Bitter/Sweet Milestones ....

Okay this mama was about to cry today! 

WHY?

Well my little boy who is turning 4 in April started in Primary today.

And for me that is a HUGE bittersweet milestone for me.

It means he's getting older and can do more things, but it also means he's not my little baby anymore. He still likes to snuggle with me, which I'll gladly take a time out from my schedule to spend with him snuggling.

I had to seriously hold back the tears today, because that's how I roll. 

I get emotional, and I love my kids and knowing that he's 

the last one makes everything else that much harder to go

through with him. I'm trying not to cry right now while I'm making this note.

I thought he was going to have a rough transition from nursery, where they 

get to play with toys, and have a snack, to going to Sunbeams, where they don't get

to play with toys, and they don't get a snack. 

During Sacrament meeting I saw him acting up and getting all grumpy like, as he was before 

church.  He claimed he didn't want to go to Primary because there wasn't any toys in Sunbeams. 

Luckily as it was time for Primary to start, he went without any problems.  Afterwards, I asked him how 

he liked it, and he said, " It was good, but they don't have snack! And I like having a snack!"

Looks like we'll have an okay time, I just wish the same good fortune to the other **families that have

a child going into Primary for the first time.  ** You know who you are.  

Now we're off to see what other adventures we 

face for the next year / phase of our life. 

I love Ethan.... (the others too)

So lately Ethan has been going to nursery (his class he goes to at church on Sundays it's for those kids who are 18 months - 3 years old).  It's been great, he doesn't cry or scream or throw a fit anymore when it's time to go.  He loves it! And I love that he loves it!!  They have someone come in and do singing time with these adorable little kids, and just recently they had a picture with a face.  You hold it one way it's a sad face, and the other is happy.

Well there is also a song that goes with this particular picture.  It's so cute to hear him sing it, and refer to this song as "my song".  And that he can't sing it unless he is holding his picture.  Here are the words:

If you chance to meet a frown, 
do not let it stay.  
Quickly turn it upside down and smile that frown away. 


No one likes a frowning face, 
change it for a smile. 
Make the world a better place by smiling all the while.

It is such a simple little song with a cute little tune, but is packed with probably the greatest lesson for most human beings to learn.  And now I find myself reminded of this song from when I was in Primary (the class for the kids ages 4 - 11,   in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints ).  When I'm finding myself getting upset and frustrated those words are popping into my head ALL the time now.  And it's getting easier to ignore  LISTEN to them and change my attitude.  You know they always say you learn things from your kids and lately that is exactly what's been happening in my house.  Thank You Ethan for teaching REMINDING me of something I learned a long time ago.

I also can't get over how cute he sounds with his cute little boy voice, and the amazing smile that is plastered on his face when he sings this happy little song.

Here's a link to the song if you want to take a listen.

A trip back in time.... Remember this??? I do...

I went back into my "VAULT" of pictures, and put together a photo collage of Ethan's first birthday that took place two years ago. I know I put these on facebook as pictures, but I don't think I've ever done a "Scrapbook" type page of these pictures. So for your viewing pleasure, here are some fun moments from Ethan's first birthday. ( I posted this same layout on my other blog too)

Ethan's 2nd Birthday.

Okay so here's a preview of my little boy's 2nd birthday. Which was actually 2 months ago!! It's gone quickly too. More to come.

The great thing about this little kid.... he's so lovable!! Those little blue eyes get me every time. Even though he has proved to be a challenge .... I can wake up and know that I still love him, and always will. Hope you had a Happy Birthday little boy!!

In my arms....

I really enjoy laying with a good book and reading. What's even better?? When my two year old wants to come snuggle up in my arms and there is no one else around and no noise and he lays down and falls asleep and starts snoring. His little body is so constantly busy that I forget how precious this little guy really is.

And with the reality eating at me that he might possibly be my last child.... my heart is trying to soak up all the love and joy he brings to me. His silly little grin, he's very beginnings of trying to talk. He's also (when he's not throwing a fit) trying to please his mom. Oh, that's me!! Lucky me . I enjoy getting to spend time with this little guy, and as I feel with all my children. I love to see them happy, and learn and grow. I can only pray that my efforts, with the help of a loving Heavenly Father will be enough to create their solid foundation .

What do you want?????

I seriously considered dropping of my now 2 year old at the nearest person to me, when all he did while I ran into the store to buy 2 dozen eggs for dying. It all started when I got him out of the car..... I unbuckled the little guy, and the first thing he did was WHINE OUT LOUD that he wanted something... but because of his lack of communicating verbally with any remote sound of a word... I had a hard time figuring out what he wanted. I realized that he wanted his Easter bucket with him in the store... apparently they are best friends now and I wasn't aware of this fact.

Then while we were in the store to prevent the 2 year old and the 4 year old from running all over the place I got a shopping cart and placed the 2 year old in the seat at the top and the 4 year old in the basket part. And the 2 year old placed his bucket in the basket part as well. All was fine for the rest of the 30 seconds before I got the eggs in the cart, and then he started WHINING out loud over and over!!! He wanted in the basket, then he wanted out, he wanted on the side than he wanted in the seat again, and this went on over and over. I'm finally at the checkout counter with just 2 dozen eggs and a calm 4 year old sitting nicely in the basket while I'm getting those "grinned" stares simultaneously with my 2 year old wailing and wailing and starting to throw himself backwards while I'm holding onto him in my arms ..... and I tell you I about lost it right there... I had to keep counting to 10 SILENTLY OUT LOUD IN MY HEAD in order to make it through that torturous little trip to the store.

But then I discovered why he was throwing a fit.... guess??? That's right he wanted to HOLD the EGGS. From the minute I put them into the cart until I drove all the way home ( a total of 5 minutes or less) he screamed, and then some after we came into the house. Poor little guy, he didn't understand those ones are "BREAKABLE" -- someday maybe, he'll catch on.

And I'm only writing this so that I have a record of it later... but also to have it be one of those FUNNY stories when he gets older. (Just remember, Ethan, I love you!)