Kitchen remodel....

We are getting closer!!!! I can not express how excited I am to have this almost done! We still need appliances, the granite, and the bead board around the island, but it is coming together. It is a lot more of a Country look than I have done in the past, but I do think I will like it. The green looks amazing against the cream! We also raised the microwave because my canning pot only just fit before, but I knew once I get my gas stove it would be too tight. I think that this helped break up the looong line of cabinets we had before! Now if I can just get the painter out of my house!!!! (It has been a month.)

Marriage is a CRAP-SHOOT!!!!

My sister came up with this theory: marriage is a crap-shoot! And I completely agree! How well did we really know the person we married? Being LDS most of us were young (I was 20), we dated only a few months (OK, I surpassed that one with over a year), we never lived together, chances are he was not into his career (Chris had only one semester of school done--much less a career). I knew he was cute, smart, and ambitious (hugh? what's that?) Eleven years later I saw my husband for the first time this morning--this time for who he really is!

Out my frost covered window I saw him as he finished shoveling my driveway. He took a moment out in the bitter cold to pull out the bright orange sled and push our little blond boy down the mountain of snow they had built together. I could only see the giggles that filled the chilly air, but I knew in that moment that I had everything. Five happy, healthy children, and a husband/father that exceeded all of my girlish dreams. I think I won in this game of crap-shoot.

Thankful...

Our family is talking in church in a couple of weeks. (ugh! it was bound to happen with being new to the ward, but I was hoping we could skip it.) I sat down at the computer this morning to start my talk. I read some great talks, and started writing some very profound thoughts. I was feeling very proud of my progress, so I took a break. I checked face book and my usual blogs, then closed the tab to return to my talk. Up popped another document. On the top was Anna's talk, on the bottom was Preston's. I was humbled, each wrote of their love and gratitude for their family and their Father in Heaven. They were written in their own words. Chris and I had told them we were speaking, but had not had a chance to guide them on what they were supposed to speak. They spoke from the heart, they bore their testimonies in a way that I could not. Nothing I wrote could be as profound as their beautiful and simple knowledge.

For children that remind me what true gratitude is... I am thankful...

A few pictures from our last Newport/Disneyland trip.

These must be my favorite girls.

Would you believe it took a little convincing that sand really is a wonderful thing?

Tell me that is not pure joy!

Crazy kids! I guess we will just have to go again next month!

Just a little laugh!

P-Dawg!!!

I don't know which brother to blame, but that is the nick-name that he got stuck with.
Yes, this is a pregnancy picture, taken just a week before he was born! (The things my mother can talk me into...ugh!!)
Perfection!!!

I can not believe what nine years has brought!!! When he was born, I had no idea what my life was turning into. I knew that there would be a few sleepless nights, a couple of stinky diapers, a cute boy to cuddle, a new name for me...It was going to be great! I had no idea!

I now know you don't ever sleep--even if they are. A clean diaper does not last more than a moment, but potty training only takes a day if you wait until he is three. He does not snuggle unless he is sick, but he gives the greatest hugs, kisses, and knows just the right moment to say, "I love you."

I never really understood how wonderful it would be to be a mother. (Don't get me wrong, it is hard, it hurts, and it NEVER slows down.) When I see this kid help his brother build a train, or pick up his sister after a fall, or feel my burdens lightened by his helping hands, then I am grateful for him. He has been a constant comfort when my life seemes very dark and confusing.

I am rambling again, but I want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my favorite NINE year old. (Just a couple days late, but...)

Off to School!

My baby girl started school today. I am 100% OK with this. No, really, I am! I only cried a little bit! OK, maybe I am lying. I am going to miss having her around. She is what keeps me going on so many days. The girl is full of energy and crazy ideas. She is always bouncing around the house, blond curls flying every where. Sigh... now it is just me and the boys.

But who is going to remind me to put on my lipstick?