Perspective

So, I hardly posted my miss the boat post so people could post how wonderful I was doing! But thanks...you're too kind. There is no doubt that each day I mess up, usually the same thing over again! But I'll keep trying. I do feel like a better person today than I was six months ago, so that is progress!

We had a great weekend in Canada with Nate's fam for his baby brother's missionary farewell. Can't believe he's old enough...stinking kid was 8 when I married Nate. Does that mean I'm aging...ALOT? He's the cutest...such a good kid. The kids love him and I'm so proud of him...what a good example!

All of Nate's siblings/spouses(minus Cheryl) got to attend a temple session. It was pretty awesome to look around and see an entire family there because family is the point of this all. I have had my struggles with Nate's fam, and I still struggle with my own wretched ability to be honery sometimes. But it was nice to see them in the temple, and know that we are a family forever. I am grateful they've given me a chance, and that we've formed a mutual respect and love for each other. Some things take time...but are SO worth the effort! Love you guys.

A quick shout to my sweet family. I see such powerful spirits in my young children. They have a special purpose here, and I'm overwhelmed and grateful to be able to help direct their lives. The sound of Kenna's naughty giggle makes me laugh at the thought of it. Avery is my sunshine...so pleasant and happy you take for granted she's around. Eli is the spice of life. Everything is MUCH more potent when he's around, but so much more entertaining and fun. Oh....my handsome Kolbe. His quirky half smile, his love of strange facts, and his calm, laid-back personality reaffirm just why I 'chose' him to be mine! And lastly....I love my sweet husband. I have truly learned what a good man he is. I know I'm the weight around his ankles...but I'm glad he patiently pulls me along.

I have a blessed life. I love my family and I'm thankful for the blessings of each day. I am thankful for every experience. I am thankful for my mom and dad. And I love my siblings. There is a perspective in my life that brings calm to struggles...peace to trials, and happiness in everthing. I am thankful for what I've been given!

Just FYI

So, we've moved Kenna's baptism from this weekend to next. Not sure, but I believe its Saturday @ 2 pm, the 14th. That's what we're aiming for, just have to confirm we can have the church.

Thanks for everyone's support...we hope this works out well for everyone. Cause Kenna wants all her friends and family to be able to make it...

Do you ever feel like you've missed the boat

and then you seemingly miss it again? I just feel like I can't seem to get this mommy-hood thing right. I'm too busy. Too crabby. And I find myself feeling guilty every night for moments of impatience and irritability. Why is it that my most important job keeps coming in second to the busy work of life? How does one make time for books and cookies when there is work, laundry, and thousands of things on my TO-DO list? I am feeling like a failure tonight. When I rocked Eli to sleep, and then stared at his sweet face, lips all pooched out, all I can think of is the moments I missed today when I could have stolen endless kisses. And how do you motivate your kids to work when they are best at avoiding it? Because I fail....miserabely. And say things like, 'don't be lazy...do it right!' then worry I've branded them 'lazy'. Okay...so I'm rambling. But tonight I find myself feeling like motherhood is so much harder than anything else. I have got to balance things better so I don't turn around and my house is clean, but my kids are grown, and remembering their crabby crabby mommy! UGh......depressing.

WHaaaaaaaaaahhhhh....

As far as the actual baptism goes, I'm very excited and proud of my beautiful girl. But...what is the rush to grow up? You know, I made each of my children promise they would stay my babies forever but there isn't one of them who's making good on it! Kenna is beautiful and kind. She is so much of a little mommy already, complete with nerves and worrying! She was a bit anxious for her baptism interview with the bishop tonight...thought she might want mom there with her. But, we went for icecream tonight, just she and I, and she very cutely explained the questions he asked, and what her answers were. "Mostly I said 'ya' mom!" And she bore her sweet testimony of the Holy Ghost! I love her...and, its official, she passed! So, her baptism is next Friday. I'm gonna have to figure out how to keep them small some how...it is wonderful to see them make certain committments, like baptism. But, I think I could be happy freezing time.....

before I forget...

Tomorrow, Friday May 22nd, is a big day! My little brother, who I am SUPER proud of, is taking his MCAT tomorrow. Now, I know that he's gonna rock the test, because he's prepared for it and worked his nerdy butt off in college.
Seriously Willis....love you more than life! I'm incredibly proud of you, your life, your family and your choices! You deserve it all....so good luck! I'm praying for you!!!

"Don't" is just a dare....

I went visiting teaching yesterday to my friend Suzette's house. She is super gracious to allow me with my two crazies, and my companion with her 3 crazies, to come into her house....

She had puzzles all set out for the kids...and everyone but Eli was happy with that. But she also has a parakeet. Eli was daring the poor little thing...and of course, we said "Eli, don't put your finger in the cage...it will bite!" So, he looked at us, and stuck that finger in the cage. I can't stop laughing as I picture his face! He jumped a bit...his eyes got huge....and he said kinda goofy....."stupid burrrrd!" then hid behind the couch so he didn't have to see us laugh! Normally the word 'stupid' is not okay with me. But I couldn't help but laugh at him. This isn't the first time Toby's bitten him....and I'm sure not the last, because he's gotta keep trying to test the limits!

Stupid burrrrd!

Temple Trip

Not sure what Eli was doing here...looks like he's about to bite Nate's bum! Thanks to my favorite junior photographers for this pic!

Everything that's important to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Whoops....did this one twice!

Smelling the flowers! He was funny, alwasy unpredictable. I was worried he'd be ransacking the pretty flowerbeds. As it turns out, we couldn't get him to stop smelling them!

Checking out the inside of a tulip. So pretty and delicate!

Love my little monster!

Nate and I took the kids to Billings this weekend for a quick temple trip. The kids were thrilled because it meant motel with swimming pool for them. For a week, they packed and unpacked their things. Friday morning, it was no longer enough to have a swimming suit packed, Eli decided he had to wear it. So, he wore one on his bottom, and one on his head ALL day Friday! The waterslide was a hit....they swam way longer than I wanted to!

Mom and dad tended kids while Nate and I did a session on SAturday morning. BIG THANKS! Mom ended up going for a fully-clothed swim, as she had to fish Avery out of the pool! I forgot lifejackets...wooops! Mom stood at the base of the slide and grabbed kids as they came off, but Kolbe gave Avery a shove down the slide and mom had her back turned because she was getting Eli out and Avery flew past her into the pool. Mom said she tried to not panic Avery, and 'encourage' her to just swim...but after she bobbed twice and had the look of real panic, mom dove in! I'm giggling...because my mom showed up at the temple in sweats and a t-shirt, her only dry clothes! Apparently dad hurt his arm lunging for Eli as he dove in the deep end. I'm thinking the pool wasn't a good idea for grandparents with no swimming suits!

Nate and I had a very uneventful, very wonderful time at the temple. I am so thankful for each time we can return there and feel the peace of being where we should be. I love that place and the promise it holds for us. We walked the temple grounds afterwards, talking with the kids and looking at the beautiful flowers.

A perfect weekend, but I must set the record straight: Dad said to me a while back that mom doesn't snore anymore. WHATEVER!!!! She snores and moans and basically makes some awful noise from the time she lays down until she gets up! I think separate rooms await us next time!!!