Joe's 2nd Birthday!

We went to Keith's grandparents cabin for the weekend, which was a nice break from the ordinary for all of us. We were able to go the weekend of Joe's birthday and he thought it was all about him--which is fine. We had a lot of fun watching the boys have a lot of fun at the cabin. The only problem we had was that Grandma Lila has a little bear statue by one of the doors, and Joe was pretty scared of the bear. Keith put a blanket over the bear and everything was fine after that. 

Joe has always loved a party, and this was no different. We had our movie night up at the cabin and Joe was the last one to fall asleep. 

What a life saver!

This is something that has changed my life, and I forgot to blog about it! We had been married almost a year when we bought a used washer from my aunt. The washer had a motor replaced within the first year we had it, but it has lasted us FOREVER! I went shopping for a new washer around the time Joe was born (2 years ago) because I was sure the thing was going to quit on me. Well, I am positive that paying our tithing has kept the thing running for so long. A couple of months ago I told Keith that by the end of the year I'd like to get a new washer. Then about a week later I was folding laundry and nothing smelled clean. THE TIME HAD COME! We went shopping and took the plunge on the super capacity, super efficient  Whirlpool Cabrio washer. 

Normally, after spending 7 years with an appliance, I would feel some separation anxiety or miss it a little. I am so thankful the old washer ran as long as it did, and I am EVER so grateful for the new washer. It is quiet, it holds 2 1/2 times what my other one did, I don't have to catch the rinse cycle to get softener in or to make sure the bin is "just right" so it doesn't leak all over the floor. I don't spend as much time or energy getting clothes washed as I did before.

The purchase couldn't have come at a better time. We had Matt on some stool softener to help with some issues and it must have softened much more than the stool. The poor little guy was waking up soaked every morning, even with a pull-up. So, washing all the bedding (including comforter) was no big deal with the new washer. I probably would have pulled my hair out or something worse had I dealt with that situation with the old washer. With the new washer I was able to have the patience needed to work through the situation with Matt, who was more upset with himself about the issue than anyone. Every time I use my washer I fall in love with it all over again. 

Fishing with Dad

The boys went fishing with Dad on Labor Day at Steineaker and had a great time. As Josh would say, "The best day, EVER!" They each caught 10-15 fish and were catching them so fast that Keith couldn't keep up with unhooking them and getting their polls ready to go again. They were able to go with their cousins and then we had a fish fry that night together. That was a great treat for the boys because I don't like to eat fish or seafood, so unless it has been caught or someone else buys it, we don't have it. 

It was a great day for everyone, Joe got to take an undisturbed nap while I got some Mom time to work on some projects for fun. The boys love any time they get with their dad. They all sure love him--and I think he's the best dad ever, too. 

Awesome Bike!

Finally, a picture! Don't let the look on Joe's face fool you--he loves the bike! We bought Joe's birthday present early because we are running out of warm days. He's been talking about a bike for a while, so I finally told him we'd get one for his birthday. He doesn't know the difference of when his birthday is, and boy, did he have the best birthday ever the day we bought the bike!

"Awesome bike!" "I'm happy." "I love my bike!" "My daddy for me!" "Bike, my birthday." These are all phrases we continue to hear from Joe about his bike. He is one happy little boy. He sat in the cart with the bike on the way to the checkout and had a fit anytime anyone tried to touch his bike. He shares it well now, but it was his moment and no one else's when we got the thing. He hasn't been able to ride it yet, but loves to be pushed around on it, and it won't be long before he's off and riding with the others. 

It has been so much fun to listen to Joe talk about his bike and how happy it has made him. We never expected the little guy to be SO excited! 

School..Ah, Man! Preschool...All Right!

School has started and Josh is a great student. He works hard and has really nice handwriting. I'm excited that he is doing well academically. He always has fun at school, but would rather be home with Mom and his brothers. We've already had a "sick" day, but I  think that was cured by lots of prayers and all the extra homework he had. Whew!

Preschool is twice a week, which isn't enough for Matt, but is plenty for Mom. I thought preschool would be good for Matt with all the changes this year of a new baby and  Josh being gone all day at school. I'm so glad I did. We have a co-op with some kids Matt already knows and it is the highlight of his life! The other day he was ready to go to preschool before Josh even left for the bus. Later, Keith sat him in front of the clock and told him when it would be time for preschool. To help take his mind off of the waiting, I asked him to bring me Joe's shoes. In reply I get a happy little voice saying, "Sorry! I'm watching the clock!" For 25 minutes he watched! I didn't know he could sit and focus on anything that long. Then, when I took him to preschool, he told me I didn't need to take him in, he wanted to do it himself, and he did!

Night and day--that is the best way to describe the difference between the two. We sure love them both!