Finally

So, I was finally able to post Jackson's most recent photos. He was so fascinated with that feather during the photo shoot. We call that middle picture his "bucket lip" cuz you could hang a bucket from that lip! And the last is just his perfect, sweet little smile. It's so hard for me to believe that he is already two! My, how time flies!

On another note... I have been thinking lately. Now, I know, I know, that could be dangerous! But, in all seriousness, I look around me and I see so many sad things happening. I know men who have lost their jobs and now their family is scraping to get by. I have a friend in the ICU who has 5 small children at home, one who is just a baby, who was still nursing until this. I have another friend who was just diagnosed with cancer and had surgery to cut it out and now she gets to look forward to chemo therapy. I have prayed with all my heart for these people, I have sought opportunities to serve them, and the Lord has given me that chance. My heart aches for them. These are difficult experiences, and especially this time of year.

How grateful I am for my health, for my prosperity, for my family, and for my loving, tender husband. I have been pondering on the blessings I receive daily and my heart is full of gratitude to our loving Father in Heaven. I know He lives and He watches us. I know He is fully aware of the heartache and grief these people are feeling. I know He sends angels to watch over them. I am grateful for a compassionate Redeemer, even Jesus Christ, who has felt all the pain and suffering each of us has felt, that He may know how to comfort each of us individually. How marvelous and wonderful the Atonement is! He lives! And I love Him with all my heart and soul.

So, I am counting my blessings, and they are endless! I am grateful for the opportunity to serve. I am grateful to those who have served me during the great trials of my life (and I know I will experience more). But how wonderful it is that we are here to serve and love one another. It is my prayer that we can all seek opportunities to serve and love one another. Could you imagine what kind of world this would be if that is what everybody did? That is what I would call heaven on earth!

Carpool Conversations

I love driving the kids to and from school simply for the conversations had during these short trips. For example, yesterday, on the way home one of the girls in the car said, "Hey, look at that dog hugging the other dog!" And we all looked... they were doing the thing that normal dogs do. And it did look a lot like hugging, but it was something I just simply did not want to explain to the kids (if you catch my drift).

Just as I was cringing, waiting for that inevitable question... "Mommy, what are they doing"... that question; one of the other children in the car exclaimed, "Hey, look! They're doing the 'wheelbarrow'!" I just busted out laughing. I love that little girl and I am so grateful that she saved me from that dreaded question.

I just love kids. These weren't even my kids that held this coversation. I just love the things they come up with. They make life so much more interesting!

More current pics to come!

Alright, I am just a little bit frustrated! I have tried numerous times to post my baby boy's current pictures. Unfortunately, I have been unsuccessful so far... have no fear, I will figure this out and post current pics. So, for now, enjoy the ones from years past!

There is no other closeness in human life like the closeness between a mother and her baby... they are just a few heartbeats away from being the same person.

-Susan Cheever

Yesterday was my baby boy's birthday. It is hard to believe that he is already two. I never dreamed of how fun little boys are. Don't get me wrong... little girls are fun too, it's just different. I can't explain it, it just is.

When he looks at me with those big brown eyes, my heart just melts. He is so much fun, that little guy makes all of us laugh daily. I love watching him with his sisters. They are all so loving toward him. Now, everybody has their moments of not sharing or bullying each other, but for the most part, they get along well. I must say however, that my boy pretty much gets what he wants from his sisters.

Just last night we were all in the living room watching the movie "Up" (which I absolutely LOVE). The girls were all on the floor and up he comes. He walked up to my oldest and wrapped his little arm around her neck and there he stood for several minutes just like that. It warmed my heart to see that. He is such a tender, sweet, adorable little guy.

The other day at church one of the nurserly leaders came up to me and mentioned at what a snuggly little guy he is. I do love how much he snuggles.

When I reflect on the day he was born... it was such a beautiful experience. I loved giving birth to all my children. I loved looking in their eyes for the first time and connecting with them on a level I had no idea was possible. It was like holding all the love I could posess in my arms.

