My Stripling Warrior!

Parker defended Grace from a bully last week. It was awesome! He stood up to the kid twice and totally scared the bully away without any physical fighting. It took a lot of courage. Grace was pretty shaken up, but thrilled that her big bro helped her. The second time he confronted the bully a bunch of girls followed him. One threw her shoe at the bully. That made me laugh. Looks like Parker is the neighborhood heart throb now because the bully has been bothering a bunch of kids for a while now. About an hour after the second confrontation, the bully rang our door bell and apologized to Grace. Parker said thanks for apologizing and shut the door. He didn't know what to do after that. He wanted to make sure that he forgave the bully like Jesus would do. Jesus would have courage to stand up for the right and to forgive and treat the kid with kindness. That's exactly what Parker did! He later ended up playing with the kid in the cul-de-sac and all is well. The other kids in the neighborhood followed Parker's example and they all played together. It feels good to the parent of such an amazing boy. I'm sure that the mother's of the stripling warriors in the Book of Mormon share the same pride and happiness as I do. Parker is my little stripling warrior!

You Can't See Me!

Seems like children are old folk magnets, especially when visiting a rest home. Babies must have more of a magnetic pull on the women in the rest home because Emily attracts them as soon as we walk in the door! They sweetly hobble over to talk to Emily or just to touch her little arm.

Emily does not appreciate the attention. She closes her eyes and hides from them because if she can't see you..... YOU can't see her either! It's a nice way to say, "Bug off, Lady!" because they think that she just needs a nap.

Bathsheba

At FHE: "Who was Joseph Smith married to?" Kate's answer, "Bathsheba!"

Well, it's good to know that the kids are at least listening to some of the scripture stories... Even if they get them a bit mixed up.

Butler Reunion 2010

Emily's First Birthday

My little Emy is ONE years old today! Time has flown by way too fast. Emy you are adored by everyone. Your smile brightens every soul and your sweet countenance fills every heart. We are so blessed to have you, our little miracle, in our family. I could just sit and watch you all day. Here's some photos of you throughout your 365th day of life. Now this is what being a whole year old is like.

I love my daddy! He is the best at playing with me and makes me laugh all the time.

Traditional Birthday favorite food breakfast: Muffins, strawberries and oranges.

Yummy!

I love my sisters and my sisters love me!

Mess? What mess? I'm exploring.

Full concentration.

Oops! Caught in the act.

Playing with mom and Kate. I love to be tickled in my neck.

There is no better place than by my Daddy's side.

Just helping Daddy organize  his work bag.

My daily work routine. What a way to make a living.

I love noodles! Nothing but my favorite food for my birthday dinner.

Just can't get enough of those noodles!

What's a good dinner without a show? Yeah for Emily Jane!

Boons? I love boons!

Grandma and Papa got me this turtle. Don't mess with my turtle! I may not be able to bounce much yet, but it's still all M.I.N.E.

OK, Grace. You can help me bounce for just a little while.

My favorite face to make.

My first baby. She is so heavy! I grunt and huff every time I pick her up. Whew! Babies are hard work.

I love my big brother. He's such a monkey.

Kate is a good helper, but I do have to keep her in her place sometimes. I love being her shadow.

Thanks Papa! Bouncing with you is so fun.

Whoa! Wait a minute. Nobody said that there would be fire involved! Look at the pretty flames.

I'm still not sure about this cake stuff, but I'll learn to like it by making a mess. My favorite past time. Plus, I'm finally old enough to eat ice cream. Cold. Chocolate. Yummy.

Night, night, Baby Emy. Mama love you!

All this partying has made me exhausted. Just look at my cute little tired eyes. Mama just can't get enough of rocking and snuggling me to sleep.

Even Kate is worn out by the celebration.

Music to my ears

Nobody in this family knows how to play the piano, but it sure looks like a special little somebody will be learning how to play sometime soon.

I love little fingers!

Pretty hard to reach the keys when your diaper is sagging and your a bit to short, but somehow this little ones determination always wins.

And we mustn't forget Emy's accomplice, Kate and her lovely poses for the camera.

First Step

No more crawling for this little twinkle toes. She's a walker now!

Space Derby

Parker entered the space derby this year in scouts. His rocket took third place! Not too shabby.

Basketball

This year it was my priviledge to coach Grace's Jr. Flash basketball team. It was her first year playing and she had a blast. But, I think that I had more fun than her. Shhh, don't tell Grace.

Grace has a great feel for the court. She is one of the only players who will pass the ball and can see when and where to pass the ball. She has a soft touch that has oodles of potential. I can't wait to see her blossom more and more.... And for me to coach her some more. Is it bad to love living your past sport's star life through your kids? I don't care. I love cheering for my kids and too into the games.