It happened at NINE...

I've been reviewing my pictures taken the last five years or so and have noticed a major change with Chandler.  The transition from "happy go lucky, take a picture of my smiling face" to "i don't really want to smile too much and how does my hair look?" really started happening this year.  When did this happen? Why did this happen?  He really is concerned about what he wears (skinny jeans are preferred but he only owns two pair, both of which was bought by the other mother) and his hair is growing, growing, growing. He complains about his teeth and remarks frequently of his need for braces.  In due time, we tell him. He is only nine, ok, almost ten, but still. I long for the days when he would just be happy most of the time and didn't mind my being a shutterbug---

It is so hard for me to get a genuine smile from him once I pull out the camera nowadays. He'd prefer to be hidden, just so you have to guess what he's really thinking---

I guess I'll just have to be sneakier.
I remember a time I didn't like my picture taken, it probably started around ten years old. It took me a long time, until my late twenties, to decide that I really did want to be myself in those forever images so I decided to smile more genuinely. I hope Chandler decides this too, but earlier than his twenties. A good reminder to me too, to smile more in pictures and just accept the extra wrinkles and life weight residue and be happy!

WOW!!!

I have to update progress with Watson's sleeping---he is actually getting some on a regular basis around here!  Actually, we're on the third day of "crying to sleep" and things are going much better than I ever anticipated. He is napping at more regular times, for longer periods, while in his crib. It's like something magical has happened. He still cries for a bit before settling into a peaceful slumber but its not that bad. So, despite the mistakes I made in his earlier life with no routine and putting him in bed with me, he is doing fantastic! Yeah for teachable children!  And Yeah for teachable mothers!

How Long is Too Long?

Here I am, sitting in the kitchen, listening to Watson wail, knowing his crocodile tears are soaking his blanket, wondering, how long is too long? This past weekend I've tried (maybe not hard enough) to let Watson soothe himself and fall asleep on his own. I think we finally have the eating stuff managed so now it's time to focus a little more on the sleeping stuff. He is six months old on Thursday and although I wish he could be tiny forever, I do want him to grow and develop and progress.  So, here I am. Trying, and not really succeeding, with this part of his training.
My life is measured by the weeks Chandler is home and the months Watson adds to his life. I can't believe how fast my boys are getting big. I barely remember Chandler's five year old questions and snuggles--it seems so long ago. Amazingly, I can barely remember Watson as a newborn, all small and quiet. I feel it such a privilege to be a mother to these two. Heavenly Father has really blessed me with such patience and devotion for them. I enjoy each day I have to be with them and am really focused on loving each moment together, for I know it will NEVER be repeated.
Watson is quiet now. He has either fallen asleep or is entertaining himself by examining the miracle of his hands. Small successes lead up to my ultimate goal--raised boys who are independent, know how important they are, and want to do things to please Heavenly Father. I love my life.

Sweets Week

Welcome to the 2nd annual week of treats for my "sweets!"  Each February I love to bake and create up a storm for Scott and Chandler. Valentines is my favorite holiday and it seems to be spread throughout the whole month.  I like to involve Chandler and help him have fun with it all--so it really isn't much of a romantic holiday around here.

So, Monday we had this:

Tuesday we had this:

Wednesday I skipped making a treat. Scott and Chandler enjoyed some guy time with some buddies at the Classic Skating and Fun Center. SO, I had a little treat:

His cheeks are so sweet & kissable!

Thursday we had this yumminess:

Friday we spent the evening at my mom's to make Valentine cards and munch on various treats. This was a big hit for Chandler this year. He had a great time brainstorming with Aubrey for different sayings to put on his cards.  The googly eyes were a popular trend on his cards.

Saturday we relaxed and enjoyed some of this:

He liked it best of all:

Finally, on Sunday we had my mom and the Smith's over and enjoyed some Super Bowl action along with this:

All I can say is, "YUMMM!" and,

I think I'm going on a sugar strike for a while.  But Sweets Week sure was fun and you can bet I'll carry on the tradition next year!

Hats of Many Colors

It all began with the little crocheted cap. 

Watson wears a hat every day and couldn't look cuter!

Today's Top News

Today is the first day of food on a spoon=HAPPY BABY!

YEAH!

Brotherly Love

One of my most favorite things in the world to hear is Chandler talking with Watson. This mostly happens when I'm out of the room.  Chandler talks in his highest possible pitched voice and asks Watson all kinds of questions--"what's wrong," "are you happy," "do you want to read," etc. I love it. I'm so grateful Chandler loves Watson and isn't afraid to show it. Watson loves him tons too. Whenever Chandler is around Watson watches his every move and smiles just at the sound of his voice. I love my boys!

More?

Can I possibly add any more hanging thingys to this bouncer?

I think I have one more month of use and then Watson will be bored out of his gourd.

Traditions of Love

December happened so quickly I can hardly remember it all. Fortunately, I have a few pictures that help me recall some fun things our family did.

Chandler and I created our yearly gingerbread house. We bought a different kit this year that included sanding sugar. Chandler loved this and it really did make the frosting sparkle like snow. Scott feverishly worked on snow bike business as we constructed and decorated.
We celebrated my mom's birthday on the 23rd. She is one of the most generous people I know. It seems she always has grandkids at her house. She gives of her time and talents freely, without any expectation of something in return. My mom really wants others ot be happy and have a good life and does what she can to make this possible.

Christmas morning was pretty calm around our house. Chandler isn't a big early riser so we all slept in until 7:30 or so. The red ribbon was in place and Santa had filled our stockings to the brim. We had a great, relaxing morning and then met with the rest of the family for brunch at Grandma Nettie's. One of Chandler's best gifts, a Flip, will come in really handy for me as I capture Watson's cuteness.

One of Chandler's other presents was a dream fulfilled for Scott, a great slot racing track. It seemed to entertain all of the boys for hours.

Where Was I?

I don't know when this happened...it looks like most of the people involved were having a good time!