little gardener

The weather has been beautiful here in Oklahoma. It's been fun to play outside with the boys and go on walks. While playing in the backyard the yesterday, William decided to start digging in the garden. He's such a big helper! Last year he loved to help me weed and work in the garden. Just the other day we bought some berry plants and I think he's anxious to get them growing. Maybe he'll motivate me to get started!

loving your body

My fantastic friend, Lori, is having a "Love Your Body Week" on her blog. Her latest post was wonderful! You should all read it. It's a little long so make sure you have a few minutes. You can find it here.

dance with me!

This morning as I was checking my email I heard--over the sound of the Charlie and Lola theme song--William say, "Come on, James! Dance with me!" When I went to check on the boys this is what I found:

I think they were both whistling as well. Later I heard, "Come on! Dance to the rhythm!"

Man, I sure do love these boys!

texas getaway

This past week, Rich and I were able to get away for a few days. Rich had a work conference in Dallas so I tagged along. (Rich's parents were nice enough to watch the kids!) We stayed in the nicest hotel!We walked around so much that we were sore by the end of two days! I didn't think I was that out of shape! They had little train tracks all over the place, a river walk, waterfalls, and all sorts of fun things.

Rich had to work a booth... so I helped him "pretty it up" a bit.

And next to his booth was the Express Clydesdale's booth. Everyone wanted to get a picture with this beautiful horse! (All night I kept waiting for it to make a mess on the floor... but it never did. Nice!)

Roy Williams (Dallas Cowboys safety and former player at OU) was there signing autographs as well.Let me tell you--he was the nicest guy! Rich was super excited and got autographs for himself, the boys, and a few others.

Mike Huckabee spoke at the prayer breakfast on Thursday morning. It was a great speech. Rich had to help with the book signing afterward so I got to meet him.

Thursday night was the big concert... Leann Rimes got sick so Jessica Simpson performed. I've never been a big fan of hers, but she wasn't too bad live. And her band was great!

In addition to all that fun stuff, I got to relax while Rich worked. I took a nap, labeled some pictures, read a book, and wandered around the hotel. It was very nice! Plus I got to take advantage of all the great food that they served! Rich and I were able to escape to the outlet mall nearby and Ikea on the way home. (Ikea = lots of walking = even more soreness!)

The boys didn't seem to miss us at all... when we walked in they just kind of looked at us and went back to what they were doing. At least we know they'll be okay when the baby is born!

valentine's weekend

We had a fun, yet simple, Valentine's this year. We were invited to a party so William and I spent some time making some valentine's cards for his friends (in addition to the ones we had already made for extended family).

William got some great practice at writing his name... and didn't get tired of it until the last three! He lasted a LOT longer than I thought he would!

Friday morning was the party and the boys couldn't wait to get there. William wanted to know who was going to be there and even asked, "Is Grandma Fisher going to be at the Valentine's party?"

They had lots of fun decorating crowns, making bags for their Valentine's to go into, going on a candy hunt, and just playing with all the kids that were there.

William felt extra special as he passed out each of the Valentine's he had made.
During the night, the boys got heart attacked. William couldn't wait to show me in the morning. He wants to keep it up forever.

As for me and Rich, we were able to go out for a nice dinner on Friday night. Rich wrote me a song... my present to him wasn't nearly as cool. Saturday night we went to a Valentine's party with several couples from our ward... we had a blast.

I can hardly wait for next Valentine's Day!

serving pink lemonade

My sister, Amy, is so creative.... and now we can all mooch off of her creative ideas. She has started a blog of fun things to do with your kids while you're stuck inside for the winter. You should check it out! There are so many cute ideas!

mates of state

Often, at the end of the day, we'll turn on some music to clean up to and while I make dinner. The boys love to dance around the kitchen with me and both of them will join in when they know the words. In the past year or so Rich and I have become big fans of Mates of State. The boys are fans too. Their favorite song is Now. William knows a majority of the words and James jumps in on the chorus. It's hilarious! I captured it today while they were eating lunch.

The music is so happy and upbeat... and fun for the whole family!

ps. I also recommend Zooey Deschanel's (you know, the girl from ELF) She & Him.

goal setting

Growing up, the first Monday of January we always set goals for the upcoming year. We would write them down (and draw a picture) and then put them in a place where we would be reminded of those goals. I particularly remember making a goal to sit at the dinner table without getting up. I can vividly recall getting up from the table often. I could have sworn that I made this goal when I was about 5-ish. But when I found my old goals it turns out that I was in third grade! Wow. No wonder my parents suggested that I set that goal.

So this January, on the first Monday of the month, we helped William set goals. It's never too young to start good habits, right? And do you know what? William is doing great!

Pictures from left to right: William sitting in a chair at church, sitting on a turtle (don't ask), lots of food--beans, broccoli, tomatoes, celery, corn, and peas

The biggest success has been his personal goal of trying new foods. All we have to do is ask him what his goal is and he happily complies. Our picky, picky eater has tried so many foods in the past month--and liked them! We're still working hard at the other two but we're ecstatic at the progress we've seen so far!