USA Today's Youngest Reader

The other day while Cody was eating his toast he asked me if he could read the mail. I thought that was a funny little request from a two year old, but I couldn’t see any mail in sight. Then I figured he must be talking about the newspaper. Sure enough—that’s what he meant so I handed him USA Today and waited to see what he would do. Amazed, I watched him flip and fold the pages like a pro. He really looked like an interested reader just catching the latest news with his toast and juice.

Growing Things

We like growing things (things like plants, not mold or warts or tumors). Steve has been dying to get his hands on some seeds and start growing herbs. We’ve been checking the stores since early January and finally found some Rosemary, Parsley, and Mint seeds at Home Depot last week. Cody has fun helping dad water them with the squirt bottle. We really like growing our own food and we dream of the day when we can grow a lot more in a yard of our own, but for now we will have to stick with the mini flower pot version on our balcony. Starting seeds and warmer days are making me anxious for spring!

Valentine's Party

We had a fun Valentine's Day. We went to the library when Steve got home (which is nothing out of the ordinary--if we aren't home that means we are at the library) and then the Cramer's brought over dinner from Jimmy John's and some Valentine treats. Steve, Raquel, and Lacey played racquetball while Cody, Tammy, and I hung out at home. Cody got a little stuffed puppy (pictured) and blanket with balls on it from Cramer's and Duncan's gave Cody a little Elmo backpack so that he can be like dad when he goes to school.

Even though Steve and I didn't go out to dinner or anything for Valentine's, Steve did a whole bunch of sweet things for me throughout the week (which isn't out of the ordinary--that's my normal wonderful life being married to Steve). We went to the temple together a few days before, he washed and vacuumed the car, and cleaned the toilet. You may not think that that is very romantic, but it's the little things he does everyday that make him the person that I love!

Shower Buddies

Cody has started taking showers and loving it. After he gets himself undressed (mostly) he starts running around the house with the neck of his shirt around his chest. No diaper, no pants...just living free. When he gets in the shower he just dances around the whole time and then doesn't want to get out until the water is cold. Usually Steve just sits next to the shower and helps Cody, but this time he got in (fully dressed) for the picture.

Playing in the Snow at Grandma's

Today we went down to Steve's parents and packed in a whole day of fun. Tammy and I went to the Worldwide Leadership Meeting (which was awesome) while Steve hung out with Cody at the Cramer's. Then Steve and I went to the temple while Cody played with Grandma and Lacey in the mountains of snow. They made an arch. I also got a much needed haircut from Tammy. Time is always fun at the Cramer's and we're glad we could hang out! We will miss them when they go to Japan!