Laynie is 9 months old!

Laynie turned 9 months old yesterday! She has changed our life in so many ways and we couldn't be more grateful that she is part of our family. She loves to play with toys, try to get her brother's attention, and crawl backwards (now that takes talent!). She is much improved in the sleeping area and she loves to eat. The boys can't wait until the future when she can walk and talk, but I am just enjoying every moment of right now!

100th Day

Ryan was sick last week and had to miss his 100th day of school.

So tonight to celebrate we made a list of

Our 100 Favorite Things:

1. Purell-A
2. bongos-R
3. legos-J
4. Geocaching-K
5. playing at the park-R
6. Heelys-J
7. roller skates-R
8. sledding-K
9. peanut M&Ms-K
10. Clorox wipes-A.
11. red licorice-A
12. lollipops-J
13. Buddha, the glasses holder-R
14. Ranch Dressing-R
15. piggy backs-R
16. peach Fresca-J
17. Crystal Light-A
18. Pizza-R
19. Cafe Rio Pork-K
20. nap time-L
21. Books-J,A
22. Harry Potter-K,J
23. School-J,R
24. Church
25. Friends
26. Ms. Zilk-R
27. the ocean-K
28. Jesus-J
29. Work-K
30. healthy kids-A
31. John Madden Football-K
32. Target-A
33. Los Hermanos salsa-K
34. Jacob-R
35. Texas Roadhouse-J
36. Kelly-J
37. Buzz Lightyear-R
38. sleeping in-K,A
39. swing set-R
40. our garden-K
41. Disneyland
42. Space Mountain-R
43. Pirates of the Caribbean-K
44. sunshine-A
45. anything lemon-A
46. doctors-A
47. garbage disposal-K
48. mom's cooking-K
49. computer-J
50. socks-R
51. cable t.v. (doesn't mean he will ever get it!)-K
52. math-J
53. mom-R
54. my wife-K
55. dinosaurs-J
56. reading in bed-A
57. lights-J
58. new underwear-K
59. recess-R
60. science-J,R
61. music-J
62. guitar-J
63. Denver Museum of Nature and Science
64. when the laundry basket is empty-A
65. Laynie's laugh-K
66. Cheerios-L
67. sleeping children-A
68. eating out-J
69. playing in a band with Jacob and Dad -R
70. obeying mom-J
71. snow caves-K
72. a clean house-A
73. Great Grandma
74. Cammi-J
75. Boys Night Out-K
76. Karaoke-R
77. Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band-K
78. Books on C.D.-J
79. Tooth Tunes
80. mornings-A
81. Colorado
82. camping-J,R
83. garlic-A
84. Curious George-R
85. hide and seek-J
86. soccer-R
87. tackle football-J
88. Grandma-R
89. Cinderfeller slopped her dripper-J,R
90. watching Laynie learn new things
91. conversation hearts-A
92. Sarah-J
93. Vail, CO-K
94. when Kelly does the dishes-A
95. visiting new places-K
96. Starfall-R
97. Skype-J
98. Family Reunions
99. homemade bread
100. cousins

And here is how Jacob entertained himself after dinner

(a girl can never have too many bows, right?!):

Jacob, The Wise

I have constant anxiety about so many things. In particular the economy and for the many people who have recently lost their jobs. This morning I was reminding Kelly to keep up on his paperwork and make sure he worked hard so that he did not lose his job. Jacob turned to me and said (and I quote . . .) "Mom, Jesus speaks to your heart and Satan speaks to your head. When you feel doubt it is because you are listening to your head and not to your heart. Satan knows he can put doubt in your head. You need to trust in Jesus."

If only I could be so wise!

Our Talented Kids

Jacob had his first piano recital on Saturday. He did such a great job! He has a very talented (and very patient) piano teacher. She taught her students how to introduce their piano pieces as well as how to bow when they were finished. When it was Jacob turn he quickly walked to the piano while introducing his piece. He was so relieved when finished that his bow was very big and very dramatic!

And . . . Laynie learned a new trick! Not only is she sitting up by herself, but she claps as well! Can you believe Kelly and I have such talented kids? We are very proud!

It's a New Year!

