My Amazing Children

You know that everyone brags about their children. I suppose it is just a given right considering we brought these little creatures into the world and they have amaging genes and so why would we brag right? Well this is what the post will be about. If you don't want to hear about my wonderfully awesome children I ask you to stop reading now.

For those of you brave enough to continue forward with reading I present you with some of the reason my children are so talented and amazing:

Hannah has learned how to control the television. I don't mean that she can simply turn the thing on and off by pushing the button. Oh no my dear readers! It extends far beyond that! Hannah knows how to work the remotes. She can turn the television and blueray player on an off as well as push pause, play and adjust the volume when she wants. She's three..only three! What a smart little girl I have!

Liam is so crafty! He can get just about any container open. Frequently I have found him sitting in the kitchen with open boxes and jars, eating delicious treats from within. He also knows how to close said boxes back up and put them away again. Sometimes I'll find open boxes sitting where closed boxes used to be. I guess he realizes that if he gets caught he will be in trouble eh? And he's right, when I find the open boxes after the fact, it's more cute than it is annoying. what a fun little guy he is!

And Hudson is just so dang amazing! He can roll over both on his tummy and on his back, he can push himself onto his arms, he can sit and stand propped only a little bit, and he is scooting is big circles attempting to crawl. He also is very vocal. He jabbers all the time and laughs and makes adorable noises.  He's only four months old people! The doctor said that he's acting like a sixth month old would instead of a four month old and she was so excited by his strength and ability to balance himself and his motor skills wtih grasping and his constant talking.

See, I told you they are awesome children. But I think that all children are amazing, not just my own. I have pretty darling little ones, but so do all of my friends who have children. It's just a wonderful blessing to have smart little creatures teaching YOU about life and the joys it brings. I love it! :)

Easter

Yes I realize that I'm absolutely terrible at writing lately...sad I know. Especially since I want to do this professionally. It's rather pathetic really. I suppose I attribute it to just wanting a few days of rest before I head back to school. I finished my semester this last week and it's sort of an amazingly wonderful thing to not have homework to attend to right now...at least until Tuesday when I head back towards pursuing my degree. Some people might call me crazy. And most days I'd side with them. I am certifiably crazy for attempting this. But you know what? Life is crazy! We do things like this all the time. That's what makes it so exciting!

Easter was fun. Rather I should say that Easter was and interesting experience. I made a fun dinner of flan steak with bacon and caramelized onions. Yum! We tried something different simply because I couldn't find lamb or ham to cook. Strange right? Yeah that's what I thought.

The kids weren't happy though, that's for sure. When you have church at one it sorta ends up that way each week. But the day was still fun. The kids got their baskets and were thoroughly pleased about them. We had also colored the eggs the night before and Hannah had a ball doing that. Liam was asleep because he had had a really rough day.

But the reason for easter is not for the eggs of chocolate or candy or anything of that nature. Easter is a celebration of the resurrection of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And I am eternally grateful for that. Without his love and sacrifice I would have no hope of ever having my family around me for all eternity. what a joyful and peaceful feeling that brings me. I have hope.

And today, I've just been trying to relax; soak up the last few moments of my freedom before I head back to school. I know that sounds a lot harsher than I really intend it to sound. I really do enjoy school. It's exciting and I love learning. But sometimes getting homework done can really take its toll on you. Maybe I am crazy for pursuing this eh?

Anyway I realize that this is sort of scattered and random...aren't all my posts? But that's all I have for now. My ear is still bothering me (it's been like this for over a week and a half now) and I'm getting rather tired. I should pursue getting some sleep. That sounds lovely. Only...the characters in my head are begging me to expound upon them. What to do...what to do...hmmm...

Here's a question for you though before I go: do you actually enjoy my writing? Is it something that is done well or is it simply just "blah" ? Do you think I could make it as a professional writer?

LIfe...

Life is a funny thing. The other day Jonathan and I sat down to watch a show. It turns out this was one of the worst things that we could have done. The show ended up being about a little boy who dies and is a ghost stuck on earth. He had returned to the family car that had stalled on the railroad tracks...and just thinking about that makes my heart hammer in my chest.

Naturally my reaction was not pleasant. I insisted that we move and I sat on the couch and cried like a small, emotional teenager...what a natural reaction right? Well for me it was. I'm a mother and seeing anything happen to a child really bothers me. I couldn't ever live with losing my children. I don't know if I could survive that. My babies are my world. I love them with every fibre of my being and it makes my heart ache to even consider the dangers that are out there.

Needless to say, after the show, I had to go and give my little ones kisses.

Another story that really hurt me was about the little 4 year old boy who was playing with his family at Utah Lake and fell into the water. He was 4. My little Hannah is 3. A thing like that could happen to her...or Liam. he's brave and adventurous. So many things could happen.

I know, however, that despite the types of pain it would cause, I couldn't deny the love that the Lord has for me. I know that I would see them again and be able to always have them near me. But...it doesn't make it any easier to think about...

And so I try not to. The children and I live for the moment. We enjoy each other's company and we strive to be a happy family.

Forever and Always.....

Getting Back into This...

