Todd turns 4!

July 23, 2008

Dear Todd~

Happy Birthday, cute boy!  You are FOUR today.  I can hardly believe it.  You are growing up so fast! You broke the mold and joined our family during the warm, sunshiny summer. Daddy and I were so excited to have a son and your sisters were thrilled to get a brother.  You were such a happy baby.  From the very beginning, you brought joy and peace into our family.  You continue to make us smile and laugh every day!

You are a fun-loving, adventure seeking, sociable and talkative boy.   You enjoy people of all ages and are adored by your many friends, both young and old.  You like books, trains, the computer, "projects" and playing outside.  You've always enjoyed animals from a distance, but recently, you've learned to enjoy them up close.  

Emily and Natalie love having you as their little brother.  They love you very much and take such good care of you.  Emily is always there to help you do things.  She buckles your car seat when it's "just too hard", helps you with shoes, coats and other clothing frustrations, and is always willing to read or play with you.  Natalie is your best pal. She plays pretend with you, watches your favorite movies with you, is your snack waitress and has great concern for your feelings.  The two of you had some amazing afternoon adventures this past year.  I have a feeling you'll miss her this fall when she's in school all day.  

Alex looks up to you so much.  I find so much joy in watching you be brothers.  I love finding you playing together.   Alex listens to you when you tell him what to do.  He tries to do everything you do. He often calls for you when you're in another room..."Todd...Todd...Toddy!" Alex is your partner in crime, and although it makes me a bit crazy, I love seeing you get into mischief together.  I hope you will always have a special bond as brothers.  

Daddy and I love your humor, your friendliness and your intuitive nature. We love your constant chatter, your stories and your many observations. We enjoy your independence, determination and willingness to try.  We love snuggling with you at night and reading "just one more" book. We are amazed at your memory, your desire to learn and the speed at which you learn.  We love your amazing blue eyes and the "soul grabbing look" you have. You make us happy every day!

Todd, we love you and are so grateful to have you in our family.  We hope you have an amazing year. Happy Birthday, big boy! We love you!

With love~

Mommy 

*Check this post in a couple of weeks for Todd's "Year in Review" slide show...I won't have my computer and access to all my pics until we're in our house*

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Locks of Love

*Pre-post warning...If your name is Nanna, prepare yourself...and remember it's only hair and it's for a WONDERFUL cause! :o) *

Ever since K.E. and H.E., our neighbors in Logan, grew their hair to donate to Locks of Love, Emily and Natalie have wanted to do the same.

After much time, patience and a few hair brushing arguments between mom and daughters, the day has arrived!  

There was a bit of nervous anticipation, but with the support of cousins, brothers and Mom, both girls took their turn in the chair.  A big thanks to Aunt Lori for donating her time, talent and skill.  She made the end result darling in both cases!

I'm so proud of Emily and Natalie for choosing to give of themselves to serve someone else.  

Emily's adventure...

Natalie's adventure...

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Our House...In the Middle of Our Street

Success!  We are so excited.  Our closing date is August 5th.  If all goes well, we'll be moving in to our new house exactly two months to the day from when we moved out of our old house in Colorado. 

Here are the details... 

• Quiet cul-de-sac street
  
• Split-level plan
  
• 5 bedrooms
  
• 3.5 baths
• 2 family rooms (1 unfinished)
• Laundry chute (!)
• Lots of storage space
• Fenced yard
• A/C
• Nice deck (BBQ anyone? :o)

Give us a few weeks to get settled in and then the party is at our house!

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Oh, What Do You Do in the Summertime?

Oh, what do you do in the summertime, when all the world is green? Do you sit in the shade and sell lemonade, on the curb as the cars drive by? Is that what you do? So do I!

Oh, what do you do in the summertime, when all the world is green? Do you swim in the pool to keep yourself cool, or jump off the dive so high? Is that what you do? So do I!

Oh what do you do in the summertime, when all the world is green? Do you go to parades while wearing your shades, and watch fireworks in the sky? Is that what you do? So do I!

GIVING CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE:
Inspired by Mother of the Wild Boys' post "Oh, What Do You Do in the Springtime?"

Love you, grrl! :o)

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