A Budding Photographer!

Darren has a fascination with ANY sort of electronic gadget, and the camera is no exception. So, today, I finally realized this camera intrigue isn't going away, and showed him how to take a picture. Then, he went on a picture-taking rampage, and these are the ones that turned out. He was so excited, he had a hard time holding the camera still! It was pretty fun to watch his excitement! And just for the record, no one else had their hands on the camera.

Our lovely drinking water! I like the toddler angle/view point!

Joseph reading/eating a book. If only he was looking at us!

Darren's room that HE totally TRASHED during his "nap" today!

Livingroom ceiling fan!

I think these are pretty good for a 2 year old!!!

Playmate for Buddy

This picture makes me sad. Darren is peering over the fence at some kids (at least 7 or 8 years old and older) playing in their backyard, LONGING to go play with them. While we do have a GREAT backyard for kids to play in, Darren's been lonely, and wants a friend or two to share it with. At this point, his prospects are few. At church, there's not much interest in a playgroup, and most of the other kids in nursery (the whole 5 of them!) live an hour out of town, and have Mom's who work, so that's a challenge. In the neighborhood, my boys are the only ones under age 7 or 8, so that's out. The base here is TOTALLY lame - the worst base we've been to so far, so there's nothing there either. Most everything else in the community I've checked out, requires kids to be at least 4, or strictly caters to disadvantaged children. And, most of the time we go to the park, he's the only toddler there (we must pick the wrong times to go). To top it all off, he's been evaluated by a speech therapist, and is a little behind (which I've suspected for awhile now). Her recommendation at this point is to have him play with other kids around his age, but who speak better than him at least once or twice a week! HA!! Something about peer influence showing him the NEED to say his words correctly- there's more detail to that, but would take too long to fully explain. So, our solution at this point is to take him to story time at the library once a week, and get him started in a toddler tumbling class (Karen, thank you for your suggestions!). I hope it helps him enough. At this point, he asks for friends in Alaska and some relatives on an almost DAILY basis. Little Darren is really lonely, and it breaks my heart. Poor kid. Anyway, that's a very long explanation as to why the above picture makes me sad.

On the other hand, he's quite a little genius. That fence he climbed is a 6 foot fence! He first emptied all the garbage out of the black garbage can, which is about as tall as he is, and flipped it over. Then he somehow climbed on top of that in order to scale the fence. Pretty resourceful if you ask me!

Parenting Payoff

Darren's typical bedtime routine is as follows: diaper change, jammies, brush teeth, say goodnight to those still up, then either Mom or Dad (we take turns) will take him to his bed, where we read a scripture story, say prayers, and sometimes I'll sing to him, then do the final tucking in, hug, kiss, lights out, etc. This has basically been his routine since before he could walk, and knows it well. However, he still does not always like to hold still and pay attention to his scripture story, or fold his arms and kneel for prayer. Every night we remind him of what we do for prayer and try to get him to pay attention to his scriptures. Some nights he's really good about it, and other times, you'd think it was a completely foreign routine to him!

Anyway, this last week, not only has his bedtime routine been a challenge, but ALL DAY, EVERYDAY has been very trying. So, last night was my turn to get him to bed, and my patience was a little thin because of challenges we had had during the day. When we got to his room, he crawled in bed, I grabbed his little scripture reader, and started reading. He propped himself up on his elbows and was very attentive the whole time. Then, it was time for prayer, so I knelt, and he wanted his stuffed monkey to kneel too, so while I was getting monkey all situated, Darren slid right out of bed, knelt next to me, and folded his arms. I didn't have to say a word to him - he just did it! For prayer, we will usually say a couple words and have him repeat it since he's still learning to talk. Last night, as I was helping him say his prayers, he started saying things on his own, and wanted ME to repeat it! ON HIS OWN, he was thankful for the sun, moon, stars, cars, trucks, Lightning McQueen, tractors, Mommy, Daddy, Joseph, the sky, candy, and church. I wanted to melt! I was SOOO proud of him! When he was done, he crawled right back in bed and held VERY still while I sang him the "Angel Lullaby" my mom used to sing to me, and "I Am A Child of God." Then he very nicely asked to sing "Sunbeams!" I hesitated because that's not exactly a settle down and go to bed song, but we sang it anyway - complete with the actions. Then he gave me a great big hug and kiss, said "nuh night," curled up with his monkey and went right to sleep! I was SO pleased with him, especially with the week we've had. It was such a sweet little reward for trying so hard to teach him correct things and stay consistent. His sweetness last night made it ALL worth it! And, starting to say prayers by himself... how cool is that?!!