I am thankful for that little boy and for my wonderful daughters. I am thankful for all they teach me every day of my life. I am a better person because of them. I am thankful for a loving Father in heaven who trusted me enough to send me his beautiful children so I could learn to be a parent. What a journey this has been and continues to be. Some days I wonder if I will ever make it through... thank heavens those are far and few between! Most days it is a joy and a privilege and an honor to be a mother. I cherish those little ones and love them so completely!

Pinning Patterns

I have decided to learn to sew. So far I have made two aprons and a witches cape for Reagan's costume. I must say... I have a sewing bug. I love to sew!

My sweet mother-in-law has spent several hours in my home teaching me the tricks of the trade. Sure, I have plenty more to learn. But at least I have some basics down. I don't know what it is about sewing, but it is very relaxing for me.

Anyway, as you can see, I have posted a few pictures. The first, of sweet, curious, ambitious Oakley. She loves to do what Mommy is doing. She is such a big girl.

The second picture is where I had pinned my pattern to the fabric for one of the aprons. I was showing Oakley what I was doing. She was so attentive and helpful; handing me pins and whatnot.

Then we get into the pictures of my earrings on my bed.

And so, what do all these pictures have in common?

I was out pinning another pattern when Mike called me into our bedroom because, "You have to look at this. But you may not want to look at this." That is never good.

So I went to see. It wasn't as bad as I initially thought (judging by the tone of his voice). If you look closely at the pictures of the earrings, you will notice that they are "pinned" into my silk duvet cover on my bed. Not a big deal really, I just have a few extra holes (but they are very small).

I just thought it was cute how she was modeling what I was doing. However, we did have a little chat.

I thought it was cute until I went to my craft room yesterday only to find my latest fabric that I had JUST cut out had some extra fabric missing. Oakley had been watching me cut it out and then went down to finish off the job.

At first I was so upset. I sent her to her room for a time out. After a few minutes I cooled down and realized that she just wants to do the things I am doing. And so, I have decided I am going to make Oakley her very own craft box with all kinds of ribbon and fabric that she can hack away as much as she wants. I am hoping that will eliminate her desire to go after my projects.

Does anyone out there have any other ideas? How do I keep her from getting into my jewelry, fabric, ribbon, all my stuff?

My Cleaning Frenzy

Do any of you have one of those rooms in your house that is your "craft room" that ends up turning out to be the "crap room"? It just keeps getting stuffed with stuff.

Well...

I have one of those rooms. I am a bit embarrassed to admit it, but I do.

I guess I should say, I did... until today! I went through my crap room and I turned it back into my craft room. As some of you might know, I started working full time about one year ago. Then I went to one day a week back in August (can I get a HALLELUJAH!) For some reason my house seemed to fall apart this past year. Usually I am a clean/organizing freak. It was all I could do just to keep up with the every day surface cleaning, let alone the deep cleaning and organizing.

I don't know how working moms do it. So a little shout out to all you working moms. You are AMAZING! I applaude you. It's hard enough for me to keep up with it all and I am home!(Working one day a week just doesn't count as working, you know?)

Anyway, I feel so accomplished. I feel soooooo much better! Over the last couple weeks I have:

-gone through my kitchen and scrubbed all the cupboards (in and out).
-organized my pantry
-organized the hall closet
-rearranged Oakley's and Jackson's room
-painted my front, garage, and back doors
-organized my food storage
-organized the hall closet in the basement
-and now, finally... taken care of that craft room!

I am not meaning to boast... I am just so happy about it. It is amazing to me how much better I feel. I mean, I actually feel like I am energized and motivated to do more. It has even motivated me enough to start sewing... yeah! (Now that I can actually use the space in that room)

There is still plenty more to do. And I am positive that if I spent 24/7 cleaning and organizing I would never catch up... I just figure this is a start and I am just taking it one day at a time.

