Kids, New Year, & My Birthday

Okay, this post is going to have a little randomness to it. There are just a few little things I wanted to post about. First, I just wanted to say that the reason I decided to go private was so that I could make my posts directed more to my kids. I felt like I was leaving a lot of things out of my writing because I didn't know who was reading my blog. Since I turn my blog into a book, I really wanted to be able to put a little more detailed information in. So for those of you that have asked or were wondering, there you have it! :-)

I am always amazed at how much my boys love their sister. They really watch out for her and I always find them playing with her and doing what they can to keep her happy. But the times it really stands out, is when she is in trouble with Jess and I. She is VERY tender hearted and can't take the slightest bit of anger in our voices. Immediately, her face puckers up and tears start flowing. Well, Maddox has gotten in the habit of hugging her, patting her back, and saying, "It's okay Claire. I love you!" It is the sweetest thing! But it's not only Maddox. If for some reason she has caused a problem with Maddox and he is mad at her, she will run over to Mason and hide. I use to worry a lot about having a girl. Now, not so much! With two older brothers that love her as much as they do, what's to worry about??

After Christmas, we took the kids up to Provo to stay at my parents townhouse. After 9 1/2 years of marriage, Jess finally saw the place! We had a great a time. We were able to see my friends Dawn and Jacque, giving me some much needed play time, ate out WAY too much, and spent most of our time just trying to be with the kids. Which in our family, can get really expensive! I swear, we can't just spend time with out spending money. My family has a new hobby. And when I say family, I mean all of us!! I am a mother of three and I just found out how fun Legos can be. I know, some of you are probably thinking that I am crazy, but it really is a good time and the kids love it. Besides, look what we built!!
 

We left Provo on New Year's Eve and drove to Cedar where we were able to spend the evening with Jess' sister Necia and a few of his cousins. The next day, we visited both of Jess' grandparents and were also able to visit Jared's grave site. It was the first time we had been there since they put the head stone on. I don't know why, but something about seeing a stone there made it a little more real and little more hard. But we had a wonderful New Year's day with Jess' family and were grateful for the time there.

Well, I turned 28 on the 5Th! I have to say, it was a wonderful birthday. As you get older, you don't really expect to have great birthdays anymore. But for me, all it takes is a loving husband, great family, and wonderful friends. I was so happy to get all the text messages, calls, and facebook posts! It's amazing what technology can do for a birthday. :-) But really, Jess spoiled me rotten! He had taken the kids to the store the night before and let them each pick out a card for me and well as one of my favorite things. I loved seeing how their cards matched them. Claire was a little too excited about hers and ended up bringing it to me when I got home the night before my birthday. Honestly, I think she wanted the candy. She gave me Sugar Babies, Mason gave me a six pack of Diet Pepsi, and Maddox gave me the small candy coated Cadbury Eggs. All favorites of mine! As if that wasn't enough for me, Jess also gave me the perfect card, money to spend, and a massage! Which, I have to say, he is one smart man! He booked the massage for me already and has the kids taken care of. What more can a girl ask for?? Also, I have a wonderful mother-in-law that took me to lunch and then kept my kids so Jess could take me to dinner and a movie. The day couldn't have been more perfect! So far, 28 is feeling good! :-)

Me on my 28Th birthday with the people I love most in this world!! :-)