Creed's "Pretty" Smile

Creed has a new smile. It isn't his "genuine" smile, it is his "pose" smile. He flutters his lashes and gives me love eyes and a very soft little angel smile. I think it is pretty darn cute, but you can judge for yourself...

It has actually become a bit difficult to get a picture of his real smile, because every time we pull out the camera, he puts on his new smile. The truth is I adore his little face, no matter what expression it is wearing.

I Taught Him Every Move He Knows!

Creed LOVES to dance. He can't hear music without bustin' out some crazy dance moves.  The older children have even named a few of his signature moves. Some of our favorites include "the vacuum", "the elevator" and  my personal favorite... "jiggly pants".  So, Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls of all ages-- here for your viewing pleasure-- Creed "Twinkletoes" DeGraw!

He sure knows how to make us smile. I just can't seem to figure out where he got all his moves...

It's A Wonderful Life-- Act 2

This has been a busy week. There have been a few things worth noting. Here they are (in no particular order):

*Today Karen came to me with a handful of change ($0.82 to be exact), and asked me if she could pay me to finish cleaning her room. She looked up at me and said in her most persuasive voice, "C'mon Mom... you'll be rich." I said, "Well, I suppose that depends on how messy your room is." I was surprised to see that she was almost done. I don't know what a "good mom" would do in this situation-- but I know a good deal when I see one. I finished straightening her room, she happily paid me, and we both walked away feeling great about our deal.

*Creed had his first haircut. I haven't ever had to give a "first haircut" to a kid this young before-- but he needed one...

--Before--

--After--

I know how to cut boys hair short, but I realized that I don't know how to do long hair without making it look a little too "Lloyd Christmas".

* I cleaned out the garage, and found a box of old letters and pictures-- including the WORST picture of me E.V.E.R!!! It was taken at the start of my "awkward phase" (the one I'm still waiting to outgrow). I had been asking my mom to cut my bangs for way too long -- I think I would have even settled for a "Lloyd Christmas"-esque do.  On a completely unrelated note, this was taken the year my whole grade started calling me "Leo Lion Bangs". --- Hmmmm?  I can't seem to figure that out. Anywhoooo, back to my point. When my kids saw the picture, they all said, "Yikes! Who is that?"  I said "That is me." Then I may have told a little fiberooski (which I'm not proud of), and said "That was the style then!"  

I make that button sweater look good!

The journey through the box of pictures didn't end there, next they found a picture taken my sophomore year in High School (still awkward).  On this day,  people kept asking me why I was so dressed up, or if I was going to a funeral. I even had someone think I was a substitute teacher. Why didn't I just wear a t-shirt and jeans like every other 10th grader?

 There were a few more "lovely" pictures in the box... but perhaps I will save those for another day.


*The other day, I snuck into the bathroom to quickly remove the polish that was on my toes. Now, I'm sure you are asking yourself, "Why does she have to sneak to do that?" Well... it is because I have a little girl who makes me give her a mani/pedi everytime she sees me even go near the fingernail polish. And lets face it... just because this Mommy finds 2 seconds to remove her toenail polish, it doesn't always mean she has time to play beauty salon for a half an hour. About a half a second after I had successfully removed my polish, and cleaned up, Karen was knocking on the door. I opened it, and she came in sniffing the air. Sniff sniff, sniff sniff. "Mom, What's going on in here?" I said, "Oh... not too much. I was just going out." She said, (as she looked closely at my naked toenails) "But, Whats that smell?" I said, "I just took off my toenail polish." To which she quickly replied, ... drum roll please ... "Will you paint my toenails?"


*I went to the Lost and Found Sale at BYUI. I was going for a one-of-a-kind hymn book I had seen at Ryan's work a couple weeks before. I went to wait in line an hour early (eye on the prize), but was disappointed to see it had been taken by the time I got into the sale. Later, Ryan surprised me with it!!! He had bought it as his "one item" that the sale employees get to buy. I was so happy.

I wish the picture turned out better. It says "Tom Marvolo Riddle" (if that means nothing to you... Google it!).

* Ryan celebrated a birthday!!! He had a busy day at work, but we managed to go visit him for a little while. He got a few gifts from some of his students. I made him cheesecake. He was so grateful for all of his gifts and every little thing we did for him today. I am sure in love with this boy!

Whooowwweee!!! There are a few of the weeks highlights (and I didn't even mention losing Karen-- twice, or the 3 contractors who came to our house, or even Kailani's bike getting ran over by the neighbor!).  No wonder I'm exhausted.

One Year Older... And Wiser Too!

Creed's birthday is today. One year old already.  Last night, after I got Creed back to sleep, I just sat and cuddled him. It was 3 in the morning, and my heart was so full of love and gratitude for this sweet little boy. This past year, as I have watched him grow, I have had so many experiences of pure happiness. I have rejoiced over all of my babies, but I am trying so hard to appreciate and "soak up" every bit of this sweet baby that my heart ached for so long to have. For a long time, I didn't know if I would get to do the baby thing again, and it has been a year of pure joy.

1 Day Old

1 Month Old

2 Months Old

3 Months Old
\

4 Months Old

5 Months Old

6 Months Old

7 Months Old

8 Months Old

9 Months Old

10 Months Old

11 Months Old

1 YEAR OLD!!!

Creed was so happy all day. You could tell he knew today was his special day. For the past week, I have been trying to teach him to hold up 1 finger when I ask "How old are you?" He was able to show people today how old he is. He enjoyed opening the gifts. I was surprised how fast he caught on.

 

 The favorite gift (by far) was a little soccer ball. I should have saved it until the end, because he wasn't too interested in much else after opening it.

I made Creed's cake. He was pretty fascinated by it, but he wasn't very interested in eating it-- which was surprising because usually my 1 year olds devour their first taste of sugar. He took one bite and politely pushed his plate away.  Perhaps Creed will be our health nut???

We sure love every little inch of you, Creed. Happy first birthday sweetie-boy!

Wordless Wednesday

Another Fabulous DeGraw Family Photo Shoot!

I was really looking forward to getting a good family picture taken this weekend. Naturally, with the good weather, matching clothes, and talented photographers on hand, I thought it was the perfect opportunity, right? Right? Right?   I love family photos... but sometimes, I have to ask myself if it is really worth it...

Where is Karen? Don't worry, she is peeking over Kailani's right shoulder.

And, the winner is.....

wait for it,

wait for it,

(drum roll, please)

Honestly, I will enjoy this picture for years to come. I suppose I needed one to replace the one I have framed that looks very similar (only with a different child facing the wrong direction). I love these kids, and I love being their Mother. They bring me so much delight. Even though we didn't hit a home run on the family picture, I did manage to get some great pictures of my little sweethearts. I sure love them.