I know that I said I would be more consistent and try to write everyday? Yeah...well like gets hectic...that's the excuse I'm using. Though I do intend to continue writing on a frequent and consistent basis. By doing that I will be able to update my life for those of you interested in knowing what's going on around here.

And so, here's a little update...and by little I mean very concise considering it's almost one o'clock in the morning and I should be attempting to get some sleep!

Here's a little breakdown of the last week for you:

1. I finished my semester! Yes! That's so exciting right? Well I think it is! And this is what I was thinking and feeling when I got done:

2. My brother Ben got his mission call and he's heading to: Ghana! How awesome right? I mean it's so amazing that he was called to serve there.

3. My little sister (well she's taller than me now) is doing the heptathalon! Talk about inspiring. She's an amazing track star and I absolutely love watching her run! Her least favorite event right now is the 800 and here's what I have to say to that:

And finally number 4: I'm working on my novel again! Hooray! Yay! That's wonderful (alright you may not think it is, but I certainly do!)

Wish me luck with this coming week! I have finals! But after that it should be a pleasant Easter weekend!

Another Semester Down!

Hooray! I've finally made it through the semester! It's been a wild and exciting (and often stressful) ride. But I have prevailed! Thanks to the support of my husband, my children, and my Heavenly Father. I know that I cannot do anything significant without his help. And he's truly helped me this semester! I am so thankful for that!

So, hopefully I will be updating more now that I have a little less on my plate! At least for a little while that is...anyway, I'm looking forward to going to bed without the thoughts of papers and tests looming over my head...well at least until finals week officially starts!

Wish me luck!

The Accident That Almost Was

Today has been quite an interesting day! First, I had the opportunity to go see an opera performed at the Metropolitan Opera House. They were doing a live broadcast through the cinemark theaters and I was fortunate enough to be able to go an see "Le Comte Ory" by Rossini. It was fabulous. Well, at least what I saw was fabulous. Weather, or something, prevented the reception of the satellite feed to go through. It stalled and cut out during the first act. All I can say is: Le Sigh...

And then, my family decided that we would go and see one of the live animal shows being shown at the Monte L. Bean museum. It was great. The kids got to see a tortoise, a monitor lizard, and a boa! They even got to touch the snake, which Liam thought was so cool. He was so excited! It was really cute to see. Hannah on the other hand wasn't too keen on seeing the animals. She was kind of afraid of them.

But after the show, as we were  heading home, things really got interesting. As we were turing at the intersection of 500 and Bulldog, a blue car came blasting through the red light and nearly slammed into us. Thankfully Jonathan was observant enough to slam on his breaks and honk his horn at the nonobservant lady. However, it was too late. She ended up blowing past us and slamming into a car that was also turning, but from the opposite side of us. Both cars spun and the blue car jumped the median. It was a heartpounding, frightening moment. We ended up calling 911 and filling out a police report. It was a rather weird experience for me. I've never been in an accident. This is the closest I think I've ever come to one. But, one thing is for sure: someone was definitely looking out for my little family. And I'm forever greatful for that love. I'm so thankful that nothing happened to us. If that car would have hit us the driver's side would have been damage. Hannah, Jonathan, and Hudson are all on that side. My heart drops just thinking about what could have happened. I'm so thankful they're okay. I'm so grateful for everything that has been done to preserve my sweet and amazing family. Thank you, Heavenly Father, for looking out for us.

Sick

Yep it's official...I'm ill. :( Sad day...It started on Tuesday evening when I told Jonathan that I "felt funny." I woke up the next morning and things have gotten progressively worse. Right now my ears are bothering me and I just want to curl up on the couch...

Depressing I know...

I just want to feel better soon. I have lots to do this week! :)

On a much happier note, my little ones are cute and insanely adorable and I love them so very much. They are sweet and kind and loving...even when they are goofy and cranky and upset. I'm grateful to have them and I'm so thankful that I'm their mother.

Stressful Day

Today was one of those days. How many times have you heard that statement? "one of those days." And the sad things is, is that we ALL know what that statement refers to. "One of those days" represents any day in which our lives seemed to be turned completely upside down; where nothing seems to go right and where you simply want to scream until your lungs burst. At least that's what it's like for me.

The kids were super cranky today. Nothing made them happy at all. They were angry and upset and just wanted to make messes and scream and fight. It was emotionally and physically exhausting. Not that I really blame them. The poor little ones didn't get the chance to take a nap because we had to go to the doctor's office for me. On a good note, they were excellent at the doctor's. It was only once we got home that there was a problem.. And so, they went to bed VERY early. Not that they seemed to mind. In fact, they seemed to welcome the rest. For which I think we are all grateful.

Now don't get me wrong, I love my kids. I'm sad that they were so upset and unhappy. But, it is tiring. Sometimes I think we all just need a break. Don't you agree?

Long Days Ahead of Me and Behind

Today has been a hectic day. I've been under the weather with a crummy earache and what appears to be a cold and the little ones were in rare form, Hannah especially. She was so upset and refused to take a nap much to my dismay. I was hoping to get a little rest before they went full speed on me again! But she just wanted to go outside and play. Liam and Hudson were relatively good and happy throughout the day. But poor Hannah needed some cheering up.

