Fuzzy Blankets

My babies love their blankets. It's a new concept for me because Rylen didn't ever attach himself to any item like a blanket, stuffy or soother. Actually, that's not totally true. Rylen actually carried around one of our t-shirts as a comfort item. It was pretty cute.

But these guys have enjoyed their blankets from very early on. They don't really have a preference for any specific blanket, but whichever one they get has to be fuzzy, soft and have a nice corner to chew on.

We have about a million of these blankets, but of course tug-of-wars still break out from time to time.

Rhys tends to hoard the blankets and also steals them from Garrett.

It amazes me how from very early on they could both seek out a corner to chew on.

I have to say these blankets have been a lifesaver at times when there isn't quite enough of mommy to go around.

Welcome Home Daddy!!

For the past month I have been single parenting. With a lot of help. Free help from awesome family and friends. And hired help as well.

Truth is, my crew require two parents. In fact we could probably make use of a third parent but we are not that adventurous nor do we have the time to arrange such a thing ( I'm joking, although recently while watching Sister Wives I had the epiphany that four moms in a family isn't such a bad idea!)

Anyways, my bout of single parenting made me realize a few things. First of all, single parents are my new heroes. Don't know how they do it!

Second, Mark and I could never get a divorce ( not that we want to, and I hope we never want to, but if for some reason we did, we actually couldn't cause I NEED that guy for our family to function!)

Third, I am the wimpiest army wife ever. Pre-kids, I wouldn't have batted an eyelash at a month long separation, but as we all know, kids change everything. I found it hard, and the kids did too. Rylen for the last two weeks has focused his play on "daddy being on course"... Every two seconds he was bringing it up. Clearly he was missing his pal.

It didn't help that my kids aren't great sleepers ( well actually one of them downright sucks at sleeping) and were also sick for 75% of the time that Mark was gone. ( I made four trips to the walk in clinic in nine days!!)

Anyways, call me a wimp or whatever but I was counting down to today like crazy!!

Rylen was super excited for his Daddy's arrival. He had it all planned out ( and we even practiced) that he was going to yell "Daddy!!!!!" and run like mad and give him a huge hug. But when the time actually came, he got all shy and emotional and hid his face in my leg. It was super cute.
Garrett and Rhys seemed pretty excited to see their dad too. Huge smiles from both!!!

It was so heartwarming to see them light up at their dad's face.

Welcome home Mark! You are one very loved guy!!!

Christmas...was that a month ago already?

A little late but never too late to say that we had an awesome Christmas 2012!

Truthfully, anything would have been better than last year. But, this year was super great for so many reasons.

Here's a brief review:

Elf on the Shelf whom Rylen first named Simon and then changed to Phillip. Note: Phillip did not have the desired effect of prompting good behavior. In fact, he quickly became a bit of a bother. And I'm not going to lie, he maintained his perch on the light for many many many days. No cutesie marshmallow bubble baths for this guy!

 

 

Putting up the Christmas tree which lasted about 10 minutes before a barricade had to be established.

 

Rylen being Santa on Christmas Eve

 

 

New Giroux Family picture!

 

 

Stockings...handmade by my talented Grandma!

 

 

Milk and "cookies" and letters to Santa

 

 

Three happy boys Christmas morning

 

 

Steam train! Santa came through! And he hasn't put it down since. (That face is actually a happy one believe it or not!)

 

 

Garrett and Rhys taking it all in.

 

 

Christmas with kids is so much fun! I almost can't wait for next year, except for unfortunately it's a lot of work too. I think I decided that next year I want to be all done my preparations in October. Then I can just enjoy the season with no timelines or rushing around.

Brothers

One of my favorite pictures:

 

 

I love how they do everything together. They are rarely far from eachother. Rhys is often the leader, and Garrett follows.

 

It's so sweet. I hope this lasts forever.

For Mark: Happy Anniversary

Six years,

Five billion kisses, hugs, snuggles, laughs, smiles and hours of FUN,

Four beautiful baby boys,

Three healthy, happy sons,

Two best friends,

One awesome life together .

Love you and miss you.

And thanks for the flowers!

I love you because....

....you insist on eating your ice cream cone from the bottom up.

Of course I love you for many much more meaningful reasons, but your little quirks (many of them born of your stubborn nature) are so special and sweet.

I love you Rylen!

Scuba diving on a cold winter's day...

Rylen's gone scuba diving twice today!

We've killed about two hours total doing this. Not sure why I haven't thought of it before!!