Thursday, January 17, 2013

Spoiled

I feel so spoiled. I got to have my mom all to myself (no sharing her with my siblings) this last weekend. Maybe that sounds selfish, but I have only had my mom completely to myself (and my little family) once in my married life up until last weekend. And it was wonderful.
 
I am pretty convinced she needs to move in with us.


funny things happen when you try to take pictures of all three children at once.


Monday, January 14, 2013

A Poem by Katie

Dancy shoes
Prancy Shoes
Fancy Shoes

Franny Shoes
Granny Shoes
Fancy Shoes

Saturday, January 5, 2013

A Good Day

There are many days I feel like I'm in survival mode, just trying to keep mouths fed, diapers changed, and get  a little gospel in there somewhere. And most days are crazy with a mix of ups and downs. Today was one of those golden days where my heart was filled with joy to be a mother, and not only could I roll with the ups and downs, but I enjoyed the ride, too. I have to savor these kind of days because sadly, all too often, I let the downs skew my perspective. Here's what made today great:

A Recipe for a Good Day
6 hours of uninterrupted sleep for mom
3 well rested kiddos
1 little girl making breakfast for us all
1 extremely smiley baby
1 toddler who is just happy to be here
1 sunny morning

While I was changing Amelia, Katie came into my room wondering if there was anything I would like for breakfast that she could make without burning herself...and without waiting for a reply, she answered herself and left the room. When I came into the kitchen she was busy buttering toast and bagels and pouring grape juice. She is just too precious.



Katie discovered the white bagels in the cupboard. Justin got those to make bagel pizzas. We hardly ever have white bread or white anything for that matter much to Katie's dismay. She begs for "white soft bread" all the time.

My toast-complete with a good thick layer of butter...at least in some areas. hopefully my arteries recover from that.

Gracie is just happy that someone got around to making something for breakfast.
my extremely smiley baby



Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Happy 2013!

Oh How I love New Years! I think it's because it's all about new beginnings and starting over. Love it! My New Year's Resolutions are 1. Communicate better with my children 2. STUDY the scriptures more 3.Stress less. 4. Pray More 5. Declutter and stay organized. 
Amelia is such a sweet baby. She is by far the smiley-est baby ever. LOVE her! 





Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Christmas is About Gifts

The Gift of Family


 The gift of life


The Gift of Joy 


 The Gift of Laughter


 The Gift of Peace


The Gift of Health

Te Gift of LOVE

Merry Christmas!


Saturday, December 15, 2012

My Christmas Gift

"In our day the spirit of giving gifts plays a large role in commemorating the Christmas season. I wonder if we might profit by asking ourselves, What gifts would the Lord have me give to Him or to others at this precious season of the year?"   Pres. Monson

This quote from Pres. Monson's First Presidency Message for this month inspired me. I decided that my Christmas gift to my children would be to try harder at being "present" in their lives. This requires:
1. really listening to them and looking at whatever it is they are showing me. not just an "uh huh" or an "I see..."
2. less time on the computer or with my nose stuck in a book or day dreaming about projects I want to get to.
3. getting down on their level and PLAYING with them in an activity of their choice. sometimes this requires imaginative skills I don't have, but they are willing to work with me. They tell me everything I should make Aurora say or what i should make the puppy do.  
4. Sitting down and eating with them for lunch and breakfast (we always eat dinner as a family when Justin gets home from work). MOst of the time I hover around getting drinks, doing dishes, straightening this or that, returning an email, or now nursing a baby. BUt this week, I have tried to just sit down and eat with them even if I have to multi-task and nurse AMelia at the table. It's been good for us. Last night I was trying to teach them the words to "Up on the Housetop" and I was explaining why the song says click, click, click. ANd as I told them about why reindeer's tendons click, I remembered I have a picture of me with a reindeer. When I told them I had a picture with a real reindeer, they didn't believe me, so I had to pull out the proof. THey really liked that and had a billion questions. So far I am enjoying my present to them just as much as they are enjoying it.

What are you giving your children for Christmas?


Monday, December 10, 2012

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Prior to Amelia's Debut...

 our PUMPKIN shaped rice krispy treats- a FHE treat

the girls got out their swimsuits and decided to run thru the freezing cold rain.

getting ready for some serious trick or treating

goof ball...it is getting harder and harder to get a normal picture out of her...but these pics are a pretty accurate representation


enjoying fall leaves: one of life's purest pleasures