Simple Moments : One on One Time

One of the reasons I think Brock is such a whiny baby is his need to compete for my attention. That wasn't the case this afternoon. Jack and Heath were out moving some big rocks from a neighbors yard on the skidsteer, so Brock the Rock and I had some great one on one time. We both LOVED it.

He showed me just how smart and adventurous he actually is. Rather than attaching himself to my hip or leg, he pointed to the toy barn on the shelf and said "mooof". I pulled it out and we played animals. Cows and dogs are his favorites and he has his own words for both of them "moof" and "dod". Next we did some pillow jumping. He loves it when I throw all the pillows on the floor so he can fall on them.

It was fun to give my full attention to Brock. Despite all this clinginess, I sure do love him.

Easter 2014

Events surrounding Easter this year helped our family ponder our Savior's role a bit more. How grateful I am for Him and His infinite atonement. Because of Him I can be with all those I love after this life. Because of Him I can be forgiven for my many shortcomings. Because of Him I can be strengthened to endure the trials of mortality. I truly love my Savior.

Heath's Grandma Marjorie passed away the week before Easter Sunday. I was often told I didn't know the real Grandma Marjie, but from all the stories I can tell she was an earthly angel. A couple years ago I made a special video about her for her 90th birthday. After interviewing all of her children and scanning and organizing 100+ photos of her life and posterity, I felt like I sure missed out not getting to be around the younger Marjorie. What a lady!

Her funeral was one of the happiest ones I've been to. Not at all because she was gone, but because she helped create a posterity that has testimonies of the gospel. The most tender moment of the funeral was hearing her sweet husband Grant sing, "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" at her graveside.
We love you Grandma Marjie!

Jack seemed to enjoy easter egg hunting quite a bit, but just like last year I think he would have been happy with 2 or 3 eggs. Once he found one, he would open it right up and enjoy the treat before moving on to the next. He even shared with Aunt Kristi and Grandma. Brock liked his chocolate treats just as much as his bro. Here's snaps of our Easter fun....

Captain Jack's Log : "I Not Cute. I Big"

One day I told Jack he was cute. Disgusted with my compliment he said, "I not cute. I big." I realized cute is the word we call Brock and other babies. It has hit me several times over the last few months, Jack is not my baby anymore. He's becoming my fearless, adventure-seeking, brilliantly talented little boy (minus the diaper...).  Here are some moments that I have seen glimpses of what kind of big boy Jack is going to grow up to be.


Nothing new here, but one day this kid is going to throw a lot of strikes. His pitcher face alone will leave the batter shaking in his cleats, but he also has an arm to back up that intense look. Whether he ends up playing baseball or not, Jackie will be one determined young man. He already is.

I think Jack is going to be a lover of anything with an engine. Tractors, motorcycles, trucks...you name he'll love it. As much as I wish it wasn't true, he's going to be a dare devil too. All I hope is that his fearlessness will help propel him through the tough times that we are here to experience in mortality. 

There's a good chance he'll be like his dad and have girls wanting to hold on to him tight while sitting on the back of his bike. (Just not until your 30 okay buddy? And only Jordan.)

Jack is also going to be a man with a tender side. The kind of guy who knows how to show those he loves he cares about them. 

It may be a good back rub...

A snuggle...

Or a kiss...

I see Jack being a leader. The kind of leader that makes others feel empowered, capable, and wanted. 

I hope he is a leader for his peers. One who doesn't put up with bullying or evil. I see super hero in my Captain.

Jack will be that person that naturally lights up a room. He remembers people's names and greets everyone like its the best thing in the world to see them. He can make just about anyone laugh. He's going to spread a lot of happiness.

I see Jack being a hard worker in everything he does. After all, he is learning from one of the best in that department (not me, his dad. :) I pray he chooses to work hard toward the things that really matter because...

 

I see him being a King.

 I love you Captain Jackie.