Easter Weekend

We had a great Easter!! On Friday, I finished up a little shopping for the kids easter baskets. Walker and I worked on his memory verse for Easter Sunday. The kids are singing and reciting some scripture. Should be great fun to listen to. We dyed some easter eggs - that is always fun!

Freezing at the park, but all smiles for the most part.

Saturday, we got an early start on the morning, we were planning to go to an Easter Egg hunt put on by one of the local churches. It started to rain as I was loading the kids in the car, but my friend Angelina and I decided we would brave the weather and head out. Well once we got there and after it started to pour, we changed out minds. The kids weren't too disappointed, they were freezing. Little fingers were cold and noses were running. We took them all out to lunch and ended up having a great time.



Easter Sunday, the boys opened there Easter basket's (that was super fun) and we made it to church! It is so much work to get them all ready and in the car and to church on time, but we did it! The service was wonderful and I'm so thankful for such a great church! We had dinner at my parent's house and it was delish! Mom is such a GREAT cook! It was nice to just relax. The kids and I headed home after lunch and we all took a three hour nap! It was heaven! All in all it was a great weekend!

Walker wearing his bunny ears.

Finding his Easter basket

Hunter .... I just love him!

Colter's 1st Easter

My Three Sons

Grandma Gwen went to be with Jesus

This was a sad week for me, but one of joy for my Grandma. She went to heaven peacefully this past Wednesday. I was at work, when I found out. I cried upon receiving the message. I should have stayed at work, would have kept my mind pre-occupied. But I went home, hugged my boys and quickly packed to leave Thursday morning for the memorial services.

The trip to Salmon, a 6 hour drive, was a first for me. Traveling with three boys in a small car, is not something I would recommend but it was for good reason. I am so thankful that my sister, Caroline rode with me, and was much help throughout this little journey. We made it just in time for the graveside memorial, but by the time we reached our destination on time, Hunter and Colter had had enough. With two crying babes, I thought it best to stay behind. So we visited with my Aunt Molly and waited to join the rest of our family.


I thought a lot about family on this trip. My Dad, losing his Mom. My Grandpa saying good bye to his wife of many years. That is what made me sad. The loss for others. Don't get my wrong I will miss my Grandma dearly, but at the same time I just can't imagine my Mom dying and how I would feel. Or even losing Jason, we've only been married for 2 years, but I just can't imagine. I know we all found comfort knowing where Grandma was, with Jesus. I hold on to that.

I think Walker said it best. I came home from work crying and he asked why. I told him why and he looked at me and said "Don't cry Mom, Grandma is in heaven and she can fly now." I chuckled a little through the tears.

We spent the weekend in a hotel, the boys were pretty good. I brought toys, books and games. So we had our home away from home. We got to eat out, spend time with family I haven't seen in ages, laugh and share lots of memories, all the while creating new ones.

Talking to Walker about death and funerals was interesting. Kids minds are fascinating. Before bed one night he asked me "So, when are we gonna see Grandma's statue?" I'm thinking - what is he talking about? I asked him what did you say and he repeated the question. After a little digging he was referring to the headstone. I had to laugh at that one.

Colter - 2 Months

Oh my! Colter is 2 months old today! I can't believe how time flies. It is such a joy to have him. He is a wonderful baby. I am really blessed to have such a happy, content baby. He brings such joy to our family. Here is a little update on what he's up to:

• smiles and coos
• sleeps about 6-8 hours straight during the night
• likes to cuddle and be held
• content to just -chill in the bouncy chair
• holds his head up for about a minute
• likes his "tummy time"
• takes a bottle like a champ
• likes having a bath
• loves to have his diaper changed (who wouldn't?)

We have his 2 month doctor appointment next Wednesday, so I will have "stats" and post them then. He is healthy and happy we couldn't ask for more.

Fun in the sun...Montana Style!

Hunter tasting rocks.

Hunter running away from me...very typical.

Hunter trying to pull the wagon up the stairs.

We had a great time playing outside today. I think it was close to 50 degrees and I loaded up the boys after school and we went for a walk. I pulled Hunter in the wagon and Walker rode his scooter. It felt so good to just get out of the house and breathe some fresh air. The boys are sick of winter as am I. We're ready for spring! Here are some pictures...enjoy!

Walker ties his shoes!

I know that it is probably funny to write a post on tying your shoes, but it was a first and a milestone for Walker. It is so fun to watch your children grow. I love seeing his face light up when he learns something new - or something "clicks". He was so proud of himself- the smile on his face was just precious. I am so thankful for all the small moments, I cherish all of them. Collectively they make up a great life, full of stories and memories. In short - I just love being a Mom.

First Month with Baby Colter

My three sons...

Gosh, time really does fly when you are home with three kids! Here is an update:

Colter is doing great. He is 6 weeks old tomorrow. He is growing and eating and sleeping. I weighed him last Wednesday and he is now 10lbs! I can't believe how chubby he looks to me. He is eating about every 3 hours and is so content most of the day, napping on and off. He likes to be in his bouncy chair with the vibration on. He is becoming more interactive when he is awake, looking at things, making eye contact, just starting to grin and smile. He goes to be around 10pm and sleeps till about 4am, nurses goes back to sleep 'till about 7am. By far, he is an easy baby for me.

Hunter is my busy one! He is 21 months old, and keeps me running, running, running! He is curious about everything. He is into, onto and on top of just about anything! He is such a sweet, loving little boy. He still likes to cuddle and rock - it may only be for 3 minutes, but I enjoy every second of it. He is fascinated with the toilet and flushing it. We did get him a potty chair this month. I know it's early, but he is so interested in it. So, we have it on hand when he is "really" ready. He loves to get in to the candy drawer (on my list of things to move) and play with computer, he is always getting into Walker's markers - so his hands always have marker on them. He is talking ALL the time. He has his own language, he says Mama, Da-Ye (daddy), Bro Bro (Walker), Baby (Colter), Wawa (water), peese (please), Okay, Stop it and of course NO! And I know I am forgetting a few. But like I said he is always talking...jabbering on and on. He has something to say all the time! He loves to play with Walker and run and jump, watch Elmo and dance to the Gummy Bear song (look it up on YouTube). We just love him and some days we are so thankful for naptime!

Walker is ready for spring!! He is ready to play outside and warm weather! He is liking school. He has a lot of friends and likes reading to us. (My baby is reading!!!) He has been drawing and coloring a lot, our dining room is covered with pictures. He is such a great help, he is wonderful with Hunter, always keeping him entertained. He is my super helper with baby Colter, getting diapers, putting the lost pacifier in his mouth, just holding him sometimes. He is growing up before our eyes.

I went back to work yesterday. I had mixed feelings about going back so soon, but there was really no choice. Financially, we just needed my income. It sucks - but I am trying remain positive. I am only working 4-6 hour shifts, till March 15th, then I start my regular 2 days a week (12 hour shifts). I am thankful that thus far we haven't had the kids in daycare. Jason works at A.W.A.R.E. (a group home) Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I try to work Tuesday and Thursdays and he is home with kids. For the most part it works. Life - man it is harder than I ever thought it would be. God has really blessed us and I just try to remember that, even when I think things look bleak.

Here's a pictures of Colter at 6 weeks old.

Colter's Baby Shower

We were really blessed with a shower my mom through for us along with our church family at RMCC. It was so fun to share Colter and visit with old and new friends. It was such a blessing all the gifts and memories made. Here are a few pictures...

My bestest friend, Esther and I