Play dates at the mall

We went to the mall a few days ago and let the kids play in the 'play park'. I love watching the kids interact with other little kids and see how they are developing social skills. Sophia is learning the whole meaning of sharing and taking turns and I like taking her out to play so she will put all the lessons to the test.

She does very well sharing and taking turns. She occasionally needs a quick reminder, but over all she does very good. I am very blessed with having a little girl who listens so well.

Samuel is learning to play in the play area too, although I must admit I watch him like a hawk. As with every playing environment some kids are too rough and don't pay attention to where they're going. But Samuel LOVES to play. As we know Sam is very cautious when we're in public and doesn't like to smile but when he's playing he screams and won't stop smiling. it's so funny to watch and not like him at all. It's very fun to see his cautious barrier come down while his playing.

baby shower

I went to see my sister, Janet today and I just love my nephew's! Jameson is growing so fast and I miss how small they are. (especially thinking that Sam will be a year in a couple of weeks!) Sophia is just so in love with Jameson. She wanted to cuddle him and give him lots of hugs and kisses. Such a sweet little girl.

So I'm getting my house ready to host lots of momma's and babies for Janet's baby shower on Saturday. I love to have a clean house, but does it need to be so much work with 2 little kids? Literally 10 minutes after I've cleaned I need to clean again. Not fun. But I love having people over and hosting parties. Ever since I was little I was very social so getting people together with some yummy food and good conversations is great fun for me!

babies are everywhere!

Well on Friday at 2:20am I became an auntie again. My oldest sister, Janet had a baby boy named Jameson Fox Casebourne Wade. We're very excited he's finally here after several false labours and a lot of waiting. He's such a cutie and I love to cuddle him. It gives me my baby cuddles without wanting another one... yet :) He was born exactally 11 months after Samuel.

So Samuel is 11 months now and walking all over the house. I remember Sophia at 11 months... she was still crawling and around 12 months she would take 2 steps before falling on the ground. Funny how different two kids could be.

A house full of kids

Let me start off by saying that I love crafts for kids.

I was a little anxious this morning because I was going to watch my 2 kids in addition to Alexandra and Kole. I wasn't sure my condo would fit any more kids (I'm exaggerating, but you know how kids are... running, screaming, etc) but thanks to crafts, I was able to keep all 3 kids (Sam not included) entertained.

So all I did was cut some egg cartons, give them glue, foam shapes, googly eyes and let them have at it! Sophia and Alexandra made caterpillars, while Kole made a train (surprise). It kept them entertained long enough to get food on the table. Where have you been all my life!!

Today after I put my kids to bed. I reflected on the day and feel an overwhelming gratitude to my Heavenly Father for giving me 2 wonderful kids. Sophia is amazing me with how much she's learning, and especially how much she learns about the gospel. Just a week or so ago she insists that she says prayers by herself. they are usually just the beginning and end of a prayer, but I love how she's trying and wants to be independent. She's so great with her little brother and to this day (almost 11 months after he was born) she still calls him "baby". She takes care of him and whenever he's doing something that he shouldn't you'll hear her say "uh ahh" and either takes something away from him, or moves him out of the way of "danger". (although it's funny to watch her try and move Sam, because he's almost as big as her)

What can I say about my little Samuel. He is SO serious, but has a wonderful sense of humour once you crack his cautious shell. I think one of the reasons he is so serious is because a week after he was born, we moved up to Kamloops for 6 months, so he's only had our little family surrounding him. So as a result, any extended family that wants to play with him gets the cold shoulder. He loves his mom, but there's something about his dad that attracts him the most. He LOVES cuddling and spending time with Vitor and it's such a special bond that I hope sticks around. Samuel is walking more and more every day and right when he takes his first step you get to see his big, beautiful smile and the excitement that he feels by learning something new.

My children are such a blessing in my life and I love that I have the privilege of raising these beautiful spirits. I really do have the best job and the following saying couldn't be more correct:

My greatest blessings call me Mom

My first shot at this

Alright. So I'm trying to get dinner going and learn how to use this blog. I've wanted to start one for a while because I'm terrible at writing a journal and well now a days everyone is faster at typing than writing. Hence anything that is quick is good to me :) I want to start writing weekly or as often as I need to because my kids need memories from me and doing it online is a great way to share with family in Brazil too!

Sophia and Sam are sick... again. I'm noticing every year that I should expect a sick child from November until March or April. Samuel is sick, but trying very hard to walk. He's up to 4 steps on his own before he throws himself at me or Vitor, which is great if we're in arms reach :) Sophia is enjoying watching Sam try and walk, but after his try she'll say "My turn" and pretend to walk to us just to get the praise. She makes me laugh.