Being Sick Stinks (for EVERYBODY)

Yesterday I was feeling oh so accomplished. I went through the house and stripped down all the beds (which is not a lot of fun with the bunk bed, mind you). I washed ALL the bedding, pulled out the flannel sheets and proceded to remake all the beds. While I was in the process of doing this, I decided to rearrange one of the bedrooms.

I was bored with it.

Anyway, I got through most of the laundry, finished the beds, and stepped back to take a look at what I had done. I then made a yummy broccoli cheese soup and sat down with my family to eat. Mike headed off to school and the kids and I went visiting teaching. I came home and got the kids ready for bed. Jackson was in bed by 7:30! Kids were reading books, teeth and hair were brushed, the house was cleaned up. All was well and I was on the fast track to my "quiet time". I only had 30 minutes to go!

And then 7:45 came around...

Jackson woke up and started puking all over. The little guy didn't know what hit him; after all, he has never thrown up before :(... Luckily, Mike came home a little early and held him while I got all the girls in bed. Then I got to sit on the couch and hold him while he continued vomiting.

We called our neighbor over and asked if he would help give our little man a blessing. We have the best neighbors in the world! He came over and they gave him a blessing. One of the things mentioned was that he would stop vomiting and that he would sleep through the night and feel much better in the morning. And all of that has come to pass. Sure, he isn't 100% better, but at least he isn't throwing up and he is smiling again.

I am so grateful for the priesthood, I am grateful for good neighbors who are always there for us. I am grateful for a loving Father in heaven who hears and answers prayers and who is blessing my little boy right now.

So, I got to re-wash his bedding. At least we know his bed is super clean! If only I would have waited one more day to do all that laundry... oh well ;)!

Yes, I know I already posted something today, but something happened that I would like to share.

Many times I have told myself to not send my husband to the store to go shopping for food; but I made an exception this evening because it was only for the basics. That's simple, right? Some fruit, vegetables, milk and bread. I did ask for some frozen cauliflower and broccoli so I could make some broccoli cheddar soup tomorrow (since soup weather is my fave and I absolutely loooooooove soup). ANYWAYS... Mike called me from the store at least 7 times, yep, no exaggeration there... 7 times (or more). He was calling to ask several questions about what to buy. One question he asked was if I would like him to buy some bread bowls. Now, who wouldn't want bread bowls... yum!

So, after several phone calls and several minutes later my sweet hubby came home with all the food he bought. Of course, among the veggies are potato chips, corn chips and cinnamon bears. And we just had to have that summer sausage and the fancy sharp cheese to go with it as well. When he told me he spent $100 I could hardly believe it! Now that I think about it though, some of those items are expensive! Lots more than just fresh produce ;).

Okay... so on with the story. I was digressing. Anyway, he was so excited to show me the "bread bowls". He was all smiles as he opened the grocery bag. I couldn't believe my eyes! Mike had bought two loaves of sourdough bread. Have you ever seen a loaf of sourdough bread? If that was a bread bowl, that would be one ginormous bread bowl! I lovingly explained that they were, in fact, two full loaves of bread and not bread bowls. I'm not complaining however because I love sourdough bread. I just explained I wouldn't be eating it out of the "bread bowl", I would slice it up for the kids and me to enjoy!

I just thought he was so sweet and thoughtful and adorable! I love him so much!

I love sending Mike to the store. I never know what he will come home with. Maybe I'll go up and enjoy some of those cinnamon bears!

I did it!

I did it... I really did it.

I fancied up my blog. I am feeling good about myself. I am good enough, I am smart enough, and doggonit... people like me! Now we'll just have to see if I can keep it up, right? ;)

First Day of Preschool

It's hard to believe that my little Oakley is old enough to go to preschool! Today was her first day and boy was she excited and nervous at the same time! Here she is sporting her Dora backpack AND shoes and all. She picked her own outfit for the first day... so stylin'!

All went well though, she had a blast. She came home all smiles and told me all the things she did in class. She just feels like such a big girl now that she is going to school like her big sisters do.

