Bentley's Blessing

Bentley Olive was blessed on Sunday, April 10, 2011. It was such a beautiful day. Jefferson did a wonderful job with her blessing and we had the most family and friends at this blessing than with any of our other children. It was really special. After the blessing we headed back to our house for a brunch.

Thank you everyone who made the effort (and long drives) to be here. It was truly a special day for our family.

I mowed the grass during the kids' nap today and when Andi got up she looked outside and said, "Why is the grass so clean?"

My favorite time of day with this little bundle is right after she eats. She is always bright eyed and loves to interact with me. She also smiles readily right after a feeding. Unfortunately I get too caught up in her smiles to remember to take pictures. I'll have to post some updated ones soon of her. This was her birth announcement.
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Ready, Set, Party!

My firstborn is 5 years old! I am not ready for him to be 5! That means kindergarten in the fall. He is so ready and excited. I on the other hand am not.
He requested a race car birthday party and we had a great time with him and 7 of his friends!



We decorated license plate frames and had little license plates with each of the kids' names on it to put in it. We made key chains, had a tire bean bag toss, played red light-green light and some other races, had cake and ice cream, and opened presents.

I think everyone had a good time and Carter enjoyed his 5th birthday!
Thanks to everyone who came!

He had his Dr's appointment today and did awesome! He was so tough when he got his shots. He weighs 39 whopping pounds, putting him in the 15% for weight and he's 45 inches tall, 75 % for height.

I don't mean to be all sentimental, but Carter really is the best little boy. He is sensitive and kind to others. He is truly happy when others' are happy. He has such amazing manners. He is a little soft spoken, but such an obedient little guy. He is very coordinated and athletic and loves running and playing anything that involves a ball; soccer, football, baseball, tennis.... Right now he is really into board games. He particularly loves Toy Story Yahtzee, Chutes and Ladders, Candyland, and Sorry. He also loves books and is enjoying trying to sound out words and start reading. He is the best little helper around the house. I can't imagine what our home would be like without him. We are so blessed to have our little C-Mac!

Past 7 weeks =

Birth of Bentley + death of BIL + funeral & everything that accompanies that + sister and family in town for almost a week (not long enough) + 3 siblings and parents in town for weekend (also not long enough) + Bentley's baby blessing & brunch+ rehearsing & singing for chapel dedication + Carter's birthday + birthday party with friends + life, like preschool & joyschool & tending to four littles & a house & a newborn = a lot of catching up to do.

Funnies

We were talking about my parents and how far away Gramzee and Grandpa Paul live and Carter said, "They live really far away. Our bums hurt when we drive there."

We were looking at pictures of Disneyland and there was a picture of the Nemo ride and Andi said, "Look! There's crotch!" Us: "What?!" And then we saw... "Oh, you mean Crush." (the old turtle)

Andi said, "Dad, I found a penny while I was playing... Bonus!"

Both Carter & Andi say they need to "hanitize" if they need to use hand sanitizer. Is there any way to coin that word and make money off it? I think it's brilliant!

I love how polite Carter is... he told Andi, "You can wear my necklace, but please don't pull on it, because that will stretch it and ruin it and that will make me sad."

Carter took Taytum's helium balloon outside that's a couple days old and said, "Mom, we're trying to give the balloon to Heavenly Father and Jesus, but it won't go that high." I told him it was the thought that counts.

Andi was talking about Bentley's poopy diaper at the table and Carter turned to her and said, "Andi, that's not appropriate."

Andi was able to step over the baby gate that we have up due to our little crawling niece being here, and when she did Carter said, "Good job! That's my girl!"

You'll find that life is more worth while if you....

SMILE!

Meridian Temple

They announced today in General Conference that they will be building a temple here in Meridian, Idaho.
I am beyond excited!
I told Carter and Andi that they are going to build a temple next to us and Andi went and looked outside and said, "Mom, how are they going to build a temple next to us? There are no spots left."

We went out to eat at Famous Dave's last night to visit Ali at work. So good. (side note: Ree Drummond's beef brisket recipe is better than Famous Dave's... I made it the night before) Carter and Andi insisted on wearing their rain boots with their shorts and skirt, respectively. They got a lot of comments on how "awesome" their boots were. On the way over Jefferson and I were listening to Andi and Carter talk in the back seat and Carter said, "My abs are getting so big in my legs." We bust up laughing. I think he was mixing up our comments on how strong his abs are with how big his calf muscles are getting. Also, at the table at the restaurant, Taytum was playing peek-a-boo with a little boy in a high chair in the table next to us. They were so cute together. I wish I had a picture. We played about 20 games of "I spy" at the table while we waited for our food and while we were eating. Ali was one excellent server- my Diet Pepsi was never dry. Bentley remained asleep in her car seat the entire time. It was fun to spend a night out with the fam. Now Carter and Andi keep playing "server" today during conference and wanting to bring us plates full of their play food.