Happy Birthday Fisher

Fisher turned three last month in a truly boyish construction-themed celebration. He was even kidnapped for breakfast in a backhoe! (which he was too afraid to ride in, surprisingly enough) All day long, he knew that the fuss and hoopla was all for him and he revelled in the attention and special treatment. His one request was to play on the Carl's Jr. playground, which we did. We topped the night off with a lot of presents, a yummy carrot cake, and a lot of wonderfully supportive family and friends.

That night he handed over the binky for good--yeah! And it went so much better than I anticipated. And this week, we are in the throes of potty-training, which is also going much better than I ever expected. Maybe three is our magic number. How I love my little man!

Loryn Ross 3.0

For those who don't know, Loryn is the third Loryn Ross in a row. She is, however, the first female to carry the name. (much to the chagrin of her male predecessors, no doubt!) Anyway, the first Loryn Ross was Dan's grandfather, a hard-working, no nonsense farmer from the Uinta Basin. He died before I entered the family, so I never met him.

His wife, Barbara (or Grammy to us) lived with Dan's parents since his death. So my kids were able to visit her frequently and have her as a part of their lives. Grammy died on March 13th and we attended her funeral last week. She was buried in Roosevelt next to her beloved Loryn. My little Loryn couldn't pass up the chance for a phot op.

I Love This Girl!

Today Loryn turned six years old. It's only fitting that she was born the day after spring because she is the spring in the step of this family. In the words of the great Kevin Henkes (author of "Chrysanthemum"), she is "precious and priceless and fascinating and winsome." She's kept us on our toes literally since the moment I went into labor with her. My labor was a wild and surprising ride and I don't think I've had a moment of pause since. From reflux and colic to swallowed dimes and stitches to silly dances and sillier songs, she is a one of a kind original. Her every emotion is intense and genuine. She has a very tender heart and is instinctively loving. I absolutely adore her and feel so blessed to be her mom.

Dan and I were able to have a private donut breakfast with her this morning without any of the other kids to steal her spotlight. We had a little birthday interview with her and these were the results:

Favorite colors: pink and purple
The best thing that happened to her this year: Tetons with Grandma and Grandpa Fisher
Her best friend: Katie Hansen (and enemy, I might add!)
Her favorite food: chicken bundles
When she grows up: a dentist
Favorite song: "Far Away Places" (a lullaby my mom sang to me, no idea of the origin!)
Favorite activities: crafts, playing princess, MarioKart
Least favorite food: melted cheese
Loryn is so ____: "pretty"
I am best at _____: funny dances
The coolest thing about me: my crazy thumb! (it's wicked double jointed)

Mad Hatter Knits

There's a slight possibility that my loyal readership of 3 (Becky, Jenny, and parents) may have noticed my absence from the world of Blog. In that event, let me explain myself. In addition to the swirling vortex of chaos that is my life, I have been creating a new blog for my mother-in-law. She makes these adorable knit headbands, and hats and I insisted that she have a blog to showcase them. Anyway, she's selling them now via my new blog, so check it out at madhatterknits.blogspot.com!