Tuesday, April 21, 2009

My 7 reasons for existing...


They keep me wanting to be better...for them and for myself, they keep me on my toes, they keep me laughing constantly, they keep me up at night with worry, they keep me very busy with chores (especially laundry), they keep me filled with pride and joy, they keep me real, they keep me humble (they know how to put me in my place when needed), they keep me feeling young, they keep me up on a pedestal... which I do not deserve.

I hear so many women say that they NEED to work and get away from their kids...it makes them a better mom. That may be true for them, but not for me! I'm not saying it is easy for me, or that I don't ever need a break, and yes...there are plenty of nights I can't wait for bedtime! BUT...all I have ever wanted to be is a wife and mommy! This is ALL I will ever NEED! I have a shirt that has a pair of baby shoes on it that says...

The toughest job you will ever love!

I totally believe that statement to be true! Being a wife and a mom is the toughest thing I have ever done, but it is also the MOST rewarding! I have 7 gorgeous reasons to get out of bed in the morning and 7 reasons to laugh instead of cry when everything seems bleak, and 7 reasons to be ecstatic when things are going fantastic.

Count Your Blessings, Name them one by one...

Richard, Brittaney, Christopher, Kehli, Brenden, Katelyn and Tayler!

What more could I ever ask for or dream of?
I love my "little" family!!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Brittaney's 16th Birthday Present

Sunday evening we decided to give Brittaney her 16th Birthday present early (her birthday isn't until July 3rd). She eats, sleeps, and breathes music and has wanted to go see the Broadway show Wicked. Thanks to some very good friends, they helped me get some cheap tickets so I can take her. Rich and I decided part of the fun is the anticipation and being able to tell your friends. So-we decided to give it to her Sunday. I came up with six words/clues that began with each letter of wicked. We gave a clue to her every 30 minutes. Then once she had all of the clues, she laid them out on the floor and tried to figure it out. Then, the lightbulb clicked on and she figured it out. Excitement is an understatement. She started to cry! I know this means a lot to her! Here are some pictures we captured of the clues and her reaction!
(p.s.-ironically Marci and Bill will be at the same show...YAY!!)
Happy Birthday, Brittaney! We love you!

The Clues:
(I didn't have the letter on her clues, only the words)
W-wear (something nice)
I-Indianapolis
C-conflict
K-karma
E-excited
D-directed

She is unrolling the clues...

Arranging the clues...

hmmm...

Trying to figure it out...

Tried arranging them differently...

She finally figured it out...

Are you serious? ...yes we are, Brittaney!

Tears of joy!

Literally shouted for joy!

Monday, April 13, 2009

Busy Weekend

Friday...I was making a cake for a bridal shower! My very good friend's daughter is getting married in May! I get to do her wedding cake too! :) That took awhile!
Random thought: I don't think people (who don't decorate cakes) realize how much time goes into them!


(This is the bridal shower cake)

