Bedtime Stories

Last night I was putting Shep to bed and instead of reading a story we made up several together. I would told the story and then stop and let Shep fill in the gaps. I was impressed with his creativity. This is one of the stories we made up together.

Pooh Story
"There once was a...POOH...and he went to...RABBITS...house. He knocked on the DOOR and he said..."WHERE'S MY HONEY?" and Rabbit said, let's go look for some. So, they saw a bee and followed him to the tree, they climbed the tree and looked inside the hole and saw...A TOILET!" (he's got potty on the mind, seeing that we've been potty training for over a month now.)
The story went on a little further, but I knew Shep was bored with it when he blurted out "AMEN".

I love three year olds!

Super, and Brave, Dad

I have always known Aram is a fantastic dad, and he continues to reaffirm this to me in his excitement and willingness to do things for and with the boys. Last Saturday, I took my young women to the Draper Temple Open House, and it took most of the day. My sister Kelsie invited the boys to go to Disney on Ice, seeing that I was tied up, Aram gladly volunteered to take the boys. To add to the adventure he decided he wanted to take the Front Runner Train to Salt Lake. I was impressed at his courage. I probably would never dare do such a task by myself. He left at 12 and didn't get back until close to 7. Talk about a long day with no nap, no car, and no stroller (he insisted he didn't want to have it). As I waited for them to get home, my imagination went wild with the possible mishaps that could have happened. But, when the boys got home they were in good spirits, and Aram had a very positive outlook on the day. He said Disney on Ice was great, despite the fact that Sheppard freaked out because the loud music and crazy lights. He said the train ride down with it's newness and the boy's excitement made all the stress of the ride home worth it.

Aram said this is what Shep's face was like for the whole Disney On Ice show.

As the lights went down and the music came on, Shep was very alarmed. The picture shows he was a little frantic, it took a little while for him to calm down. But, by the time he got home and gave mommy the report he only said how great it was, he must have selective memory.



Waiting for the train.

Shep turns three!

I can't believe that Sheppard is already three. We had a family party, and at Sheppard's request we had a "Panda Party", with all things Kung Fu. We made a stop at our local Asian Market and got lots of fun things for the party: chopsticks, bobo drinks, and fortune cookies. I made Shep his Panda cake, and the kids all learned a little Kung Fu thanks to Master Shi Fu (Aram).

Our little Sheppard boy is such a tender spirit. He is very sensitive to the needs of others, especially of Marshall. He is always looking after Marsh and plays so good with him...he has such great traits for being the oldest brother in our family. He is a ton of fun, with a wild imagination. He is constantly bringing me a puppet or stuff animal and instructing me that I am a Sheep, Bear, Monkey or whatever it is we are pretending to be in that moment. I really have to stretch my own imagination to figure out new ways to be creative with these animals. I can't wait for all the many adventures we have ahead of us for this next year, and to enjoy watching Sheppard learn and grow.

"Let's Build a Word"

Those of you who have children that watch the PBS show "Word World" may appreciate this story.

Shep's birthday is coming up and he is so excited. About a month ago we were discussing what he wanted to do for his birthday and what kind of cake he wanted. He loves Kung Fu Panda and he decided he wanted a Panda Cake. Since then every time his birthday is mentioned he enthusiatically throws one arm in the air and yells "Panda". He's really got his heart set on that Panda cake. So, today while Aram was picking up after dinner, Sheppard opened the pantry and started getting out all the ingredients to make a cake. After he set the ingredients on the counter in an orderly manner he started his version of spelling "panda cake"..."A...G....I....P....G"...."Cake, Panda cake." For those of you who have not seen Word World, there are animals who build words from letters that look like objects in the world. Shep was building the word Panda Cake, with "letters" hoping it would turn into a cake. His cute Daddy ended up helping him build a real cake, it's his pre-birthday cake.

Big Boy

Marshall is such a big boy. I don't remember Sheppard being so independent and "old" at this age. It probably has to do with having an older brother to imitate. Marshall wants to eat at the real table, with real silverware. He can play independently for hours "organizing" my cupboards, pushing cars around the edges of the railings, and crawling around barking like a dog. Shep thinks Marshall is his dog, and Marshall plays the part beautifully. He's got a very believable bark. He is also Shep's wrestling buddy which initially scared mommy, but I have since learned that Marsh can hold his own against his big bro.

Blue and Gold Banquet

If any of you know Aram you know that being the center of attention and trying to be silly really isn't his cup of tea. Well, that is exactly what he is asked to do in his calling as Asst. Cub Scout Master. Some callings you may get because you are really talented in a certain area or some you may get to help you grow. This is definitely the latter for Aram. He is totally out of his element but he is a great sport. I think he does a fabulous job telling lame jokes and presenting awards in creative ways. And, you can't refuse a man in a uniform, right? I love Aram for his willingness to serve even though he may not enjoy what he considers public humiliation.

I Love Snow

In case you were wondering I am wearing one of Shep's snow hats, I packed him two and forgot mine.

After living in Arizona for 18 months I have not been the biggest fan of winter. Especially those long and dreary February days of the inversion. But, I have to say I have had some pretty fabulous days of snowshoeing that makes me want to shout from the rooftops that "I love Snow". I love those days right after it snows and you get the clearest blue sky and the sun penetrates right to your soul and makes you feel so alive. It's the best!
On this hike we went up to Wheeler Creek in Ogden Canyon. I carried Marshall in the pack and Aram dragged Sheppard in the sled behind him. Shep was so relaxed, he zoned out and enjoyed the ride. I know we seem crazy but you've got to share the joys of your life with your kids, and not let them stop you from venturing out.