Quiet Times and Things To Do

You know when you wake up and have amazing plans for the day? The To-Do list is a mile long with high hopes of completion, and you actually get started off on the right foot... then the kids wake up?

I have to say I feel very accomplished today: three loads of laundry, two bathrooms cleaned, washed sheets and made beds, cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner for the fam, read scriptures with boys and put all the kids in bed. Here I sit, looking at the To-Do list, and feeling like, if I could get a little more energy I could work out, finish the bills, finish my current novel escape, take a long hot soak in a floral scented bubble bath... or I could go to bed. Hmm... not a hard decision.

My dear Sisters

I woke up today and it was another cold day. I was slow to get ready and get myself moving. By mid-morning snow was falling, boys were getting ready for school and babies were napping. But early in the morning, I got a phone call from a sweet sister-in-law. Running errands I called my darling sister out of state. By afternoon I got a text, which turned into a phone call from my loving sister out of town. A little later I emailed back and forth with my amazing sister-in-law out of town. I texted my awesome sister-in-law for a while and had dinner with my adorable sister. Wow, how lucky am I? I got to talk to all of my sisters today! I don't know if they know it, but I love them all so much. Each one is such an example to me and are my best friends.

Wow, what a great day.

Thanks sisters!

Happy Half Birthday Babies!

I can't believe it's been six months already! I'm amazed at time and the things we try to get done in a day, over a weekend, and in the blink of an eye... months fly by. I can honestly say 2010 is a complete blur, but I am grateful for the blessings me and my little family received. A new home, two healthy babies, additions to extended family, great friends and a few extra pounds to keep me warm during the cold winter.

I know these pictures are small, but I can't believe the transformations.

My sweet, sweet Talmage

My darling Kirtlyn Rose

Oh, how my heart is full.

Mommy loves you babies!!!

Twas the Night Before Christmas

My Father in Heaven gave to me...

One Savior of the World

May we all remember the reason for the season,

The birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I quoted President Monson at the beginning of the countdown and I will finish with it as well.

“There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus the Christ.”

- President Thomas S. Monson

On the Second Day till Christmas

My Grandparents gave to me...

Two Amazing Parents

I am grateful to my parents who raised me, taught me, and love me. I am grateful for the knowledge of the gospel and the peace that comes with knowing my lovely mother is with family and my Father in Heaven. I am grateful for my dad who is such a strength, example and friend to me. They are amazing people and I am truly blessed.

On the Third Day till Christmas

My Savior gave to me...

Three Wise Men

I am so grateful for a living Prophet.

I know this is the Lord's church and the First Presidency are men called of God to lead and direct it's members. I am grateful for the priesthood and the blessings that come through it's power.

These are truly Wise Men full of love, charity and compassion who shine with the light of Christ, who love and care for all mankind. I'm grateful to the blessings that come into my life by following their guidance.

On the Fourth Day till Christmas

My Heavenly Father gave to me...

Four Blessings from Heaven

I am amazed when I look around my house and find myself raising four children. For the many years it took Matthew and I to get these little ones here, it was a long wait, now time is flying and I find myself not wanting them to grow up too fast.

My Preston

A day does not go by where I don't find myself giggling at something this little guy says. He makes me laugh, smile, and lose my patience all in one conversation. He is the best big brother and such a help to me. He is so funny, smart and can stump me throughout the day with the many questions that goes through his head.

My Garrett

Here is the sweetest, most tender hearted, funniest kid you will ever meet. His sense of humor cannot be beat. He is my snuggle buddy, my reading partner and my shadow throughout the day. He is so sweet and the best friend any mom could ask for.

My Talmage

As the babies are getting bigger, their personalities are shining through and this little boy has my heart. You can just tell how sweet and tender this little one is going to be. His smile is incredible and his giggle is so cute. You know a baby is sweet when even crying he doesn't want to make too much of a fuss. Yeah I'm kind of in love with him.

My Kirtlyn Rose

Oh how amazing is this little girl? I had resolved to be the mother of boys, and then this little girl comes along and amazes me daily. Her smile sparkles with love and brightness and she is so sweet that I cannot believe how much fun we're going to have. I believe all men should have little girls and I can tell already, she is going to be "Daddy's Little Girl" and that is just fine by me.

When these little miracles from Heaven come, you cannot help but be humbled to be entrusted to care and raise such precious spirits. I love them with all my heart and hope I don't screw them up too much.