Physical Fitness Award

At the end of last year, Brody earned the national physical fitness award at school. I was very proud of him and he was so excited but it was at that assembly that he learned that he could have done better, he could have earned the Presidential Physical Fitness award. At that moment he made a personal goal to earn the "blue" one next year. Fast forward to this school year. Brody wakes up really early every day and, instead of watching TV, he practices for this fitness challenge. I cannot tell you the number of times that I have come out of my room in the morning and Brody is doing pushups, situps, or stretching, he is very self motivated. When the run portion was coming up he would wake me up early on Saturday morning to go running with him so he could be ready. The whole year I was just praying that he would be able to reach his goal. Well the assembly was today and when he earned the Presidential award I was so excited for him! This award taught him that if he works really hard he can reach any goal. He was one of only 5 first graders that got this award! I was one proud momma seeing that smile reach across his face.

My Hat Lover

This little boy loves, hats, balls, blankets, and his thumb.  He takes 3+ hour naps every day.  Smiles at everyone and loves playing peek-a-boo with his brothers.  He is 17 months old with only one more month until nursery!  His favorite words are shoes, mom, dad and no.  Everyday he is becoming more of a toddler and less of a baby.  He has recently started to join in on his brothers wrestling matches and is pretty good at holding his own.  I love being this kids mom.

Kindergarten Promotion

Tate had kindergarten promotion today.  I had no idea what a big deal it was.  I just figured it would be like any other assembly and I would arrive 5 min. early see him get his diploma and be out of there.  I knew I was in trouble when I pulled into the parking lot and there wasn't a spot to be found.  I quickly parked at the nearby park and Rex and I ran to the school.  We made it just in time to sit in the very last row and hear Tate's name called out!  Next time I will arrive a little earlier!!  Tate also received to book worm award.  I hope that his love of learning continues, he is one smart kiddo! After the "ceremony" everyone got cake and many of the kids received gifts and balloons from there family.  I didn't bring Tate anything but he really didn't seem to mind.  No parent is perfect, right?

SIX years old

I can't believe my Tater Tots is SIX years old! His is such a fun little boy to have in our family! What I love most about Tate is his sweet personality. He is always trying to make everyone around him happy. All of the gifts he asked for were really for someone else. He wanted LEGOS to share with Brody. He wanted wii games to play with Rex. He wanted FUDGE to share with his mom. He rarely thinks about himself. He really is an amazing example to me everyday. I know that as their mom I am suppose to teach these little ones but, so often they teach me. I finally get what the Savior meant when he told us to be like a little child.
Tate's love language is time. So instead of giving him tons of toys that he would really only play with for a few days I decided to give him what he really wanted, time with mom and dad. So, next weekend he gets to go on a date night with mom and dad and he is so excited to stay up late and have mom and dad all to himself for an entire night!

(I love this picture of Tate because this is the smile I LOVE! When I ask him to smile it is often a little less natural if you know what I mean)

I love this stage of missing teeth! Could this kid be any cuter?

I can't believe all four of these rug rats are mine! I sure am one lucky mom!

I hope you had a wonderful day Taters your family LOVES you!

Rock Hounds Baseball

This year baseball was so much fun! Brody and Tate were both on the same team making it much more convenient for Michael and I. Michael was also able to help coach and the boys loved having Dad in the field.  Colby is at that crazy stage and doesn't like to sit in one spot more than a few minutes, so I rarely got to watch much of the game but what I did see the boys did amazing!

My Neglected Blog

I know that it has been a LONG time since I have posted on this blog and I really have no excuse! I am just busy with life. So I am not even going to try to update you on everything that has been happening but here are some pictures and some quick highlights!
* I went on one of the funnest girls trips of my life.
*Brody and Tate played basketball and baseball on the same team.
*Tate was a wise man in his school play
*Rex turned 4
*Colby finally walked at 15months old
*The boys have gone camping and fishing several times.
*And we have celebrated many wonderful holiday!

I am really hoping to do better, but no promises!