A question for all the Mom's out there!

I registered Maddie for preschool starting in the Fall. The problem is I can't decide if I want to put her in now when she is three or wait until she is four. I keep going back and forth on the issue. On the one hand, I know she would love it and it would be good for her socially, but on the other I don't want her to grow up to fast and plus I still want her to be with me! Maybe I'm just having a hard time letting go. :) Let me know what you've done with your kids and what you think about it. Thanks!

My wife is so beautiful

Just today my wife came out of the bedroom and I thought to myself, "she is so beautiful". Tina I just wanted to say that I love you so much and thank you for being so strong. You are so awesome with the kids and with me. I always say I'm the third child and it is so true. You have been so supportive through all my school and that is something that I cannot repay. When I say that I'm going to be at school all day on saturday you do not even hesitate or complain, you always say ok and good luck. I'm starting to think you want me to go to school every saturday to get rid of me or something.jk Tina you are a knockout and I love you with all my heart and I will always be there for you just like you are for me. Happy Valentines day Baby. Love Derek

Have you seen my sucker?

Jack loves to put things on his head and tell you it's a hat. So I should've known better than to give him a sucker. He and Maddie were sitting together eating suckers, when I see him put it on his head and say, "Hat". I yelled, "NOOOOOOO", but it was to late. I chased him around the house with the camera trying to get a good picture. I sprayed it with a ton of leave-in conditioner and it came right out. Silly boy!

My Grandparent's 66th wedding anniversary!

Happy 66th anniversary to my sweet Grandpa and Grandma. We went to the Blackstone for lunch with our family to celebrate. I love you so much Grandma and Grandpa and thank you for everything you do for me!

Maddie's Birthday!

Maddie had a great Birthday this year. Her Birthday was on Thursday, but it was pretty much a week long celebration. Derek had school on her Birthday, so on Wednesday we took the kids to Chuck E. Cheese's to celebrate. It was so much fun. We played ski ball, ate pizza, played air hockey, and Jack loved the driving games. Maddie got to show Dad how good she is at air hockey. She plays with Grandpa all the time. (Who says she would be a better player if she would just stop talking!) On her Birthday I made her some pink Birthday pancakes with candles in them for breakfast. We went shopping at Toys R Us, where she picked out a ball and a stuffed dog. Then we went to Olive Garden and split a black tie mousse cake, which I probably ate more of. (YUMMY!) Later that night, I made her favorite dinner of baked chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, and a chocolate cake for dessert. On Sunday, we had her big party with our family and friends. I made her a Tinkerbell cake, and everyone was so nice and gave her some great gifts. After she opened a bag of Cheetos, she got tired of opening presents and Jack had to take over, but he didn't complain! Our neighbors gave us their daughter's old bike, and Maddie was so excited to have a big girl bike. We hid it in the laundry room, and when we brought it out Jack thought there was another one in there for him. He ran to the laundry room screaming, "Bike"! He was looking all over for another one. It was really sad and broke my heart, but at least we know what to get him for his Birthday! Thank you everyone for making Maddie's Birthday great!!

New Year's Resolution

I've had a hard time this year figuring out a new year's resolution. I wanted one that I could actually keep and really use. Unlike the never-ending goal of weight loss, or being organized. On my friend Becky's blog, she had a great idea for a resolution. One of our favorite quotes from President Hinckley, "Try a little harder to be a little better." What a simple, but great idea. I'm going to keep this in mind as I go through life and see where it takes me.

Happy 3rd Birthday Mads!

Happy Birthday to my sweet baby girl! I love you so much. You are so sweet and caring. You're a great big sister to Jack and you always take care of him. I am so glad that you are here and in our family. Your Birthday will always be one of my favorite memories. I woke up on January 7th 2006 with contractions. They were about 20 minutes apart and Daddy had to leave to get our house ready to set the trusses, so I called Grandma. She came up and spent the day with me. We went to the grocery store, and got ice cream. When we were at the store a lady asked me, "When are you due?" and I said, "Tomorrow". Grandma said, "She's in labor right now!" While this was going on, my contractions were still 15-20 minutes apart. Later that night we were going to Tepanyaki for dinner to celebrate Nema and Ashlee's Birthdays. I really, really wanted to go. Grandma told me she didn't think I should go, but I went. I was just sitting there enjoying my food until I had a contraction, which were coming about every 10-15 minutes. I just kept thinking, "please don't let my water break." We gave Nema and Ashlee their presents and went to the hospital. We arrived at 7:30 that night and you were born at 1:51 the next day. You weighed 7 lbs and 15 oz and were 21" long. You were so beautiful, the nurses kept saying how pretty you were. I was so glad to finally be able to hold you and kiss you. I "luba" you so much my sweet baby girl and I'm so lucky to be your Mommy.