Baby Bumps

Realized I haven't put any baby bump pictures up on my blog... I am now almost 33 weeks and due for another picture. :)

Happy Easter!

We had a great Easter this year! We were able to go to the Easter Pageant, which is always amazing...and this year it was extra special because Chris' sister and cousin were in the pageant. There is no better way to start Spring than to see the Easter Pageant and learn about Christ's life and the Resurrection. Grant said something really sweet during the pageant- he said to Chris' mom, "Grandma, I didn't cry when the mean guys hurt Jesus because I knew he would come out of the tomb and be alive again!". What a simple, yet important, thing to know as a child!

We are feeling especially grateful for His love right now as we go on this new adventure. Chris just got called to be the 2nd Counselor in the Bishopric! I know he will be amazing in this calling! I also know that it will not be easy. Our wards got divided and we are now in a new ward. It has been really hard to "say goodbye" to the women that I love so much and especially the young women I worked with for a short time, yet got to know and love! This is a great opportunity to meet new people though and I'm looking forward to being in Relief Society and serving new sisters. Our Bishop said that it couldn't be more perfect to meet for the first time on Easter Sunday, being that Easter is all about new life, which I thought was a great way of relating it! Right now me and the boys are working on being extra good for Mom, since Dad is gone a lot right now...nervous for when Benjamin comes, but have already had TONS of offers to help with the boys from people in my new ward. So grateful that everyone looks out for one another!! :)

The rest of the day went well with family and food and, holy cow, lots of candy! I don't think the boys need any more candy until Halloween! We hope you all had a great Easter and enjoy the pictures.

Sorry these are so small. Thought it would help save time when uploading them...

Grant's 4th Birthday!

I can't believe our little boy is 4! So crazy how quickly it goes. People used to tell me to enjoy him because it goes too fast and I didn't believe them...but quickly saw that they were right!

Some people get really sad, some excited to see them growing up and moving on to the next stage and for me, I'm right in the middle. Possibly leaning more toward the sad side. :) I will miss the things that he does now, like snuggling with me during a movie or telling me I'm pretty or his goofiness-he doesn't care who is watching him be silly or just the plain innocence that comes with childhood.

I am excited too though, I promise! ;) I'm excited that he's to the age where he always wants to help. He finds satisfaction in making people happy and doing what's right (even when he really wants to be naughty...he'll think about it and decide it's better to be good). :) He takes such great care of his little brother and watches out for him, which I love! He's so excited to help when Benjamin comes and really understands that there will be a new baby soon. He's smart and loves learning, whether it's in school, church or just little questions he constantly has. He's just a great boy.

He had a great birthday with lots of family and surprises and a really fun party yesterday. We decided to go with a Toy Story theme-one of our family favorites. I got a few ideas from tipjunkie and some random google searching and then came up with rest. I think it turned out pretty cute.

Enjoy!

Birthday boy!

Had Toy Story 3 playing, which worked out as a nice break time for the kiddos since it was warm outside.

Slinky's Hot Dogs

Little Green Alien (saw these on a blog- one of the only things Grant wanted at his party.) :)

Liquid Hydrogen

Lemon Lime Cool-Aid

Mr. Potato Head's Salad

Bullseye's Barbecue Chips

If you remember in Toy Story 2, Al (from Al's Toy Barn) falls asleep eating cheese puffs. Thought this would be fun for the kids.

Woody's Campfire Cupcakes (S'mores)... pretty yummy!

Lotso's Strawberry Applesauce

Buzz Lightyear's Refueling Liquid (Grant helped with these!)

Ladybug family and other crafts

Today we painted rocks to look like ladybugs. I thought it was cute, but wasn't sure if it was too girly. haha The boys love to paint, so they didn't care (and they did theirs boyish colors anyway). I also made some other crafts a few weeks ago, so snapped some pictures of those too. I think I said it in the last post, but oh how I love Spring! Excited for Grant's birthday this week and Easter the week after!

Either Michael or Grant bring me a flower almost every day. Sorta love how sweet they are! :)

Michael's ladybug

Grant's ladybug

Easter egg made out of buttons...not as cute as the one I got the idea from, but that's okay. :)

Grant said this is him, me, and Michael. He said, "Mom, you're the little one because you're little- not too little, but kinda little, and you protect me and Michael." haha Couldn't help but laugh...all true statements though. :)

I made this after a RS Meeting we had. We talked all about finding joy in every stage of life. It was really fun to hear the older women talk about their challenges and what they find joy in and then compare it to us younger women. They've already been through our challenges (finding time for the kids while trying to keep the house clean, scripture study, school, jobs etc), so it was nice to know we'll get through these years and to enjoy them while they last!

Both so serious... lol

Mesa Temple

On days like today me and the boys can't stay inside. I love Arizona when it's cloudy and breezy and the orange blossoms fill the air. A couple of weeks ago we walked around the temple (one of our favorite things to do). They have been setting up for the Easter Pageant, which is making Grant really excited. I love the Spring!!

Michael wanted to take some pictures too! :)

Not exactly sure about this one. haha He wanted to get up and run away, but I told him to smile first. I get what I can take! :)

Love this smile!