This is for my Brother :)

Yep.  My brother needs some reading material and I don't want to let him down. 

Actually, I was going to write anyway. But, I love that my brother reads my blog.  I love how we don't talk much but use all other sources of media to know what's going on in each other's lives.  Thank heavens his wife posts on facebook, so I get to know about what he's doing. (Hint:  post more often)

As I struggle some days with what to write because I still feel my "situation" is unreal, I realized I love sharing stories of my kids--be it Ethan or any of my other children.  I feel parenting is such an important role in my life.  I am giving a talk next week on this subject so it has been on the forefront of my mind.  I love my kids.  I love that I have been entrusted with their care.  I love that I have grown so much as a parent since losing Ethan.  I am a calmer mother (or so my husband tells me).  I am happy about being calmer.  I needed to be. I love more since losing Ethan.  I had a good friend put it like this:  "You helped me concentrate on enjoying my kids, not just mothering."  I love that.  I hope that is what I am doing with my kiddos.

I love playing games with my kids.  They are so happy when we spend this time with them.  This cute brother of mine who likes reading material, gave us a book by Chad Hawkins.  Chad Hawkins illustrated the first 100 mormon temples and there is a hidden picture of Christ in each one.  I remember when he gave us this book.  It was for my birthday when I was first married.  At the time, I joked "is this it?"  Like I deserved more than a book.  The joke didn't come across well.  However, I want him to know how much this book has meant to us.  My kids LOVE it!  (especially Ethan)  Ethan had to make a game out of everything!  So, on Sundays he would always pull out the temple book and I would turn the page--he and Parker raced to see who could find the hidden picture first.  It became a favorite game.  We even missed this book when it was packed away :)   This book is one we pull out more than most. Thanks Uncle Greg! 

And here are a few photos for you.  I have more recent ones, but thought you'd enjoy these.

Uncle Greg with Hannah, Parker (red) and Logan (blue)

Uncle Greg and Parker

Dad, Sean and Logan, Greg, Marcus and Parker

I want my brother to know how much he means to me.  They all do.  However, Greg has always loved.  He has always had such a gentle spirit.  I can't wait to see him with his own kids some day.  He and his wife will be awesome parents.  Thanks for loving us, Greg.  We love you!!

(hope you enjoyed the post :))