Nate says no more!

The training wheels come off.

So this is Nate trying his out his bike without any training wheels. He came to Danny and I the other day and said, "So, I've been thinking, I want my training wheels off." Mommy asked him "Why?" Nate replied, "Because I have to try and try and try and keep trying so I can learn." After further interrogation, I found out that he watched some show like 'Calliou' or 'Barney' and they learned to ride their bike without training wheels and he thought it time for him to learn. I can't believe my 4 year old thinks he's too old for training wheels. He thinks he's older than he is sometimes. And frankly, I think he's growing up way too fast. It's just one small step towards boyhood and farther away from babyhood.

Johnny Appleseed

"I found the perfect apple!"

Mr. hotshot, thinks he can climb trees now.
This is what Nate does outside when we aren't around.
I think the pictures speak for themselves.

Welcome Sofie

Sofie Annetta Howell
Sept 4, 2008
5:27pm
6 lbs 13 oz
19 1/2 inches

Congratulations Jason and Tilisa! She is a beautiful baby girl. We are so glad that she is here and that she and Tilisa are doing good. It's so nice to know that their is a new little baby "GIRL" in the family now. I wish we could be there to see her. I would love to hold her, I never really got to hold a newborn, she looks so sweet, I just want to cuddle her. Give her lots of kisses for us. We are so happy for you guys. Dannny and I just smile because gone are the days of long Sunday naps, no more sleeping in on Saturdays, no eating meals together at the same time, no last minute quick errand running. Now are the days of sleep deprivation, showering when you can sometimes not even getting one at all, having a big "poopy blow-out", being pee'd on, pooped on, vomitted on, bugers, spit-up you name it you will have it on you. But it is all worth it. There is nothing in this world that can replace the love that you will have for you child, for this sweet, innocent little Sofie. You won't care about any of that other stuff because she is your daughter and together, Jason and Tilisa you have created her. You learn to love even the yucky stuff of parenting because their is nothing like holding and cuddling your child when they are new. And as they grow up, hugs and kisses and hearing "I love you" can never be replaced. Being a parent is one of the greatest blessings and gifts the Lord has blessed us with in this life. So welcome to the world of parenthood!

Lidia

It was September 3, 2002 that we were able to hold you in our arms. It was a bittersweet moment for us. It was the day that we welcomed you to our family but also a tear filled good-bye. It seems like many, many, lifetimes ago that you entered this world. Life sure would be different with you here. Today you would be turning 6 and you would be entering kindergarten. You would surely have your Daddy tied around your little finger. Mommy probably would have already hi-lited your hair by now. And your brothers would most likely have a second mother with you around. But alas many of our dreams and aspirations for you are put on hold. Heavenly Father had a different plan for you. And many days, I wonder why you couldn't be with us but I hold on to the fact that He does have a plan and purpose for our trials. And so, if I prove faithful I will be able hold you in my arms again and oh how your father and I look forward to that day. We love you Lidia and miss you so much!

Smithville Lake

We took a Sunday drive up north to a lake called Smithville. It was really pretty and the lake was rather large with lots of places to boat or fish. It made us really jealous to see all the boaters out there. One day we would love to be out there boating or wave running, (of course on any day besides Sunday.) The boys loved getting out and throwing some rocks in the water and burning some energy off. It's amazing how pretty Missouri really is. There are so many beautiful things that we are discovering out here. If anyone ever gets out here we will have lots of beautiful places to take you. It was nice to be out in nature at a lake and see all of the beautiful scenery that God has created for us. Even if it was a little hot and muggy, we all enjoyed some sight-seeing.