My very talented sister-in-law, Heidi, took these pictures of me and my baby girl. I love how they turned out!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
I Love you because . . . . .
Valentines Day was on a Monday this year. So, love was the topic for Family Home Evening. We didn't have time for a traditional lesson. So, while we enjoyed our special valentine dessert (vanilla pudding parfaits layered with red raspberries, bananas, and whip cream -they looked awesome and tasted delicious), we played a little game. We placed a bottle on the table and took turns spinning it. Whoever spun the bottle was to say something they love about the person it was pointing to when it stopped spinning. It was really fun. Whenever it was Aaron's turn, he would say he loved that person because they were "tute" (cute) and then he'd giggle. One time, Brigham's spin landed on himself. So, I asked him, "what do you love about yourself?" He smiled and declared "that I'm so righteous." Shane and I just busted up laughing. (Shane often will tell the boys he loves that they are righteous boys. I'm guessing that's why he said that.)
Valentines Day was on a Monday this year. So, love was the topic for Family Home Evening. We didn't have time for a traditional lesson. So, while we enjoyed our special valentine dessert (vanilla pudding parfaits layered with red raspberries, bananas, and whip cream -they looked awesome and tasted delicious), we played a little game. We placed a bottle on the table and took turns spinning it. Whoever spun the bottle was to say something they love about the person it was pointing to when it stopped spinning. It was really fun. Whenever it was Aaron's turn, he would say he loved that person because they were "tute" (cute) and then he'd giggle. One time, Brigham's spin landed on himself. So, I asked him, "what do you love about yourself?" He smiled and declared "that I'm so righteous." Shane and I just busted up laughing. (Shane often will tell the boys he loves that they are righteous boys. I'm guessing that's why he said that.)
Before Valentines day as Joshua was preparing his valentines for his classmates and decorating his box, Jacob became very concerned about missing out on the Valentine festivities at homeschool. So, he decided that he and Brigham should make valentines for each other. They each made like 15 valentines each. Jacob in his impatience even helped Brigham address his (which means he made his own valentines really). As the "teacher," my part was to make the day fun. So, we played math games and read several stories about love. For lunch we made heart shaped personal pizzas. Then, we played a few board games, made pink popcorn, and decorated sugar cookies. I think Jacob was happy with our party and so I was happy.
Shane and I celebrated Valentines early this year. With Addelyn being so young, we decided to have our Valentines date at home. So, we fed the boys an early dinner. Then, we sent them downstairs for a movie night so we could cook and enjoy a dinner together upstairs. For dinner, we had french bread with olive oil for dipping, coconut chicken with apricot sauce, baked potatoes and perfectly steamed broccoli. We had a really good time.
During our date Addelyn hung out with us and Aaron visited us a few times At one point, he pulled a stool up in between Shane and I and chatted with us for a bit. When I got up to get the chicken out of the oven and saw the table from this view (pictured above), I had to laugh - and take a picture. Notice Aaron's sippy cup and water bottle on the table. I guess this is what a romantic dinner looks like when you have a 2 year-old. And I'm so happy I do!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Big Brothers
When people find out Addelyn has four older brothers, they make comments like, "Wow, her boyfriends are gonna hate that," or "Boy is she going to be protected. . . . and tormented."
While their comments may prove to be true, I think she is an awfully lucky little girl to have the big brothers she has. They adore her that's for sure.
At first Aaron was pretty sure he was not a big "bruder" or a "bruder" at all for that matter. "I Aaron," he would tell me when I said things like "you're such a good big brother." Now he's okay with being called a brother and tells me all the time "I love him." He knows Addelyn is a girl, but he always refers to her as a him. He has been so gentle with her which is so nice. Aaron is my sunshine. I love him.
When people find out Addelyn has four older brothers, they make comments like, "Wow, her boyfriends are gonna hate that," or "Boy is she going to be protected. . . . and tormented."
While their comments may prove to be true, I think she is an awfully lucky little girl to have the big brothers she has. They adore her that's for sure.
At first Aaron was pretty sure he was not a big "bruder" or a "bruder" at all for that matter. "I Aaron," he would tell me when I said things like "you're such a good big brother." Now he's okay with being called a brother and tells me all the time "I love him." He knows Addelyn is a girl, but he always refers to her as a him. He has been so gentle with her which is so nice. Aaron is my sunshine. I love him.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Introducing Addelyn Lucy Walker
born January 16, 2011 at 12:03 P.M.
7 lbs. 11 ounces
I'll never forget the way she looked up at me when I held her for the first time.
She just stared and stared at me. And I loved every minute.
Welcome to the wonderful world sweet Addelyn. We are so glad you are here and so happy you are a part of our family.
