The difference between boys and girls

This morning as I was getting ready for church I was brushing my teeth and Brooklyn comes in telling me to stop and listen to something. So I turn off my toothbrush, yes I do have an automatic one and I love it, and all of a sudden I hear the sound of scissors opening and closing. I look out into my bedroom and proceed to see Caden, with a pair of scissors in his hands, cutting away at my suit coat that was laying on the bed! I won't go into the details of the punishment that proceeded :), but rather how different Caden and Brooklyn's outlook on the whole situation was.

Caden- After the punishment I was talking to him about how we don't use the scissors to cut holes in things, and how now I can't wear my suit because it has holes in it. To which Caden replied, with a big grin on his face, "It's okay dad, everybody yikes (likes) holes!" Then I told him how not everybody does, because I don't, to which he said, with that sort of 'dad it's okay, don't freak out' tone of voice, "Me friends yike holes!" I had to hold back the laughter at that point and just ended the conversation with a, "Cade don't use the scissors anymore."

Brooklyn- Remember she is the one that came and told me about Caden cutting the suit, she had no part in actually doing it. So after I was done talking to Cade I didn't see Brooklyn anywhere around, but could only hear sniffles coming from her bedroom. So I walked in there, and there she was sitting hunched over in her little chair with a very sad look on her face. I went over to her, put my arm around her, and asked her what was wrong. Then the flood of tears came as she simply said, "I'm just sad that Cade cut holes in your suit," and the tears kept coming as I gave her a hug and told her how much I love her. I finally got her to calm down and explained to her that everything was going to be okay.

I know I have posted before about how much of a girl Brooklyn is, and how much of a boy Caden is, but I thought this was just another perfect example of the emotions of little girls and the 'no big deal, everything's okay' attitude of little boys. As for my suit, you ask? Well it's going in the garbage as it has about 5 or 6 big cuts in the back of the jacket and along the sleeves.

Oh, the outfits!

Cade has recently started picking out his own clothes. Yeah, I'm not sure we are ready for public places yet. For starters, it may be hard to notice, but the little guy isn't even wearing any pants. Brooklyn and Cade periodically go through a hat and glove phase (or gwubs, as Cade would say). They sure keep things interesting and are always making me laugh!

March Madness

What kind of man would I be if I didn't get a post in about March Madness. Is anyone else out there as excited about college basketball as I am? Okay, I must admit that I really haven't been able to follow the season that close this year, but there is something about the bracket that just draws me in. For some reason you know that if you watch the games during March you are going to see some fantastic display of athleticism and, as was already demonstrated today with the Duke game, some fantastic finishes. So if you aren't a fan, this is as good a time as ever to plop yourself on that couch of yours, pull out a carton of your favorite ice cream, and enjoy the games. Go on, try it. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Streaking!

Earlier today the kids went outside to play. They came inside extremely wet and muddy so I had them jump in the shower. I had Cade go get dressed while Brooklyn showered and when I went to see if Cade had his clothes on, I couldn't find him. I was looking all over and couldn't find him anywhere. I found his towel on the floor and just happened to glance out the front window and there I saw him. Cade was standing on the front porch completely naked! As soon as I opened the door he took off. I tried to grab him and missed and I've never seen his little legs run so fast. I looked at him as he took a rest by the neighbors window. I couldn't even call after him because I was laughing so hard! It's not every day that you see a 2 year old streaking around the apartment complex. Here's to hoping it doesn't happen again. After a lot of coaxing, I got him back inside, all the while laughing.

Lucky number 7!

Whomever said that the number 7 is lucky....I agree! Today is mine and Chelsea's 7th anniversary and life couldn't be better. I can't believe how fast the time goes by. It just seems like two years ago that I first laid eyes on this gorgeous girl, with her blue eyes and her long curly hair. I remember wishing I had the courage to strike up a conversation with her but had to live vicariously for the moment through my friend who did all the talking as I stood close by. It wasn't for another 3 months until I got the courage to ask her out on our first date (actually I had to wait my turn as that same friend that did all the talking that night started dating her after we first met her.)

Our first date....November 4, 2000
Our first talk of marriage....about 2-3 weeks later before she left to Utah for Thanksgiving
Asking permission of her father....The first time I met him around December 14, 2000
Official engagement.....December 29, 2000 at Zions National Park in Utah
Sealing in the Salt Lake City Temple.....March 9, 2001!

Yes, you are all correct that is way fast. And I tell you what, I wouldn't have done it any other way. From the first time I went out with Chelsea I knew that there was something special. I remember being at home and asking my mom if it could all really be this easy. I was so worried that I might have been overlooking something because I couldn't see anything that was wrong with this girl, and everything was going so well. I'm not sure how I did it, but somehow I put on my best front and convinced her to marry me. And because of that, I am the luckiest guy in the world.

So what is it like to be married for 7 years to someone like Chelsea. Well, lets just say I can't wait for the next eternity that I get to spend with her. I can honestly say that I wouldn't change one thing about her, or one thing about our relationship. We are very blessed with a relationship that I would think anyone would love to have, or at least it works for us. I don't say this to brag, but rather simply to state how fortunate I am to have her as my wife. She adds way more to this relationship than I do, and it is because of her that we have the wonderful marriage that we do. I love her, and I'm so thankful that we are together.

Happy 7th Sweetie!! I love you!! Thanks for being that person that I thought was only possible in my dreams. You are the best!!!!

Pictures

I figured it was about time we posted some new pictures of Brynlie.

The kids have been great with her. They both are so gentle and full of kisses. Cade is constantly calling Brynlie, "your baby". Brooklyn has been a big help. It's fun to see both of them interact with Brynlie.