Babies and Chocolate!

This morning I read an article that said that breathing "new baby scent" stimulates the same happiness sensors in the female brain that eating chocolate does. I believe it!  I could just sit and breathe this little girl in ALL DAY! I really am addicted, and can't get enough. Being near her, and smelling her new baby smell, and seeing her eager little gummy smile makes me SO happy! She is such a joy!

4 months old

19 weeks old

She is seriously the happiest baby!

20 weeks old. She is getting really good at pushing herself up on her hands. 

21 weeks old.

5 months old. 

23  1/2 weeks old! She is almost sitting up on her own. She has a strong little back and really good balance. 

If you can't tell (from the picture-palooza), I think she is just about the cutest baby EVER! I truly love her... even more than chocolate. :)

Easter 2014

Easter is one of my favorite holidays--then again, I think I say that about EVERY holiday. I just love celebrating, and traditions, and any excuse for making happy family memories.

I wish I would have got a picture of the letter Karen wrote to the Easter Bunny before the mailman took it away. It was darling. She asked the E.B to come with our baskets on Saturday, and she included (in her sweet little second grade writing) a testimony of the Savior and Resurrection, as she explained that those things would be our focus on Easter Sabbath. Love that feisty girl!

It was so funny because on Saturday morning Creed came into our room SO excited! He said "LOOK WHAT I FOUND UNDER MY BED!" He was holding a new Rescue bot. Ryan and I were both shocked. Creed hadn't known the E.B. was coming that morning (or the delicious candy-fest that was about to be showered down upon him.) His basket (and Rescue bot) were  hidden WAY under his bed. I am still baffled at his "new toy radar" that went off and caused him to look under his bed. Weird! 

The children got bubbles in their baskets. They had a great time playing later that day. I loved the action shots! So fun!

Kyle's Birthday

Kyle turned 13 years old! TWO teenagers in my family! How did this happen? It sure makes me feel old. Although, I must say that there have been some wonderful surprises that have come with teen aged children. So far, these guys have been delightful. They are maturing in to a couple fellas that I sincerely enjoy being with. They are fun and funny and thoughtful.  Kyle is especially kind to his old Mum. He is very free with his love and praise.

KB was very excited to get the supplies needed for  him to bring home his pet tarantula from school. (Yes, you read that right... we will be having a "pet" spider in our house. Doesn't that just give you the heebie-jeebies?  But, look at how happy my boy is!)

I love Kyle's zest for life. He is great at looking on the bright side and finding the humor in situations. He is extremely witty. One thing Ive always admired about Kyle is his likability. He makes friends very easily. People naturally gravitate towards him. He is positive, and doesn't waste a lot of time worrying about the "small stuff".  I love that, for the most part, he doesn't get caught up in what others think about him. He is pretty content just being his totally awesome self. I constantly wonder how a nerdy gal like myself ended up with such a cool confident kid??? I am so proud to be his Mother!

I love you, Kyle!

Do You Want to Build a Snowman?

Over spring break, we had a big, wet, snowstorm. Karen decided to build the season's first (and most likely, last) snowman. Unfortunately, the snow wasn't optimal snow-man-building snow... but she made it work. It was so fun to watch her creativity, and Creed's willingness to help find straws for the arms.

Karen was so proud of her cute little snowman!


And here is 30 seconds later, when our stinky little dog ran out and snatched the carrot off the poor innocent snowman's face!  AND... I failed to get a picture of 30 seconds after that, when Stinkus knocked the rest of the snowman to the ground.  Sorry Karen. Some dogs just love carrots. And knocking things over.

Kailani's Birthday

Kailani REALLY wanted an ipod for her birthday this year. Ryan and I have an agreement with our children that (as a one time deal) if they earn half... we will pay the other half of their 1st big electronic purchase. It is a pretty sweet setup--for everyone involved. Because they had to work for it, they feel a sense of responsibility for the item.  They take care of it, and know it didn't come without work.  Ryan and I, as a result of paying for half, are able to set up a few guidelines of our own (like they cant take it to school, etc.). Kailani had been saving since Christmas.  We told her that it was probably too expensive for the birthday budget, but we would wait and see what happened. The week before her birthday, the ipods and ipads went on a great sale (which is quite rare). As a result, Kailani was able to get an ipad mini! She was so excited!

Kailani wanted her cake to say "The Bee's Knees" as an homage to Camerons cake this past birthday. It was pretty funny to see the boys reaction when they saw what was written on Kailani's cake.  I believe this is a saying that might live in DeGraw family infamy for years to come-- much to the "delight" of the cake decorators at Broulim's.

Because I was so sick for Kailani's birthday, Grandma Nelson brought a cake by. It made Kailani SO HAPPY-- not only to have 2 cakes, but to have a special one made with love by Grandma.

I adore this girl! I love that she does her homework when she gets home. I love that I catch her dancing and singing to Pandora's Disney station. I love that she is so confident in trying new things, and in her talents and abilities. I love that she sees the good in everyone, and doesn't talk bad about others. She is funny, and emotional, and goal-oriented. She loves to run errands, and is always the first to see a need and fill it. She likes spending time with family. She is smart, and loves learning. She is wonderful!