Tribute to Mom!

Lately I've been thinking about motherhood and how it's so much more than just being pregnant, giving birth, naming your child, and calling the child your own. Motherhood is such an emotional, physical, and spiritual journey. As I've been pondering some thoughts on this subject, my mind always wanders to our dear sweet Mother--the one who carried us for 9 months (8 months for Dallan), somehow pushed us out of her small body (without pain killers with Talai), named each of us (Tanner was nameless for a while), and called us her own.

Now, we all know that Mom didn't stop there. She has spent ALL her life devoted to us--her 8 children. She cleaned, cooked, washed our clothes, bathed us, did the girl's hair, made us clothes (I'm still amazed every time I look at holiday pictures where we're all matching and us girls have our hair done perfectly), planned FHE, carried out family prayer and scripture study, drove us around everywhere, helped plan awesome family vacations, canned food storage (I can still smell the tomatoes cooking), did (and does) a paper route to pay for soccer teams and dance classes, did her church calling, supported Dad in his church duties and career, moved out of and across the country, and, for the sake of younger me, she always made the perfect lettuce and mayo sandwiches. And all the while, she's always stayed beautiful--inside and out.

So, since Mother's Day is coming up, here's to you Mom! Hip Hip Hooray for all you did and still do for us. We love and appreciate you! (Don't worry Dad--your tribute will come shortly)

Just the other week, Mom sent us this awesome children's book called "Knuffle Bunny". It's about a little girl named Trixie that loses her stuffed animal at the laundromat. Sydney can quote the whole book by herself. Thanks Mom for always thinking of us in WV and for sharing your joy of books with my children.

What has Mom done for you lately? (please share)

Happy Birthday Kaiters!

The great thing about having such a big family is there is almost always a reason to celebrate and this Tuesday is no exception: it is our little Kaiters B-Day! Although I don't think I can really call her "little" anymore even though I clearly remember poofing up her bangs when she was 2. Kaitlyn you are such a beautiful girl and I am so lucky to be your sister. Happy Birthday! Hope you have a great day!

Happy Birthday Caleb!

Caleb's big Birthday is this Sunday and I am totally aware that I am awful at remembering birthdays. If I do remember to send a card it is usually several weeks late. So, I write this as a reminder to anyone who wishes to send our motivated and inovational brother Caleb some well wishes this coming birthday (maybe a wish that this year will bring romance and a reason for me to come out to Utah and see a temple wedding???)

Anyway, Happy Birthday Brother! I love you!

The "real" Beast!

Well, Mom and Dad added the black beast to their home. I just want them to know that the next beast will be ME!! Just look at my big belly! This little boy is growing like mad and I'm scared for the size I will be when we show up in May. So I just wanted to let you know that the "real" beast is coming soon so watch out!!! (Jon tells me that I can start using my stomach as a weapon).

Ok--I'm on a roll and having fun. Maybe if I do one more post, I will remember how to do it.

Here we are in the "burban" on our way to Ogden to Jase's farwell. Everyone is having fun (well Caleb has a headache--the start of his week long delirious migraine) and Colby is acting weird as usual. But we enjoyed the meeting and seeing the family and all the good food. I took the back seat (looks like I am singing) "Over the River and Through the Woods...") Another trip to Ogden...

At the last minute, Kaitlyn had pity on a boy who hadn't been asked to Preference. Well the story is--this boy had tried out for the baseball team and the team would be gone out of town on Preference. So he had not been asked, everyone assuming he would not be able to go. Well-sad to say-he did not make the team, and now he did not have a date to Preference. So Kaitlyn came to the rescue. Once again we went looking for a dress, me saying, "I don't have time to make a dress." After looking at one store, Kaitlyn said, "Let's go and get material." Why does she do this to me?? And why do I give in?? I don't know. So for the next two days, all I did was sew and sew and sew. Well--I decided this was a wise choice of material, as she can (but will she) just change the bow to different color or put some colored netting underneath and "wa-la" she will have a new dress. Yea Right--only my wishful thinking.

The "Big Black Beast" has arrived at our home--the latest addition to the home.
It was fun to arrange pictures and books on all the shelves. And I keep looking at it wondering what I could add or change. (I already took the tree off the top) Anyway, we are enjoying it and now you have seen it on the blog that Colby helped me do. And when it is my turn to blog again, I won't remember how. Oh well--some day I will get all these technical things down.