She Did It!

Kiley ran for School Historian. Not because she wanted to win but because she wanted to be Class Representative and you are eligible if you run for student council. She is SOOOOO excited. She walked into her classroom and there was the coveted purple paper on her desk to let her know she was chosen! She could not be more excited! I am proud of her. She had to give a speech in front of the whole school and she did a fabulous job. I am so amazed at her confidence and spunk! She is definitely a handful but I wouldn't want it any other way. Congratulations Squeaks Marie!

Make a choice!

"What we do with what happens to us is more important than what happens to us. The direction in which we are moving is more important than place or situation. We may have stumbled or been grievously hurt, but we have not fallen if we are willing to get back up." --Elder Marvin J. Ashton 1975

I love this quote! In my life there has been some struggle. I have had to make really really hard choices. Every single day we make choices that affect our entire beings. In these times to we choose to take critisizm and move forward improving ourselves? Or are we offended and go the opposite direction doing just as we were doing?  It can be hard to find out that we aren't perfect and that we need the blessing of the Atonement in our lives. But I can testify with a sincere heart that it is worth it! It is HARD! But so worth it. I am thankful for the teachings I have had in my life that make those little choices easy to make every day. I am thankful for a wonderful family and a great support system of friends and ward members. I am very blessed and I am thankful. More thankful than words can ever express.

Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam!

Chase has to be the smallest Sunbeam I have ever seen! He turned 3 two weeks before the end of the year. All of the other kids are bigger and taller which makes him seem so small! It may be because he is my baby. My last one. But I have to say he is pretty adorable walking into the primary room all ready to go. We have a deal. I stand at the back of the room for the first song and then I leave. If he is good during primary then when we get home he can have a little chocolate milk or a little hot chocolate. He loves this! He comes out so proud and ready for his drink. I am a little sad that he is my last baby. I love babies. I also know that it is time to be done having them but I still miss the infant phase when they just love you. Selfish, I know but I miss it. Lucky for me he is pretty loving and loves to give hugs and kisses and sit on my lap even if it is only for half a second. I'll take what I can get! So, when the primary program comes around this year our little Chasers will be up there singing with his whole heart!

Uncertainty

What do you do when everything you know is up in the air? There are a few things that are true and solid that I never question. First, I know my Savior loves me and my family. HE is aware of my family and our struggles and our triumphs. Second, Andrew and I have built a family of trust and love. Our little family is what we have. It is amazing to have that love of family. But, that being said, I struggle. I struggle knowing where our family needs to be. We are in limbo and I feel like everything is crashing down on me. I know that it will work out and that it will be fine. Somehow. I am just a human though and I feel unsettled. I never get to see Andrew. He is only home on Saturdays and Sundays that are filled with planning and Church. I am trying not to be a whiny baby but I just want to feel like I am where I am supposed to be. I want to be a better mom. I want to play and be carefree. But, I am doing my best. And for now that has to be enough.

Chase is Growing up!

On Sunday Chase decided he needed to look extra special for church. He snuck into our bathroom and was in there for a little while. I called to him and told him to get dressed. He came out of my bathroom with his lips pursed together. When I turned around he opened his mouth and blood was dripping from his lip. It was everywhere! When I asked what happened he just looked at me so seriously and calmly and said "Look mom! I shaved!" After applying pressure on his mouth for a while we had a discussion with all of the kids about the dangers of shaving. Even after all of that we made it to church on time. Needless to say, I am hoping that he will give up shaving and go back to my baby boy! :)

Sweetness

Tonight I sat and watched my kids play. I turned off the tv. I turned off the phone and just watched them. It was the sweetest thing I have ever seen. Cole and Kiley were at the table teaching Wyatt how to play Killer UNO. When Wyatt won everyone cheered and were happy for his good fortune. I am so happy to have a glimpse into true family happiness and love. These kids love each other! They don't show it all of the time but they really do.

Then as we were getting ready to say our family prayers we asked Kiley to say it... She prayed for her brothers and her "wonderful parents" her words not mine. I listened to this amazing 9 year old girl pray for thanks for the birth of her Savior. She was thankful for the wonderful gift of having her family together and happy. She didn't pray for things. She didn't focus on what so many people focus on this time of year. She is truly thankful for the Spirit of the Season! I am thankful for this night. For being able to witness true joy in the family and a sweet and caring moment between the children. It is a wonderful feeling like I might not be screwing them up like I thought I was...

Just What I Wanted for Christmas

I mentioned before that we were all sick but I didn't realize just how sick we all were.... Wyatt has a double ear infection and major congestion that is clogging him all up. Chase has croup and is truly miserable. He would collapse onto the ground as I would set him down so I took him to an after hours clinic. That boy has snuggled me for the past 4 days. Totally unlike him. Yesterday I felt like I had been hit by a bus and my chest hurt so bad so I went to the dr. I have a double ear infection and pneumonia. Awesome. Just what I wanted for Christmas. So, if you don't hear from us for a bit we aren't avoiding people. We are trying to keep our lovely sickness isolated to this house. While it is the season for sharing, I am sure you will appreciate that we don't share this!