My Little Cowgirl

I loved this onesie Livvy wore as a baby-

"Someday I'll demand a Pony." 

I didn't realize how quickly it would come true.  Just yesterday she asked me for a real horse for our backyard.  She loves horses so much and wears her cowgirl boots with everything!

Now that we finally have had some nice days, I took some pictures of her on our walk.  I love living in a farm town.

For reasons below:

#1 reason:  Some special Mommy/ Daughter time

(watching horses). :)


I know this post is a complete photo overload, but I just loved all of these of Livvy.  Easter photos coming next. :)

One Sweet Mess

                 I walked into our living room and asked Livvy,
                  "Why did you dump out my Gospel art kit?"
             She replied, "I just wanted to see the pictures for 
                      one minute to see Jesus and say Hi."
                    Then she gave me one of these smiles. 

How could I possibly be upset with that?

Salad Trumps Corn Dogs

I am always so proud of this handsome boy, but recently he gave me one more reason. 

Braydon's 5th grade class was learning about laws and bills at school.  His teacher gave them an assignment of coming up with a "bill" to improve something about their classroom or school. 

Braydon immediately came up with the idea that school lunches needed to be better. Much better.  Currently, when students don't like what is the daily serving, they can opt for a corn dog.

According to Braydon, these corn dogs are gross and slimy.  Yuck!  So, Braydon wrote up a bill proposing that instead of corn dogs, there could be a salad bar.

Braydon's teacher loved the idea. As did the principle.  His teacher contacted to district's nutritionist, and he loved the idea as well.  The nutritionist paid Braydon's class a visit and brought all the salad toppings and the class got to have a taste testing.  The nutritionist said that if they can't afford a complete salad bar, they will assemble pre-made salads , with the suggestions of their favorite toppings from Braydon's class , and offer them as an option to replace the corn dogs.  All but two kids in Braydon's class are really excited and happy about this!

It will probably go into effect when school starts in the fall.

Also, they said the news may be coming to do a story on Braydon and his class and how they are getting healthy salads on the school lunch menu.

Way to go Braydon!  You are so awesome! :) I love you so much!

Oh Brother! :)

One day while leaving the school for a program of Sommer's, Livvy and I passed Chase's class lined up outside.  With no prompt or suggestion from me, Livvy ran to Chase (practically tackled). I was so happy that I had my camera to catch such a sweet moment in time.  I equally love all the little girls surrounding Chase and how cute they were at that moment too- watching a boy so excited to see his little sister.

I also love that Livvy packed a backpack bigger than herself to take to school.

This is a favorite!

Today...

I have been sick this week. All week long! Ugh!

 Today, I'm a little better and I am trying to get my house back in order, one little spurt at a time (I'm taking lots of little breaks to catch my breath).  Oh man, my house really has fallen apart this week. 

I tend to get so down when I don't feel like I accomplish enough.  It really depresses me.  And mothers can't afford to get sick.  We just can't.  Not when there is so much to do.  I think it is easy to dwell on what we are  not accomplishing, but Wade keeps reminding me of the things I do accomplish.  He tells me how it is an accomplishment just to be home with the kids and let them know they are loved.  (He's a good guy! I love him!)

So, today I am trying to be grateful for some restored health, and for the fact that I get to be a stay-at- home mom. 

 It is challenging and the work never ends, but I am so thankful to my husband for working so hard so that I can be home with my kids.  With Chase in school half the day, I'm so glad that Livvy is still home with me.  I've just been enjoying her today and how much she makes me smile.  I feel so fortunate for all the little moments that make my days meaningful.   

Not so long ago...

4 months old



Livvy was the cutest baby!  And so sweet!  I miss this age!

Now she is such a sassy sweetheart.

Loves to dress up.

Loves dancing and singing.

She's loves watching the flowers grow in our flower garden.

She can keep up with the big boys and has no problem playing with cars, dinosaurs, airplanes, and Toy Story toys. 

I love how she says Rapunzel- "Sirpunzel"

She loves Woody and Jessie.

                          She's part princess and part cowgirl.
                   Her artistic expression is getting the better
                             of me lately.  (On furniture!) 


 

We have laughed about this following story a lot lately:

Livvy was totally offended by a boy named Conner in her gymnastics class when he told her she didn't own the Toy Story movie (a huge offense!).  So, now any time she gets mad at any of her siblings, she yells at them,

"You...You...You...CONNER!"

I guess if that's the worst thing she can think to call someone, that's not too bad. 

(However, I'm sure Conner's parents wouldn't agree.)

Look how much she's grown.  I'm so thankful she keeps me company every day.  I love this baby girl.  And I am so thankful that I have had equal amounts of time with all my kids. 

I know I can be a better mom. 

There are so many things I want to improve, but I am so thankful that I get the opportunity and that my Heavenly Father hasn't given up on me yet.

(Or my family for that matter!)