Overwhelmed with love

Gunner We have honey suckle bushes in our backyard. At least what we call them. They are bushes with little yellow trumpet looking flowers on them. Anyway, every so often, Gunner will bring me in a flower he picked off the bush and say he got it just for me. Today he must have gone out there 6 or 7 times and I ended up with a clear plastic cup full of the prettiest little bouquet of flowers. His favorite song right now is We Thank Thee, Oh God, For a Prophet. He calls it the "gospel" song and requests it ALL. DAY. LONG. We decided we can't exactly tell him no when he asks to listen to it, so we all get to hear it constantly. It cannot be blasted loud enough in the car. "LOUDER! LOUDER, dad!" He belts that thing out and has the BEST face while singing. Literally beaming with joy. He is such a sweet boy.

Carter  A lot of times, since we have had the twins, our family outings are getting loaded up in the van and getting milk at the store. Since we don't dare unload everyone and try to face a store with 4 boys, two cars seats, two carts and two insane parents, we usually send one of us in for the milk and one circles the parking lot with the boys. I do love that as silly as this family outing is, we do it as a family. Time together is time well spent. Anyway, I love sitting next to Carter in the car. I sat in the back to feed Owen on the way to the store, got out to get the milk and then when I got back in, I sat in the middle so I ended up sitting by Gunner on the way there, and Carter on the way back, to keep it fair. I realize someday, neither will want me sitting by them at all so I soak it up. Anytime I sit by Carter, whether it is for breakfast, watching tv, or in the car, he says with a big smile, "You sit by me?!" and if he comes and sits by me he says, "I sit by you?!". I love it. In the car, he usually holds my arm with both of his cute arms and hugs it tight. One of my favorite things.

            

Benson  I was standing up with Benson today and Owen was on the ottoman and I was trying to rock Benson to sleep. Owen was a little fussy and admittedly, I was distracted by a show on tv and Owen's fussing. I looked down at Benson to see if he was dozing yet and he was just starring at me with the biggest, cutest smile. I was taken back almost! I focused all my attention on him, giving him loves and tickles. He giggled and cooed and just kept starring at me. It was such a fun, tender moment and a good reminder to stay present in each situation. He was such a happy boy today and babbling like crazy. And he rolled over a couple more times today! Good job Benson!

So far this is my favorite picture of the little boys. 

Owen  I don't always get a lot of one on one time with the twins during the day because of nap schedules or one being more needy than the other or other circumstances. So at night, I make a point to spend time with the one that I got to hold less throughout the day, or rotate between Cody and I so we can both hold them one on one. Today, just the way their naps worked out, I got a lot of good one on one with both babies. A rare treat! It means no real down time for me, but I love it! Owen has had some tummy issues this week trying to clear things out so he hasn't been super comfortable. I was doing tummy rubs, bicycling his legs, rubbing his back, etc to try and help but I could tell he wasn't feeling so good. As uncomfortable as he was, between little grunts and cries, he would STILL give me that cute O smile! You just can't keep this kid down! Happy soul! 


Before bed we always try to read scriptures, say prayer and watch a show. As I looked at my boys tonight, I almost couldn't catch my breath I was so touched with overwhelming love for my family. They are all such wonderful and special boys. I am glad to be doing this journal because throughout the day today I have been thinking about what I would write and it has made me focus on the positive.

Love my family!