I am so happy with life right now. I was frustrated with the way the kids were behaving, but after doing some family home evening lessons, some supervised game time, some loving service for each other, etc... they are coming around. It is encouraging. They are great kids and I love them so much. I want them to grow up to be the best they can be. I guess that is every parents end goal, and we want them to be better off than we were or are. There is always room for improvement, but as long as we keep trying harder and seeing those moments of improvement it is worth the struggle. Actually living the gospel, not just giving it lip service. Taking those leaps of faith, and baby steps of faith as well.

well, jo said i should be blogging, so here is a blog! i couldn't believe its been almost a year since the last...so shocking! tomorrow is thanksgiving day, the kids are so excited to be going to the elton's and share their poems. i am so grateful for my innumerable blessings. every so often i am taken off guard and realize how truly blessed i am, then i want to cry with gratitude and shame for taking so much for granted. my Savior and Heavenly Father truly do love me and watch out for me and my family.

Happy Holed-up Holidays

This holiday season has been very fun and quiet and white! With all the snow we have been at home a bit more than usual (understatement!) and I have been close to melt down a few times I admit, but the kids are great and have played really well together. We've pulled out game after game and enjoyed just playing together. So fun! Christmas was calm and relaxing, gasp!, and getting together was great with everyone. Andrew was great and patient with me when I would call him 5-6 times at the store to make sure he brought home everything on the list, and somethings not. I am still not able to get my van out of the driveway, but it is raining...yeah! Hopefully that with melt most of the snow so I can get out without slidding all over the place. Saturday we went with family to Canada to Watermania. The kids played for hours in the wave pool and some went off the diving boards, even the highest one! It was very fun. Sylvia is very active, kicking all the time. I have 11 weeks left in this pregnancy. I have been getting the twins comments, but oh well, what can you do... I still have stretch marks that aren't filled in yet so I know I am not at the end yet, and my belly button is not quite gone. Sorry, TMI, I know. I am starting to think more about what needs to get done before she gets here and feeling a bit panicky. :) We all know it goes fast, before you even know its gone!

Today is Charlie's birthday! He is now 3 years old! Every time he is asked how old he is now, he says, "ten!" Not quite, buster! He's been having a great time. He is such a happy boy and so cute and cuddley and friendly and helpful and kind. He is very patient with his older brothers who want to tryout all his cool new stuff. Right..... :) He is actually pretty good about it. You know they are still little when they want macaroni and cheese for their dinner, too. Love that kid! He is my sunshine and blue skies kid. :)

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

I know.... I am lame, lame, lame! It has been 5 months! Everything goes so fast. The garage is started, YEAH!, the new windows are in, I'm pregnant, school is going well, etc.....Andrew is still busy and we love him. The kids are busy and we love them. I'm not at the point where I'm ready to yell, "Stop, let me off this crazy whirlwind of a ride!" just yet, but Tuesdays come really close. My due date is my birthday of all days, March 23. So far everything is going well. I find out the 31 of October if the baby is a girl or boy. Right now it is tentatively a girl. :)!! It is hard to believe that this was my baby:

And this was my baby:

And this was my baby:

And this was my baby:

And this was my baby:

And this was my baby!

It is hard to believe that as slowly as time goes, it can go so fast. I love my kids. They are so beautiful. They really make it all worth while. I am really excited to have another. They are the greatest blessing.

The Husband Princess

My lovely husband, Andrew, is princess Aurora. :) I was thinking what drama queens some husbands are, like mine waking up after I do. Have your husbands take the princess test...it is funny to see who they are, too.

Here I go....

1. Typically what time do you wake up?

Me-6am, AJ-7am, Kids-6:30am


2. On a good night what time are your kids in bed?

A good night is 7pm for the youngest, 7:30 for the middles, 8pm for the oldest


3. How long have you been a mommy?

Been a mommy for 11 years.


4. How old were you when you became a mommy?

22


5. What is your favorite kids tv show/ movie?

I like Kipper, the kids currently like the original Jungle Book and Cars.


6. What is your least favorite kids show?

Which ever one is the current fad, spongebob, simpsons, etc...


7. What are your kids favorite chores??

Hmm.. Sam likes anything outside, Alice likes the bathroom, Maggie is really good in the kitchen, so is Will. Laurence is great picking up his room and Charles is at the stage where he is happy to help with any little easy task.


8. What is your favorite meal to cook?

Anything that takes less than 15 minutes.


9. What is the meal you cook the most?

Pasta with our special sauce, garlic bread and edemame.


10. What is your kids favorite meal?

Macaroni and cheese. Go figure...


11. What is your favorite thing your husband does with your kids?

Sing them to sleep, hands down...or playing the piano for them.


12. What are five things that make you smile when being a mom?

When they say funny things, when they help each other, when they make a good choice of their own free will, all the cute artwork, bear hugs and butterfly kisses.


13. If you could take your kids anywhere, where would it be?

I would take them to the grand canyon, or swimming with dolphins.


14. When was the last time you went somewhere without your kids?

Last night, on a date :).


15. What is your favorite past time activity to do with your kids?

Play games and go camping, hiking, to the beach, etc....


16. Name one thing you said you would never do as a mom.

Be late picking the kids up from someplace.


17. What is your favorite quality your mom has?

Mum is able to think about and analyze many different things at once, and knows whats what! I admire that immensely.


18. What is your advice for new moms?

Have a good sense of humor, it comes in really handy... and always carry wetwipes with you...everywhere!


19. What is the scariest or most heartbreaking moment as a mom?

The scariest is seeing something about to hurt them and not being able to stop it. The most heartbreaking moments are when they are heartbroken (loss of beloved pet, etc...).


20. What is your most joyful moment of being a mom?

After I've brought them home from the hospital and realized they were really mine and they were beautiful and healthy and so soft. Also when they accomplish something they have worked hard at.


21. When was the last time you were told 'I love you' by one of your kids?

Yesterday. :)

I tag everyone who reads this!