Just prior to Thanksgiving, David's soccer season wrapped up (finally).  I got to help with the post-season party where the kids all recieved their trophies.  I am glad that David had a good time, but it is sure nice to have our Saturdays back.

We were sad to say goodbye to James' sweet sunbeam teachers, Kathy and Mike Bergen, who have always been a staple in our ward.  They were  the best teachers.  Mike would play the harmonica during class and show the kids magic tricks.  Kathy was super energetic and creative.  One time they had the kids "park" their handcarts around a campfire  and roast s'mores.   We were sad to see them move.

Road to Recovery

After months of pregnancy sickness and then two weeks of the flu, today is the first day that I actually feel like I have some energy.  I have lots of catching up to do, so the next few posts are an effort to make up for lost time.  

I should add how grateful I am for my sweet relief society friends, who have been helping with kids and offering meals.  It is humbling when you finally get to the point where you ask for and accept help. 

As winter was approaching for the rest of the country, my backyard looked remarkably like the garden of Eden.  The lemons, oranges, and wintertime flowers are always a welcomed sight as fall ends.  I might add that this year was our first crop of lemons.  Somehow 5 made it!

Happy Birthday James!

James turned 4 on Monday!  Since Joseph, Ruth, and David's summer birthdays all fall within 3 weeks of each other, James has had an especially long wait.  It finally came.  The birthday tradition with the boys has been to take them to the Lego store to spend birthday money and then out to lunch.  This year James chose a trip to McDonalds.  This large Lego stormtrooper flashlight was his choice.  Pretty fitting for him, especially because he's been in love with star wars since babyhood.  I should add that David (his own idea) used his very own money to buy James a surprise as well.

Cute little threesome during the birthday dinner.  

Four candles

Four blows!

Before we could get James positioned behind the cake, Ruth somehow got herself situated for a turn.  I think that I was so busy with the camera, and Joseph so busy with the other camera, that we didn't quite catch her little maneuver.  Good thing candles can be relit!

We were lucky to have great-aunt and uncle Carolyn and Richard Boden over for the festivities.  They filled in for the grandparents that are in far off places. (sniff!)  Ruth and Carolyn were instant friends, of course.

I am quite in love with James.  It is amazing to see how such a strong willed, impossible toddler has evolved into a sweet-loving child.  He is by far the most easy-going of the three.  I love James because he is very thoughtful, very playful, and if you ask him about anything, he always has a lengthy explanation.  He also has the sweet faith of a child: always remembers prayers at mealtime, even at Costco, studies carefully our scripture books, and takes "CTR" very seriously.  He even requested "CTR" on his birthday cake.  His favorite color is blue, his favorite toy are Ninjago legos, and his favorite song is "The Armies of Helamen".  So glad that we had a day to celebrate this special boy.  The best part is that he belongs to me!!!

Sweet James

Since it took so long to conceive James, we often joke about how Ruth must've pushed him onto the slide from heaven to earth.  

Today, James corrected our silly notions: 

"Mom, Ruthie didn't push me.  Jesus helped me come to earth."

CindaRUTHIE

I think this girl has a weakness for shoes.  In fact, the other day, we went shoe shopping at Nordstrom Rack and spent a good 30 minutes inside the shoe aisle.  She did not complain once!

When it's just too hard to share...

Happy Halloween!!