I am just trying to make it through this crazy schedule! Is there anybody else out there who has experienced that schedule of one child in school all day, one 1/2 day, one in preschool, and one still home all day?

I figure this is the only year I will have that scenario... so I will enjoy it while it lasts!

On a side note... as I was dropping Dakota and her little friend off to kindergarten today, I watched the two of them walk up to the building side by side. I had to giggle at the sight, because I just think those little kindergarteners are so adorable with their backpacks that are nearly as big as they are!

A Little Under the Weather

Well, I got to spend my weekend in bed for two straight days. I am just now getting my sense of smell back which is good and bad. Good, cuz I love smelling my fall candles and yummy dinners and actually being able to taste my food. Bad cuz now I can smell when Jax needs to be changed. I must admit, poopy diapers aren't near as bad with no sense of smell! However, the good by far outweighs the bad ;)!

As I was laying in bed listening to my hubby struggle with the kids, I began to think about all the little things I do around the house to keep things running smoothly. Sure, Mike is a terrific husband and father; but he wasn't born to be a mother. He did a great job of taking care of the kids and cleaning things up, he just doesn't really know exactly how things are run around here. He is a-m-a-z-i-n-g and I would never want to make him sound like anything other than that.

I just think he got a great dose of just how much he appreciates all I do. He was good at putting dishes away and feeding the kids... getting them dressed and to church on time and all of that. It's those little things like crumbs on the table and the floor. You know those crumbs? The ones that if they aren't wiped and swept up immediately, they end up all over your house. It's the fingerprints on the windows and the kitchen appliances. It's the food that explodes all over in the microwave. And last of all, it's that darn laundry that never goes away.

Yes, because I spent two days in bed, I am paying dearly for it today. On the bright side, the crumbs are gone and the laundry is ALMOST caught up (until tomorrow). The fingerprints were gone for about one hour.

I am just so happy for a husband who does so much for me. He cared for me so tenderly. He never complained once, and I know he was stressed out. His plate was so full this weekend... not only did he take on Chemistry and changing the brakes and fixing the door of his truck, he handled my responsibilities as well. I love him so much!

My New Rewards Program

Okay, so I came across one of the best rewards programs for my children. I got the idea from the magazine Family Fun and then I kinda added my own little twist. I absolutely love that magazine by the way!

Anyway, this is our program. I posted a list of chores around the house that my kids can do to earn money (this is fake money that I printed off the website funstuff4kids.org). Anyway, the list ranges anywhere from doing dishes to cleaning up the apples that fall from our apple tree. This has even motivated my kids to clean up the dog mess in the yard! Today my oldest daughter asked if she could earn money by changing a messy diaper (ummmm, let me think about that one for about one nanosecond... yes!)

Okay, so on one sheet I have a list of extra chores they can do around the house. It's basically all the work that I normally do (dishes, dusting, sweeping, mopping, in addition to some mentioned above). Mike and I sat down and decided the amount of money each job would earn.

Earlier in the day I had sat down with the girls and together we came up with a list of things they would like to "buy" with their money. We decided on things like making our favorite dessert together, family bike rides, extra time on computer/video games, pizza party, etc. And, just as with the other list, Mike and I determined the cost of each of these items. They could be things that cost money or things that don't. I find the greatest motivators are the ones that don't cost me a dime!

The kids also have the opportunity to earn money morning and night by doing their "high-5". I found a template of a hand and made some copies and wrote down the 5 things we want done before school and at bedtime on each individual finger. So, for example, in the morning I wrote... get dressed, make bed, brush hair, eat breakfast, and brush teeth. And at night I wrote... pj's, brush teeth, brush hair, clean up, and read. Then I give them a time frame and I don't pester them. They either get it done in time and earn the money or they don't finish in time and miss out on the opportunity of earning more money. Of course, my 4-year-old needs a little more guidance than the older two!

