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?

Why, More Cute Kids, What Else?

 Just going through my camera and see lots of good ones.

 Shoosh, do I have cute kids or what?

 Yep, more evidence of cuteness.  By the way, this little chick was flirting with the baby boy behind us at church yesterday.  She was jabbering away at him and made the little boy cry.  :)  Already a heart-breaker.

We've had some wonderful sunny days lately with temperatures getting up to 40.  I know, like a real heat wave, huh?  My kids think so.  Ellie was begging to put shorts on.  They spent all of Saturday afternoon out in the backyard.  Can we hear a hip-hip-hurray!?  Totally wore this kid out:

 And Sunday was Australia Day.  As always, we celebrated with some of our favorite food:

 Aussie Burgers.  A party in the mouth if I ever knew one.  What makes an Aussie Burger?  Fried egg, beet root (or beets as we know them here), pineapple, and sometimes, carrot shreds and cheese.  Mine also had grilled onions, tomato, lettuce, and bacon.  Oh, and Nick made homemade pretzel roll buns, which were just delicious.  This is the way a burger is meant to be done.

And, we must not forget Pavlova:

Yum!  I love Australia Day.  And, a shout out to our favorite Aussie!  We love you, Jai!

Family Pics

 Family picture time.  I'm so happy about these cute pics, I could just pop.

 Ellie will be baptized in a few weeks.  Grandma made the dress.

What a beautiful family I have.  I am so blessed.

Half

 I'm going to prove my genius (or lack of it) here, but do you remember learning about that law in some science class where forces left to themselves will automatically turn to chaos?  Well, whoever came up with that law had kids, I'm certain of it.  When I am not an active part in our household, our house turns to chaos.  I'm reminded of this because I've been using all my "spare" time to complete last year's photo book, and oh baby, our house is a disaster area.  Like it should probably just be taped off and we can start over.  Ok, maybe not that bad, but close to it.  I have a lot to do this morning, but wanted to take a moment to share these cute photos with you.  

It's about time I spend some "school" time with this little guy:

Everett's first attempt at writing his name:

Pretty good.

And Miss Daisy:

 She's so sweet.  She's been making this face lately, which cracks me up:

 She's loving food more and more and is sleeping better at night too, hurray!  She also smacks her lips after a delicious bite of food.  :)

She's six months old now.  A whole half of a year.

 And so darn cute I can hardly stand it.

Alright, those dishes aren't going to wash themselves, I'd better get to it.

Ellie's Day

 Ellie's birthday celebration began on Saturday.  She requested we go swimming and she chose to take her cousin with us.  It was a great time!  I'm so impressed with her swimming skills.  It is very nice to take independent children to the pool.

For her birthday, she wanted to have a homemade pizza party.  We invited lots of family and had one crazy, noisy, happy evening.

Ellie decorated her cake:

Cousin round-up:

 It was a tad difficult to get a good photo of Ellie opening presents with being surrounded by the mobs and all, but she was thrilled to get a pair of Rollerblades:

 This is what she's looked like ever since:

 Ellie loves to share her birthday with Grandpa:

By the way, Grandpa is not 430.  He is 70.  We do what we can with what we've got.  :)

It was a very Happy Birthday.  Here's to many more.

Eight is Great!

 Ellie, two days old

Ellie,

Today you are 8.  Oh my.  I don't like that you are growing so fast!  You've been counting the days and are so excited that your day is finally here.  You are especially excited to be baptized in a few weeks.  We are so proud of you and your desire to do what is right.  

Eight years ago today, I became a mother.  The day of your birth was so surreal to me, a whirlwind of things I had never experienced before.  I was handed this bundle of baby with a funny shaped head and she was mine.  Something that had grown inside of me.  I remember holding you close, smelling you, checking out all your little pieces and completely falling in love.  A love that can't be described except to say a "Mother's Love".  You will forever be my first, and with that comes some good, some bad.  Being the oldest, I expect a lot from you.  I need you.  You are so good to me.  You clean when I need things cleaned.  You play with your brother and sisters when they need your attention.  You get your school-work done when it needs done.  You are happy and creative and beautiful, inside and out.  You are a natural born leader.  You like to come up with 'games' and want everyone to be involved with the fun and get frustrated when others aren't as excited as you are.  You are thoughtful and kind.  Thank you for being your wonderful self and making our home what it is.

Ellie, we all love you so very much.

Love,

Your Mom