Our world lately...

A Science Lab with earthworms. I must admit, as much as the earthworms grossed me out, I loved these labs. We created a small compost and will observe their habitat (jar) for weeks. We presented different environments for the earthworms and observed that they prefer dark, cool, non-acidic surfaces.

When Liam starts saying things like "Dank-do" (thank you), then it's time for a blog update. This little cheese ball is a mess. He climbs on chairs, the table, the fireplace, the homeschool table-- anything, really, that is dangerous. Tonight I was reading to the older boys in the rocking chair and Liam was trying to climb **into** his crib. Not to go to sleep, mind you, but just for the sake of climbing something he shouldn't. He took a hard fall and got a bloody nose.

Our little Squish, as we so lovingly refer to him as, has a blossoming vocabulary. In the past week alone, he has started saying several new words. For months, his communication was limited to whining, with an occasional Daddy, bye-bye, or night-night thrown in the mix. This week he has added to his list of words: Dank-do (thank you), Daaaayseeee (Daisy), that, cheese, and done.

He loves reading books, but not always with me. Sometimes he just wants to be left alone to turn the pages when he wants and in whichever direction he wants. I have noticed, however, that he's becoming more curious and attentive as I read, so I'm trying to capitalize on his curiosity and read to him as much as he'll allow.

I was texting Rod and, apparently, Liam thought I was taking a picture of him. He said, "CHEEEEESE" and flashed this goofy grin. I laughed for 10 minutes straight.

 

Illness has bounced around our home since Christmas day. Pax was the first victim, next was Crew, followed by Liam. Paxton then had an awful cough, Crew's fever returned and Liam got the worst diarrhea. It has been a long twelve days, especially since Rod has worked the last six of seven nights. I will be grateful to have our health restored.

 

 

My heart is so full. 

I'm surrounded by lively, animated, hilarious BOYS! 

They're healthy and so incredibly smart. Talented, friendly and giving.

Their giggles are infectious.

They're bold.

And, goodness, are they determined!

I see in them so much goodness and marvelous light.

They ask profound questions relating to their Heavenly Home from which they came.

They thirst for knowledge.

They're creative, inventive and so mischievous. 

I love them.

They are my greatest blessings.

And then there's this guy.

He makes marriage so easy and fun.

He keeps me young.

He makes me laugh every single day.

He makes everything better. Always.

He still has the ability to make my heart flutter.

Together we have created a beautiful life.

I couldn't have married anybody better.

A brief update on us!

 I'm still breastfeeding in the car... while it's in motion... like an absolute lunatic. Whatever baby wants, baby gets.

This little squish melts my heart. He has, however, been sleeping TERRIBLY due to teething. Two more bottom teeth just made their appearance, bringing the grand total of teeth to six! I hope our ridiculously long nights are well behind us because mommy hasn't sleep well since last summer. No joke!

Liam still eats everything in sight and gets his mouth swiped 20-30 times a day. It amazes me how you can pick up and vacuum and he will still find an object to nearly choke on. He's using furniture, humans or the dog to help himself stand. He's still unsure about walking, and that's fine by me because I'm not ready for him to be a big boy! He loves dancing to music, bathing, being held, eating whatever we're eating, gnawing on my iPhone, and playing with the TV remotes.

Math time

Our sweet Pax is a big KINDERGARTNER! He's a HUGE fan of Science and, surprisingly, History! Can I just pause to say how much I LOVE our History curriculum?! We history nerds are bonded by this common interest and together are having so much fun!

He is cruising through Right Start Math. In fact, some days we're able to do more than one lesson. He's doing mental math already, thanks in large part to the abacus. His handwriting is improving, not because he doesn't know proper letter formation, but because he's giving more effort which thrills me! He's reading at a 1st grade level and just surpassing all of my expectations.

Crew's Pharaoh with hieroglyphics

Crew is an absolute delight to teach. This year our main focus is writing, letter identification and letter sounds. He is learning at a rapid pace, challenging me to satisfy his thirst for more knowledge. He gives valiant effort to hold his pencil and crayons just the way I taught him. His face lights up when he writes letters independently or learns a new skill. He's laid back, eager to learn and agreeable. He's always willing to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance or our morning calendar time. He's especially fond of the silly songs we sing.

Homeschooling has been a delight! I'll continue to pray for enthusiasm as the year progresses.

Crew's Primary Talk

Crew gave his very first talk in Primary on July 5, 2015!  Unfortunately, the microphone wasn't working making it hard to hear him. He did his very best to speak clearly and with conviction. We were so proud to see our baby share the things he knows about Jesus Christ.

 

Jesus came to Earth to be an example.

When Jesus was little, he learned how to pray. I can pray like Jesus.

Jesus was baptized. I can be baptized like Jesus when I turn 8.

Jesus was loving. I can be loving to my family and friends.

Jesus was forgiving. I can forgive others.

Jesus gave us the Sacrament. I can take the Sacrament and think about Jesus.

I love Jesus and want to follow His example.