I decided that in addition to this earning program, that I would establish a "maid service fee". If my children want me to be their maid and pick up after them, then I simply do it without warning (because I have ALREADY warned them about this). And then I let them know that they owe me $5 for picking up whatever it was that I did. This worked beautifully with my 6-year-old! I have battled with her for years to put her dirty clothes in the hamper. The other day I did it for a fee of $5. There were many tears shed, but guess who puts her dirty clothes directly in the hamper now! I implemented what I have learned from the book, "Parenting with Love & Logic" and I showed her empathy. It was a bummer, and I really felt sad for her, but it was a good learning experience for us both.

Anyway, so far this has worked better than anything else I have come across. I am doing much less work around the house. I am no longer nagging. I have so much more energy and patience!

The Wanderer

I had one of the scariest experiences of my life this past weekend.

We went to our 15-year high school reunion. As I was mingling and looking around, my little Jackson decided to wander off. I was standing there with my three girls and Reagan says, "Mom, where is Jackson?" Well, I had assumed he went with Mike when he went to go throw some trash away a bit off from where we were. But something inside was nagging me to start looking.

What terrified me the most was there was a little stream not too far from where we were. That was the first place I looked... as I approached the water, I felt like my knees were going to give. I was relieved to find no baby in the water, but sickened at how quickly the water was moving.

Then Mike came back and I asked if he had the baby. He thought I was joking... no joke. So he started looking around to where he just came from; mind you, he had to walk about 5 minutes distance from where we were.

All the while I am just pleading with God to have my son be safe. I felt numb. I felt like a horrible mother. How could I let my sweet boy wander off like that?

Several minutes later Mike came walking back with Jackson in his arms. I was so relieved (to say the least) to see him with our boy. Mike said as he was looking for him, he caught a glimpse of him briefly before he went wandering around the side of a large building. I thought how fortunate we were that Mike saw him before he went around the building. The place we were at was huge!

I thanked Reagan for listening to the Spirit when he told her that we needed to start looking for Jackson. I told her that because she was listening we were able to find her baby brother. I am so grateful for God's angels who watch over our little ones. I was particularly grateful for our Father's tender mercies in protecting my precious baby boy.

I have never had one of my children wander off like that before. And I never want to experience that again! Usually I have him in a stroller, but unfortunately it got left at a park and when Mike went back to get it a couple hours later, it was gone.

Time to get another stroller!

I have arrived

Okay, so I have had two spectacular days in a row. I started my new job in Labor and Delivery and I am liking it a ton! It is very different from my other experience as an aide. There is a lot of cleaning and organizing involved (which is right up my alley). From time to time we get to assist with deliveries. I get to weigh the baby and measure it and all that good stuff.

So Tuesday was my first day and then I worked again yesterday. Both days I got to assist with deliveries. It is difficult to describe the experiences I had. I can say this... there were angels there, both times. I could FEEL them there. There was so much excitement and joy. There is an incredible bond that happens so quickly as well. Watching those new little lives enter into this world brought tears to my eyes!

It is such a miracle... it is such a beautiful wonder... to watch those mommies labor so hard and to witness the end result. I feel honored and priveledged to be a part of it. I have so much gratitude in my heart that I have been given this amazing opportunity. I feel that I have arrived... I am doing what I was sent here to do. I know that God gave me the ability to be a part of this work; bringing new life into this world. It only gets me more excited for my future; whether that is a Labor and Delivery nurse, a Midwife, a Doula, or just hanging out here for a while, I feel this is where I am meant to be. WHAT A BLESSING I HAVE BEEN GIVEN!!!

And I am especially grateful that I can be a part of it and only work very minimal hours so I can be home with my children, where I long to be. So I feel I have been given the best of both worlds! God is good.

Labor and Delivery, here I come!

So, I am fulfilling a dream I have had for almost 8 years now. See, when I gave birth to Reagan I decided that I wanted to be the person that got to take care of the babies and the new mommies at the hospital. I received such amazing care that I decided I wanted to pass that along. Besides, who wouldn't want to work with newborn infants?

