Why I'm loving this time of year...

Playin' in the Grass and Sunshine

Cute Outfits!

Watchin' ball games

Going to one of our favorite places!

Really getting to Enjoy my kids!

Seeing her smile at them:

Free entertainment! No messes to clean up either!
(at the park, at least!)

Splashin' and Playin' in the pond

Thinkin' how stinkin' cute he is!

Peaceful moments

Feeding the ducks

Giggles

Exploring

Flowers, Blossoms, COLORS!!! Sick of living in the Black and white (but mostly the white)!

Watching this leader of the pack- reminds me of one of mine.

Just Really Missing Him Today...

Today was the last day of school and the end of a very busy week for me. So, I am not sure why He is on my mind today in particular, but he is!!! I have been quite emotional today just thinking how much I miss Him- hearing him speak at conference, the little crack in his voice, his cute chuckle. I love this man so much! I am so grateful for His influence during the most decisive years of my life! I am so thankful for His testimony and love. Did anyone else ever notice how in his latter years, that he rarely spoke of doctrine, but taught kindness, love, forgiveness, and gratitude? That really makes me realize what is most important! I do love President Monson so much too, but I will never forget President Hinckley! I decided to do a little search just to hear his voice, and when I did, I came across this clip. I thought I'd share since it is short and sweet- just like Him!

Thank you President Hinckley! We Love you!!!

Tryin' my hand at a little photoshop

I've been wanting to learn to use my photoshop elements more for a long time now. I do some digital scrap booking and love that, but I really have wanted to learn how to edit my photos. So, last night when I took this cute picture of Livvy at the ballpark, I just knew this had to be my first subject. I loved her little face in the picture- just not the guy's rear end. :)

Here is the original picture:

I thought how cute it would be to add something pretty as a background to contrast her with the baseball. Now, this is my first attempt, so I have lots to learn, but it was a lot of fun! Not perfect, but better...

Here is the new background...

Whatcha think?

The Game of Life

After a crazy busy week of yard work and helping my mom move and make it to her Dr.s appointments, etc. I promised Braydon that we would take the time to sit down and have a family game night on Sunday. He just loves to play games. So, even though things were still busy after church, a promise is a promise! So, I told him to set up his game at the table while I got the roast (with onions, potatoes, and carrots) going for dinner. Just a good ole stand-by dinner. One pot cooking, minimal mess- love that for Sundays!

Braydon decided on
The Game of Life.
The game was intended to be between Braydon, Sommer, Wade and me- "and that's all!" he informed me. Then I reminded him of how he felt at Chase's age when he wanted to be included in everything too. So, as a compromise, Wade sugar-coated the idea to Chase that he could play on his "team." It worked great! But then let me remind you that- that still left one member of the family without a playmate- Livvy. Ok--She could be my "teammate".

I brought over some lemon bars to the table for a treat and the game began. Livvy sat in my lap for about 5.2 seconds before she noticed everyone getting to spin. She started to climb on the table, her sights set on the spinner, of course! We let her have a couple of turns, Chase too, but it became a big distraction quick. So, Wade and I took our turns with Livvy in our laps when, at one point Wade began to hand her to me with a bite of lemon bar in his mouth, somehow he aspirated a piece and couldn't breathe. Hacking away and gasping for air, I was afraid he might die! Our game took a 20 minute break while he fought for air. Once it resumed, I could hardly concentrate since Livvy was tired, fussy, and hungry since she had been fighting a cold and four baby molars cutting through. She wouldn't eat anything all day or take a bottle. She's still nursing and that was all she was willing to do for the last couple of days even though I am sure she was starving for some real food!

When Livvy and Chase would take a break from the game, it would be to go make a royal mess somewhere- and I had to just watch my kitchen turn into a train wreck. Oh, well. No biggie, I thought. This is more important- even with Livvy making kitty soup, Chase knocking over a big glass of water and a potted plant, and more. No exagerations! Sommer cried when she got a mobile home as her house (we had a bad experience once, so this was justified! "I get it honey, I really DO!") Money and cars from the game were scattered several times and I had a headache that was cooking faster than our dinner.