3 days old
December was great. It truly was for us as they say the most wonderful time of the year. Jacob and Joshua were really into giving presents this year. They had most of their presents made and wrapped the first week of December. If only I had been so on-the-ball. Jacob kept saying to me, “Christmas is going to be here before you know it.” And of course it was. Still we managed to do plenty to celebrate the season. We listened to Christmas music constantly, read Christmas stories nightly, baked and delivered goodies, made ornaments, sang carols, wrapped presents (the boys got quite good at this), and talked a lot about Santa (which, I must admit, got a little old for me - as much as I love the magic of Santa Claus, I sometimes wish we could forget about it – It is often such a distracting tradition). We watched my favorite Christmas movie It’s a Wonderful Life as a family and the boys also enjoyed several other holiday favorites.
We spent Christmas Eve at my parents home. After a yummy dinner, we read the Christmas Story and the Children dressed up and acted it out. It wasn’t the most reverent thing. Aaron was a shepherd, but he was pretty sure that his cloak was a cape and that he was actually superman. This got into all the other little boys heads and we had a room full of supposed-to-be wise-men and shepherd that were running around pretending to be super-heros. Thankfully Jacob (a wise-man), Joshua (Joseph), and Regan (Mary) did a good job at staying focused. In fact, I think they were really into it, thinking about their roles.
Joshua as Joseph
and
After opening a few presents, we returned home to get ready for the magic. We set out cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. The boys dressed in their new PJs from Grandma Applegarth, said their prayers (praying of course for Santa safe arrival) and got in bed (visions of quivers and arrows and binoculars dancing in their heads). Shane and I locked our door and got to work. I was mostly done constructing their quivers. But, I still had to sew and attach the straps and Shane still had to build and paint the target. So, we were up a little late. We finished our Santa Claus act around 1:00 in the morning and fell into bed. I think we may have been as excited as the boys. But, we definitely weren’t as well rested. They woke up at 2:30 am. Luckily, they came to our room in the dark and didn’t see anything. Shane took them back to bed and told them not to open their door again until at least 5:30. They were obedient and kindly waited until 5:45 to arouse us. We said family prayer. Then, I went out and turned on the lights and Shane let ‘em loose!
Santa came!
Joshua trying out his binoculars
Jacob and his favorite arrow
We had an awesome Christmas morning. The boys spent the morning making arrows, shooting their bows (in the basement), playing basketball (again in the basement) with the new balls Santa brought Shane, and playing baseball with the T-Ball set Santa brought for Aaron. Aaron’s favorite thing though was his stocking (Santa brought him all the special treats he could eat). The boys were so preoccupied with their gifts from Santa they completely forgot about all the presents under the tree. So after our late breakfast, it was Shane and I that suggested we should open the rest of the gifts.
Of their wrapped gifts from Mom and Dad, their favorites were the roller blades for Jacob and Joshua and a new scooter for Brigham. Shane, the biggest “boy” in our family, was happy to receive a pair of ice skates (he has been really wanting a pair) from me. And I was given “a day out” to go shopping and get ready for the baby from Shane. From Jacob and Joshua, I was given a necklace from each of them. Both were similar, made of yarn with buttons threaded on it in a pattern. It was really sweet of them.
We spent the afternoon at my parents. David called and we all enjoyed talking with him. We watched a movie and ate good food. It was a lovely day.
We spent Christmas Eve at my parents home. After a yummy dinner, we read the Christmas Story and the Children dressed up and acted it out. It wasn’t the most reverent thing. Aaron was a shepherd, but he was pretty sure that his cloak was a cape and that he was actually superman. This got into all the other little boys heads and we had a room full of supposed-to-be wise-men and shepherd that were running around pretending to be super-heros. Thankfully Jacob (a wise-man), Joshua (Joseph), and Regan (Mary) did a good job at staying focused. In fact, I think they were really into it, thinking about their roles.
Joshua as Josephand
Regan as Mary
After opening a few presents, we returned home to get ready for the magic. We set out cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. The boys dressed in their new PJs from Grandma Applegarth, said their prayers (praying of course for Santa safe arrival) and got in bed (visions of quivers and arrows and binoculars dancing in their heads). Shane and I locked our door and got to work. I was mostly done constructing their quivers. But, I still had to sew and attach the straps and Shane still had to build and paint the target. So, we were up a little late. We finished our Santa Claus act around 1:00 in the morning and fell into bed. I think we may have been as excited as the boys. But, we definitely weren’t as well rested. They woke up at 2:30 am. Luckily, they came to our room in the dark and didn’t see anything. Shane took them back to bed and told them not to open their door again until at least 5:30. They were obedient and kindly waited until 5:45 to arouse us. We said family prayer. Then, I went out and turned on the lights and Shane let ‘em loose!
Santa came!
Joshua trying out his binoculars
Aaron's quiver is almost as big as he is.
Jacob and his favorite arrow
We had an awesome Christmas morning. The boys spent the morning making arrows, shooting their bows (in the basement), playing basketball (again in the basement) with the new balls Santa brought Shane, and playing baseball with the T-Ball set Santa brought for Aaron. Aaron’s favorite thing though was his stocking (Santa brought him all the special treats he could eat). The boys were so preoccupied with their gifts from Santa they completely forgot about all the presents under the tree. So after our late breakfast, it was Shane and I that suggested we should open the rest of the gifts.