And now I just got hired to work in Labor and Delivery! The best thing about it is it's not just Labor and Delivery. I will get to work there and also in Maternity and also after a couple months I will be trained to be a scrub tech, so I will get to assist with C-section deliveries. How amazing is that? I am ecstatic and nervous at the same time.

I will miss all the new friends I have made, but I am delighted to make this career change. I am so happy I will be able to be home most of the time again. I will only be working one shift a week, unless I want to pick up more.

And right now, home is where I want to be. One shift a week works for our family. Working 3 12's a week is not working... especially because working one night shift is really like working 2 days. I am exhausted the next day and I can't be the mommy that I know I really am.

Just yesterday Reagan told me that I was lazy. Me... lazy?! I am anything but lazy. I think I could benefit from being a little lazy. I had never seen myself as a lazy person and I was trying to figure out where this was coming from. And then I replied by saying that I was not a lazy person. Then Reagan said it... she said the thing that was like a dagger to the heart. She said, "Well, when you are working you're lazy!" See, she perceives me as uncaring now. But really, I am just exhausted. I have not been showing up for my kids the way I used to and now my oldest resents me for it.

I know my place is with them right now. Even if that means putting off school a few more years. I have all the time in the world. I can always go back to school. But I can NEVER take this time back with my children. So, this new position will be perfect for my family. It was a direct answer of prayer and I am grateful for a loving Father, who is always watching out for me and gives if I ask.

Hopper the Bird

Every day is an adventure when you are a kid. There are so many things out there in that wide open world. There are potato bugs and worms and grasshoppers... and there are also birds!

The day before yesterday I was in my kitchen and I heard a bunch of birds making a huge fuss; they were making all kinds of noise and kept swooping to the ground. I went outside to see what it was about, but didn't find anything. About 15 minutes later Reagan came inside and told me there was a baby bird in our yard. From what I figure, this bird fell out of its nest a bit too early.

The kids watched over it and fed it potato bugs and worms and water. They made a little nest and a little shelter for this bird. They decided to name the little guy "Hopper" because that is how he got around.

I had to work that night and I just hoped and prayed that the bird would make it through the night. I figured I would have a talk with the kids the next day about calling animal control to come and pick up the bird so it could get proper care.

Well, it made it through the night and it was doing quite well. Until... until I took a nap and found Oakley outside alone with the bird. I am not sure what happened, but after her little visit with the bird, it died. It was devestating for Reagan. I told her he just missed his Mommy and died of a broken heart. So sad.

We had a good day with Hopper though and at the funeral after I buried that cute little bird, Reagan said, "Hopper, you were a good little bird and I will never forget you." And then she sobbed. Life's lessons can sometimes be harsh.

I am so grateful for a little girl with such a tender heart. She is so nurturing and kind!

Oakley's Hoard

So, my littlest girl loves hoarding things around the house. All kinds of random things... toys, clothes, paper; you name it, she hides it. She has had a "special hiding place" under the crib for quite some time now. I know if I can't find something to look under the baby's crib first.

Well, about 6 weeks ago (or so) Oakley decided to hide my makeup. No big deal, right? I'll just look under the crib. Well, she had found a new spot and she would not tell me where she put my make up. I knew she had it because she had decided to paint her face before it all went missing.

So, I haven't worn make up for the length of time it has been missing... not even to special events or out on dates, or anything. I wasn't going to buy all new make up when I knew it was somewhere in the house.

Today, a beautiful thing happened. Oakley was in my bedroom and she had just applied mascara all around her eyes... so I knew the make up was somewhere near. I asked her to show me where she had it and she finally caved! The funny thing is she had put it right next to my slippers under my bed. If only I had looked by my slippers I would have seen it! I also found some missing jewelry under there. Now I know two of her spots, I hope there is not a third! But at least I can start wearing make up again... Mike won't be too happy, but I will!

