The Ward Talent Show

Our ward had a ward talent show last night, and our girls and Dan had the opportunity of singing A Whole New World. They were soo cute, and Katie and Sharon had no fear (see for yourself). Dan then sang the Mormon Rap, and we have posted a little of that song as well - its a great song about Mormons that especially Mormons will appreciate.

Kathleen Combs

The other day Katie asked if we could tell her what her name stands for. So we brilliantly took out the ol MAC and googled "meaning of names." Kathleen means purity.
Dan's mother passed away nine years ago and I never had the opportunity of meeting her. Strange as this might sound, I truly believe she helped Dan and I meet. So naturally when we found out that our first child was a girl, we named her Kathleen. We never looked-up what the name meant. Everything Dan and others have said about her is that she was a great lady. She loved her family so much.
Katie truly has one of the purest hearts I know. I know every mother feels that their children are special but Katie really is. I was playing the shuffle songs on the IPOD tonight and a song titled "Love Me" by Collin Ray came on. I noticed Katie was very sad and started to cry. When I asked her what was wrong she said that she remembers this is the song about Grandma Kathleen. All I could think was "how does she actually remember that we've told her this is the song that grandpa sang to grandma Kathleen at her funeral?!?" Then she said she was sad because she never got to meet her grandma Kathleen. I reminded her that she is in heaven watching over and protecting her. I reminded her about her ouma and how lucky she is to have a grandmother that is alive and loves her very much. She then said she wanted to write her grandma Kathleen a letter and hopefully she would be able to read it. I told her that if she writes it, then grandma Kathleen will definitely read it.
Katie...may you never ever change! Keep your purity of heart...it is a gift you have been given.

Look who's 1 month old today!

So life is a LITTLE crazy right now BUT look at this kid...it's so worth it!

KYLE you have three major fans!

The Woman of My Life

My Woman Melissa - can everyone see why I am so much in love with her? Isn't she just beautiful? Can you tell how wonderful she is? She has once again traveled through the shadow of death for me and for our family in order to this time bring a son into our lives. She triumphed through the rigors of pregnancy and then was a champion in the delivery room. Even the nurses were impressed with her courage and resolve. And ever since this little man has come into our lives, I have been impressed yet again at what a great mother she has been to not only this little guy but to our other two girls. A mother of three!!! Anyone will tell you that this is not for the faint-hearted. But she is doing it, and is doing it well. I love you my darling. I am proud of you. I look up to you. I want to be more like you. Being Valentine's Day and in accordance with the tradition set early on in our relationship, I wanted to list 10 things that I love about you:

1. Your looks of course - I can't help falling in love with you every time I look at you. I just can't wait for six weeks to be up...

2. Your sense of humor - we have relied a lot on humor lately to ease the stress of little sleep.

3. Your intelligence - I can discuss any topic under the moon with you and you will not only seem interested, but you will exhibit great understanding as well.

4. Your love for me - it is your love that gives me energy, life, and motivation each day of my life. Your love is the greatest gift to me in this life.

5. Your love for your kids - if I didn't know how much you loved me, I would be jealous of how much you adore your children. You are truly self-sacrificing and totally unselfish when it comes to your children.

6. Your love for the Savior - this isn't something to brag about, but your dedication to the Savior and His gospel has and continues to provide an unshaken foundation in our lives.

7. Your kindness - Katie helped remind me of this one. You have such a great capacity to treat everyone with kindness and respect. I know of many people who have benefited and appreciated from this kindness.

8. Your optimism - I have seen you triumph over the most distressing days with a smile and an infectious positive attitude. You have helped me be more positive as a result.

9. Your work ethic - I have been impressed from day one as to how hard you work. You have driven my work ethic to new heights in an effort to keep up with you.

10. You are beautiful - I know I already mentioned your looks, but I just can't get enough of you. But lucky for me, you are beautiful both on the outside and on the inside. I feel like I have the whole package when it comes to you.

Tubing at Soldier Hollow.

This was so much FUN!
This was Dan's favorite thing to do while growing-up. He says one of the benefits of having a birthday in January is that he would always have his birthday parties sledding down some big snow hill with his friends.
When I first saw the hill at Soldier Hollow I thought there is no way Katie and especially Sharon are going to go down because it was so steep. Well those girls surprise me because not only did they both go down by themselves over and over again but they LOVED it (it must be the Utah blood in them;)
Kyle was snug as a bug in his car seat the whole time fast asleep (I think he'll LOVE tubing when he's a little older).

My Sharon Combs Purple Tata

You had a birthday last week. We had a fun party for you at Jumping Jacks and with mom having a newborn I was not very organized and forgot our camera. I still wanted to tell you how much I love you...I LOVE YOU!
You are the smartest, spunkiest, funniest and most beautiful 3 year old I know.

Sorry Dan...I'm inlove with another little man...

Some cousin fun!

I've been so spoilt...my mom spent two weeks with us and after she left my sister and her beautiful children spent a week. My mom cooked and cleaned and helped out so much. We're grateful that she was able to be with Katie and Sharon while Dan and I were in the hospital with Kyle. Oh yes... and she cleaned out my pantry (mission impossible) and ORGANIZED it! It looks great...thanks mom!
Sam and I had crazy fun with five children around (thank goodness for a finished basement). We took the kids to the mall and to the aquarium. When we dropped them off at the airport, Sharon started to cry. She already misses her Kami-cakes so much. Those two are partners in crime;)