I'm 4!!

Shortstop had a pretty good birthday, or so he told me that evening.  We had planned on a big party but some of his friends and cousins were gonna be out of town so we decided to do just a family thing.  He woke up with balloons and streamers in his room and then spent the day at a baseball game with Mark, hanging out on BYU campus and then Barnes and Noble to read some books.  That evening we had New York style pizza, TMNT cupcakes, opened gifts and played with the new toys.

I love my genius 4 year old!  He is so loving and caring and wants to know about everything.  When people are not nice, he wants to know why and talks out how we should be nicer and do what Jesus wants.  His questions are never ending and he grasps way more than I ever thought a 4 year old could.  He loves to play outside and enjoys tag and red light-green light and sidewalk chalk.  Shortstop is still our intense BYU fan and will be loyal his whole life, I think.  He loves scriptures and saying prayers and talking about Jesus.  Lately he wants to know if one day he can visit Jesus' house and eat lunch and dinner with him.  His prayers are so sincere and he truly talks to Heavenly Father, telling him about his day and the things he needs and wants and even the things he is sorry for.  (I am keeping a word document on the funny things he says and one day I want to have it printed out for him.)  The kids blows my mind and I am learning so much from him.  He loves to read and is reading most kids' books on his own.  Every once in a while he spells out a word for me and asks what it says.  He is also artistic and could spend hours drawing, writing notes, painting, or playing with playdoh.  He struggles when people around him struggle and tries hard to make sure people are not angry or sad.  Mistakes are taken hard by him and I am working on this…he wants to be perfect and does not like messing up even though we tell him it is ok and everyone makes mistakes.  He loves to kiss and hug and say I love you to anyone who allows it.  Shockingly, he still enjoys quiet time and does it at the same time Fullback naps so that is super nice for me.  He protects his little brother and likes to teach him new things every day.  His favorite lately is that he can help Fullback onto the couch and he takes this job seriously.  He likes to know the step by step schedule and the menu each and every day.  Each night before bed he asks, "Can I have breafkist when I wake up?" and then sometimes tells me what he would like.  He cleans up after himself, does projects around the house with me and loves to help me bake and cook.  Dancing and singing are a big part of his life as are sports.  Dad is his best buddy and I am his princess. He likes TMNT, Star Wars and anything Disney.  The talk of moving in to the new house is such a fun adventure for him and he can not wait.  He is funny and silly and a natural born entertainer.

I love you buddy.  You are the best oldest child a mom could ask for and I am grateful you are the example to Fullback.  You make me laugh every day and my heart bursts each time you say you love me and how happy you are that we are family. You teach me patience and love and so much about the gospel.  Your testimony is so simple and so strong.  Thank you for showing me what it means to be a child of God.

Easter

Easter is such a beautiful time of year and one that I look forward to.  The weather is usually nice, the trees are starting to blossom and it is a great time to reflect and renew on life and blessings.  And the main reason, of course, is the resurrection of the Savior.  This year, Shortstop has been very interested in the Atonement and what that means for him so it has been great to teach and learn at the same time as I bring it to his level.  He loves his Savior and teaches me each day what that means.

We did our Easter baskets on Saturday during the day and the boys loved finding them.  The Easter Bunny left a trail of jelly beans of course so the hunt would not be too hard.  Then on Sunday we wore our new Easter outfits to church, which happened to be Stake Conference and then enjoyed dinner at my sister Rachel's house.  It is good to have family close by and I am grateful for that blessing.

During Stake Conference, Shortstop was writing notes and handed this one to me.  I love how big his heart is and how good he is with writing already!

I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and that because of the Atonement I can keep on trying to be a better wife, mother and person.  I am not perfect, but I don't have to be.  I just need to keep trying. I need to push through the hard times and come out stronger on the other end.  And it is with the help of the Savior that I can do that.  I hope each of you found peace this year in the message of the Resurrection.