11 Things

(Shhhh...I should be writing my school paper,

but it is an important day!)

Happy Birthday, Maddie!

Maddie arrived 1 year and 9 days after Kyle.

I was so happy to get my girl!

Here are 11 fun facts about Maddie-lu!

1. This girl loves to be called Maddie - but she's always been too shy to tell her teacher that on the first day of school, so she's always "Madison".

2. Maddie has the most AMAZING hair! Whenever we get it cut, the stylist without fail says "There are people that pay me big bucks to have their hair look just like yours!" It's the perfect color and THICK. I'm totally jealous!

3. Maddie always has scrapes and bruises on her legs. She loves the outdoors - running, biking, scootering - and has the visual proof all over her cute legs!

OH, LOOK! It's Justin again!

I couldn't resist...sorry Ty.

4. Maddie got her glasses when she was 2 years old. None of us recognize her without them. When she was bitty she called them her "pretties". It was so cute. She never fought me to wear them - ever.

5. Maddie ADORES animals. She likes them better than people. We watched "The Last Song" on a GNO together and she never shed a tear. But a movie with an injured animal....gushes.

6. Maddie is filled with integrity. I tried to sneak some food into the dollar show awhile back and she refused let me put her snacks in my purse when she saw the "no outside food allowed" sign. We all went snack-free for that show.

7. Maddie snores like her dad when she's asleep. Sorry Maddie's future husband.

8. Maddie loves hamburgers, but HATES cheeseburgers. She says it's the melted cheese. But she loves cheese crisps and grilled cheese sandwiches...go figure.

9. Maddie crushes on boys. It's darling to hear her talk about a boy she thinks is cute. She does however wear her heart on her sleeve....I forsee a few broken hearts in the future.

10. Maddie is the smiliest kid I know. She is so easy going and rarely loses her temper or gets emotional. I know, I know, it's coming! But right now - I love my even tempered,

peace making girl!

11. Maddie is BLONDE in every sense of the word and WE LOVE HER for it!

Happy 11th darlin'!

I'm SO glad you came to our family!

Justin...is that you?

This has gone on LONG enough

Hair pun intended.

Wuz up, Justin Bieber??

sorry if misspelled. we're not big fans around here.

I can almost forgive the long locks when I see this.

Look at their arms above their heads.

Oh, my holy sweetness...

12 Things

My second born is 12.

I'm not even going to try and figure out how that is possible.

Here are 12 little known facts about Kyle.

1. He brushes his teeth maybe twice a week. I threaten him every six months, about a week before his dental check-up, promising that he's going to regret neglecting his teeth and he has a lot of painful shots to look forward to. So far the threats are moot. The child has NEVER had a cavity.
2. Despite his lack of oral hygiene - he does have a new found appreciation for physical appearance. He loves to spike his hair and wouldn't think of going out without it looking pristine. He also loves AXE and sprays it on generously.
3. He loves little kids and they love him, too. On Mother's Day the primary was singing on the stand in Sacrament meeting and right in the middle of the song, Kyle starts pushing people out of the way. Thinking this was some need to be in the front row (not uncommon for Kyle) I was horrified. Then I see him gently help a little Sunbeam to the front who was stuck in the back and couldn't see or be seen. It was a tender sight. The bishop even told me he cried when he saw it. ( I think that one kind act might have helped him pass his priesthood interview today:)
4. Kyle sleeps completely covered from head to foot. Most mornings when I go to wake him, I don't know which end is up.
5. Kyle is a 'closet' snuggler. He loves to lay on my shoulder and rub my arm. I'm pretty sure I love it even more than he does.
6. Kyle dreams of playing for the Phoenix Suns and the New York Yankees. If determination plays any factor - I'm pretty sure he will do it.
7. Kyle has a rigorous work-out routine every night before he goes to bed - without fail. He does push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, and other drudgery. Then he showers and goes to sleep. He has ZERO body fat and can almost beat me in an arm wrestle.

8. Kyle has an obsession with SPAM. He loves to make it himself and always breaks out a can for his friends when they come over. It's tradition now. Play basketball, come in for a cold drink and some nice greasy SPAM.
9. His favorite candy is Reese's Peanut Butter cups. But he'll eat ANYTHING sweet. How is it possible he's cavity free???
10. He has the stinkiest gas on the planet and he's proud of it.
11. Kyle races to sit in the front seat of the car all the time. He loves to control the music. I finally had to create a 'front seat rotation chart' so everyone gets a fair turn in the front seat. It was madness.
12. Kyle has the most contagious, sparkly eyed smile.

I'm so proud of Kyle and the growth and maturity he has shown this year. He's awesome! And it is so wonderful to have another worthy priesthood holder in my home. It's going to be a great year!!

I LOVE YOU, DUDE!