Tuesday, November 27, 2012

You make me smile...


Who could ever get mad at a couple faces like that? It's things like this that help me realize that being a mom isn't just a job. It's fun and fulfilling on so many levels. And if my little one's didn't make me laugh now and then...it would be much harder. Thanks kids for the funny factor.


Monday, November 26, 2012

Kissed from dad...

You know how you have pictures from your childhood that you really, really like, and then others that you just can't live without? This picture is one of those. And as I looked at it the other day I realized that if it ever burnt up in a fire or became lost I would release a river of tears, so I am uploading it to my blog where  hopefully it will forever remain safe. Love you dad.

Dearest sister...get out here before I come track you down...

Dear Gina, I think it is time you came to visit your sister and family very very soon. It's been too long. The end.

Look-alikes...


I was rummaging through a box of pictures while visiting my parents, and I came across my son in a photo taken about 50 years ago. Who knew he was born before me?! Actually it's my dad, but I couldn't believe how much these two look alike. Austin didn't even mean to make the same facial expression when I took the photo of both of them. I'm thankful my son looks like my dad. My dad won't live forever, but whenever I look at Austin I will see my dad through him. That to me, is a gift.

Christmas addict...

My mom made me really happy this year when she announced she would be putting her tree up with us there. I can't get enough of Christmas tree decorating. It's just fun and festive, period. My kids are Christmas addicts too so they were super excited as well.

We had a fabulous time with my family for Thanksgiving. I only wish all of us could have been together. Next year maybe the two missing sisters will show up. ;)

I love you, family!!




Thanksgiving program...

Every year we our school puts on a little Thanksgiving program, and every year Chris takes part of the afternoon off so we can both attend. This year was really fun because Grace was in it too. Plus, it was Connor's 1st year playing chimes, and he did excellent. All the kids impressed me and warmed my heart.




Friday, November 16, 2012

Santa and sweet boys...

The boys did something really cute today. They told Scarlett that Santa would be calling to talk to her. One of the boys hid in another room and called our landline from my cell phone. This is her talking to "Santa" and telling him that she wants a "pink bear." I love that my girls can grow up with brothers that love to make them smile.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Don't forget to say I love you...


Two things have warmed my maternal heart lately. first off, I showed up at my kids' school to pick Grace up and just so happened to run into Connor with a few of his friends. He immediately ran up to me gave me a hug and said "I love you mom." I noted right away that he had zero reservations about doing this in front of his peers. My heart melted.

Secondly, I went upstairs today to put clothes away in Austin's room and found sticking on one of his over sized posters, old notes I have written him. I then went into Halee's room and found one of my "I love you Halee" notes sticking to her mirror. I realized then and there that even though I may be crabby and impatient at times, my kids really do love me a whole heck of a lot. I also realized that writing my kids love notes now and then isn't a waste of my time. It's a treasure.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Time out for women and girls...


This past weekend my friend Tammy and I took our oldest daughter's to an event called Time out for women, and girls. Halee was super excited because she got a picture with her favorite spiritual author John Bytheway.

I'm a firm believer that one way to keep our kids strong and happy is to give them spiritual experiences periodically to help them remember that they do have a testimony. I'm hoping this strategy works for our family. So far Halee amazes me with her knowledge of the gospel and her desire to choose the right. This doesn't mean she's perfect, but it does mean she's trying. That's all I am asking for.

We had a blast with the girls. We ate out, stayed up late, and laughed a lot. It was a grand old time. We came home feeling a little happier about life.






Hope...

Waking up this morning was sad I must admit. I had expected the time had come for our Country to heal. I was wrong. As the owner of a small business I realize the ramifications of this great loss. However I will never give up hope. For whatever reason Heavenly father must desire our world to get a lot worse before it gets better. I trust in his plan, even if it's hard to accept.

My brother in law posted something that helped further my hope. It's part of a talk given by our current Prophet Thomas S. Monson in 2009.

 "I testify to you that our promised blessings are beyond measure. Though the storm clouds may gather, though the rains may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the gospel and our love of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandments. There will be nothing in this world that can defeat us.


"My beloved brothers and sisters, fear not. Be of good cheer. The future is as bright as your faith.". -Thomas S. Monson

Monday, November 5, 2012

Family pictures...


Family picture day. It's the day where you all skip down to the location in which you will be getting photo's done. Everyone is happy and thrilled to be doing this. Everyone chooses ahead of time to be Cooperative. To smile. To be kind and nice to each other through out the process. Does this sound familiar? If it does, I really do hate you.

Our picture day started off great, and ended up with kids getting mad at me and each other. Me getting crabby and frustrated. The older boys trying to unbutton their shirts as a joke just to make me mad. Chris laughing because the chaos was pure insanity. Let's just say I hope one day we laugh about all this....but not quite yet.

I was overjoyed though, when I found that despite the crazy antics that took place, we actually looked like a happy family!! And I realized that even though we get stressed with each other at times, it's the other 90% that counts the most. We really are a happy family. I wouldn't trade any minute of any of this. I'm grateful to know I will have all of these special people in my life for time and all eternity.