Talent

 We've got talent, yes we do!  Or is it "spirit"?  Whatever it is, we've got it!

This little darling can crawl!  Watch out world!

Yep, she's in jammies.  She's the fifth kid, give me a break.  She's lucky to make it into clothes at all.

Our little artist:

Looking at photos of my kids gives me warm fuzzies all over.  Even when those same beautiful little people also make me want to pull my hair out some days.  This is why I blog, people (because of the warm fuzzy part, not the pull my hair out part).

Our family home evening turned into this last night:

Yep, talent!

 We teach our kids the important things in life.

I love this piece of art by Maren:

She looks up to and loves her big sis.  :)

Valentine's Day Dinner

 Nick's work has kind of stolen my husband lately.  It hasn't been much fun for anyone.  That kind of put a damper on our Valentine's day dinner, and I was really tempted to eat take-out Chinese by candlelight, but I pulled up my bootstraps (or something like that) and put together a decent meal.  Behold, our "fancy" dinner:

Garlic toast with roasted red pepper aioli, grilled hake, brown rice, glazed carrots, and strawberry lemonade.  It was good, and worthy of candlelight.

 I know, great photos, huh?  Just proving we were all accounted for.

This little sprite has the funniest faces lately:

When she pushes her nose up like that, it reminds me of Yoda.

She is a character and knows how to get all of our attention, that's for sure.  Baby girl is starting to ooze with personality.  It's a fun age.

This baby girl is just getting so big:

 And look at those eyelashes!  I sure have pretty kids.

Luckiest

 Want to see the happiest four year old?

He was so excited about his Tonka Road Grader that he got from G&G.  "I wanted a Road Grader!"

 He was also very excited about a new bike.

 Want to see the yummiest chocolate cake?  It's so good, I've made it twice in the last two weeks.

 Everett requested a rectangle cake with a motorcycle.  I can do that.  :)

Want to see the trickiest little bit of sunshine?

 Pretty tricky!  She'll lunge forward after this to get around sometimes.  Silly girl.

The saddest face known to mankind:

 Don't you just want to give in?

And, the cutest baby in the whole wide world:

 You can see her little toothers in that one.  And this one too:

 Man alive, is she not just the picture of "adorable"?  She's 7 months old today.  Fastest seven months of my life.

And do you know what makes the happiest mom?  What my kids are doing right now:

Thank you, sun!

Four

My Boy,

Happy Birthday!  Four big years old!  Everett, you are such a fun kid and we love having you in our family.  You are surrounded by girls, which so far, hasn't bothered you in the least.  You play important roles like "the prince" or "the dad".  You love anything on wheels, and especially tractors.  You pay attention to the world around you.  Your mom and dad are impressed with what you've picked up.  I think you've pretty much taught yourself your letters and numbers.  You love to help in the kitchen and if anything is going on in there, you are sure to be a part of it.  You are excited to start school and were a bit disappointed that you couldn't go today, now that you are four and all.  You are kind and sensitive, and just a bit shy.  Thanks for being your happy, funny self.  We love you so much!

Love,
Your Momma

A Very Special Day

 Saturday was a very special day for our family.  Ellie was baptized and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

First of all, this little lady helped me make cake for the event:

And when I say "help" I mean "she licked her first frosting beater".  Am I an awesome mommy or what?  :)

Anyway, back to our special day...

 We stopped at the temple for a moment to snap a photo.

Daddy baptized her.  It was a special thing for him, we could all tell because he got pretty choked up trying to say the prayer.  Ellie said later, "Dad's voice sounded funny."  He gave a beautiful confirmation blessing, and then lost it again during the closing song and prayer.  Maren was wondering why Dad's eyes were watering.  Actually, Mom lost it too while saying the closing prayer.  There is something about that first child.  We hit a milestone and I just can't wrap my mind around my kids growing up.  Next she'll be driving cars (AAAAHHH!!) and then moving out.  Whoa, stop the madness!

 We were so blessed to have Grandmas, Grandpas, Aunt, Uncles, and cousins join us.  Thanks to all who came!

 Milestones and growing babies aside, it was an incredibly spiritual day for all of us.  Ellie was just beaming all day.  She knew she was doing the right thing.  She was so happy.  If I had to give one word for the event it would be this:  joy.  Joy to know that Heavenly Father loves us.  Joy knowing that my family will be eternal.  Joy knowing that my kids will have the guidance of the Holy Ghost, and if they follow our Savior, they will be protected and blessed, just as I have been and continue to be.  True, eternal joy.  I'm so grateful for my Ellie and the wonderful person she is becoming.  I'm grateful to have a part in that, and just hope and pray I can be the mother she needs to help her along her path in this life and into eternity.

My family.  I tell you what, I'm 8+ years into this mothering business and I still have to pinch myself.  Am I really doing this?