Simple Faith

Ethan got an Indiana Jones Lego set for his birthday. It is something that he has been wanting forever (like a month maybe?), but he is very protective of it and wants to make sure that nobody breaks it or messes with it. The crown jewel of his set is the little Lego Indiana Jones guy, complete with cool hat and whip. Last night he decided that he would take the Lego Indy to bed with him so nothing happened to it while he was sleeping. He got all tucked in and then two minutes later came running downstairs. He looked everywhere! Indy was nowhere! He was in tears by this point so I decided to go help him look. Probably under the pillow, on the side of the bed; somewhere obvious I was sure.
I looked around for about 30 seconds when Ethan said, "Mom, If I say a prayer then I know that I can find him." So right there he drops to his knees and prays that he can find Indy. He stood up and saw him right away- in the end of his bunk bed in a little nook. (Not a place I would have ever checked most likely.) Ethan then told me that he knew a prayer would help. What a sweet kid! Such simple faith and yet so powerful. After finding it Erin reminded him that now he should say another prayer to thank Heavenly Father for helping him find it. I am grateful for my kids and the good examples that they are to me. Just a little thing, but it meant a lot to me.

Ethan the Wolf

After four years of watching mom involved- Ethan is finally a Cub Scout! He is so excited to get started earning his Bobcat and Wolf ranks. Very exciting!

Growing Up

Ethan is turning 8 this week. As we reach this big milestone I am left wondering where the time went. I am missing his sweet smile full of teeth, his clawkwie and pfuffie (that's the blankey and pacifier for all of you who don't remember), and his addition of kiki salt (parmesan cheese) to almost anything. But I am loving the independent boy he has grown into. He is a master Lego builder, great big brother, super second grader, and his imagination brings me back to the essence of what it is to be a kid. What will the future hold? I don't know. But I'm enjoying the cuddles and kisses while they last- because all too soon he will be all grown up, and I'm not quite ready for that yet. :)

Ethan and his friend Sabrina Harris in July of 2002 with their Woody dolls.

Sabrina and Ethan almost 6 years later. They are both turning 8 this year!

Wii are Family

Never say never. I thought that I would never have a gaming system in my house. But Jeff earned some extra money and wanted to buy a Wii with it. What could I say? Now I have been converted and take back all my "I never's", at least about that. We are having such a fun time playing as a family. Even Katelyn gets in on the action. So for now, this is a good thing. It is also a really great motivating tool. (ie- "Ethan if you get a 3 or 4 in behavior at school today you can play the Wii after school." Results- the second 4 ever earned the whole school year.) We try to keep it a fun thing to do at night after all the jobs are done, dinner is over, and dad is home. So bring your 'A' game if you come over. Erin (nicknamed Spareto) might just want to kick your trash in bowling!

Jeff and Erin playing doubles tennis.

Ethan and K are spectating. Just so cute I think.

No more Tonsils!

Bye bye and good riddance to Erin's tonsils and adenoids! We knew that the day would come when she would get them out like her brother Ethan- we just weren't prepared for how brave she would be! She has been a real trooper and is already up and playing. We are prepared for a setback in a few days, but for now I can't imagine things going any better. We love our Erie Bear and are glad that she is feeling better already. Hopefully this will help her have a good year at kindergarten this fall with no more strep throat.


Erin is sporting the hospital jammies and has her buddy, Abby, with her to help during the surgery.












Taking a nap after her surgery. Sleeping angel!






Erin gets a ride to the car in a wheelchair after her surgery.




Erin passes some of the time by drawing in her new Color Wonder coloring book.


One the perks of getting tonsils out is being allowed to chew gum all the time- it keeps her throat moist. She says it is one of her favorite things- that and being allowed to drink on the couch, watch what she wants on TV or DVD and getting lots of cuddles with mom.

Cousin Jack

Welcome Jack! Cousin Jack was born on May 13 weighing in at 8 pounds 1 ounce. We had fun going to see him and his parents at the hospital. He is the third cousin for my kids in a month- First was Abram, and then Ivy. Congrats to B & Nat on that adorable little girl! I don't have any pictures of her, but here is a link to Nat's blog if you want to check her out. Here are a few pictures of Jack.


Ethan and the big brother, Davis, with baby Jack.



Erin holding her newest cousin.


Katelyn says, "Jack." (Very clearly for only being 21 months old herself.) He was ready to eat and letting us all know.

A Week Away

Last week, Erin, Katelyn and I went to WA to visit my sister, Heather, and her family. She had her sweet baby Abram a few weeks ago and we went to visit and help out. She lives in a small beach town (Pacific Beach) on the coast. The girls and I had a fun time walking the town and going down to the ocean. We also had fun playing on the local elementary school playground. But the best part of all was seeing cute Abram and being able to chill with my sister. Erin and Katelyn loved getting tickle torture from their uncle Jordan. Ethan and Jeff enjoyed their guy week at home and did just fine without us. Here are some pictures from our trip.