Thankful!!

I am thankful for a wonderful and loving husband, who is supportive, and makes me feel more protected, valued, and loved than I could've ever imagined. He is funny, smart, hard working, selfless, the best father in the world. I could go on about his wonderful qualities for hours. He loves me for me, despite my faults, and it is unconditional. For that, I am grateful.

In this picture it is my 3 oldest who keep me on my toes, incredibly busy, and teach me more about love, patience, and kindness than a mother could ask for. Today we made an apple pie from scratch for the first time and in the picture is the end result. In front of each of them, is a tiny child-like loaf of bread that they were giving away to each child at the grocery store today. I thought they were really cute.

A beautiful new life sent down to me. Innocent, and perfect in every way. She is my peace at this time in my life. I love her more than I can say.

I am grateful for extended family, and friends who support us everyday, and help us out in times of need.

I am grateful to live in America. Although we face a huge economic crisis at this time, we have it so much better than most countries in this world. Shelter, food, warmth, and a million luxuries that so many people never experience.

Most of all I am grateful for the gospel in my life, and my Savior Jesus Christ. I feel his love for me, and know he died for my sins. He loves each one of us more thatn we can comprehend. I can't imagine my life without my faith, and the freedom to practice it.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dream a little dream..........OR NOT!

This picture may look peaceful, don't let it decieve you! This week of sleep has probably been the worst since Reina was born. She was extra fussy taking longer than usual to settle down. However, the two little girls above were a night time handful as well. I always check on my babies right before I lay down, and this is what I found on Tues. night. This very same night, Taryn wandered into my room at about who knows when A.M. At 5 a.m, Reina woke up to eat. When I scooted Taryn out of the way in MY bed, so I could nurse the baby, she had the GUTS to tell me very kindly in her sleepy little sweet voice to stop waking her up!! Are you joking? It is my bed. I'm sure most of you reading this can somewhat relate to the uninterrupted sleep that you will never have again once you have kids!!

One month old and growing like a weed!

At her 1 week visit to the dr, she weighed 6lbs, 12 oz. Two weeks later she was 8lbs 8oz. Can we say GOT MILK?

Ready to brave the first week of church with 4 kids in tow!

I was nervous to take her to church because those of us with little ones know that somehow after kids, some days you think "why bother?" We battle nap time, feedings, diapers, nervous nursery goers, and other things that make us feel like we haven't been to church in years. She did great. I fed her right before, and she slept through the whole 3 hours like a dream. BTW: look at the tights from the Gap with the Mary-janes built right in, don't you love it?

Which of our kids do you think she looks like? Let me know.

What would I do without him?

A classic picture of my all boy!

When I was on bedrest, Aaron taught Mase a few extra things he could do to help around the house. So now, regularly, I ask him to switch the laundry from the washer to the dryer. Last week after I had asked him to, I walked upstairs and saw him doing this as he was switching the clothes. Whatever gets the job done!

Today I had his parent teacher conference. Aaron was out of town, so it was just me. I really like his teacher who seems to adore his eagerness to learn. I had to laugh as she was explaining my son to me, because what she was describing was a carbon copy of Aaron. I felt like I was at a conference discussing my husband! Mason is excelling well as a first grader, and his teacher is impressed at his willingness to be such a leader. She said he is even willing to work in partners with Douglas, whom not many other kids are willing to work with! LOL I often wish I could spend more time in the classroom, but with 3 other little ones at home it makes it difficult. It is so nice to go and get a good report from a teacher.

Last month was the primary program in our ward. At the end, as the children were singing I am a child of God, I thought I saw a tear rolling down his cheek. When he came down from the stand as I was hugging him and telling him what a great job he did, he told me that during that song he felt so happy and warm inside, it made him cry. I love him so much and I know we are far from perfect parents, but it is these sweet little moments that makes you feel like you are doing something right. He teaches me so much and I am so glad he is the firstborn in our family.

Fun Little Photoshoot

Reina is almost a month old, so I decided to try to take some shots for her birth announcement. Here she is snacking on her hand, or possibly looking for her food.

I really liked this one, I will probably use it for the announcement.

My friend Amy made her this headband. It is a little big, but isn't it darling? I love it!

Of course my photo assistant Taryn, kept saying "take a picture of me", so what could I do?

Flower Power!!

Happy Halloween!

Happy first Halloween Reina. You sure are short and sweet! (Except the last few nights when you scream a lot!)

Daddy with the 3 big kids.

I always thought grown ups dressing up was for dorks. Now I am one!!

Reina the duck.

All 4 of our cute kids!

Family Movie Fun

This picture is blurry because Aaron had it on night setting, but after church on Sunday, we all watched Journey to the Center of the Earth in 3-d. It was a good kids movie, but enjoyable for adults also. Thanks for letting us borrow the movie Orrs!