Who would not want this cute little milk stained face looking up at them all day? 

Love her.

Random.

Last week my visiting teacher came over for 4 hours and help me sew the apron that I’ve been wanting to make for the past 4+ years.  So grateful for her!!  It’s so nice to have it done.

It seems like everyone in the world is sick with something right now.  Lately we’ve had the fever, sore throat, and cough combo.  Darrin’s the latest victim.  Andrew, Ella, and I have a lingering cough that is annoying.  Josh has been the healthiest this winter.  I can’t wait for the weather to warm up and for everyone to get better!

Josh played in his first real chess tournament this past weekend.  He played 3 games and won 2/3.  Unfortunately he had to leave early because of basketball pictures, so we didn’t get an accurate taste of exactly how well he did, but when he left he was 3rd place out of the 3rd graders.

Saturday Darrin and Josh went to the BYU vs. Portland basketball game with a couple of the the cousins.  Josh is a huge Tyler Haws fan, so I think it was fun for him to watch Tyler play. 

Andrew cracks me up.  The kid likes to play and would rather not ever have to do homework, housework, or anything of the sort.  Here he is working on his homework…trying to get serious about it, but failing.  And the photo shoot probably didn’t help :)  I love him.  He make me happy.

I’m trying to get rid of our baby swing.  Anyone interested?  I want it to go to a nice home :)

Laundry.  I hate it.  So, I make my kids do it.  They sort, they fold, they put it away.  I do the easy part: wash and dry.  On this particular day we gathered laundry into a pile taller than Luke.

I think that’s about all I got. 

Here’s a pic of Ella for good measure.

Shelves

As we find our family growing older, space saving is essential!

This month we put built in shelves in the boy’s closet.  The boys helped sand the wood and paint it. 

Josh and Darrin hung the shelves which is never an easy task.

Thanks babe!  I love them!  I’m so grateful you’re handy (and that you’re teaching our kids to be :)

She loves me part 2

Ella can be playing contently with someone else or alone, but the minute she see’s me, it’s all over.  I’m the only thing she wants.

That’s what it’s like to be loved and adored by a baby.

I love it.

Ella-7 months

What?  Doesn’t your baby play with an egg-separator?

7 months!  Wow.  You’re on the downside to 1 years old. 

I love this age. 

Few things to note.

1.  You didn’t feel good today.  Between getting your bottom teeth and a cough and stuffy nose, you aren’t your happy self.  Hence, the PJ’s all day. 

2.  You’re a professional sitter now.  I think your life has changed forever.  You can sit and play with toys and see what’s going on around you.  You’re much happier to sit than to lay down.

3.  You still are not mobile.  Which is probably a blessing, because once you are, your life will be in danger. 

4.  Sometimes you love your baby food and sometimes not.  You usually always will eat carrots though.  You would much rather eat big people food.  I try to feed you 2 meals of solids a day now. 

5.  You take 2 naps a day, sleep 12 hours at night waking up between 3-5am to eat, and you still sleep swaddled.

6.  You are always kicking your legs.  I’m pretty sure you’ll either be a dancer or a soccer player.

7.  You love baths.  You kick so hard that I end up getting a shower at the same time. 

8.  It’s funny to watch you get used to having teeth in your mouth.  You keep feeling them with your tongue!

Happy 7 months sissy! 

Snapshot of a preschooler.

In 2013 I want to: buy the awesomest remote control car.

I am excited about:  a chocolate frog (candy).

I love: mac and cheese.

Mom is: awesome.

Dad is: awesome.

My favorite thing is: chocolate.

I hate: hot air.

I’m nice because: cause I give things to people.

The worst is: paper cuts.

A good day is: a special day.

I love about my family: that I’m nice to Andrew.

I know: how to make a necklace.

I want: EVERYTHING!

I’m awesome because I play with awesome Jason (cousin).

When I am five I will do 4 things:  1.  Go to kindergarten 2. play soccer 3. go to swimming lessons and 4. wipe my own bum.