6 Months Old!

I, Joseph Porter Coleman, turned 6 months old on Friday, February 27th! I feel so big now! Mom took me to the doctor that day and the doctor said I was a very long, skinny baby! I am 29 inches long (88th percentile), but only weigh 15 lbs. (11th percentile). The doctor seemed a little concerned that I didn't weigh more than that, especially since I was so big when I was born; however, she still said I was healthy! Then, she sent a nurse in to give me some shots in my leg. It really hurt, and I cried really loud, but Mom was holding me close, which made me feel better.

My family is really great, but Mom is my favorite. I get very, very sad and cry when I can't see her. She holds me, snuggles me, kisses me, talks to me, sings to me, and feeds me all the time. I feel very content when I am with her, because I know she loves me very much.

Dad is really good at letting me experience new things. Lately, he's been trying really hard to teach me to crawl. He gets down on the floor with me, shows me what to do, and is very encouraging. He likes to see me accomplish new things. So far, I get up on my hands and knees, rock back and forth, and can travel halfway across a room (usually backwards). A few days ago, Dad let me "hang out" with him in his hammock he brought home from Brazil when he was a missionary there. This is very special, because he is super protective of that hammock, and not very many people get to relax in it. He actually let us swing in it for awhile. It was soooo much fun! I had a great time!

After swinging, we were both so tired, that we fell asleep together. I love my Dad!

I think it is SO much FUN to have a big brother! I can't wait until I am big like him. I LOVE it when he wants to play with me! He lets me play cars with him, and loves it when I chase him around the house (via Mommy). I like chasing him too. I can't help but laugh every time - it's just so much fun! I think it is so fun when he wants me to be a horse and sits on me, or wants to wrestle with me! Darren gets in trouble for getting "too rough" with me though, which I don't understand. I'm tough, and I love that my big brother wants to play with me! We're just playing, Mom! Big brothers are also great for sharing their toys. Darren lets me ride in the back of his truck and pushes me around the backyard. It's a lot of fun!

Darren also likes to sneak me treats when Mom is busy fixing dinner. Just tonight, he introduced me to maple syrup! It's good stuff! I was sitting in my bouncy chair, just happily playing with my toys and sucking my thumb, when Darren dumped half a bottle of syrup on my head. A bunch of that yummy stuff drizzled it's way into my mouth, and I kept sucking my thumb like crazy, trying to get as much of it as I could. Then Mom came and ruined it! Darren was sent to his room, and I was wisked off to the bathtub! Way to wreck the fun, Mom!



My life so far has been pretty good! I love to smile at people and babble! My brother is setting a great example for demonstrating all the big loud noises that I can make! I also like to be a part of whatever is going on around me. I am so happy that I can grab for things that I want, and that people respond when I make noises. I think it's great to be snuggled, but also love to stretch out as far as I can! Mom and Dad do a pretty good job of keeping me fed, and changing my diaper, so life is good! As a bonus, I know that I am very well loved by my family and friends! My first 6 months have been great, and I can't wait for the rest of my life!

Heart Attack on All Fours!

