A visit with Papa and Noni

Last weekend while we were in Fresno, we spent some time at Papa and Noni's house. Ben and Jack love going there and exploring. Between the little wooden chest with drawers of toys, Noni's treadmill and the bowl of mm's of the table, the boys have a lot to do to keep them busy. Drew and I enjoyed the chance to sit with Papa and Noni and catch up with them.

Holy Spoly, Namen!

I think Jack's baptism has left a lasting impression on Benjamin

A little bit of love...

goes a long long way. This is the latest song that Ben has learned in school and I think it's words that we can all live by. Love is the best gift you can give to someone and it's the best gift that you can receive. I can only hope that at the end of my life, my heart will have spent a lifetime loving. That my boys will know what an unconditional mother's love means to me. That my husband will know what years and years of true love leads to. That my parents will know what their love for me allowed me to do in my life. That my family will know where they stand in my heart. While these are the things that I want my life to mean, I don't want to wait a lifetime for them to be known. I want those that I love to know each day how I feel about them. It sounds easy but if it was, than why don't more people do it. Why is love such a hard feeling for people to express. It's so easy to find the bad in life. To worry about what could happen. To wonder what could have happened. Why spend your life thinking about something that didn't happen or may never happen. From the mouth of a wise three year old, "don't worry mom. Just be happy. Everything will be okay. I love you." That's the life I want and that's the life I am going to have. Tomorrow, instead of wondering when I am going to have time to clean a messy playroom, I am going to sit on the floor with the boys and play and play until it's even more of a mess. I am going to read one extra book to Ben in bed and enjoy the extra few minutes of cuddling with him. While Ben is at school, I am going to enjoy every minute that I have with Jack alone. I am going to practice patience. I am not going to complain. I am not going to wish that things were any different. I have been given a life that is meant to be lived the way it is and I am thankful for that.

So back to the little bit of love goes a long long way, remember the wonderful feeling of being loved and loving back. Really, what else could be a better way to spend your life.

Here is my wise little three year old singing with his class at chapel last week. Yes, he's moving his arms but the chair is in the way so you can't see it.

Phone Pics

Here are some of the recent pictures I've taken with my phone (which is why the quality isn't very good)...

Took this one this morning after Ben came into our bed and fell back to sleep

Jack listening to country music

Ben did this all by himself. I'm so proud of him!

Drew and I took the boys to Chuckie Cheese last week to play. Only because Ben asked with a sweet little face and voice.

Jack trying on his baptism outfit

Jack getting a haircut last week

Splish splash

Bath time is a favorite around here

I can't believe how old he looks

How nice it must be to just let it hang all out

Jack's surprised look

Love it!

Ben and Jack ride the train

Complete silliness

and I love it!

Baptism video

Knock knock

It's still summer here

Labor day is not the end of the summer for us. It's been really hot here! Yesterday, we decided to cool off by going to the pool and taking Loree and Cary along with us. 

Just like my brother

Jack loves his big brother and wants to do everything like Ben

I think these two have lifelong best friends already

Jack is baptized

After almost a year and a half, Jack was baptized on Saturday morning. 

It was a good morning for all of us as we celebrated Jack Henry.

As soon as they gave me these faces, I knew we weren't going to get any good pictures

Our attempt at a family picture

It just wasn't going to happen

A proud Mimi and Popi 

The original Hanson brothers

Finally a smile

Jack yelled when the water was poured on his head

So there you have it, we all got through Jack's day. We spent the rest of the weekend enjoying our time with Loree, Cary and Michael. Thank you so much you guys for being here.