William's 3rd Birthday

William turned 3 on December 29th and we all ended up with awful colds so we did a small family birthday on his actual birth date and then several weeks later had a party with close friends.

Sticking with tradition William chose the Lucky Charms cereal for his birthday breakfast. Birthdays are the only time I let the kids have sugar cereal so it is a real treat for the boys. I also let him open his present which was the Mickey Mouse shirt and soda pop. This William loves pop!



In the evening we sang happy birthday and shared a mini cake which was perfect since William only likes the frosting and leaves the cake.

On the day of his birthday party I finally perfected my 100% whole wheat bread recipe. Yes, I finally had to give into adding some gluten into the dough but to all of our enjoyment it has made it a wonderful texture inside. Plus it keeps longer and doesn't get dry.

The day of his birthday party I made pancake bears which is William's favorite. Ask him what he wants for breakfast any day of the week and it is always pancakes.

Nevada, Elijah, Wyatt, and cousin Jonathon came to William's party. They had so much fun playing with the balloons. William loved his birthday cake. He wanted a dinosaur birthday so I figured I would have his birthday present be the cake topper. It worked out beautifully.

I sure love my William. He is such a tender, sensitive boy. He is maturing so fast these days and is amazing me with his kindness and abilities. William loves to draw and create things, especially music through drumming rhythms on the stock pots. He also loves to take care of his little brother Lincoln and play soldier or cowboys with his big brother Alexander. I am excited to see what he ends up pursuing in life.

Christmas Day

We had a wonderful Christmas season at our home. We received an outpouring of love from family and friends. We got a present from Santa and the rest of the gifts in the picture above were anonymously given or given from family members. Much of the items were things we needed such as socks and clothes. I will always cherish this Christmas.

Santa left William a Imaginext Robot which he talked about all year long about.
To Daddy's disapproval but to a little boys delight, Santa left Lego's for Alexander. (Mom is excited about the Lego's too :o)
Dad received an awesome tree grafting tool set. He is one happy man!
Thanks Jeff, Emily and boys for the warm Russian hats! We all love them.
Me and baby just enjoying the morning, watching everyone open presents.
So Gordon and I stayed up until 4:00 a.m. Christmas morning to finish making a bunk bed for the boys. Alexander has outgrown his toddler bed earlier in the year so every time he would turn over in his sleep either he or the blankets would fall off. Both meant that none of us were getting a good nights sleep. We were tired Christmas morning but the boys were so very excited about their bed. A big thanks goes to Grandma and Grandpa Jarvis for the bedding. It is perfect!

Alexander and William in their new Christmas clothes, ready for church. They melt my heart.
So do these two men.


I had to kiss the man that makes my life so wonderful. He is one of the greatest presents life gave me. I don't think any other Christmas or birthday gift could "out give in joy" the day Gordon said "I do."

Christmas night. Party in the boy's room. Daddy even enjoyed the new bed. :o)