Glitter Galore

So I had a great time cleaning out my garage on Wednesday.  I pulled stuff out, moved things around and swept the entire garage.  I was pretty satisfied with the results and decided to call it a day (I had to work that evening).  I went to work and my allergies started acting up.  I was sneezing all over the place and my eyes were on fire!!!

I was exhausted Thursday, being as I had worked all night long the night before (and my allergies always wipe me out anyway).  I stayed in the living room with the kids, but to my dismay, I fell asleep after I laid the baby down for a nap.  I was watching Hook with the kids.  

Well, my dear, sweet Dakota decided to make me something special "because she loves me".  When I woke up I found glitter everywhere.  Glitter all over in the basement bathroom.  She dumped most of the contents from 4 containers of glitter.  There was a HUGE pile of glitter on the floor; it was all over the sink and on the rugs.  Lucky for me the glitter managed to get tracked to the upstairs as well.

I thought I had it all cleaned up (as well as glitter will clean up) when I walked into the girls room.  I had no idea we had so much stinkin' glitter in the house.  It was all over the desk and the floor.  By the way, glitter doesn't vacuum off carpet very well.  Though, on the upside, they now have a beautiful sparkling bedroom floor!

And now I am a proud owner of a very beautiful glitter masterpiece made by my sweet little 5-year-old.  Life just doesn't get better than that.  I know i am truly loved.  She spent a lot of time making that for me.  She is ever so thoughtful!

St. George

We had such a great time in St. George. We decided to go there for spring break. We stayed at my grandpa's house and had a blast. The house is stocked with food. There is a pool and hot tub and there is a Wii there too. We just bounced back and forth between the Wii and the pool. We didn't even leave the house.

It was good to be away together, as a family, and just enjoy one another. The weather was PERFECT! It did rain one day, but the kids just stayed inside and played Mario Kart on the Wii. There is a covered patio, so we ate outside every night but one. We even roasted marshmallows over the fire pit and made S'mores.

The only bummer was coming home! We got so used to the weather there! Reagan says she wants to live there.

On the drive there and back we listened to the Fablehaven books on CD. I have read them all, but Mike hasn't had a chance yet... so now I have him hooked as well. For any of you who haven't read that series, I would highly recommend it. It is one that I will read over and over. It was just as enjoyable listening to the CD as it was to read it.

Anyway, it's good to be home. I am just anxious to get back to St. George!

Ice Cream

Hello all! It's been a while. Life has been crazy busy with the new job and all. But we are surviving. I just thought I would add a little entry about my little ones. Saturday morning after I finished working a 12-hour shift I went to sleep. During that time, Mike took care of the kids for me. After he laid Jackson down for a nap, he went to the store to buy some groceries. Mind you, I was sound asleep and was unaware that he had even left.

He turned on a movie and asked the girls to keep it down while he was gone because Mommy and the baby were asleep.

And they were all nice and quiet.

Mike came home after his little shopping excursion only to find the girls sitting on the living room floor eating root beer floats. Mike didn't make those for them... Reagan did! She even cleaned up after herself and everything. We both thought that was so cute. I realized just how grown up she is.

We thought it was cute and wonderful until the next morning, when Reagan and Dakota woke up bright and early on that Sunday morning. They decided to make their own breakfast. And guess what they had... ice cream. Bubble gum ice cream from Leatherby's. We had a little talk after that.

Oh, I love those kids. I love how their little minds work. Why not have ice cream for breakfast? In all actuality, that ice cream is probably more healthy than half of the cereal we buy for the kids anyway ;)

lazer eyes

Okay, so when you go to the fabric store, apparantly there is a certain protocol. Since I have not sewed much in the past, I was completely unaware... until now. The other day I went to the fabric store because I have decided it is high time I actually USE the sewing machine I have. There wasn't a single person at the counter and I thought, "Wow, am I in luck!" Normally there are a ton of ladies waiting to have their fabric cut.

