Summer 2013

Easter

Just the usual.  Egg hunt, matchy clothes. 

It rained at the egg hunt.  Boo! At least we got free food and Easter candy.

Lil' Bit

of this and that. 

 What can we say, she loves green smoothies.

Getting his chubb on.

 First time belly-to-back roll.  They're always so concerned the first time.

First park adventure of 2013. One liked it, the other didn't.

We're Always Glad When Grandpa(ma) Comes

We had such a darn pleasant visit from Dan's parents.  We always enjoy having them around.  We went to Jefferson City and enjoyed the nature center and capital building along with some pretty good company.

St. Patty's Day

St. Patrick's Day is no fun around here.


Evidence:

Nah, I'm just playing.  It's fun!


Evidence:

 "I put my jacket on all by myself.  Mom and Dad didn't notice the whole car ride/walk to the St. Patty's Day parade."

Our pathetic dinner.  I wanted to do a jello rainbow that I saw on Pinterest.  Looked much easier than the ones in a cup.  But it is a TON of Jello.  We got to 3 colors and had to quit.  The next few days I repeatedly caught Lexi and friends giggling in the fridge while stuffing their faces with Jello.

On motherhood and spirituality

I was reading in Enos last night for my scripture study.  I have always loved the book of Enos, not only because you feel great that you read a whole book in one reading but because I always feel the need to improve when I read it...in an uplifting way.  But last night all I could think as I read was how great would it be to have the freedom/time to go and just pray for that long without feeling rushed?  As a mom I feel like my scripture study is hurried as I squeeze it in before bed or whenever.  My journal is chalk full of spiritual experiences  I had in high school and college, most of which I have forgotten about.  I remember taking the time to ponder, pray and just think while walking to classes in college.  I miss that.  I miss being able to let my mind wander and ponder as I walk to class instead of  making sure Lexi doesn't get run over in the parking lot while walking into Walmart.  And where are all the awesome spiritual experiences I imagined having with my kids?  I especially wonder about those parents of 3+ kids.  How do you do it?  I know you moms (and dads) out there are doing some things right that I could do better.  So...

How do you personally maintain and increase the Spirit in your life as a parent?
How do you help incorporate the Spirit into your parenting in a natural, everyday way?    

I know you know, but...

We had a handsome little devil! And he is a Dan look-alike, which I love.  I'm finding this second one much easier than the first, thank goodness.  I can put him to sleep easily, I can handle sleep deprivation better, thus far, and I generally feel less stress about having a newborn.  Isn't it grand?  Just don't ask me how I feel after a few more months of sleep deprivation.So, without further ado, here he is along with other photos of my mom's awesome visit (which I loved).  How do people do it without their moms for support and help?  I would not have anymore children if it weren't for her.  Maybe she would appreciate the break from taking care of so many stinkin' grand kids!  Eli is #22 on my side and mom has helped with every. single. one. of. them.  Thanks mom!

 And then of course there is Lexi.

 Lexi loves her dad's hard work cooking Korean.