Joseph absolutely ADORES his big brother, and Darren can't wait for Joseph to be big enough to really play with. They already seem to have this "understanding" between them that says "Let's give Mom a heart attack, and try not to get in trouble for it!" So, today, Joseph was on the floor enjoying some tummy time, and Darren was just playing. All of a sudden, Darren goes over to Joseph, and SITS on him! I, of course, take a flying leap in an attempt to "save" Joseph and try to prevent myself from having a HEART ATTACK at the same time! By the time I get there, Joseph is not only smiling, but LAUGHING; very clearly LOVING that Darren is sitting on him! Now, this is not the first time that this has happened, nor do I think it will be the last; but this is the first time the camera was close enough to snap a picture. I still feel my heart skip a couple beats whenever Darren does this! How in the world am I supposed to teach Darren that doing that can hurt the baby, when Joseph clearly is NOT hurt, but actually LIKES it?! I don't think most babies would tolerate such treatment! I'm glad they're great friends already, but I think I'm in trouble for the years to come!

Also this last week or so, Joseph has started scooting backwards! He also has figured out how to get up on all fours! He hasn't done either one very much - until today! Today, he has not stayed put on the floor for more than about 30 seconds, and has been up on his hands and knees a lot! Then, tonight, he started rocking back and forth while up! I think he's going to be crawling soon, though I'm not sure I'm ready for a mobile baby yet! He's not even 6 months old!!! Maybe it's a good thing parenting is not about "ME!" He's such a strong boy. Look at that determination on his face.

He started out at the OPPOSITE end of his blanket facing the other way. He's such a happy baby!

7 Wonderful Years......

Seven wonderful years ago today, Matt and I tied the knot in the Provo LDS temple. Since then, life has thrown us several twists and turns -some planned, some unexpected, some good, some not so good. But, through it all, we have stuck together, grown stronger together, and have watched our love grow. I love him so much more deeply now than I could even IMAGINE on our wedding day!

Matt has so many WONDERFUL qualities and traits that help make our marriage GREAT! To keep this from getting too long and too terribly sappy, I will just mention 7 - one for each year we've been married.

1. Matt is famous for his SMILE and cheerful disposition! In fact, his smile is one of the first things I noticed about him when we first met, and I was attracted! It's also contagious! He smiles so frequently, there are only a few times when he's not. When he's upset, disappointed, deep in thought, or worried about someone he loves. Actually, that's not entirely true - Matt sometimes still has a smile on his face when he is deep in thought. It guess it depends on what he's thinking about! He also has a very optimistic attitude on life!

2. Matt is the most FORGIVING person I have ever met. When things happen, he always gives EVERYONE the benefit of the doubt. I don't think he has the ability to stay mad/upset with anyone or anything for very long. I love that! I reap the benefits of this quality all the time!

3. To go along with number 2, Matt has NO TEMPER! Whatsoever! I have not EVER heard him raise his voice in anger! He hollers at Darren on occasion to get his attention, or to send the message that he means business, but NEVER out of anger. Matt does get upset, just like everybody else, but he has an uncanny ability to remain calm about it!

4. When Matt decides to love someone, he LOVES them. Unconditionally! I have learned a lot just from his example. I probably shouldn't admit this, but our first year of marriage, I intentionally tried to push his buttons, as an attempt to find that point at which he would stop loving me. I know that sounds stupid and irrational, but up until Matt, I felt like every single male in my life had put limits on their love for me, (I will love you if..., or as long as, etc.), and I had to know at what point Matt would stop loving me so I could stay away from that point. I never found that point then, and I have since come to realize that I don't think it exists! Such a great feeling! It's not just family that he loves unconditionally, it is everyone he chooses to associate with. This ties into #2 very well. All of that being said, he is terrible at writing letters, and staying in touch - even with his own family! But that has nothing to do with the love he feels for others, he just hates writing/typing, and talking on the phone!

