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.

Simple Moments : Going to Bed

The last few nights I've really enjoyed getting into bed, more than usual. I love opening all our windows and feeling the crisp night air flow in. After hot afternoons and evenings pulling weeds it has made going to bed that much more relaxing. Instead of Jack and Brock's endless noise, all I can hear is the crickets creating a sweet lullaby for me. Ah.... I'm grateful for an incredible comfy bed, cool breezes, and nature's music.

Out of the Mouth of Babes

Jack is learning all about feelings and emotions. His ability to handle them is a different story. Our following conversation clearly demonstrates this kid's wit.

Jack (in a fake sad voice):   Mama, I sick.
Me:   You are? That's not good.
Jack:  Yeah, I sick.
Me:  Well, if you're sick you better go to bed.
Jack:   I not sick! I happy!


Lately, after I get mad a Jack for something naughty he's done he responds in a sweet, innocent voice with his charming smile and big bright eyes looking up at me,

"Mama, you happy?"

With Jack in my life, how can I not be! Love him.

Our Exotic Excursion to Idado

After two plans falling through, we finally made it to Idaho to have an adventure with the Swallows during Heath's spring break in March (yes, I am very far behind in my journaling). We shared a little cabin at 1000 Springs Resort and enjoyed some fun together.

That night we cooked up some delicious tin foil dinners and banana boats. Then we squeezed in some pool time before bed. The spring water made our skin so soft. My gross, scaly heels were as smooth as Brock's bum! There was a basketball hoop on the edge of the pool and of course we couldn't keep Jack away from it. He stood on the deck shooting most of the time there.

My favorite part of the trip was seeing Jack and Brock play with their cool cousin Logan. I think they are all going to be good buddies. Surprisingly they all slept really well in our close quarters. Thanks boys for giving us all a little extra sleep!

The next day, Jack and Logan had some great bonding time while exploring a tractor we ran across while checking out the huge sturgeon fish at a local fish hatchery. 

These were some of the smaller fish at the hatchery. Some were close to double in size. Crazy. When Jack saw them he said "Look Mama! A dolphin!"

Next, we got a little lost driving through Idaho looking for balanced rock. Heath was in heaven driving around plenty of farms and dairies. After finding it, I felt like we were at Arches. 

Before hitting the road, the Swallows treated us to lunch. Delicious. And the boys slept nearly all the way home! We couldn't have asked for a better little vacation. Thanks Swallows!

Brock The Tiger's Tale : 9 Months

This kiddo thinks he is a big boy. 

He thinks he's so big that he needs a king sized bed every night. 

And that he needs to brush his 3 teeth for hours at a time.

He also think he's big enough to drive the ranch truck and our car, 

 climb piles of gravel like Jack, 

and most scary, he thinks he's old enough to have a special friend to kiss. 

(he must have a cute, girly reflection...)

In a lot of ways Brock is turning into a big boy. At his 9 month check up he was 29.75 inches tall, 90th percentile. His mellon is still large and in the 90th percentile as well. Unlike his brother, Brock watches his figure and weighs 19lbs, the 26th percentile. He must not want to be big in the weight department.

He's big enough for piggy-back and horsey rides,

 to ride in the grocery cart next to Jack now,

sit at the counter and eat table food,

 and big enough to watch Bob the Builder.

Yep, Brock is growing up. He is turning into a squirmy, get into everything, try to climb up everything little tornado. He is starting to walk along furniture, walk while pushing the toy car, and climbing up stairs. 

He likes to clap, give things and people he likes the finger point, cover his mom with slobbery kisses or blow raspberries on her arm, crawl really fast to his daddy when he comes home, and get his hands on anything electronic. 

Our wiggle worm is drawn to music and is working on some great dance moves. We think he is going to have a great sense of humor and be quite a teaser. He already seems to know how to tease everyone in our family. He still loves to wrestle Jack and we haven't found anything the kid won't eat- fences, chunks of aerated dirt, and grass included. 

Next time I blink, this wanna-be big boy won't be a baby anymore!

