Better Late Than Never

So, it's been a while since I posted. This post is a little late for Thanksgiving, but I think it's a good season to be counting blessings anyway. I was reading an article in the Ensign yesterday and realized that I could benefit from following one of the suggestions. The article suggests writing down 100 things you are thankful for and breaks it into 10 groups of 10. I did make a list but decided not to post it here. However, I challenge each of you to make your own list of 100 things you are thankful for (go read the article to find the 10 groups of 10) and share it with someone you love.

To catch up on what's going on with us, we bought a duplex in July. That's why the blog posts stopped - we have been very busy with many details pertaining to that. We are living in one unit and renting the other to four college girls. Per and Tripp and growing like crazy and keeping us very busy as well. Per turned 3 in August, and Tripp turned 1 in June.

Per, after getting his hair cut at the end of August. I think that's popsicle all over his face.

Some of my favorite things about Per right now are that he recites parts of books to himself frequently. He has a great memory and quotes books to me that have long since been returned to the library. He has also started singing songs for people besides just Zak and me, and it is adorable. He is nice to Tripp (most of the time) and very snuggle-y when it's time for bed. He is going to be a Sunbeam in a few short weeks and says he is excited for it.

Tripp is quite a climber. Here he is in the half-bath at Grandma's house, with the water turned on and the soap in the sink. Rascal.

Tripp has started saying TONS and TONS of words. We say a word in conversation and he immediately repeats it. Tripp's biggest word is "bulldozer." Count 'em - that's three syllables. I don't even know how many words he knows now, but he is getting to be a great communicator. He can tell me what songs he wants for nap time and bedtime. He can tell me what he wants to drink. He can tell me what toy he wants or if he needs a kiss better because he bonked his head. It is amazing to see him learn so much, so quickly. He is a loving little guy and loves giving his favorite stuffed animals (Pinky Bear and Piggie) hugs and kisses.

Both boys are doing great. Zak is teaching and enjoying that and looking forward to Christmas break. I am doing my best to keep up with cleaning, sewing, cooking, and child-rearing. It's a lot of work, but definitely the most rewarding kind.

This sort of reads like a Christmas letter -- so I guess you can consider it that way. I hope you all enjoy this month of December and the holiday season!