Ode to Vern

I considered making this post a poem, but my poetry skills are way out of practice (yes, that is me admitting that my Vern has had a few too few love poems in our time together). But, poem or no poem, I have to say that my Vern is one rockin' awesome husband and father. There are few things I love more in this life (perhaps Bosa Donuts is one of them, jk) than watching Vern play with the kids. They race, tickle, tackle, jump, giggle, throw, catch, ride horsey, ride piggy back, read books, color pictures and just spend time having fun together. I can't believe I'm admitting this, but sometimes I even tear up watching them. Super sappy, I know- but I just feel so lucky to have such a wonderful man in my life. I hope my children always know just how lucky they are. Vern is exactly what I need and so much more than I could have ever hoped for. Vern, I hope you know just how much we love you!!

Princess Rachel & Sir Tyler

For anyone blessed enough to have been around Tyler at bedtime (and lucky enough to have witnessed the sometimes painful ordeal) you have surely been begged to tell Tyler and Hannah what we dub a "Princess Hannah" story. This is just a series of made-up tales based on the adventures of Princess Hannah and Sir Tyler (the creativity of the adventures is based purely on the story-teller...and let me just say, Grampy tells one impressive "Princess Hannah" story). Needless to say, although this tradition sometimes saps Vern & I's creativeness, it has blossomed in Tyler this new found love of telling stories. Today at breakfast, I had Rachel sitting in a reclined highchair situated between Hannah and Tyler. And instead of eating his increasingly soggy cereal, Tyler decided to tell Rachel a "Princess Rachel and Sir Tyler" story. I don't even recall what adventures were had (although I do remember Princess Hannah and Sir Vernon making cameos...and what about Her Royal Highness Queen Jessica? I was wondering the same thing). But the cutest part of the whole thing was how Rachel seemed totally transfixed by Tyler. She smiled and cooed and seemed to be completely enthralled by the telling tale of Princess Rachel and Sir Tyler. Judging from her reaction, I wish I had been paying better attention to the story myself!!

Simple Smiles

I really shouldn't admit this, but I have always been a little confused by the women who professed to love breast-feeding. For me, motherhood was a bit of an adjustment, and nursing did not go over well. Although things were better with my second child- I still could not reconcile myself to being so tied down to my sweet little baby. It seriously hasn't been until this child, my third, that I have truly come to appreciate nursing. Maybe it takes a few kids before you come to appreciate an excuse for a little down time. But more than that- I can't help but laugh each time my darling little Rachel turns feeding time into her own personal social hour. She always starts out so focused, but before long, she's smiling, cooing, laughing and just content to visit with anyone close by. But no matter who she sees and smiles at...when she's looking into my eyes, it feels like there is no one she loves more than me (which is hogwash of course...since her daddy feels the same way). But it definitely has changed my whole perspective on nursing, her sweet simple smiles bring so much joy into our home. They are truly contagious and we love her for it!!

Sign Language

Earlier today, I was reading a book when Tyler came up and said, "Mom, I need to tell you something." I looked up with the "What do you need to tell me" expression on my face. This is when Tyler proceeded to do what appeared to be a very accurate imitation of an amateur shadow puppeteer. Still, a little confused by this response, I persisted with "Tyler, what do you need to tell me?" (this time in words, not facial expressions). With shoulders now slumped, Tyler responded, "Mooooooom, I'm trying to tell you in sign language." How silly of me not to have realized this sooner. Judging by the shadow puppets, whatever he had hoped to tell me was probably something awesome. I wish that I had a picture to go with this post...maybe next time.

Finally Putting Photoshop to Use

So it's taken almost a year to finally get the hang of Photoshop. I am far from a pro, but I am excited to have just completed my first 2 Photoshop projects...Rachel's birth announcement and a thank you card for my sister. Check 'em out, I pretty excited I was able to do these from scratch!! (this preview may ruin it a little for those getting these in the mail...sorry!!)

August

Here's a little of August...we really haven't been up to much
Vern & Tyler went camping with Vern's brother Morgan and his 2 sons, Zane & Lucas. They had a blast and Hannah and I had a good time doing some serious girl time with my niece Audrey. It was good times!!

The kids sharing cereal (their idea, not mine!)
Tyler's first day of pre-K at Porter elementary. He takes the bus with the big kids and everything. He absolutely loves it.
Who says a flip-flop can't make a good phone?
Hannah graduated to a "big girl" bed. She loves it, and it's been pretty good. But she has recently figured out that she doesn't HAVE to wait for me, she can come out on her own. Which only stinks when she comes out at 2:00 in the morning ( I wish I could say that she didn't do it often!!)

July...in pictures

Since I am sooooooo behind on my blog (something about newborns makes me brain dead), I decided to just update the past couple of months in pictures. Enjoy!!
Yes...he really is fast asleep while sitting on the counter. We brought him in from the car, set him on the counter and waited for about 10 minutes before he finally woke up. Luckily he didn't fall.
4th of July in Prescott. Our new favorite family tradition!!!


"Thanks Grampy, but I prefer riding solo!!"
Partying at Grandma Clegg's!! It's always crazy fun!!
I love this face...and her Aunt Alisa is all kinds of foxy!! (there is a reason I am behind the camera...baby weight, ugh!!)

Our last little family outing before I went into the hospital to have Rachel and would be out of commission for a couple of weeks. We went swimming at Brimley Junior High.

I blame her dad...Hannah's got to be mimicking someone, right?! (and no, she isn't really potty trained!! Just pretending)
Playing in the sprinklers!!
Apparently the sprinklers weren't cutting it. So Tyler brought backup!!
He came up with this all on his own. I think he saw it in a movie.
The Farewell Party at Grandma Mackey's. Vern's brothers Orrin & Jake and their families just left for dental school. We sure miss them!!
Vern babysitting!! Scary, huh!!