Valentines Outtakes

I attempted a little photo session with my boys for Valentines Day cards.

And even though these didn't come out as planned, at the end of the day this was my favorite.

I had a few comments like "Wow, your boys are so good to cooperate with all your photos!"

HAH.  

If only they knew what happens behind the scenes...

These balloons were the best thing that ever happened Jacob.
But when we stepped out to start some pics he begged and pleaded for us to leave the balloons inside so they wouldn't blow away!

It took major convincing that they were magic balloons and they wouldn't blow away as long as he was happy.
He held onto those babies for dear life and would hardly budge.

Even Landon (as calm and happy as always) tried loosening him up.

Let's just say... the February wind didn't help.  

That's right.  Don't get in the way of a 3 year old and his balloons!

Hope your February has been filled with love and happiness!

iPhone Awards

Gotta love all the buzz around Awards Season.

Thought I'd share some "Best" moments from 2011 found on my iPhone.

And the award goes to...

Best Director:

My two year old bringing books into my bed before 7:00am telling me, "Read to me. Read to me."

Best Supporting Actor:

Sweetest first time holding his little bro on his own.  He looks so happy and proud of himself.

Best Hair and Makeup:

(Why do we even OWN sharpie markers?  And why was one in my husbands bedside table?)

Best Costuming:

(The boys were ready to go out for errands- I ran upstairs to grab my purse and came down to find this!  I heard sneaky Jacob laughing in the corner.  So funny.)

Award for Technical Acheivement:

Delta Pilot invited Jacob up to the cockpit before takeoff.  VIP baby!

Best Original Song:

Rocking out while visiting Utah.

Visual Effects:

Rained out at Disneyland. :(  Seriously?

Best Actor in a Dramatic Series:

Deflated balloon from Red Robin on the way home.
And a pouting fest outside- (I think he just wanted an excuse to sit in the sunshine.)

Best Set Design

A neighbor down the street.  Date of this photo: March 24th, 2011.  

Nativity scene and Christmas lights still out and still on.  (They took it down right before Easter.)

Best Animated Short Film:

Only a month old, Landon was so enthralled with the mobile on his swing.

Best Cinematography:

Driving into the sunrise after 14 hours of darkness- Oregon to Utah for Thanksgiving 2011.

Best Documentary:

Just documenting that I DID go golfing with my husband in 2011.  I didn't do so bad, actually.

Best Art Design:

My three year old's creation at the doctors office.  So scary.

Best Actors in a Comedy/Musical:

First day going to Primary Sharing Time. They played a game and Jacob was asked- "Who's your favorite character in the scriptures?"  And he replies, "Uh.... Buzz Lightyear."  We'll work on that.

I just adore Landon's squeals of delight.  Such a happy kid!

Random post?  Yes.  Fun memories?  Yes!

Do I love the convenience of an iPhone?  Yes.

"Huh?"

"Jacob, let's clean up your toys."

"Huh?"

"Jacob, can you go put your shoes on?"

"Huh?"

"You and I are going to the doctor and we're taking Landon to a babysitter."

"Huh?  A scootereater?"

Hmm.  Where do I begin?

Well, after repeated visits to pediatricians, an ENT, and finally an audiologist last week, we've learned that my little three year old has a significant amount of hearing loss.  

My heart aches for him.  This is such a crucial time in a kid's life to hear his parents, teachers, and playmates.  I am so embarrassed for all those times I lost my patience and would say things like, "please stop saying, 'huh.' I need you to listen to me."

It's been a year and a half of colds and terrible ear infections.  He's had fluid behind his eardrums making things sound like he's under water for who knows how long.  I can't help but wonder if pushing (even harder) for tubes sooner would have helped with his behavior, speech, and social interactions up to this point.  

I am so thankful, though, that they don't think its permanent and that the tubes will help dramatically.  We're hoping the procedure can take place within a few more weeks and pray it will be a success.

(And speaking of sickies... I couldn't resist capturing this sweet moment the other morning.  Jacob was sick and watching cartoons early morning.  I brought Landon down who was also coughing and sneezing.  Jacob reached out both arms and said, "Landon.  Come by me."  He snuggled up to him and put his blanky bear under Landon's arm.  And then started stroking his head.  I almost cried.)

As hard as the sick days are, I feel at times those are some of the most fulfilling moments as a mother.   I don't mind cleaning up the vomit.  I don't mind reading extra stories and singing a couple more songs. And I don't mind holding them during their coughing fits at 3 am until they fall back asleep.  I love feeling needed and this is one of those times when they need their mom the most. I can't help but be grateful for the days when I need to simplify, slow down, and focus solely on the kids.  

But, with all that said- here's hoping for a very healthy, non-ear infection Spring!