Saturday...
9am: My friend and her daughter came and picked up the cake. Then I went to my mom's house to clean.
12pm: Bridal shower
3pm: Baptism - The little boy that I watch full-time, his mom got baptized yesterday (his dad is a member)! YAY!! It was a beautiful baptism! I got to hold Adam and he was so good the entire time!
4:30pm: Met Rich and the kids at my Mom's for Easter dinner and an Easter egg hunt! We had a little excitement during that. Brenden busted his forehead open. He fell and his forehead smacked the metal gas meter...OUCH!! I am still amazed at how much head wounds bleed. I heard him scream and I ran over to him and blood was just GUSHING down his face. I tried to find where he was bleeding from and once I did, I pushed my hand against it, but blood was still pouring down his face under my hand. The poor boy, blood was all over his Easter egg bag!
Here is a funny thing though: My brother's little boy, Jackson, was over there with Brenden. When George and I got over there, Jackson said: We were both going for it (the egg) and then Brenden busted his head...and I got the egg...but I will give it to him! It was so funny (it's funnier if you would have heard him say it! He did give that egg to Brenden. Thanks Jackson!
We took Brenden up to Uncle Bill's (aka Dr. Bill) and he fixed him up for us! Thanks Bill! :)
Another funny thing Jackson said: My parents had given them a few little toys for Easter. The boys were given these little boxes of trucks. Jackson got fire engines and Brenden got construction trucks. Anyway, Jackson has a lot of firetrucks so he tried to trade Brenden. However, Brenden wanted to keep his. Long story short, my mom went inside and got Jackson a new box with army trucks. After my mom left, Jackson leans over to Brenden and tries to hand him his bos of firetruck cars, and says: "Here Brenden, you can take these home with you and sell them at your garage sale!" hahahaha I thought it was so funny!
Sunday...
We got up and did Easter baskets and got ready for church.
9am: Church. I am the primary chorister and I love it! I had a wonderful experience on Sunday. We sang the song I'm Trying To Be Like Jesus (my favorite) and we talked about how we should always try to be like Jesus. Then, I had the kids trace their hands on a piece of paper. We then talked about all of the things/miracles that Christ did/performed with his hands. Then I told the kids I needed them to be very reverent for me because I wanted them to listen to the words of this song I was about to play for them. I played His Hands on CD. They were are absolutely quiet. While, the song played, I showed pictures of Christ that went along with the words. It was very powerful. An amazing thing occured...2 older kids (1 girl, and 1 boy) were brought to tears during the song. The spirit was so strong. When the song ended, I bore my testimony and told the kids that their handprints were to remind them that their hands can become like "those from Galilee".
12pm: Church ended and we came home! We had a nice, relaxing afternoon & evening together! We also gave Brittaney her birthday present (through clues) too. I will do a post about that too...stay tuned!
8pm: Got the kids ready for bed and down they went...prayers, lullabies and good night! xoxo

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Happy Easter


I know that my Redeemer lives.
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, he lives, who once was dead.
He lives, my ever-living Head.

He lives to bless me with his love.
He lives to plead for me above.
He lives my hungry soul to feed.
He lives to bless in time of need.

He lives to grant me rich supply.
He lives to guide me with his eye.
He lives to comfort me when faint.
He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.

He lives to silence all my fears.
He lives to wipe away my tears.
He lives to calm my troubled heart.
He lives all blessings to impart.

He lives, my kind, wise heav’nly Friend.
He lives and loves me to the end.
He lives, and while he lives, I’ll sing.
He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.

He lives and grants me daily breath.
He lives, and I shall conquer death.
He lives my mansion to prepare.
He lives to bring me safely there.

He lives! All glory to his name!
He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:
“I know that my Redeemer lives!”

He lives! All glory to his name!
He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives:
“I know that my Redeemer lives!”

Friday, April 10, 2009

I can see, I can see, I can see!!

Kehli can see now...YAY!!
(she looks so cute in glasses)

I LOVE my Daddy!

We won the Daddy lottery!!

Thursday, April 9, 2009

It's finally here...

Happy 13th Birthday Christopher!!


Christopher...what a blessing you have been to me and this entire family! There are so many things that I love about you! I still remember the moment you were born and you were put into my arms! There aren't words to adequately describe how I felt! You were my first little boy! I was so happy (and so was your dad)! You were a very easy baby! You were the cutest little toddler! You were a very active kid! And now...you are an incredible young man!
As I have watched you learn and grow up over the last 13 years, I am just in awe of you! You are such a kind and compassionate person. I can't begin to tell you how many times other parents have come to me and shared how wonderful they think you are. You really try to do what is right. You have faced struggles and challenges that most kids (or even adults for that matter) never have to deal with. I am so proud of how you deal with those things...especially your diabetes! I know it is a daily battle and some days are better than others, but you are doing it!
I love to look up on Sunday and see you in your white shirt and tie passing the sacrament. What a wonderful blessing that is for you (and your Dad and I). What a wonderful example you are to your younger brother. There are so many things I love about you and am so proud of you for!

I love your...

sense of humor
smile
laugh
caring nature
compassion for others
determination
testimony
athletic abilities
musical talents
sense of adventure
silliness
and so much more...


I love that at 13 years old, you will still give me a hug and kiss on the cheek in front of your friends! I am so thankful that Heavenly Father sent you to me! We may not always see eye-to-eye, but I will always love you...no matter what! However, let's make a pact right now that you won't ever try to test that...haha! :)
Most of all, I love that you continually forgive me when I fall short as your mom! I love you so much and want nothing more than for you to feel safe, secure, happy and loved beyond description!

Thank you for being my wonderful "little" boy!!
And yes, you will always be MY "little" boy! :)

I LOVE YOU!!