Update

Stephen is finally done with his big court case! Hallelujah! I'm not going to lie, that was hard on both of us. For the past five months Stephen would be getting home anywhere from 7:00 to 10:00 at night and usually it was later, at least after the kids were put to bed. It felt like I was a single parent for a while. The only time the boys got to see their dad was Saturday and Sunday, and sometimes not even then. But it's all over now, and Stephen's boss gave him a whole week off work the week after I got back from Twin Falls. It was nice until everyone started getting sick.

Stephen and I celebrated our seventh wedding anniversary last week. Stephen got us a room at the Grand America downtown Salt Lake. Rachel and Christian were kind enough to watch the boys for us overnight even though Zander had just started potty training, and Lucas was teething. We were extremely grateful for them doing that for us so we could have a night alone in peace, and sleep in.

I am still as in love with Stephen today as the night we first kissed in college. (I can't believe it's been five years already since we graduated). Stephen does so much for our family--he cooks and cleans, and works outside. He is an amazing father to Zander and Lucas who adore him and want to spend all their time with him. (Ok, Lucas is still kind of a mama's boy at this point, but he still likes to play with dad). Stephen will do just about anything I ask him, and is very forgiving, and patient, hardworking, and still the kindest person I know. I love you Stephen. It's been a great seven years!

(I'm not sure why my face looks so fat, but this is the only picture we got on our night out)

ZANDER

Zander had a blast during his time in Idaho  a few weeks ago. He now asks me "where's Becky? Where's grandpa? Where'd grandma go?" About every ten minutes throughout the day. This is no exaggeration. Any time he sees a toupe colored car he gets excited and says, " Becky's car!" He'll call to kids and say hi as he calls them kimball or Cora, and any old people he encounters he exclaims, "grandpa!"

Zander's biggest news is that he is now potty training! He started two weeks ago, and has been doing quite well. It's still hit and miss sometimes, but he's erring on the hit side. He just needs to work on telling me when he needs to go.

He loves being outside playing in the yard.

Whenever we have prayer he always has to be the one to say it first, then mom or dad can say one.

He knows his colors, shapes, and can count to ten all by himself.

He loves to "wake up" Lucas when Lucas wakes up in the morning or after a nap. Whenever Zander hears Lucas is awake he runs in his room and jumps in the crib with Lucas and plays with him. They both get excited when they see each other.

Zander does not like wearing pants.

He is very independent and likes to do everything himself after he has seen it done once.

He likes to play with and tease his little brother.

He does not like to touch bugs. I think Stephen has instilled a fear/hate for them, but I'm working on trying to change all that especially when working outside in the garden.

 I love this bathtub picture because Zander has so much personality in his facial expressions.

Best buds. I love them.

LUCAS

Lucas is 10 months old, and has three teeth coming in on top.

His biggest news is that he started really crawling a few weeks ago when we were in Idaho, and has now started pulling himself up on his feet. The only problem is he's too scared of falling when he gets up, so he cries and whines until someone comes to his rescue to either sit him down or pick him up. He takes things slowly and is very hesitant when trying new things.

He is really starting to develop his personality. He'll let me know if he doesn't like something by taking it and throwing it on the floor, and when I am holding him and he wants something he'll make a nosedive straight for the floor and wriggle around until you let go of him.

Lucas likes to feed himself.

He likes to explore his surroundings, and feel things in his hands for a while before putting it in his mouth, but he does put a lot of things in his mouth like most babies; rocks have become a favorite of his when we're outside.

He hates getting his diaper changed now and getting dressed. I guess it's not as funny as it used to be when he was a smaller infant.

He follows me around everywhere I go and pulls up on my pant leg. It was cute the first few times he did it, but now it feels like someone has tied my shoelaces together whenever I stop walking, so I have to bend down and take Lucas off so I can move freely.

he is still a cuddler, and I love it!

Lucas is becoming more independent as he learns to move around more and up on his feet. Once he has a good feel for it, he takes off and has a strong confidence about him.