Baby Talk

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I wanted to show you Robby talking. My camera's memory was just about full when I recorded this, so I wasn't able to get as much footage as I'd hoped. Thought I'd go ahead and post this and add more later.

And here's a little of the more...

I just have to laugh

because today is our 5 year anniversary!!! and last night around 9 pm our babysitter called and had to cancel...

On a positive note, here are some fun numbers: Adam and I have:
moved 7 times
known each other for almost 6 years
been married 5 years
lived in 4 different towns
have 3 children
have finished 2 years of grad school and almost have 1 law degree.

The first time I saw Adam, he was standing by Marta on the other side of the volleyball net at a ward party. He was wearing khakis and a blue and white polo. Our classes on MWF got out at the same time, which meant our paths would met by the time we reached the stoplight. We started visiting, then waiting for each other at the stoplight, then waiting for each other at the top of the hill, then waiting for each other outside our classes.

I remember one thing that Adam told me which impressed me very much. I asked what his dad did for a living. He told me he was a seminary teacher and one of the happiest people he knew. That bit of information seemed to speak volumes about the family Adam grew up in and the priorities he would hold as a father and husband, all of which have been verified. What I've discovered in the past 5 years: there's no doubt that Adam and I are M-F-E-O. More precisely, there's no doubt that he was made for me, because in so many ways he compliments me and really makes me shine.

engagement-time photo

Oh what will the next 5 years bring?! Can't wait to see!

Bj

Little Stars

Just wanted to share some photos of my boys--they are both getting so big!
Does Mikey remind you of anyone?

Emily had a dance recital today with her friends from her Bee Boppin' class. Before her turn to dance, there were girls and parents everywhere trying to get organized and Emily got a little nervous and started to cry, clinging to my leg like a leech while Robbie fussed in my arms. Just one of those mom moments when I suddenly felt overwhelmed. Emi eventually cheered up and, holding onto her classmates hands, went out and very seriously followed along with Miss Marie as they did ballet moves to Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. My friend recorded it, and when she gets a copy to us, we'll email or post it.

Emily's at that stage where she asks "how come?" in response to anything I say. When I told her the dance photos were on the computer she asked, "How come?"
I replied, "Because I just transfered them onto the computer. The pictures of you in your dance outfit are great!"
"How come?"
"You just look so cute," I replied.
Then Emi answered, "That's just my style."

A Little about A Lot

Just wanted to share a little bit about something I've been thinking a lot about...

Certain scriptures relevant to parenting have been on my mind lately, such as Enos 1:1, where we learn that Jacob taught his son Enos in the "nurture and admonition of the Lord." The word admonish is defined as indicating a more mild and sometimes kindly disapproval. "To admonish is to warn or counsel someone, usually because a duty has been forgotten or might be forgotten in the future". While admonishing is meant to correct or prevent misbehavior, nurturing in part is meant to encourage and develop good behavior. I often think the way I try to correct bad behavior could use some correcting too! Adam and I agree that when one of our children misbehaves, initially we either want to overreact or just let it go. I've been thinking about what it means to raise our children in the admonition of the Lord, and really appreciated hearing the following counsel given in Elder Russell M. Nelson's most recent conference address:

How can we best teach our children? The Lord has given us specific instruction:

“No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long‑suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;

“By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—

“Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy.”²⁰

When a child needs correction, you might ask yourself, “What can I say or do that would persuade him or her to choose a better way?” When giving necessary correction, do it quietly, privately, lovingly, and not publicly. If a rebuke is required, show an increase of love promptly so that seeds of resentment may not remain. To be persuasive, your love must be sincere and your teachings based on divine doctrine and correct principles.

Do not try to control your children. Instead, listen to them, help them to learn the gospel, inspire them, and lead them toward eternal life. You are God’s agents in the care of children He has entrusted to you. Let His divine influence remain in your hearts as you teach and persuade.

~

Law Review Banquet

When Adam told our kid's babysitter she'd be watching the kids for us while we attended a Law Review Banquet, she remarked, "oh boy--sounds like a ton of fun." I was actually very excited for our date at the downtown Hilton. It was their annual awards banquet where we'd also hear from two honored guests, the Attorney General and a former state Supreme Court Justice.

That evening, three awards were given for "editorial excellence displayed as a staff member of the Oregon Law Review". He was not expecting to hear his name, so when the managing editor announced Adam was the recipient of one of the three Maxine Lee Awards, he was holding Robbie in his arms and hesitated before deciding to take Robbie with him to receive his award.

Of course, that made the event all the more meaningful. For me, it highlighted Adam's hard work and diligence as a student and as a wonderful father and husband. I was thrilled to have both recognized in front of his classmates and advisers--one in the form of an award for editorial excellence, the other in the form of a peacefully sleeping newborn son.

And as you can imagine, since Robbie was the only newborn in the room (the only one under 18 for that matter), Adam's classmates just adored him. Even the Attorney General asked to know at what hospital Robbie was born. LOL

If I Love Flowers...

Where do children learn to bring flowers to their mother? Now that dandelions, daffodils, and many flowers are blooming in our backyard and neighborhood, the kids are brightening my days and kitchen counter with flowers. 

 I love their enthusiasm when they see dandelions in the yard or nearby fields and exclaim with excitement, "dandelions!"