5. Matt has a great sense of HUMOR! He has a great ability to relieve tense/stressful situations with humor. One example is one day I was really worked up about something (I don't remember what) and venting to him. I had been pacing the floor with him sitting on the couch. I went to go sit next to him, and "accidentally" sat on his hand. So, I got up to scoot over a little so I wasn't sitting on him (oblivious to the look on his face), and he moved his hand over too so that I would sit on it AGAIN!! I stopped my venting long enough to ask him what he was doing, and he replied with a smile, "I just want you to know that I support my wife!" We both started laughing at that point, and somehow the situation I was upset over didn't seem so bad anymore! Somehow, it fit the situation, and was perfect! There are many other similar examples of things he does to get us all laughing at our house! He also has a little dance he does that makes me laugh every time he does it, and now he's trying to teach it to Darren, which is even funnier!

6. Matt likes to TRY NEW THINGS! He's usually up for an adventure, and thrives on change! This is really good, on account of he's in the military and we move all the time! He gets bored with things staying the same for too long. While I too, love a good adventure, I also really like consistency and predictability, and HATE moving around! While we have both learned to adapt, our differences in this area create balance, which has helped us to find win/win solutions, compromise and be tolerant in other areas as well.

7. FAMILY is VERY important to Matt. He ALWAYS puts the wants and needs of his family above everything else - including his own desires! He spends time playing with our boys everyday - not because he feels obligated as their father, but because he REALLY wants to! He also takes the time to spend with me daily, so that we can keep our marriage alive. Matt takes his role as husband and father very seriously, and is 100% committed! He works hard and does everything he can to make sure that we all have the things we need, and that we are all safe, comfortable, and happy!

I am so glad that I married you, Matt. It's been the best decision I have ever made! I'm so glad that we have the opportunity to be together for eternity! I wouldn't want it any other way! Thank you for seven wonderful years so far. I am really looking forward to the rest of our lives together! I LOVE YOU, SOOOO MUCH! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

A "LOVE"ly Birthday!

Matt turned 30 yesterday - yes, on Valentine's Day! Consequently, he HATES Valentines' Day and doesn't ever really plan anything for it (that's okay with me, because our anniversary is 2 days later, and HE plans that!). Growing up he remembers having heart shaped cakes with pink frosting all over them. He was not a fan! So, when we got married, I promised him that I would never make him a heart shaped cake for his birthday, unless he requested it (like he would do that!) That being said, I have to rack my brain every year for what to do for him - both for birthday and valentine's day while keeping them separate. Someday, he'll realize that valentines day isn't that bad, and it's okay to share it with a birthday. :)

Anyway, this year, I decided to make a cookie bouquet (thanks for the idea, facebook friends!) for him for valentines day. I had never made one before, but had fun doing it. I made peanut butter cookies with caramel filled kisses in the middle, and put a Reese's peanut butter heart in the center of the bouquet. It was a hit! He was very surprised and impressed, and is LOVING it! Peanut butter is one of his very favorite foods!














Darren likes it too! He calls them popsicle cookies!


Lemon is another one of Matt's favorite foods/flavors. So, I made him a lemon refridgerator cake, made with lemon cake, lemon jello, lemon pudding, and cool whip over the top. It was very lemony! Matt's had a bit of a complex about turning 30, so I wanted to tease him by making his cake look like there were neon lights on it! Colored marshmallows were about as creative as I could come up with! However, I forgot about the candles until it was time to sing to him, and of course didn't have 30 candles, or the numbers 3 and 0. So, I compromised! He liked his cake, although as soon as he blew out the candles, he rearranged the marshmallows to make 20 instead of 30! Turkey!!

Almost every time Matt gives the boys a bath, he comments on how cool he thinks their hooded towels are, and says he wants one too! So, for his "fun" birthday gift, I studied my boys' towels to figure out how to make them, and then made one! He laughed pretty hard when Darren handed the towel to him! He's already used it, and thinks it's great! Happy birthday, Matt!