my love bugs

I  love today, filled with simple acts of love. Sometimes I get annoyed at the commercialization of holidays, but with Valentines Day, I am glad for it.  What a great in your face message to stop and enjoy some love?!

Luke gave his first talk in Primary today, and did great!  I was so proud of him, thinking back to a year ago, and the amazing progress he has made!  Last year he was having a hard time adjusting to Primary and not chillin' in nursery, playing with toys and munchin on snacks (can you blame him?).  This year he has become such an amazing little guy, his confidence has grown and he is not a shy, timid little boy anymore.

Here are pictures of Luke sporting his new "I gave a TALK in Primary" sticker.

 In honor of Valentines day...

This is what Luke gave as Valentines to his school buddies this year.

I left the table for seriously 30 seconds, and this is what Jared did to the freshly made valentines

 

  

But how do you get mad at a face like this, though?  Those brown eyes have

his mama wrapped around his finger.

and so it begins

Luke desperately needed new tennis shoes.  I go pick out a pair I think he will like, blue...his favorite color.  Nike, a must.  They also happen to be velcro (not dumb velcro, but really cool looking velcro) that I think is important, because let's be honest...any short cut I can find, I'll take right now.

I come home pretty late for Luke, but hear him open his bedroom door any way.  He heard the garage door open and shut, and wants to come see me before climbing back into bed.  I show him his shoes, and anticipate him sleepily going back upstairs.  But he was more excited about this than I ever guessed he would be.

After trying on the shoes and bookin it around the house like 50 times (and I'm not even exaggerating) he finally pulls off a shoe and goes over each and every detail of it with his Dad.  It seems there is this athletic shoe obsession that will bond these two boys til the end of time!  Ben described all the details of the shoe and how it works (like this is a deep topic or something, what do you mean how it works?!)

I don't claim to understand, just love.

The object of obsession.   See, told you it's not dorky velcro.

not so mundane

I was feeling a bit sorry for myself today, with Makenna and Ben back to school and work after a long weekend home, and after being knee deep in laundry (literally) I was thinking how mundane my life has become.  The most perplexing object of my day is what to make for dinner.

Then this happened:  Luke woke up from his nap and gave me the best snuggles ever.  And while telling him how much I loved him, he assured me he loved me more,  because he has super powers.

Then it occurred to me...(and I know so many have reminded me of this, so please take credit for it) these days of "snuggles" and "lovies" and "kissie faces" will pass.  The ever annoying "momma's" said repeatedly until I'm ready to implode will inevitably fade into teenage years, which I'm sure will be great, but let's be honest...how can teenagers compete with the sweet, unconditional love that my young kids so willingly give me now.  In no time at all they will recognize ALL my imperfections, and see how flawed their mom really is.

So, between now and teenager-hood, I am going to enjoy each call for help to wipe bums, each snotted-up shoulder after I've just gotten dressed for the day, and each sweet warm snuggle.  But, that doesn't mean I have to enjoy the endless sink full of dishes, and the always present question, "what's for dinner?!", right?  Please tell me I'm right.

treasures

I came home late after a girls night out last night and found a perfectly clean kitchen and a note:

Dear Mom,

I cleaned the kitchen for you!  I 'heart' you and please come give me kisses and hugs and loves.  Your the BEST Mom ever.

Sincelerly,
Makenna

P.S.  I unloaded the dishwasher and loaded with dirty dishes.

Can I just say one sweet little 8 year old got major kisses and hugs and loves last night.

holly jolly

Here is a glimpse of Christmas 2009, I think I'll take the visual approach to describing our holiday...

Luke was in his first preschool Christmas program this year, and he did SO GREAT!  He is our shy one, and I had my concerns that he wouldn't participate, but he knew all the words, and sung his little heart out.  The blurry picture is him waving hello to us.  ADORABLE.

 Christmas Eve brings new jammies for the kiddos. Makenna's are Big Sister, Luke has Big Brother, and Jared's say Little Brother. Santa was good to us on Christmas Morning.

Christmas morning at the Whitmer's was great.  Everyone was home this Christmas, and it looks like it will be the last one for a while, as Josh goes on a mission later this year...

Traditional Christmas morning breakfast was awesome at my Mom's house...strawberry waffles slathered in whipped cream. All in all it was an amazing Christmas.  

starting them young

Someone in the grocery store line today told me that I was starting my kids young as Duck fans. I think she meant it as an insult, but I took it as a HUGE compliment. I mean yeah, who wouldn't be?!  Couldn't be prouder of my duck lovin' kids!

a glimpse of Luke

At the dinner table tonight, Luke made his disdain known for the Swiss Chicken on his plate. He told me (without trying it, of course) that it was disgusting.

I quickly came up with a plan. I told Luke we were having a treat for dinner. His eyes perked up, the sour face melted, and he asked me what the treat was? I told him the chicken I made WAS a treat, and that he would love it! He was all lit up with excitement as he tried a bite and exclaimed, "you're right, Mom! It is a treat, I love this chicken!"

Later we were talking about primary, the day before and he told me that Sister Booger had taught him about the prophets. Ben corrected him, and reminded him her name is Sister Burger, just like it's cold out side...brrrrr...Burger. And without missing a beat, Luke said, "Oh, frozen boogers. That's gross."

Never a dull moment.