I walked right up to the counter and asked for 2 yards of this and 3 yards of that... and the associate didn't bat an eye and began measuring and cutting. During this process I look around and all of a sudden the women start coming out of the wood works. Again I was amazed at my luck. How did I miss this rush... I AM AWESOME, right?

Then I notice a lady come up to the counter and go to the side and PICK A NUMBER. It was shortly after that the other associate called out a number. Oh, I wanted to crawl and hide. Here was the dilemma; she had already scanned my fabric and was in the process of measuring and cutting it when I realized my mistake. I felt so foolish. I actually felt like quite the jerk. What would you have done though? Should I have told her to stop what she was doing and help the other people? I didn't realize my error until she was about 3/4 the way finished with the process. So I stuck it out.

When I turned around I smiled at a woman standing there. And I am telling you now, I swear she had lazers charging up to zap me dead on the spot. I can't say I blame her. I didn't have my children with me and here she had her 3 little ones who were getting antsy and whiny. So I booked it to the front and went straight for the cashier to pay for it and leave as quickly as possible. I didn't want to get mobbed by a swarm of angry sewing women!

So, the lesson of the story for me is to be more aware at what is going on around me. Believe me, I will NEVER make that mistake again. Now I know... always pick a number first! (And now you know too)

Kisses

Last night was pretty eventful for us. As Reagan was sitting on one couch reading to Mike, Dakota and I were sitting on another couch reading. I was working with Dakota on teaching her how to read... the sparkle in those big brown eyes was indescribable when she caught on to each word. Meanwhile, Reagan finishes reading and then Mike read to Oakley. All the while Jackson is crawling all around us. So I am so wrapped up with reading with Dakota that I am completely unaware of the little miracle happening right before me.

Mike looked at me and said, "Did you see that?" I didn't even know what he was talking about. Apparantly Jackson took eight steps AND I MISSED IT! How could that happen when I was sitting right there? I was excited anyway. And I got thinking... how much my children have grown. Here Reagan is reading to Mike, Dakota is learning to read with me, Oakley knows her letters and sounds, and now my baby is learning to walk. How precious time is. They are growing before my eyes and a lot of times it's like it was last night... right before my eyes and I miss out on it. It was a gentle reminder of how much I want to just enjoy my children.

I am going to enjoy this period of time when they are small and still think I am superwoman and I know anything about everything. When they have this perception that Daddy can fix or build anything. When they say the funniest things and act in the silliest ways. When they call me "fathead" or leave sweet little love notes. Sure it's a busy time and it can be downright stressful; but I am savoring this moment in time for I am beginning to realize how quickly this short time is slipping through my fingers.

I love being a mom... it is the greatest adventure of my life. What a blessing it is to have these darling little people in my life to teach me and love me unconditionally. I have learned so very much from them and I am positive I have much more to learn!

The icing on the cake for me last night was this. After I was contemplating it all I was going through the house preparing for bedtime. I was turning out lights, putting blankets away... and then I went to my shutters and closed them. Lo and behold, there were red kiss marks all over them that I couldn't see until they were closed. I just laughed and wondered who did it. I also wondered when it was done. Kids sure are tricky!

Reagan is so sweet

So yesterday morning after I woke up from a two hour nap so I could go to church with my family (after just getting off a 12-hour shift) Reagan came into my room grinning from ear to ear. She said, "Mommy, look, your secret friend left you something. Then she pulls out the magnadoodle and it says, "Dear Mrs. Wolf I think your the Best from your secirete friend". It just warmed my heart.

I love my kids. They always know what to say and when to say it to make me feel better. I must admit, however, that on the other hand they know just what to say to make me feel a bit more self-conscious. Dakota told me last night that I was a "fat head" when I told her no more ice cream. Oh well, you win some... you lose some. They make me laugh either way.

When I told Mike what Dakota called me he gave me the classic parent response. "Well, are you a fat head?" It's just that she is the first to tell me when I have put on a few pounds. She is always so concerned about the way I look. I just get a kick out of it!