Ella’s 6 month checkup

Ella finally had her 6 month check up. 

She was 6 months on Christmas Eve, but there was no way I was going to drag 3 extra kids to the dr. during Christmas break, so I waited until school started again.  Then on the day of the appointment I had the stomach flu, so we had to reschedule.  This past Friday we finally made it there. 

Ella is 17 pounds 9 ounces(65%) and 26.77 inches(68%).

The dr. was a little worried that she’s not putting any weight on her feet, but not enough to do anything about it yet.  She made a note to watch it.

Other than that, she’s healthy and right on track!

I have two new tricks.

I mastered sitting up!!  Yay!

And today my first tooth popped up!  If you squint and turn your head to the left you can see the little white line next to the spit bubble.  That’s my first tooth!!  Good-bye big gummy smile :D

I’m not the only one…

who loves this girl.

Whenever Andrew has a chance to write about what he’s thankful for or what he loves--it’s always about Ella.

He’s such a sweet boy!

Snapshot of a 3rd grader.

warning: all answers are his own. 

In 2013 I want to: read at least 100 books.

I am excited about:  grandma and grandpa Hancock coming home from their mission, getting my wolf badge, and playing basketball.

I love: ice cream, pizza, and snow.

Mom is: mean/nice.

Dad is: mean/nice.

My favorite thing is: attention.

I hate: when the hot water is all gone, and I have to have a cold shower.

I’m nice because: I give drawing lessons to kids during recess.

The worst is: getting stitches.

A good day is: a weekend when I’m not grounded.

I love about my family: that have a nice house.

I know: how to get my brothers to cry.

I want: my own room with a TV and a Wii.

I’m awesome because: my name is Josh.

My favorite book is: Diary of the Wimpy Kid #7

If a genie gave you 3 wishes what would they be:  1.  to be able to watch TV and play the Wii on weekdays, not just the weekend 2.  To be able to fly 3.  Get Snack Time published and have the book be an all time favorite.

Getting ready for church.

um!  She’s just so cute!  I just want to eat her sometimes!

baby-sitting a sister--part I

Last Sunday I asked the boys to play with Ella in her crib while I took a quick shower. 

When I was done I went in her room to get her. 

Her babysitters (aka her brothers) were nowhere to be found, but luckily they gave her a football and some toys to play with. lol.

The football part really cracked me up. 

Brothers.

These two kids have lots of fun with each other.  They are usually the best of friends which I love.

Here they decided to wear matching PJ’s including matching underwear. 

Silly face:D

Happy B-day Darrin

Happy Birthday babe!

Hope you had a great day on your birthday.

We sure love you around here.  You work hard for our family, and we really, really appreciate you.  You’re the best:)

This picture turned out great!

And this is what happens when someone farts passes gas during the photo shoot.  It’s apparently soooo funny!!

Boys.  Why is that so funny???

I don’t think I’ll ever understand!

What a stud in his high school’s 100 year T-shirt.  Everyone sing together now  …forever and forever in Tooele…

Love you too :)

2013 Happy New Year

To celebrate New Year’s Eve we went over to Chad and Julie’s house.  We ate tons of good food, played games, and enjoyed great company. 

We let the kids stay up until midnight…well, except Ella :)  They had a blast playing the WiiU together and doing who knows what else!

At midnight we watched the ball drop and did poppers!

Can’t wait to see what 2013 brings!

Maybe this will teach him not to make silly faces in my pictures.  haha.

Yeah.  We smooched at midnight.  Isn’t that what you’re supposed to do??

In 2013 we are going to read the scriptures (at least one verse) EVERY SINGLE DAY as a family.

And eat healthier/less and as a result I will lose 20 pounds. 

It’s going to be a great year!

(Whoa.  A post with NO pictures of Ella?  I didn’t think it could happen.  lol.  She was in bed pretty much the whole time we were there.  And it is possible!)