2009

Kelly

Favorites
Cereal: Oatmeal Squares
Vegetable: Green Beans
Drink: Fresca- peach flavor
Toy/Gadget: GPS
T.V. Show: ER/SNL
Game: Chutes and Ladders
Book: Book of Mormon
Restaurant: Jim 'n Nicks BBQ
Holiday:Christmas/4th of July
Animal: Woolly Mammoth
If you could change your name what name would you choose? Skippy John Jones (aka Mr. Fuffer Nutter
What do you love about each person in your family? Mom-she is a great cook and always has good hair, Jacob-he is very handsome and a good big brother, Ryan-he is a good brother and awesome on the drums, Laynie-she laughs at my jokes
Where would you like to go on vacation? Guatemala
What are some of your wishes for this year? lose weight, read the whole BofM, take mom on more dates, learn more chords on the guitar



Angie
Favorites
Cereal: Honey Bunches of Oats
Vegetable: Zucchini
Drink: Chik-Fil-A Diet Lemonade
Toy/Gadget: Insulin Pump
T.V. Show: House
Game: Uno
Book: Too Many! (A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, The Glass Lake, Exile, Wild Swans, etc., etc.)
Restaurant: Texas Roadhouse
Holiday: Christmas
Animal: Penguin (because of The March of the Penguins)
If you could change your name what name would you choose? I tell my kids that if I hear "mom" one more time I am changing my name (but I am not telling them what my new name is!)
What do you love about each person in your family? Kelly-he is patient with me, Jacob-helps those in need, Ryan-good sense of humor, Laynie-looks for me and lights up when I come in the room
Where would you like to go on vacation? NYC
What are some of your wishes for this year? to lose weight, read the BofM, keep up with the laundry, be more patient


Jacob
Favorites
Cereal: Cinnamon Toast Crunch
Vegetable: Celery and carrots
Drink: Peach Fresca
Toy: Electric Guitar
T.V. Show: (movie) Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe
Game: Clue
Book: Harry Potter
Restaurant: Casa Bonita
Holiday: Christmas
Animal: Dog
If you could change your name what name would you choose? Braxton
What do you love about each person in your family? Mom- cooks, Dad-crazy, Ryan-good bongo player, Laynie-super crazy
Where would you like to go on vacation? Disneyworld
What are some of your wishes for this year? to move ("we've been here two years!"), to play tackle football


Ryan
Favorites
Cereal: Lucky Charms
Vegetable: Celery
Drink: Sprite
Toy: Bongos
T.V. Show: Martha Speaks
Game: Traffic Jam
Book: Buzz's Backyard Adventure
Restaurant: Casa Bonita
Holiday: Christmas
Animal: Rhino
If you could change your name what name would you choose? Lance
What do you love about each person in your family? Mom-always helps people, Dad-does cool stuff on the guitar, Jacob-good guitar playing, Laynie-I like when she laughs
Where would you like to go on vacation? Hawaii
What are some of your wishes for this year? get better at playing the Bongos, do better at writing

*Idea for above interview courtesy of this blog

Why We Love Ryan

Ryan is such a good boy. He always wants to help, and is very apologetic when he can't. He is very sensitive to the feelings of others. He gives the best prayers and always tries to choose the right. Here are two examples of what a good kid he is:

(Dear Great Grandpa, How's heaven? I miss you! Love, Ryan)

During Sacrament Meeting this past Sunday he wrote this letter to his great grandpa who died in in November 2007.

He made this prayer rock at the most recent Primary Activity Day. I have found it on his pillow each morning after he has left for school (and he even makes his own bed!).

See what I am talking about!?! Don't you just love him too!?!

A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

We had a wonderful Christmas! We made a trip to the Salt Lake Temple to see the Christmas Lights. It was soooo cold, and like every year before we vowed that this time would be our last!

We had fun with family and especially enjoyed watching the kids (and Kelly) act out the Nativity.

And what Nativity is truly complete without a little Feliz Navidad?

Jacob received an Electric Guitar and a Karaoke Machine. Ryan's favorite gifts were his Bongos and Buddha glasses holder. I am definitely writing a letter to Santa letting him know that next year we only need one musical instrument!

We arrived back in Colorado without incident. However, soon after we came down with the stomach flu. Jacob was the only one not affected and of course, he wanted to stay up until midnight. We just couldn't do it so we promised him we would make it up to him on Friday night.

On New Year's Day we pulled ourselves together and went to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. The boys were able to observe a lung dissection. They told the docent all about their Aunt Cammi and her bad lungs. Despite being a little grossed out, it was very interesting.

Thankfully, some good friends invited us over on Friday Night for a U of U Football game party. We had a great time and especially enjoyed playing Rock Band with the windows open until all hours of the night! And, Jacob even accomplished his goal of staying up until midnight "for once in his whole life"!