When Livvy (and me) finally were no longer patient, I threw my hands up in the air and with a frustrated apology, I forfeited with the promise of a raincheck that on another day when she took a nap, we would try again. I think this came as a relief to everyone actually. I took Chase and Livvy down to bed where we all fell asleep- exhausted and hungry still.

I know my blog often paints a pretty picture (which a lot of the time it is), but sadly my friends,
sometimes THIS is the
REAL GAME OF LIFE!




I can also totally relate to this comic. I had to laugh, being the 6th child in my family, and one small car, I think I rode on the floor most of my life. Good times! :)

15 months...

My little Olivia Brynne, my beautiful little daughter, is really on the move now and workin' hard to keep up with the other kids. At 15 months now, she is finally 18 pounds (so still little), but she has the biggest smile! I can not even express the joy she brings into my life each and every day!
Spring came at perfect timing (thank you!) because Livs just loves to play. That is pretty much what we do lately- enjoy the sunshine, parks, grass, flowers, the pond, bikes, etc. (we like to block out the daily housework). It has been so fun watching Livvy walk and talk and play, play, play! And the cutest thing is when she sings. She loves to sing and dance! It is sooo cute!
Some of her cute words right now are: Baydon (Braydon), CHASE! (loudly), Ivvy (Livvy), Bampa (grandpa), peek-a-boo, clap, no, Awww.... , who dat? (who's that?), kiki (kitty), dog, pup-pup, bird
Her Favorite food words: nana (banana), pi-zza, milk, egg, cook-cook (cookie), baba
Lots and Lots of Animals Sounds: Meow, Quack, baa, moo, arf, neigh, tweet (sounds like a squeak really)

Lovin' the slide at the park. It is so fun to play with a brother!

Can't you just see how much fun she is having?




Livvy loves to ride the trike. It pretty much runs away with her, but she is not deterred.

Then lastly at Kindermusik! Like I said, this baby LOVES music! She is such a fun addition to my classes. She participates so well- even when she is by far the youngest in class. She's just such a good baby all the way around! I'm so glad we get to do this together!

Shake, Shake,Shake, Shake it, baby!
Peek- A boo! (Click on this picture and see what's in the middle)
This was one of those perfect candid moments! We were floating the parachute up in the sky and down to the floor as a class when Livvy crawled under and stuck her head through. Somehow, miraculously, my slow camera grabbed the shot. It was so cute!!! I'm so glad I got a picture of it. The whole class was laughing. :)


Olivia Brynne, you'll never know how much I love you! You are the perfect example that some of the best things are born out of opposition (hard pregnancy and circumstances while I was pregnant). Heavenly Father knew you were just what we needed! I love you soooo much! Thanks for coming into my life! Mommy

A Tribute to my Mom

Here is a picture of my grandpa, grandma (mama kaye), and my mom as a baby.
I just LOVE old pictures! I love seeing my family members so many years ago. My mom was born in Mississippi (me too) during a really bad hurricane. They barely made it to the hospital and when they did, there were women delivering babies in all the rooms and hallways too. Amazing what Mother Nature can do! My mom was a little blue-eyed, towheaded baby. She was always very, very smart and had an aptitude for math, especially, like her father. She is still a great tutor for any one in the family. My mom married young and had 6 children of her own- 3 boys and 3 girls, 3 blonds and 3 brunettes. I am the youngest of the brood. My parents divorced when I was 2 and so after working several years, she went back to school in pursue of a better career and her love of learning. I remember her always reading me things she learned in school. I loved it! She instilled in me a great love of learning and reading.
When I was 8 years old, my mom inherited 4 little girls that needed a safe home and she raised them too. It was always amazing to me how my mom could study at the dining table with soooo many kids running around. But, like I said, she is so smart and she made pretty much straight A's all through college. She received a bachelors in psychology and then went to graduate school and received a master's degree in Social work. All the while taking care of us kids.
My mom has not had an easy life. In fact, I think it has been hard a lot, but she is so patient and positive. She has taught me so much about priorities, family, and service! She is the most altruistic person I have ever known! I often hear how the world demeans self-sacrificing mothers. Not that I think mothers don't need to take time for themselves (they do!), but I do appreciate how selfless she is. She had done so much for us kids and I know that one day she will receive her reward for all of her sacrifices.