Of their wrapped gifts from Mom and Dad, their favorites were the roller blades for Jacob and Joshua and a new scooter for Brigham. Shane, the biggest “boy” in our family, was happy to receive a pair of ice skates (he has been really wanting a pair) from me. And I was given “a day out” to go shopping and get ready for the baby from Shane. From Jacob and Joshua, I was given a necklace from each of them. Both were similar, made of yarn with buttons threaded on it in a pattern. It was really sweet of them.We spent the afternoon at my parents. David called and we all enjoyed talking with him. We watched a movie and ate good food. It was a lovely day.
A Time to give Thanks
I have always loved Thanksgiving, but I especially enjoyed it this year. We used the themes of gratitude and service throughout the month in our Family Home Evenings and in our homeschooling. We have so much to be grateful for and therefore, have so much to give.
Joshua's class did a Thanksgiving themed readers theatre. Joshua was the turkey.
We celebrated Thanksgiving Day with my family.
My Grandpa Applegarth was the guest of honor. We were so happy to have him with us.
My dad taking his Thanksgiving day nap following feast.
What would Thanksgiving be without a good 'ole turkey hunt? Joshua's turkey costume served as our target (of course we substituted a block of styrofoam for Joshua) and we used the boy's pvc bows. Despite the cold, it was a fun activity for everyone - children and adults alike.
Joshua taking a shot
These two picture of Brigham make me laugh. His tongue, the common theme, must help him concentrate on important things like shooting his bow and eating his pie.
Pie - glorious pieSunday, November 21, 2010
Walker Cousins & Nauvoo
Shane's brother Jaylen, his wife, Leah, and their six children, Austin, Jessie, Eric, Ethan, Mindi, and Caleb, came to visit us back at the beginning of October. Really they were on their way to visit Shane's parents in Ohio where they are serving a mission. But, we were so happy they stopped to visit us. It was a much anticipated event. Jacob and Joshua talked about them coming for weeks.
Jay, Leah and Family
On their way back from Ohio, we met them in Nauvoo. We spent two days there with them. Our boys were in heaven, especially Jacob who misses living around cousins his age. We visited many of the sites and learned about how the pioneers made and did things. It was facinating to Jacob. Both Jacob and Joshua enjoyed the gunsmith shop and the blacksmith shop. Brigham didn't especially like the tours. But, he did love being with his cousin Mindi. This really surprised me because Brigham isn't the friendliest little guy when it comes to unfamiliar children. Yet, he sure liked Mindi. The cutest part is they held hands everywhere they went. For Shane and me, the best part of the trip was a temple session at the Nauvoo temple followed by a tour of the temple given by one of the temple Presidency and his wife, Pres. and Sis. Smith (Jaylen and Leah know them from Boise).
Visiting Nauvoo made me reflect on the sacrifice of these wonderful men and women. I can't wait to thank them someday. They were extraordinary people. Their faith and commitment to the truth was amazing. The wonderful thing is that we have the same opportunity. Of course our experience is different in ways, but really it is the same. We too are able, if we will, to give our lives (our will) to the Savior and to follow him. There are sacrifices and changes we can and must make to enable the Savior to make us into great men and women like the pioneers.
This is the actual rocking horse John Taylor came back across the river in the middle of the night for. So, it's like 165 years old. And Brigham tried to ride it. 
I thought I'd teach Brigham how to stick pull while we waited for the others to finish a tour. He was no match for his pregnant mother.
We are missing Jacob in this picture. Unfortunately he got sick the last day. So, he was resting in the van (which was parked very near by).
Shane's brother Jaylen, his wife, Leah, and their six children, Austin, Jessie, Eric, Ethan, Mindi, and Caleb, came to visit us back at the beginning of October. Really they were on their way to visit Shane's parents in Ohio where they are serving a mission. But, we were so happy they stopped to visit us. It was a much anticipated event. Jacob and Joshua talked about them coming for weeks.
Jay, Leah and FamilyVisiting Nauvoo made me reflect on the sacrifice of these wonderful men and women. I can't wait to thank them someday. They were extraordinary people. Their faith and commitment to the truth was amazing. The wonderful thing is that we have the same opportunity. Of course our experience is different in ways, but really it is the same. We too are able, if we will, to give our lives (our will) to the Savior and to follow him. There are sacrifices and changes we can and must make to enable the Savior to make us into great men and women like the pioneers.
This is the actual rocking horse John Taylor came back across the river in the middle of the night for. So, it's like 165 years old. And Brigham tried to ride it. 
I thought I'd teach Brigham how to stick pull while we waited for the others to finish a tour. He was no match for his pregnant mother.
We are missing Jacob in this picture. Unfortunately he got sick the last day. So, he was resting in the van (which was parked very near by).
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