"Dreams really do come true. Ours come wrapped in Baby Blue!"

As a Mommy of boys, when I found the above quote, I loved it! Especially when we found out that we have another BOY on his way!!!

We are so excited to have another little boy join our family...we think they are fantastic and so much fun! I really feel so lucky to get to have 3 sweet little boys, and at the same time feel greatly humbled at the responsibility of raising 3 little boys.

Lincoln is excited to have an itty-bitty baby and is happy it's a boy. I don't know if Grant really understands it all, but he gently smacks my tummy when I ask him where the baby is. But if you ask Grant if he wants a baby brother, he will tell you, "no!" However, when Grant sees a baby in a store or at church, he is fascinated and can't stop smiling at it. I think he will be a fun good big brother, as is Lincoln.

baby's little feet crossed

baby's hand in front of his face

Easter!

So I'm finally getting around to posting some Easter pictures...just about a month late! :) We had a fun and special holiday time. We started a couple of weeks early teaching Lincoln and Grant what we could about what Easter is really for. I know Lincoln got it, he told us often during the Easter weekend that Easter was because, "Jesus died for us because he loves us. He was resurrected too." It was so special to hear him say that and learn what Easter is really all about.

On Saturday was my birthday and the beginning of General Conference. The day started early than I would have liked with Lincoln climbing in our bed with our wake up call. But he quickly melted my heart when he laid down beside me and softly and sincerely whispered, "Happy Birthday Mommy!"

Brandon gave me a fabulous present by taking a break from writing his dissertation! We started the day with a fun breakfast at McDs and then watched conference. In between sessions, we decorated eggs. Lincoln loved it and carefully placed each one in just the right color and added just the right adornments. Grant thought they were balls (probably because we went with a sports them for the decor) and threw one egg on the floor. After the next session and naps, Brandon and I had a night out then we finished the night with the boys and a delicious birthday cake (made by Brandon!).

The boys had fun on Easter with our own little Easter egg hunt and finding what the Easter bunny left for them. During the parts of conference we could get Lincoln to watch, he got so excited to match who was talking to the pictures in his conference book. We finished off the day with a delicious Easter dinner. It was such a fun day, I love Easter...it is so profound yet also so simple!

Easter egg decorating!

Happy Birthday to Mommy!

The Easter buckets...

Easter egg hunting...

Our handsome boys in their Easter best...

Fun Friends...

This is Ariah. Lincoln met him within a week after moving here (he was 10 mo. and Ariah was 15 mo.). Their Daddies are both in the same Ph.D program and our families used to be in the same ward, so they've been able to get to know each other quite well.

These 2 little boys have 'grown up' together these last 3 years, and it has been so much fun to watch them play together and their fun friendship. They love to play trucks together, 'sword fight', play at the park, tackle each other, and just be silly together. One of the last times they were playing together, Ariah was tackling Lincoln. I could hear Lincoln saying, "I love you Riah."

They have been together in nursery, on a trip to Hawaii, in preschool, a tumbling class, and before we both move, they will be in soccer together! I'm so glad Lincoln has had a fun friend while we've lived here and hopefully we will be able to stay in touch with his family so they can be friends for a long time.

My baby boy...

I realize you are not a 'baby' anymore, but you will always be my baby boy. You are all too quickly getting bigger and bigger. I am amazed at the little and big things you have learned to do. When and how did you ever learn your letters already? Or say so many words? Or jump, and run, and throw/catch a ball?

I wish I could bottle up that happy smile and contagious belly laugh of yours. It always makes my day to hear your laugh. I can only hope that this smile and laugh of yours will stay with you for a long, long time. I love your sweet innocence and while you have a 'sassy' side to you, there is a very gentle sweet side as well (which is why we call you our sour patch kid). How I love that sweet side.

Your hugs, your kisses, your sweet little voice, and your dreamy eyes melts my heart. I love it when you give hugs it is usually accompanied by a pat on the back.
I love when your chubby little hand takes mine. I love that when we are in a store you say 'hello' very loud and clear to everyone you see. I love it when you dance or try to sing a song. I must admit, even though it doesn't allow me to get much done, I love that you just want to be with me or have me holding you right now. I now that won't last long.

You are such a handsome, good, funny, smart baby boy. You make me laugh each day and are growing into a little boy so quickly. I am so happy that I was chosen to be your mommy and I hope that we can make all of these precious moments last.

***most of these pictures are from your first haircut...you took so long to get hair we were able to wait until you were 20 months before we felt like we needed to cut, well shave your hair off!

My little boy...

Oh my funny little boy! How I would love to bottle up this afternoon with your laughs, and smiles, and creativity. Hopefully these pictures will help me remember and can take me back.

You are such an active little boy and love, love, love riding your bike. You probably ask to ride it everyday, rain or shine! You're trying to be such a big boy and want your training wheels off...you don't need to grow up or ride off too fast though. I think we'll keep them on a bit longer.

That "Mr. Teddy" has always been by your side. You love to take him with you anywhere and everywhere and often have little conversations with him. You say that he is your favorite toy and always want to know where he is. I love that you wanted him to ride your bike with you and then wanted to teach him to ride as well. I hope you will keep Mr. Teddy around for a while.

You make me laugh and so happy each and everyday...these pictures from this beautiful spring day is only one of many examples. You are caring, loving, funny, smart, strong, active, problem-solving, and charming. I am always so grateful you are my sweet, sweet boy and I can watch you grow and learn. I love enjoying these precious years with you.

Mama, don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys...

I don't know if it's just a boy thing, or if it's because of where we live...but it seems like we have 2 little cowboys on our hands! A couple of months ago we were wondering around a store and Lincoln spotted cowboy boots. He ran over to try them on and fell in love! We didn't get them for him that night, but he kept talking about how much he wanted cowboy boots...so we decided he could "earn" them.

He's been getting a sticker on a chart when he stays in bed at night and then 5 stickers means a little award. (we were having a terrible time getting him to stay in bed a few months ago, it was frustrating and sad for all involved. The chart is now full and things are 100% better at night...he's a stay in bed pro, which we all are happy about!) Anyway, we decided at 30 stickers he could have the beloved cowboy boots! Well, 30 days finally came and he was SO excited to finally get them.

He wears those cowboy boots nearly everyday with his cowboy hat and just loves it. I found some little boots for Grant too because he kept putting Lincoln's on, and Lincoln thought Grant needed some too. Anyway, here's a couple of pictures of my cute little cowboys...

It's official!

Here's a little look into our past...and our future!

We are so excited to really see the light at the end of the tunnel! It has been a long 6 years of higher education...and now Brandon is employed! I am so proud of Brandon. He is so smart and dedicated to what he does. He is going to be such a positive contribution to the Counseling Department at Adams State College.

It is exciting to anticipate closing this chapter and starting a new one...in Alamosa, CO...with our 3 babies! That's right baby number 3 is on it's way...due to arrive 10/04/10!