Handsome boys

I gave all 3 boys a hair cut the other night. And after all the mess was cleaned up and they were showered, I said "now my boys look handsome". And then Ellie said the sweetest, "But they always do". Thank you for the reminder Ellie. Yes, our boys are very handsome!

Video

Ayden and Tate were looking through the blog and watched some of the videos. This particular one they are watching is of Tate (at age 12 months) playing in the cabinets in the pots and pans. I love their reactions! So cute.

My Little Hero

This little boy is so much fun! I can't believe how fast he is growing. He is constantly doing or saying something to make us laugh. He loves to cuddle and be involved with his older siblings. We love having the Tate-Monks in our family. Spencer just got a Tablet for school and Tate loves it. It's sad, but he knows how to work it more than I do. This is him relaxing while playing a game of Angry Birds.

love the crossed leg

cheesy!

What we've been doing

The Shaw family has stayed pretty busy these past few weeks and I can't believe the end of January is here. Where did the month go? We've spent our time staying busy with work, church callings, daycare, boy scouts, piano lessons, and most recently, being sick! Seriously, we've gotten everything this winter: colds, pink eye, ear infections, and influenza. One good thing that has come from sick kids is I've gotten to spend plenty of time cuddling them.
Here are a few pictures of what we've been doing.

 Tate got his own camping chair for Christmas which he uses to watch movies. And for this picture, clothes were optional.

A few weeks ago, we watched our friend Keisha's baby, Paisley. Ayden loves to play with her and is a big help with whenever he gets a chance. So he was really excited when she came to our house. He was the first to hold her and didn't want to let go, even though she was ready to be free and roll around on the floor.

We were given several fun family games for Christmas and we've enjoyed having family game nights. We had cookies and milk while racing our pieces around the Monopoly Party board.

you got something in your teeth Ayden!

I think Ellie lives off cereal. That girl's food repertoire is not very long. Chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, and most breakfast foods but especially cereal. That's what she has every morning

Tate has been recovering from his flu and ear infection and the doctor recommended he stay out of daycare until next week. So Spencer and I have been taking turns being home with him. Today was my day and he is doing much better. He's back to playing and being his crazy self.

Wanna know something about people...

We've been working on reading with Ellie and doing sight words. Every time we ask her to get a book to read with us or to get her flashcards she whines and complains. Tonight was no exception.
Our conversation went like this:
Me: Ellie, go get your flashcards so we can work on them.
Ellie: Why? (said in whiny voice)
Me: Because we need to work on reading.
Ellie: Mom, you wanna know something about people? Here, let me tell you the truth. Not everyone likes to read.
Me: You're right.
Ellie: And I don't like to read. I like to color. And that's how it's always gonna be.
Me: That's fine, but you still need to know how to read.
Ellie: Urgh, fine.
 Oh Ellie! You are sweet and funny, but you drive me nuts sometimes!

Dentist

The kids had dental appointments this week and it was Tate's  first time going. He was excited and happy to go. Ellie volunteered to go first and got her x-rays and teeth cleaned with a smile on her face. Ayden was more apprehensive but was fine after the x-rays were over. Tate hopped right in the chair and was so good while the dentist looked in his mouth. He held his mouth open wide like an alligator, because that's what Ayden told him he would have to do. He told me after, "I did it momma, I held my mouth open like an aldigator".

They left with a smile on their faces with a new toothbrush and toothpaste and prize. I left with a smile on my face because not one had any cavities!!