My mom was a convert to the church at the age of 14 and she was so excited while hearing the discussions and she said the first time she walked into the church building, she felt the spirit so strong! The first lesson she received was about the plan of salvation and she felt as if she were finally being taught the things that she already knew in her heart. She still has a very strong testimony of the Savior and His Gospel. I am so thankful for this- that I was taught and raised to believe! I know the Gospel has been the rock that got me through a sometimes very rough childhood and the ups and downs of life. We have been so blessed!
This is a picture of my mom and her cousin, Sonny (who looks a lot like Braydon to us!)
I am also so thankful for my southern heritage. I hope to pass on some of our traditions to my kids. I still very much miss my hometown and the people there. But, I have so many great memories of being there with my mom and spending lots of time with her.

I just want my mom to know how much I admire and love her and all she continues to do for me and my kids. She is a great mother & grandmother ! I hope that she one day will have all of her heart's desires. I truly believe she deserves it!
Happy Mother's Day Mama!

Fact Is...

My Little Guy...
is growing up! He had his preschool graduation and seemed so big!
Chase is a great big brother (most of the time!) and says the cutest things. One of this week's Chaserism's was this:
Quite sincerely Chase asks, "Mommy, Has Braydon received the gift of the Holy Ghost?"
Me (chuckling): "Yes, he has."
Chase: "Then why is he so mean to me and Sommer?!"
I was laughing so hard. But, at the same time I couldn't believe how grown-up he sounded. If my words start to run here, I can't help but tearing up :)...
(Braydon really is super sweet. He just doesn't always give Chaser his way!)Isn't he so cute in his cap and gown? (even though in his opinion, red is a GIRL color!!!)
Chase was so cute at graduation. He sang so well and seemed so happy. Sometimes I really struggle getting him to go to school. Sometimes he just wants to be with mommy...awww! But today, I think he really didn't want it to end.
Here is the cute little graduating class and Miss Leslie-such an awesome preschool teacher. We were so fortunate to get into her class this year!
To celebrate, I just had to take Chase to this little bakery shop that is now the talk of the town! Being tempted for days, I couldn't wait to have an excuse to go. It was well worth it too! So delectable! I had to try the va-nie-lla cupcake. Wow, it was so good! Chase had the rapberry lemonade and Wade had the strawberry shortcake. The options endless- the experience, so fun!


Yummy! So proud of my little buddy!
Just to prove that he at least is not all the way grown up yet, he asked me this too cute and obvious question the other day,
"Mommy, what is yellow with black stripes?"
Me: "Hmm...a butterfly?"
Chase: "NO! A Yellow Spotted Beetle!"

My White Floor

Last night was one of those very rare moments when my house was totally quiet. My hubby was home, the sun was still shining, and therefore everyone was outside playing but me. The house was so quiet that I actually had a few moments to just think... a really rare moment! But, I didn't start out by pondering. I actually was taking advantage of this moment by cleaning the kitchen. Once the dishes and counters were done, I began sweeping the floor and then mopped it. But even after I was done, I felt that it really needed a better job than just a once- over. So, I grabbed my supplies and got down on hands and knees and started to scrub. Down on all fours, the need for this deep cleaning was even more apparent. I wondered how I could miss so much with my eyes just a short 5 feet nothin' from the floor! My ill-mannered thoughts were as follows,
"Man, this floor tracks up so easily!"
"You can see every crumb."
"If only I could replace this floor with something tan and have it not show the dirt so easily, How nice that would be!"


