Tuesday, March 30, 2010

scenes from a Saturday morning hike

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As Waylon and I hiked, we talked about how blessed we feel to have all of these children no matter how tricky it is at times. The kids have taught us so much and have truly made our lives full in every way. We are grateful for this opportunity to be stretched a bit.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Maren

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"Let's make a deal, you pick out whatever you want to wear today but I get to pick tomorrow" That is a direct quote made by me to Maren. Now that I have had a chance to think about it I think she should pick out her clothes every single day if she wants...the only request is that she always puts on a smile to go with that outfit. So much joy can be found in all of the cheesy grins.

Saturday, March 13, 2010


For some reason this little scene brought me great joy this week. A decade ago I would have never thought little cars all lined up would be this cool.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010


I almost got mad but then I just laughed...PHEW!
I hate it when I get mad unnecessarily..I'm really trying hard in that department.

Now if Christian dumps one more pail of water out of the tub I am going to get ticked:-)

Monday, March 8, 2010

{half-wrapped}


These were the best presents ever. Half wrapped Barbie's etc. The girls wanted so badly for me to have a great birthday. I love that they brought out all of their used toys and tried to give them to me.

Honestly, they made my day.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Happy birthday Nana!

Where is Nana you ask...
Nana is off serving others...on this very day called her birthday.
Nana knows how to be a lady.
Nana knows how to love.
Wouldn't be where I am today without Nana banana.
Happy birthday to a lovely lady AKA as Mom.
xoxoxoxoxo

Sunday, January 24, 2010

{crumb cake}





Sometimes when I am really stressed out I like to make various bakes goods. This morning it happened to be sour cream crumb cake. This was the second weekend alone with all of the children and the thought of getting everybody to church and then to behave once we arrived seemed like the most daunting task. The kids were already fighting and whining about really important things like who was going to sit in which chair. One "awesome" daughter came over for the fifth time and said, "Mom, Bridger is in the seat that I want to sit in. At that point I didn't know what to say so I just blurted out, "Then just go sit on the floor and eat". "Did I really just say that", I thought.  Trust me though I wanted to say something much worse.  I had finally gotten around to dishing my own serving of crumb cake and wished I could go eat mine outside in peace. Instead I took my own advice and settled for the floor. Funny thing happened after that. Every single one of our moods lightened up and before I knew it I was surrounded by 5 active children who had come to join me. Not the most conventional way of eating crumb cake but it was then & there that my prayers were answered. Mandy walked in the door unannounced to help us get ready for church. She was so amused by the sight of all of us sitting there that she went to get the camera. What I remember most was that we all ended up making it to church in rather chipper moods which is a miracle. You see it was just the day before that I sat in the shower telling my Heavenly Father that I could only do my best. I told him that I would try really hard but that I need a little extra help to make it the rest of the way. Again, my prayers were heard.

As I sat in church and listened to the speaker talk about putting ourselves in a position to not only hear promptings to help those in need and to be an instrument in thy hand but then to be bold enough to act on those promptings, I felt inspired to try even a little bit harder. I can do great things with the Lord on my side...even if they are hard. When it is His will, He always helps to make up the difference. Usually through angels here on this earth.

P.S. - "Awesome" is code for not awesome.  I love that sister always says, "My kids are being so awesome" when they really are being little scoundrels.