Modesty for Christmas...

A couple of months ago, Livvy ran to me from the other room and SOOO excitedly, said,

"MOMMY!!!!  I just saw a commer-sal for a new Barbie, and...

 SHE HAD CLOTHES ON!!!"

I asked, "She did?"

She replied, "Yes! I ca.a.nn believe it!  I want one for Christmas, Mommy, I really do!"  Then she went on to describe the clothing, which details I can not remember.  Most likely because the wheels in my head were turning.

I then said chuckling, "Livvy, you do know that ALL Barbies come with clothes when you buy them, right?"

She looked at me puzzled and said, 

"They do?"

I immediately start laughing so hard.

You see, whenever I find or wash random doll clothes, I don't actually find the doll they belong to. Like any good mother, I tuck them neatly in a well hidden plastic drawer inside the girl's closet.  

But I honestly didn't realize that Livvy not only didn't know where they were, but that she entirely didn't even know they existed.  She just happily plays with a bucket of naked Barbies. End of Story.

Well, that and now it makes sense why she dresses our kitty with baby clothes.  

(Bless her heart, trying to fulfill some innate desire to clothe and care for her babies.)

So for Christmas, we made sure she got some well dressed dolls.  I can't guarantee that they'll stay that way and that I'll make an effort to dress them in the future, some days its a chore just dressing myself. 

Just kidding.

But now, little Livvy will know that some dolls do come with clothes and are not actually meant to be naked.  

And I do promise to do a FHE lesson on modesty real soon.

I really love this kid...

even if he always makes me cry. :)

Dear Glenda,

Today marks a sad day for us.  Its hard to believe its been a year since you left this earth.  I think of you so often and can still hear your sweet southern voice and laugh.  I love the connection I had with you and how you made the term step-mom a beautiful phrase.  Fifteen years with you as that role just went by way too quickly!  I love that you and my mother even loved each other and became dear friends.  Its a rarity to find such a genuine person as you, and you really blessed my life.  I thank you for being the go-between when Daddy just didn't seem to understand me.  Thanks for standing up for me.  Daddy and I recently were laughing at how you and I always sided with each other over him (his fault, I guess:) . haha

One year later, I know this day is a still a blessing for you.  I'm thankful that you are no longer suffering from the effects of cancer. I am glad that you are in a heavenly place where your faith and wants are met.  Sometimes I picture your face, all lit up, like the time we took you to Temple Square, and you saw the Christus.  You had the sweetest, most humble, love of the Savior.  I know you are happy and I am so happy about that, but I really do miss you.  Thanks for being a part of my life, for loving me and my children, and for being a great influence to me.  I can't wait to speak to you again. I can't wait to hear of how your story has continued.

I know you are still with us and I just want you to know that we still love you so much.
Merry Christmas...
Love,
Melissa

Homemade Christmas Tree Flocking

I just posted a tutorial on very cheap and fast fake snow for flocking my Christmas tree.  It was fun and gave my tree a more dreamy texture. :)

on My MockingbirdCottage blog

thanks for looking!

A peaceful moment

Sommer loves poetry (and writing it too), which is good since she is our busiest child sometimes with her many hours of dance, etc.  I am glad she knows how to slow down and enjoy the little things.  What a fun way to spend a fall evening. :)

Beauty Sleep

Livvy fell asleep at the table while I was putting her hair in a bun. 

( I think its relaxing to get my hair brushed too:) 

I love her sweet features- big eyes and long lashes, cute nose, tiny lips and rosy cheeks. 

 I just had to post this sweet little face for remembrance. :)

Always an Adventure

Oh how I love this little guy.  We have been spending lots of time together.  We are trying out home schooling right now.  Chase is such a great learner and loves to study.  He's a great student, but has had a difficult time in school when he feels bored.  He did get moved to 2nd grade, and is excelling at all the assignments.  He loves his friends and I hated to take him out of school, but he has had more anxiety in school this year than I've ever seen and I couldn't stand by and watch; doing nothing.  :(  This year has been hard for me as I want to do the best thing for him.  I've prayed a lot to know what will be right.  Who knows what next year will bring, but for now, we feel as a family that his best, happiest place is at home- learning at his own pace, and getting lots of love and encouragement from mama (and unlimited encyclopedia time)  :)  And actually, in a lot of ways, its home schooling more for me, since he's the one teaching me about everything. 

I asked him what he hoped to get for Christmas. "Smithsonian Handbooks," he told me. When I asked on what topics, he told me anything.  He would like any of them, that he would take any new books to read.  I love how he just loves to learn about anything and everything he can.  As a mother, I want him to have the best of everything, and every opportunity. I am learning that maybe what I traditionally want for my children is not what is always what is right for them as individuals, especially for Chase. He is his own little person- amazingly different than anyone I know. :)

He has so many plans, this kid.  I only hope we can help him accomplish them.  

Priesthood Session Oct 2011

This October, Braydon got to go to the General Priesthood Session with Dad and Grandpa.  What a special day and opportunity.. :) 

I always try to take a picture of the men walking over to the priesthood session.  I love seeing the whole army of men walking in. There's just something so powerful about it to me, and even more when I can watch my husband, son, and father in law honoring their priesthood.  :)