You see, my kitchen floor is white tile, so everything does show and therefore needs cleaning daily! Every little speck of dirt is a reminder of that! So, then I thought how it is kinda nice that I have to clean it so often. It is sort of a safety insurance for my little ones who are playing on this floor constantly. Maybe it is good that I don't have a floor that will cover it up. Hmm... As I continued to clean on my baby's level, I could definitely see things in a whole new light. Embarrassingly, even though I think I am cleaning it daily efficiently enough, I realize Good in this case, is not Good Enough.
By this time, my floor was looking pretty good and I acknowledged how much better it looks when I take the time to really get down to the nitty-gritty. It's something that I can stand back and admire when it is complete because I know I did a good and thorough job. Even though I mop it daily, rarely does it look just this good! And I realize that I do need to make this a part of my regular routine more often! It really wasn't that hard after all!


This is where my pondering led me to this epiphany: I wondered if my life, my spirit, is sometimes like my white floor. Clean for the most part, until I take a really close look and see a speck here, sticky there, etc. etc...


I wonder how many days do I do the bare minimum so that no ones sees the dirt, but deep down I know there is still work to be done. Do I do my best to scrub away all the mess in my life, or do I leave it for tomorrow or the next day. Do I make commitments to have a really clean "floor", only to have it great only on special occasions. Do I do things that I probably shouldn't and just hope that no one else will see? Not necessarily anything that bad, but still not that good either.


Sadly, I think I do. For the most part, I think I'm a pretty good person. I try to respect others, keep the commandments, and love those around me. But unfortunately, I know that I am not doing my best. I can be better. And how much more would my family, friends, and myself benefit from it if I were. To always be prepared at any given moment. To have guests over at any time and not worry the state of my "house"- especially that most important guest that I want in my life all the time.


Have I really received His image in my countenance?

Then it hit me something that I dearly cherish and love more than anything: My children! Oh, How I love them! I go about my daily activities with them under foot most of the time. I'm so thankful they are! That is where I want them to be! I love being with my kids so much! As they are under foot they are the reason I feel compelled to clean that white floor because I certainly wouldn't want them playing on a filthy floor. This makes me realize that as they are always under foot (kitchen and elsewhere) and watching my every move, am I protecting their sweet spirits as well and making sure that I am doing everything I can to see to their most important needs- the very needs they came to earth to receive from me? Am I setting the right examples in ALL my words and deeds? If I could get on their level, would they think I am clean and safe or do they notice things that I need to better? When life does get messy, Will they know where to turn to quickly remedy that? I hope they do. Oh, how I want to nurture them- to teach them to hold tight to the right path, to stay spotless from this filthy world we live in! Will they be inclined to do so when they think of it me? Has their mother showed them The Way?


Just like my kitchen floor, I'm also very sure that my life will get tracked up very quickly with all that is out there to contaminate. I know that is definitely why I need to EVERY DAY check and see what I can do to clean things up-to never let a day go by that I neglected to better my life and my spirit!





I know that from now on- every time that I clean that kitchen floor I won't be wishing I could cover it up. I think I will take more pride in it knowing that it is reminding me daily to also take the necessary steps to clean up my life~ to take inventory of my own spirit and see if I have done all I could that day to keep myself "white and clean". I promise to try to look at myself from a different level- eye level from the sweetest ones I know!


"Each one of us has been given the power to change his or her life. As part of the Lord’s great plan of happiness, we have individual agency to make decisions. We can decide to do better and to be better. In some ways all of us need to change; that is, some of us need to be more kind at home, less selfish, better listeners, and more considerate in the way we treat others. Some of us have habits that need to be changed, habits that harm us and others around us.
Each new day that dawns can be a new day for us to begin to change. We can change our environment. We can change our lives by substituting new habits for old. We can mold our character and future by purer thoughts and nobler actions. As someone once put it, “The possibility of change is always there, with its hidden promise of peace, happiness, and a better way of life.” President James E. Faust