Martin Boy Update

Oh these little boys.  Do you ever feel like you are missing out on all of the goodness of your children? Because of busy schedules, to do lists, things to decorate, projects, the computer, etc..man do I.  Some days I feel so bad about the amount of time I actually poured into my children.  I'm so thankful for these little wake up calls.  That I can recognize the problem quickly and change my actions and priorities.  I have such a short amount of time with my kids.  So short.  I can worry about all of the other stuff later..seriously.

Look how big.

Jude is in VBS right now and has really done well.  He hasn't had any separation anxiety and is excited to go every day.  We are working on reading, writing and math this summer.  Nothing too serious, but enough to keep him prepared for first grade.  Today he wrote letters to grandma and grandpa.  They are adorable.  Yesterday he read books to Rhett and Hattie.  He's really getting good at reading.  We are also doing the summer reading program at the library, and he's having fun picking his own readers out. We are also working on reading and memorizing scriptures. We did this once before and kid's got a great memory!  I really need to stick with this.  Jude lost his first tooth last week!  Grandpa was in town to see it!  He was so excited.  I'm still not sure if the tooth was actually ready to come out or if it was wiggled just enough to make it loose;). We have one more baseball tournament next weekend and then this season is done.  It's been a great one! Jude continues to be a sweetheart.  Every once in a while he'll just say, "I love you, momma", out of the blue.  He's always thinking of others and constantly making sure he hasn't hurt someone's feelings.  I love that he's sensitive, but it makes it hard for him to understand when other's aren't the same way.

Rhett isn't in any camps this summer, but I do have him signed up for swim lessons next month.  I haven't been able to work with him myself as much as I'd like too.  It's too much with Hattie in the pool too.  He's done really well getting accustomed to swimming again, and he can swim!  I was amazed last summer when he was swimming at 2-1/2, but this kid is determined.  When he puts his mind to something, it's going to happen!  I really just want him to be a stronger swimmer and to work on some safety tactics with him.  Hopefully his instructor can accomplish that.  This boy loves to watch shows.  I'm having to limit his show time during the day.  We are having specific times for tv, time for reading, time for free play inside and play outside.  It's working well and the boys are getting used to this routine.  It keeps them doing something, using their imaginations and not watching too much boob tube.  Rhett makes this really funny slurping noise.  I don't know why, but it's funny.  I've caught it on tape a few times and I laugh every time he does it.

Both of my parents came to visit last weekend and that's all Rhett has been talking about.  The day my mom was coming I had him watching a moving in the office while I cleaned, and every 15-20 minutes he would come bolting out of the office screaming, "Grandma? Are you here?"  It was super cute, and only about 6 hours early.  After my dad left Rhett cried and talked about him often.  In the car I'd hear him talking to himself saying, "I love my Grandpa."  So sweet.  My dad took the boys on a magic carpet ride in the living room, and it was hilarious.  I'm certain Rhett thought this was going to be a real ride.  He frantically gathered up as many toys as he could hold to take with him and ran to the rug before it took off.  Fun times:).  I love how much my parents play with my kids.  It's all about the kids.

Here's to soaking up these boys this summer in their 3rd and 6th year.