Spring Break and Conference Weekend

My heart is full of gratitude today for the spiritual feast of general conference. There is so much to ponder and study, but mostly I just felt encouraged to be more loving and to constantly find ways to serve. As I was thinking about serving, and wondering who and how I could serve, I realized that every interaction with another person is an opportunity to serve. I am going to try to be like Elder Scott's sweet wife, as he described her constantly praying for and finding ways to serve, even when she was very sick. What an amazing couple!

Spring break also came to an end this weekend. Our family didn't go anywhere fun or exciting, but I tried my best to fill the days with fun for the kids. Besides starting our Avatar marathon (still not finished with that one) we went to several fun places, played in the sunshine with friends and family (we even got sun burnt!!!) and I even got to read a good book. Such a great week and now the final push 'til to the end of the year.

Tired Baby

This morning I had just gotten Jacob ready for the day and left him playing with some toys in his room. I was off in other parts of the house doing other things and I noticed that it was unusually quiet. I ran up to Jacob's room and found this


What a little sweetheart! He's never been one to just fall asleep like that so I was pretty surprised. Sweet baby boy.

Ellie's Birthday Party

After throwing annual parties for every kid, I started feeling the time and money spent on these parties was just too much. So I told them all last year that we would only have birthdays on certain "special" years. Well, Ellie wanted a party so badly this year she begged and even offered her birthday money from her grandparents to help pay for it. Well, if it really means having a good birthday or not, David and I relented and she had ANOTHER party--but, it was actually one of the easier parties we've thrown and the kids had a great time. I'm starting to understand what was stressing me out so much in the past--the darn goody bags. I decided not to worry about goody bags this year and what a relief. So, here are some pics of Ellie's crazy party! Also, David and I told Ellie that if she wanted a party, that would be her gift--no other presents. Well, that was just too mean, of course. So, David and I re-painted Ellie's bedroom furniture from white to her new favorite "black", and then we surprised her with some other stuff for her room. So, also included are some pictures of her new "grown-up" bedroom. I have to admit, I sort of miss the pink and white...but it turned out very cute!


They had a competition of making the cutest out-fit from aluminum foil. They got pretty creative!

One of the games was called "blind make-over". The girls took turns trying to put make-up on each other while blind folded. It was making me laugh so hard--mostly at how hard all of them were laughing!

Ellie Turns 9!!!!

Wow, my little Elle Belle is nine years old today! I can't believe that nine years ago we were in Lansing, Michigan, in the worst hospital I've ever had to stay in, enjoying our new, tiny little pink baby girl. She has always been a sweet, fun and crazy girl. She brings life to our home and family in so many ways. She is quick to laugh and see the good in others. She is competitive and loves to win, but also cheers for others. Ellie spent the first seven years of her life as a princess. Now she claims to hate anything "princess" and instead loves black, neon yellow and rock 'n roll. I can't imagine my life or our family without Ellie. I am so grateful for a daughter and Ellie is a light to everyone around her. Happy Birthday sweet Ellie!!!!

A Weekend Away

So my older brother, Brayden, came to Utah last weekend. Since we hadn't seen him in quite a while and may not seem him this summer, Karma and I drove down to Utah with our babies to see him. It was such a fun break from the normal stresses of life and so fun to talk and talk and talk and talk and talk and then talk some more. It made me realize how lucky I am to genuinely love and like my brothers and sisters and parents to much. They are my best friends (after David) and I love having them in my life. We covered everything from politics to missionaries and of course did a lot of laughing. I don't think I'll ever think of elbows in the same way. Of course it was absolutely wonderful to get home yesterday and see my adorable children and sexy husband. David had taken great care of the kids and the house was nice and clean. I am a very lucky woman!

Jakey, Jake!

Our little Jakey is almost nine months old--I can hardly write that without grimacing.  I can't believe the time has flown so quickly.  He is such a fun boy and our family has LOVED having him around.  Jackson, Ellie and Thomas all love to hold and entertain him.  I hate to say he has favorites, but he thinks Jackson is the funniest guy alive!  He has a special little squeal just for Jackson's hilarious antics.  Jacob has earned the nick-name "Gus Gus" because he has a raspy little voice at times that reminds us of the mouse Gus from Cinderella.  Also, he's pretty chubby like Gus Gus, too.  It has been fun having a baby around again.  Here are a few pictures of our sweet little Jakey!

Thomas the Graduate

Thomas graduated from preschool yesterday!  We sent him to Cloverdale Christian Preschool this year and it was a fabulous experience for him.  Miss Denise is a wonderful teacher and Thomas has learned and grown so much.  Besides learning all about letters, numbers, colors, shapes, etc; he also learned all the states and all the presidents of the United States.  I was thoroughly impressed.  He is so excited to move up to Kindergarten next year, but we will miss Miss Denise.  Congratulations, cute Thomas!