We love you Brockie-Boom-A-Lockie

SHE'S HOME! SHE'S HOME!!

Do you remember that feeling as a little kid on Christmas Eve? That pure excitement, all most pee-your-pants, the feel like Christmas is never going to get here feeling? That is exactly how I felt on March 11th and for many months prior. But this event was a million times better than Christmas morning. My puff muffin, power ranger, rhino was returning home from her mission in Washington. I would be reunited with my salt, my hermanita, my bestie (for the record: all salts are my besties). 

Side-story to depict how much my husband likes to torment me... The morning of the 11th was a bit raining and overcast. Heath texted me saying "Did you see Kristi's flight got delayed? Looks like it won't be in until late tonight." Heath worked last summer at the airport so I thought he knew his stuff and naively believed him. This early April Fools was not funny. It was like breaking the news to a kid that Santa isn't real. 

Thankfully her flight was not delayed, actually early, so we barely made it in time to see her come down the escalator. First I saw some cute brown boots, my heart raced with excitement, then I saw a skirt and instantly knew it was her. The tears began flowing and I did my best to hold in my squeals of happiness. It seemed like time slowed down until she was close enough to squeeze. Not only was I excited, but relieved to see her. Part of me worried she was going to sneak off the airplane before it left Washington. Like most dedicated, faithful missionaries, Hermana Lambert didn't really want to come home. She put her whole soul into serving our Savior. Her heart was clearly changed for good, full of light and love. Even though I'm taller and older I can definitely say I look up to my hermanita.

 

Facetime with the Hatchs

Jack was very bashfully flirtatious with his long-lost auntie. 

Meeting Baby Z for the first time.

My most favorite picture of the day.

2nd favorite

This cool auntie came home to 3 new nieces and nephews...soon to be 4! 

I couldn't squeeze or...

kiss her enough! Yay! She's home!

Even though your fat belly wouldn't have fit in the picture, we missed you Bec. 

The Salty 5 isn't the same with 4...

Simple Moments : Silliness in the Tub

Last week was a long one for me personally. Heath was busy from the time he got done at school until well past dark playing his cowboy role everyday last week. I was with the boys from the time they woke until their heads hit the pillow nearly all day, every day. I honestly don't know how single-parents do it. I am completely drained. I tried to look for those simple moments to be grateful for and soak in. It was really difficult some days, but I still found them. I can honestly say those moments kept me going, along with a phone call to my angel mother to cry and vow I wasn't having anymore children (I'm sure we will...it was just one of those moments!)

One of my favorite moments from the week was bath time on Thursday night. Once he hears the water running, Brock is like a magnet to the tub. Jack couldn't be more polar opposite lately. He has despised taking a bath the last few months due to some awful rashes he has had. Brock was busy playing in the water. I wasn't planning on giving Jack a bath because I didn't have the energy to fight him, but surprisingly he said, "I wanna play Bawkie in the tub!" He willingly took off his clothes and diaper and climbed in. Once he was in he said "Two boys. Cute!" Soon they were making each other giggle and splashing like crazy. I'm not sure what was so hilarious but they were both laughing so hard they could hardly breathe. Goodbye frustration, hello love. I love my silly boys.

Moments with Captain Jack : Monkeys in the Bed

We've had a rough couple of months with sleeping at our house. Brock doesn't and Jack has been waking up around 2am screaming. Both end up in our bed because Heath and I are too tired to get them back to sleep in their own. I'm grateful for our king sized mattress! I'm also grateful for adorable boys who make waking up after awful nights so pleasant.

One recent morning, I was completely zonked out with Brock on one side of me and Jack on the other. Heath had left for work about an hour before. My Captain woke up and laid on his belly with his face about 6 inches from my face. His silly giggle woke me up and opened my eyes to a gigantic smile and a sweet little "Hi mama!"

Just last night at about 5am, both the boys had been nestled into our bed for a few hours, I heard laughing coming from the other side of the bed. I peek over to see Jack totally out. He giggled for a solid 15 seconds or so. Heath and I couldn't help, but joining in.

Oh how I love my stink bug.