Home Invasion

When Doug and I bought our home we thought it was huge! We had 2 extra rooms and no toys at all. 5 years ago when my little nephew would come over, I would pull out my basket of Dollar Tree toys...he wasn't very impressed. Times have sure changed...now I have only a 2x2 square feet of space to walk in without stepping on a dress ups, blankets, binkies, or legos. Thankfully we get to use all our swings, bouncers, jumperoo and exersaucers 2 times over. We pulled out the big toys for the Boys this week. How fun to have a new toy! Here they are enjoying them.




Here is what my front room looks like on a typical day...want to come and play?

Thoughts on Motherhood

Personal sappy thoughts below......read with caution. (P.S. I kinda ramble on...and I am not a writer...skip the words and see the cute pics if you want)







For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to be a mother. I have always loved holding babies and am happy that the Lord has seen fit to bless me with four little ones. Is there chaos at times? For sure! Do I cry right along with all of them? Most definatly. But I feel as though I need to journal my feelings at this time so I can remember in the future what was going through my head when I had four little ones at home.

These past few months with Regiane have been such a blessing. It has given me the freedom to enjoy my babes, listen to the spirit and not get caught up in the bussle of running a household.

My girls have been hard these past few months...they sure are stubborn at times and I test my patience. I had the thought a few Sundays ago that The Lord is patient with me. He forgives me when I faulter and is patient with me and my flaws. And he expects me to do the same with these sweet spirits he has sent to our family. This hit met hard...no matter what I say to them and more importantly how I say it affects them.

My children are my priority everyday. I want to read to them, give them kisses, play toys with them, dance with them, hold them, sing to them, take them places, and give a great young life. Being home with my kiddos is such a blessing to me.

I think all mothers want their children to grow up happy and with strong testimonies. I pray that will my Saviors help I can raise these special ones that he has entrusted to me.

Here are some "Everyday" moments from the other day....I sure love my kiddos!

{I don't think I could have done it without her}

Most of you know our sweet friend has been living with our family this summer. She left to go back to college today...the house felt empty. She loved my children as any mother would. She talked and laughed with me every day, watched reality TV with me, shopped with me, cleaned the house, changed poopy diapers, did laundry, watched the boys while I took the girls shopping. You get the idea....I feel like my summer of magic has ended. I loved having someone to talk with everyday. She never judged or made me feel uncomfortable and put up with all of my shenanigans (including my nap-nazi schedule...the only way to survive with 2 sets.)

She is such a great girl. We learned so much from each other and I will never forget what she has taught me....hopefully she can come back next summer when I have 2 18 month olds and a busy husband.

I will miss you Regiane....love you!

We celebrated earlier this week and went to a Brazilian restaurant ( she is from Sao Paulo). The food was amazing...go there instead of Melting Pot next time you and your hubby want a nice place to eat for your anniversary.





Isn't she beautiful?

Big 3.5 year olds....going to preschool

My sassy girls started preschool this week. They are so excited as am I, for them to have something to break up our days of staying at home.
I am so happy that someone else will be putting up with their craziness for a few hours...so I can do more important things while my boys nap. Like excercise or shower....but let's face it....today while they are at school I am blogging and napping. Tee hee!

They picked out their own outfits and their own backpacks at the store...

Going to the temple....Darren & Rachelle's Wedding

I love weddings. I love the gowns, the pictures, the cake, the rings, the decorations, the receptions....you get the idea.
We had such a great time last week celebrating with the Davis family.
Doug's little brother got married in the Mesa Az Temple to an awesome sweet gal...how fun to have another sister in law!
I was the photographer and had a great time being back behind the camera again...now onto the hours of editing.
Here are some of the highlights.....









We had a great time at their reception...they had music and the girls danced NON-STOP! I had fun documenting all of it!






















Here is an attempt at a family pic...nice...dont' you love the windblown hair look?


The grandkids

All of Doug's family....notice the blow up of brother Kevin who is on a mission


What a fun time with our eternal family

5 month old sweetness....and rice cereal

It has been awesome having our friend Regiane here because every month I get to do a mini photoshoot with the boys....here are the little ones just yesterday. They are such sweet boys. We also started rice cereal the other day..yippe! I think they are ready. They watch what we eat all the time and act like they are hungry. Sadly I am not making enough milk for these boys most days....it's a blessing but still sad for a mother who loves to breastfeed.

Clark has started to hold his toes and suck on his thumb....Grant sticks his tongue out at everything and giggles so freely. They both love to grab onto anything in sight and put it straight to their mouths...gotta love babies! They are growing up too quick!










Grant wasn't too sure about it...

FREE

Anyone know of anyone that needs a 10 year old fridge....and a 10 year old stove? Up for grabs...call me soon or they are going to DI!
Oh and don't judge...they are super dirty...did I mention I have 4 kids under 3?

The boys first Swim

So everytime I go somewhere with all of my children I feel like I have to mentally prepare for the craziness that will for sure happen. Somedays I just get a wild hair and have to get out of the house...Regiane and I were feeling brave the other day and took all 4 kiddos to my sweet neighbors pool. It wasn't to bad until the end...but isn't that how it always goes? The girls had a great time and I am so glad they are big enough to swim even if it is with a floatie. Grant didn't know what to think and stared blankly out for the most part....Clark enjoyed it though.
We came home to 4 tired kids and another adventure under our belt....

Here they are before we left...don't they look so cute in their suits!








Don't you love the wrinkley toes....