Tender

I just had an experience with Carter I don't ever want to forget.  I know I usually only write about his mischievous side but he has a very compassionate side.  Today I found out one of my Young Women is having surgery for a brain tumor.  It has really been hard and I found myself crying this morning just thinking about it.  Carter saw and asked me if I was okay.  He always does sweet things like that when he thinks there might be something wrong.  I asked him for a hug and he gave me a big squish.  I was still crying so he asked me again if I was okay.  He then asked me if I wanted a "headband" (aka band aid).  He touched my tears and said he wanted to get me a band aid for them.  He then heard me sniffle and told me he would get me a tissue.  He ran to his room and got a baby wipe and came and wiped my nose.  Needless to say my tears grew heavier as I watched my little boy care for me.  His tender heart touched mine in a way I've never felt.  The love and mercy of a child.  What a powerful example. 

Laughs

We were at Grandpas with Nathan's family.  The kids were all looking at Grandpas garden.  Grandpa gave the kids some tomatoes.  Madison asked Lexi, "Are you a tomato fan?"  Lexi said, "No, I'm a BYU fan."  I was so proud.

I told Carter if he was good and sat in the shopping cart he could have a treat.  At one point during the trip I picked up a large bag of mini M&M's for cookies.  Carter picked them up and hugged them tight while saying, "I love you treats!"  I feel the exact same way.

Each night we read a story from the kids version of the Book of Mormon.  We let the kids pick which one.  Carter kept  asking for the popcorn tree one.  We brushed it off for about a week of him asking.  Finally one night it dawned on me he might be talking about Lehi's vision of the tree of life.  Sure enough I turned to that page and Carter was so happy because right there in front of him was a picture of a "popcorn tree".

Baby #3

It has been an exciting time at our house.  In May we found out we are expecting our third child January 14, 2014.  We got lucky this time and didn't have to wait long to get pregnant (first try).  I was anxious to know so I took a bunch of early tests but they came up negative.  When I was 2 days late I took a dollar store test and it looked positive so to make sure I bought another target one and it was positive.  I drove straight to Cole's work to tell him.  We called it a "flower" for a code name until we were ready to tell Lexi.  Around 8 weeks we told Lexi.  She was so excited and couldn't stop laughing.  She said she thought Grandma should have a baby too.  She loves to lay next to the baby and tickle it, kiss it, and hug it.  She always tells me how she will help take care of the baby if I'm too tired.  I love that she loves it so much already.  Carter doesn't have a clue what's going on.  He's having to grow up a little because I don't like to carry him and in general make him be a little more independent.  I have had the hardest time with this pregnancy.  I have been nautious and can't stand to eat meat.  I have been super tired, thus my house is a mess and my kids are bored.  We have eaten out way too much but things seem to be getting better.  I am excited to have a baby around again but worry I won't be able to handle everything. 

Elder Succo Returns

Christian returned home from his mission to Ghana.  We had fun making signs and going to the airport to greet him.  We went to JCW's after and enjoyed spending time with our extended family.  It was fun because the weekend I moved back to Utah Christian left so it was fun to think I've been here for two years.  Christian is all grown up now.  I can tell he was a great missionary.  I enjoyed listening to his talk in Church.  He did a great job.

Backyard

Most of Cole's time has been consumed with trying to finish the backyard.  He had to build a 100ft retaining wall, haul in fill dirt, put in sprinklers, add top soil, and finally put sod in.  It has been a lot of work but two weeks ago I finally saw grass out my back windows instead of dirt. 

Dance Recital

I think one of the best parts of parenthood has been watching Lexi perform.  Cole and I had so much fun watching Lexi's dance recital.  We both got a little teary eyed watching her.  Cole got her a flower.  He's such a good Dad.  She did so well.  She was so excited to perform and was by far the cutest up there.  She would even sing the songs.  I loved it.  The last class before the recital they did a little ceremony to honor the dancers and gave them a certificate and wings and crown.  It was cute and Lexi loved it. 

Family Time

We've had fun as a family.  Over Memorial day weekend we went to lunch, had homemade ice cream, and went to a movie.  The kids loved it all. The kids have had fun playing with each other and with their daddy.