Impossible...

It is virtually impossible to get a decent family picture! I swear, someone is always being goofy, one is always mad, the other is never looking, eyes are closed, someone is always whinning, I look like a she devil and someone is always close to tears! It's maddening as a Mom because I can't afford the super cute portraits where we are all color cordinated on train tracks or in an apple orchard. I just want 1 normal picture!!!

Trusting in the Lord...

I can finally talk about it now! I was called to be in the Relief Society Presidency and for the past 10 days I've really been talking to Heavenly Father about it. (Mostly doubting my abilities to carry out such a big calling) While thinking about the women before me, all I was doing was comparing myself to them and feeling doubtful I would measure up. Yesterday while in the hall, Sister Hyer gave me her congrats and that's when I told her how nervous I was. I told her, "I'll never be able to fit in Virginia's shoes!" That's when she said, "You're not supposed to fit in her shoes, you're supposed to fit in yours!"  I've been thinking about that and I know she is right, it's just hard to picture myself fullfilling this calling without completely falling on my face. The great news about being 2nd counselor, is I'll still be over the activity commitee, which I have loved for the past several years, so I'm blessed to have a slight idea of some of my responsibilities there. It goes back to what my Mom is always reminding me of- turning it over to the Lord and just letting go of it, really trusting him. Honestly, I'm horrible at it because it requires letting go of my control and I feel crazy when I'm forced to do that. I am thankful for this chance to serve and pray I will be enough. My fear has always been I am not enough in life. Hopefully God will make up the difference and I will be ok.

Happy Birthday Gracie Grace...

Yesterday was Grace's 6th b-day, but because we were home for only 1 hour, I didn't get top post pictures. I love this little firecracker! Happy Birthday my swwet girl!

 

It had to be done Jana...

(I had to post this, sorry babe!) Tristin recieved 2 pins last week at Scouts and he's working on his arrow of light. He's such a good boy and he's proud of his accomplishments- I am too, I must say!

More party...

Here's a few more gems from the party! Forgive me, I look like death and G-pa has his eyes closed! Awesome.

Willow writes her name!

I've been working with Willow a little on writing her name and last week she did it! All by herself! She's so cute too, because we will be out and about and I'll hear her say: W-i-l-l-o-w, I did it Mommy" Or, " down up, down up, straight line with a dot, straight line, straight line, circle, down up, down up! Willow, that is my name!" She is so proud of herself and so am I! She just tunred 3- good job Miss Willow pants!

This is what I wake up to!

I don't think it gets any better! I love my sweet little man!

Progress...

We are making progress on the wall, but with a tired husband after work, a hammer & crow bar to work with and 5 kiddos to cart around at Lowes- we are kinda slow. We hope to have it up tonight- we shll see! Tristin had a blast hammering away last night though! He is a total boy!

I'm not ready for this...

The other day while I was cleaning, I picked up an envelope made out to me from Grace and discovered this little gem tucked inside. It reads: Mom- I was scared to tell this to you- but I like someone in my school- Grant. I don't know if he likes me.
Oh, how I laughed- and then amazingly fast, panic overwhelmed my entire being. I pulled her aside yesterday and told her I had found her note about Grant. She smiled and covered her face in embarrasment. I told her, :Sweety, that's fine if you like someone. Just know you can tell me anything and you don't have to be scared. Just know you can always talk to me."

In my mind I flash forwarded 10 years and just shook my head. 3 girl's in a row- Please help me Lord... I'm not ready for this!
(Oh yeah, how awesome is she for writing this all by herself? Way to go 5 year old smarty pants!)

Wonderful water heater...

Pretty much every day I thank the Lord for my dishwasher, running cars, warm house, washing machine, dryer, running water etc... I know how blessed I am- and spoiled, oh, how very spoiled. When I noticed my water heater dripping water Friday morning- I said, "Please Lord, not right now, I'll deal with it after the wedding, I just can't worry about this right now!"  (My friend Kristen was getting married and we had a church to set up and a wedding to attend that day!)
Naturally, I went right into pancic mode and called DeArley, who came over within minutes. She turned the water off, started making calls to cousins, calmed me down, changed a diaper, combed the girl's hair and helped me get the kids out the door for school. Her cousin was over in about 20 minutes, fixed the part and I was on;y out $ 50.00! I borrowed fans, dried out the wall for 4 days and thanked the Lord it wasn't any worse. Brother Coffin came over last night and removed a piece of the wall and did find mold. We will be running to Lowes when Trav get home and replacing the section that was damaged. I am grateful for wonderful friends, fast plumers, fan lenders and a helpful VT who lent her husband so we could discover the yucky mold hiding out in our wall. Thank you wonderful helpers! We appriciate you so much! And yes, Mom, I will let you know...