Turning over a new leaf!

My boys have been singing a song lately that they learned in primary. It starts off "I am a builder working each day to build my family, and I will do the best I can to serve them lovingly." The words have begun to circulate in my head and I constantly catch myself singing the only part of this song that I know. As I have thought about the words in this song, I think about my children and what I am doing each day as I serve them. I have to admit that I was having so much fun being a mom until I found out that I was pregnant with Jaxon. I think I just began to feel overwhelmed and definitely didn't want to go through another 10 months of giving myself shots everyday. Don't get me wrong, I have wonderful and fun filled days with my kids but, I think that I have also been guilty of focusing on the negative part of having 4 children rather than the positive aspects. I am constantly trying to figure out how to get things done faster and how to organize better. I am always wanting my house to be cleaner, or at least to be able to see the bottom of the laundry basket. About 1 month ago, my niece asked me, "Aunt Beth, Is having children really that hard?" I stopped and looked at her and told her, "Yes" but I also told her that I would never give up any one of my children for an easier life. I love my 4 babies. I am going to turn over a new leaf and start realizing that I get to wake up each day to 4 beautiful children and a wonderful husband who loves me and works really hard to provide for our family. I get to stay home with my children and spend time with them and I get to watch them grow and experience everything for the first time. I get to be a teacher, a nurse, a taxi cab driver, a philosopher, a student, a maid, a cook, and a builder. I am a MOTHER and I love my job!

Girls Just Want to Have Fun!

Dakota and I were just having fun being outside. She throws a fit when she has to come in. She sounds like her mama! I used to love being outside, helping my dad with all the outside jobs. I hated having to go in and help my mom do laundry or dishes. Give me the lawn mower or let me wash the car.

Happy Easter!

We all had fun hunting for eggs, baskets and eating all the yummy candy. Now we are back to our healthy diet! Ok, trying! I also had to include Kota's picture with my flipflops on . They don't match and one has a thick sole and the other is paper thin. She makes me laugh. Look how excited Jaxon is with his cheerios that he found in his egg.

Happy Birthday, TC!

Sunday, April 12, 2009, we celebrated TC's 8th birthday! This was a special birthday because it was Easter and because he is old enough to be baptized. Everything turned out great. We started the day, hunting for easter eggs and then we had to read our clues so we could find our Easter baskets. We were able to do all of that and still make it to church on time. After church, we had TC's baptism. TC chose the songs, speakers and those sho would give the prayers. Thank you to everyone who helped in the baptism or even watching Jaxon and Dakota while I tried to look calm and collected. I have such an amazing family and everyone is always so willing to help. I really appreciate that and I hope that I am being that type of person, also.

I cannot believe that it has been 8 years since he came into this world. TC and I went through alot during those first 9 months together. We were so happy to have shared Easter Sunday with so much of our family and we missed those who couldn't be there.

Yeah, for the exciting news that I will be a great aunt again. We just found out Julie is 4 months along! Congratulations, Julie (and for graduating) Perfect timing, I would say! I also never mentioned that my nephew Jonathan and his wife, Rachel are expecting in October. I will have 3 great nieces/nephews! WOW!

TC is excited to have started baseball this year. He looks so handsome in his uniform. I am so sad that I couldn't be at his game tonight. It started at 8:30 and I just knew I would have at least 2 screaming babies by the end of the 1st inning. I am going to have to widen my search criteria for a babysitter. Right now Dakota calls the shots on who we get as a babysitter. I am sure that next year it will be Jaxon calling the shots. OK, it still ends up being one of my nieces anyway.

By the way, the big bleach spot on AJ's sweatshirt was from Dakota. She found my cleaner when I sat it down and forgot to twist the cap. She is ALWAYS one step ahead of me.

I had to post the tye dye onesie picture. Papa and Dran bought that for TC and it has made it through 3 boys. It is so cool!

Where in the World?

YEAH for Ethan and Jared!

I have 31 and a half (yeah for Robin) nieces and nephews. Two of my nephews have reached missionary age! They have both gotten their mission calls this week.

Drum roll.........................
Ethan is going to Tampico, Mexico and Jared is going to Brazil.

Okay, I don't know if anyone knows this about me but when it comes to my nieces and nephews, I have a soft spot. I grew up with most of them and it was like having lots of brothers and sisters but better. I NEVER got mad at my nieces and nephews. I loved holding them when they were babies and playing with them as toddlers and being their #1 babysitter/aunt.

Anyway, I am so very happy for both of my nephews and wish them the very best. I love you, Ethan and Jared!

Double Trouble