Hey, Jude!

Here he is, the long awaited cousin on the Huish side. Up until now, Kellen and Jane were the only grand kids on my side of the family. My sister Jenn and her hubby Jordan are in medical school far away, but I got to fly out with Jane and meet the newest member of our family, Baby Jude. He was born at the end of August. (sorry, I'm still backtracking!) I love him so much already! I can't wait to see him again at Christmas time. He is a sweet little baby, and Jenny and Jordan are so cute with him.

I think there is something really special in seeing your sister become a mother. Jenn and I are so close and have so much in common, so watching her with her sweet baby, was like watching myself through different eyes. It brought back all the feelings I had with my firstborn baby. It's also sort of like watching our Mom, which makes sence -- we learned how to be Moms by watching her.

Jane thought he was pretty neat. Someone smaller than her!

Jane is quite the Mamma's girl, and generally takes a while to warm up to new people, but with Jenny and Jordan it was like she knew they were family. Maybe it's because Jenny and Jordan are so much like me and Tay.

She especially loved Uncle Jordan. I think it had something to do with the lack of Daddy that week. She would light up whenever he was around. He was so cute with her.

Here she is helping him with his studying.

LOOOOOVE IT!!!

Thanks, Jenn and Jordan, for letting us come visit you and share in such a special time. It was so nice to just chill like old times, and Jude is so sweet. I miss you all everyday.
Thanks, also to Grandma's and Grandpa's who gave Kellen such a fun time, he didn't want to come home! You are the greatest!
And, last but not least, thanks to my sweet hubby, for letting us leave for 9 whole days. I know you were lonely, and we missed you too. Next time you'd had better just come with! Who needs a job anyway, right?

Another Summer Evening

Jane loves being outside. Every time she hears a door swing open her eyes open wide and she quickly makes her way there, hoping for an escape. Her efforts are often thwarted, and then follows the whining and a few tears. She also cries when I don't let her eat dirt, or in this case MUD! I know, I'm such a mean Mom! As you can see, she put up a good fight. I'm sure there are some nutrients in there... maybe a few worms... yummy!

Kellen saw that I was taking pictures of Jane, and of coarse wanted to steal the show.
"Take my picture, Mom! Cheeeeese!"

This is a classic Kellen face. Isn't it hilarious?! Notice the eyebrows. What a nut!

A, B, C's and 1, 2, 3's

Kellen has been going to preschool now for a few weeks, and he absolutely loves it. He is the youngest in his class, but the teacher says he is doing great. He is always so excited, I barely have to help him get ready. Then when he comes home, he pulls out his homework right away like a good little student. The best part is, it's only two houses down the street, so Kellen can walk to and from school while I stand watch at the door. He puts on his backpack, gives me a kiss, and waves goodbye. I tried to walk with him once, but he held up his hand and said, "No, Mom! You stay der! I hav-a go to school! Buh doh wurry, Mom! I'll be back soon!" Then as he walked the short distance, he kept turning around to wave, and shout, "Bye, Mom! I'll see ya waiter!" I guess he is loving his new found independence. That's a good thing, right? Time is flying way to fast! I don't think I'll be able to send him off to real school without shedding a few tears. I love this kid!

This is is new favorite picture pose.
I think it's his ninja (minja) superhero look?

Check out the pencil legs! Love' em!

NOTICE

After a computer safety class @ R.S. Enrichment night, and a Blog Safety article in this months Ensign, I've decided I better make the old blog private. SO... if you want to continue to enjoy my extremely poetic, and insightful writing, along with my excellent grammar and spelling skills, you've got to let me know! ;) Did ya catch the sarcasm there? I know my skills are seriously lacking, but I do post pictures of my oh-so-adorable kiddlets from time to time. So if you want in, let me know (SOON) and I'll send you an invite! Mmm-kay? :)

The Big THREE-O

Yup! Taylor's an old man now! :) Ha! Ha! I get to tease him for two more years, until I'm thirty myself! The funny part is, that I think him turning thirty is more weird for me than it is for him. It must be because I met him when he was seventeen, and honestly, he doesn't look much different to me. They say love is blind, and maybe it's true, but seriously my hubby is cuter to me than he ever was!

Now, as is tradition, here are 10 things I love about Tay:

Warning: If you can't handle mushiness, I suggest you stop reading.

1. His contagious happiness. He never passes up the opportunity to make me smile and/or laugh. His physical humor is the best. (If you haven't seen his crazy dance moves, your really missing out!) He has such a friendly, easygoing, and jolly personality, that you can't help but feel happy around him.

2. His determination to keep the commandments with strict obedience. He is an amazing example to me.

3. He is a phenomenal Dad. Practically perfect, and yet always seeking to improve.

4. Same as #3, only change the word "Dad" to "husband".

5. He has unwavering patience. I've never known someone to keep their cool the way Taylor does. I don't think he's ever really "lost it" in his entire life! (it's almost aggravating, actually... ;)j/k) He is slow to anger, quick to forgive, and I am so grateful for that!

6. He appreciates the value of hard work and a job well done. At the same time, he's not one of those people that lives for the job. Tay works hard so he can play hard, which makes for a lot of fun!

7. Taylor supports me in everything. He never misses a concert or performance, and is always the loudest one cheering. He lets me take on all kinds of new endeavors, and doesn't hassle me when half of them don't work out. Whether it's a realistic idea or not, he never tries to "clip my wings."

8. Taylor is totally in love with his family, and expresses that love so freely. As a result we all adore him.

9. Taylor is an amazing athlete. Whether it's mountain/road biking, basketball, tennis, soccer, or pretty much any other kind of sport, Tay excels. Even if the joints are getting a little rusty ( ha ha ha) he can still give those cocky teenagers a run for their money.

10. He's totally... sexy... and I would expand on that, but this is a public blog, after all. :)

I love you, babe! Happy Birthday! You are still, and always will be, the man of my dreams!!!