everyone. When he gets excited he buries his head into your chest. Miles has a peaceful and easy going temperament. Miles brings happy distraction. The older kids get on each other's nerves, but they can't be annoyed when Miles is the focus of attention. We needed our Miles. 

I'm one lucky mama!

The day before mother's day, the ward had father's and sons. Ben hasn't been able to stop talking about boating ever since. 

Alex, our neighbor, found out that Miles was sleeping and said she wanted me to have a break. So, she invited Katelyn over to make rice krispy treats. Then she made a card and brought me some of the treats and said they were from Katelyn for mother's day. Talk about a great neighbor!

Ben made breakfast while I slept. Pancakes, sausage, and chocolate banana smoothies. YUM.

 The kids made a fort/game for me while Dad made breakfast. 

You roll special dice (from a game we have) and you have to do special things depending on what is rolled. Move around the chairs, or find an egg in the room. It was so cute. 

Troy and Liam had "Donuts with Divas" for mother's day at their school. I love claiming them.

 All of my gifts from the kids. I LOVE these gifts. Ben also took me shopping and to dinner the night before. I got some (desperately needed) capris and shirts. 

 Troy made cards for both Grandma's after we talked to them on the phone. I love watching his giving heart create. 

I'm incredibly grateful for my own mother and mother-in-law. I seriously scored the jackpot with these two faithful, Christ-like, joyful women. I will never lack love or support from these "certain" women.

May First Week

Ben went to a Gala for a work event. He originally thought it was a huge deal, and that I was invited. Turns out it was a $1000 a plate and he was going with his female coworker. He made a good night out of it. He looks sharp!

Troy got recognized for sharing with other kids. I don't think there could be a better award to get at school.

Swim team started up again May 1. Lots of swinging at the park for Miles. Liam likes to help.

Katelyn used my pump as a "gun"... hahahaha. 

Katelyn is in the very back. More about her experience so far later..

Liam has done SO well. He is eons further than last year. I don't worry about him at all. Way to Go Liam.

I have been running a lot more. It helps my mood. Not necessarily my energy level, but my desire to do more, to make goals and complete them. Troy biffed it right after this picture. Poor guy got a bloody nose. He was tough and rode home.

Hat day at school!

Magnolia Farms and TOFW

I have to document these two trips. I had such a great time with both groups of women.

In January I went to Magnolia Farm with my Aunt Colleen, and cousins - Elise, Camille (Baby Harvey) , Alyse, Stephanie, and Lindsay (Baby Rebecca)

We all live in one of the big cities in Texas. I drove up with Colleen, Camille and Lindsay. All three babies were champs.

Alyse found us the perfect house to stay in. We talked and talked and talked and I LOVED it. We all decided we need to make this a tradition, to get together somewhere. After this visit, I listened to Chip and Joann's book. I truly enjoyed their book. It inspired me to follow my dreams, to support my husband in his dreams, to accept imperfections as a young mom, and to know God is in control.

End of April was Time Out for Women. I have never been before. WOW does not do justice. I have notes that I will return to time and time again. 

We  (Allison, Roseanne and I) were lucky enough to have bumped into Sister Elaine Dalton and her husband at Pappasitos before the conference started. Her husband started talking to us. I recognized her immediately, because I listen to her often, but it took me a few minutes to get the courage to really ask. I even pointed to her at first in shock, but then put my hand down to make sure I wasn't going to make a fool of myself. Pretty sure I did anyway.. haha. She reminded me of my mother-in-law Kaylene. An older version of course, but similar in positivity and beauty.

We met up with Deb and Katie at the conference. I loved sitting by these ladies and getting emotional/inspired along with them.

 Roseanne used to work with Tamu (on the right, Zandra on the left) in her hair salon. So we felt comfortable saying hi after. I loved her message about Ruth and accepting those who are not of your "land" or culture. Zandra gave me stronger abs from laughing so hard. 

Possibly the worst way to take a picture, but we are all in it! Love these ladies. Great memories and hopefully more to come!

This picture is unrelated, but seems to fit with this post, since it's all about me! I bought this cute skirt from Annie. It's LulaRoe. I LOVE it and I get so many compliments. Way to keep me styling Annie.

March and April 2017 Happenings

Grandma Allsop brought early Easter. The kids didn't mind at all ;)

I love how mom always remembers the baby. I remember baby food for many birthdays or Christmas presents. She got Miles little toy birds. He liked the container. 

 I know it's blurry, but we love each other.

Katelyn is big helper with feeding Miles. I usually do it, but she asks often. She is happy to for about half of the meal but then gets impatient. I make her finish if I'm cooking. Suddenly her willingness goes away if she "has" to, but I find that I'm like that sometimes. I only want to do something if it's my idea. Hopefully I can help us both become better!

We visited the Kitchen's during general conference weekend. I love these people!!

Brendon's baseball game was so cute to watch. We forgot a jacket for Miles..

Troy had a field trip, so I went to have lunch with Liam to help cheer him up. (He felt that Troy's field trip was a better one. He was probably right..)

It's not hard to bring smiles to Liam. Miles is the reason in this picture.

"Smile!"

Miles in the BOB. 

I had to take a picture of Ben's car. He is the first one in and the last one to leave. Yes, he comes early to work out, but still. Ben is dedicated to his job.

Katelyn adores these flowers. Our neighbor, Stefan, gave them to her when she was playing with them at her house. 

We finally used the trampoline passes that the boys earned from citizenship awards. The kids had so much fun. Unfortunately, I only took pictures when Katelyn was throwing a pity party because she couldn't keep up with the big kids.

Everybody loves Miles. 

February Happenings

 Valentine's Day

Ben and I went to Smashburger. Cuz' we're classy like that. But a burger, fries, and shake is just what we wanted!! MMMmmm. 

Ben brought me flowers and he gave one of them to Katelyn. How she treasured that flower. 

Poor Liam took a pretty bad fall walking into school. He had his hands in his pockets and he tripped on the crosswalk. I saw it, but he got back up and walked in . I didn't see his face. I got a call from the nurse about 20 minutes later. His face was so sad looking. I went and picked him up. I babied him for about an hour and then he decided he was fine. He played for the rest of the day with legos. It's nice to have a rest day every now and then!

I had to run to Sephora for a quick trip and Katelyn found her favorite store. 

I put some blush on her and she was ecstatic. 

Visit to daddy's office. It's funny that the only picture I took was of Miles... babies are so much fun to photograph!

Work party at Ben's boss' house. He has the best back yard. Isn't this the cutest little table? We had a great time. I laughed so hard. We were able to talk a lot while the kids watched a movie outside. Ben has great coworkers.