So, I loaded the children into the car and we went on an adventure. We drove by the Provo Temple and then went around town a little bit. The kids had a great time. Hannah was a lot happier because of this little adventure. And I was grateful for that!

After our little excursion, we went to the store and picked up some treats to enjoy when we got home. Hannah wasn't too thrilled about being home but the treats convinced her to give it a try...so my two older children enjoyed watching Tangled and eating yummy treats while I took care of Hudson.

Overall, the hecticness of the day was outweighed by the joy that spending time with my children brought. It was great to see their smiling faces and to share those moments with them.

A Fun Day

Spending today with the kids was hilarious...I have to say my little ones are quite the characters.

Yesterday I had purchased some oreos for their snacks and today, while we were munching on the yummy treat, the kids decided that they only wanted to eat the cream. They'd lick off all the filling and then place the two halves of the cookie back together and then give it to me. What goofy kids!

And then, I took them next door to the elementary school to go play on the playground and they shrieked and ran and fell down and squealed with delight. They had an absolutley lovely time. It was so cute to see! But they will really funny in how excited they were to climb up to the slide. Each time they did it, they'd jump and say yay! Liam would clap before he'd go down. It was quite the thing to see.

I loved spending time with them. It's a blessing to be able to watch my children grow up and to share experiences with them each day. I love it and wouldn't change a thing.

I'm Blessed...

I'm so blessed to have a family. I'm so blessed to be a part of such a great church. I'm so blessed to be in this time and this place. I have so much to be grateful for.

With conference this last weekend, I've had a lot of time to contemplate the great blessings in my life. And I truly have more than I could ever hope or dream to be granted. I've been so blessed on so many levels, it's almost staggering to realize it.

I love my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He truly has blessed me in so many ways. He has given me an amazing family who loves me for me. They see me as something special and I could not ask for more than that. And yet, they show me an abundance of love and consideration that far exceeds what they need to do. I don't know how I got so lucky.

I am also so blessed to be where I am today. I have the opportunity to go to school and become something better each and every day. I have the opportunity to set the right example for my children and finish with I've started; to show my little ones that anything is possible. And the Lord has truly done that for me. He has given me the means by which I am able to accomplish things. I am so thankful for that.

I am so blesed and so thankful for all the wonderful things that I have. I truly cannot comprehend anything more splendid than the love and joy that I have the opportunity to experience.

Conference Day 2

Ahhh we're on day 2 of General Conference! And can I just say that it was a splendid few sessions that I was able to listen to. I was really impressed by many of the speakers and felt the spirit testify on so many different subjects.

Now there were quite a few messages in the sessions, but one that really struck me was the suggestion for more service within our lives. Being willing to serve is a Christ-like attribute that we all need to be better at. We need to put off selfish desires and follow Christ's example if we ever hope to see him again. Of couse this subject went hand in hand with the concept of welfare. And the two are so truly important to our savlation.

Conference: Day 1

Well so far so good. From what I can gather from the first few sessions of General Conference  is that it seems to be really focusing on the family. Something that I think we all need to remember. Family is such a central part to our eternal salvation, it seems natural to talk about it and emphasize the fact that it is so necessary to happiness. I'm really glad that the focus seems to be there right now.

And it makes me excited to hear what they will say tomorrow. I wonder if there will still be the same trend in talking about family, or if there will be a new theme that will be discussed. Either way it's bound to be good.

Another great thing that was discussed during conference was the fact that three new temples were going to be constructed! Talk about exciting! I'm stoke for that.

Also, it was really fun to see Cecil O. Samuelson speak today during conference. He's the president of BYU and it's kinda fun to see him in different positions such as being a member of the 70. It's was fun...not to mention he gave a really great talk.

I think, however, that my favorite talk so far was Russell M. Nelsons. It made me cry listening to him. The crying was a good thing though! His talk just made me think about how special we all really are in this world. We are all children of God and we are all so important...and that's something I tend to forget. I think a lot of women do that. But we are all special..and the Lord recognizes how amazing we are...we just need to remember that too!

It's Already April?!

I cannot believe that it is already April! Time is just flying by...it's kinda sad...everyday I see my little ones getting bigger and more curious about the world and it makes me almost cry. I love how they are growing and learning, don't get me wrong, but sometimes I wish I could just stop the clock for a little while and just hug my babies.

And time doesn't seem to be slowing down any...so I'll have to figure something out!

Anyway, I'm grateful that tomorrow is General Conference...I do have a lot of homework to get done this weekend and next week, but I think that General Conference will be just the ticket to get me in the right spirit. There are a lot of things that I'm feeling, but I think that if I remain prayerful I will gain so much from tomorrow and Sunday. It's sad though, because I won't get to see my sister in her track meet which is also tomorrow. But, school comes first right now and she understands that...but here's a shout out to my sister! GOOD LUCK ASHLEIGH! YOU'LL DO AWESOME!

I'm so grateful for friends and family. Without you guys I don't know where I'd be. Thank you for all your love and support and your encouragement. You keep me motivated and help me appreciate myself more each and every day. You truly are amazing blessings to me.