S M I L E

Vegas and the town in between...

Last week I had the opportunity to visit my parents in Kingman, Arizona. I love, love, love to go and spend time with my family. Sometimes the toughest spot people can be in will involve family. I am so glad that as a family we pull together to help eachother out. My parents are truly amazing people and they allowed Stephen and I to have our very first night out alone in over 2 years. I fell deeper in love with Stephen just from one small night alone in Vegas.

Pulling apart of a family....

Satan works everyday to rip apart the common family. It is hard to watch this happen and not have the ability to help out or do something to change the circumstances. I can't believe how fast Satan works and how tricky he really can be. When you believe your family is safe, that is when he strikes the hardest. I have been watching the work of the devil for a long time. 15 years to be exact. I can not comprehend the tragedy each family member will feel if Satan wins. The pain will be felt not only in the immediate family, it will be felt through out the entire extended family. Children will suffer, hearts will break, and there will not be a winner on this earth.

Why does Satan work so hard to destroy something so precious as the family? I believe he knows that only true joy can be felt through the family on this earth. Sure, we will have tons and tons of joy in heaven; however, only one thing can really make you happy on this earth: Family. If you think you have felt true joy elsewhere, you are deceiving yourself. I can honestly say I have sat on the other side of fence. I was there. I thought what I felt was "happiness". I was wrong. I have never felt happier than the times I have spent with my family.

When you analyze your life, I mean really analyze your life, what has made you happy?

So, Satan, as you work to pull apart my family, please note, I am praying daily that you lose and, guess what? I will ALWAYS win because I have God on my side!

6 Months

Nolen is already 6 months old!!!! He can roll over from front to back and spin around on his tummy; however, that is it. He is a huge smiler and loves to laugh. He loves watching his older brother run around the house. He is incredibly sweet and passive. We love him to pieces.

Rolling over...

finally...

Mothers Day.

6:00 AM: Breakfast in bed followed by a luxurious rose petal bath and a fluffy robe with silk pajamas all day...

oh wait, that must have been some other mother's morning. Yes, I was up at 6 AM but only to feed my infant who has the stomach flu. Stephen is also suffering from the stomach flu which means I really have to do everything today. Edward was out of bed by 6:30 AM and so I made myself some tasty buttermilk pancakes and cut up a delicious banana and some strawberries for my breakfast dessert.
Edward and I headed over to church where I actually got to hear part of the message as I didn't have two children to keep quiet during sacrament meeting. I also was able to attend Sunday School alone for the first time in years.
Edward had a melt down in nursery as it was his nap time so we headed home. Upon arrival I saw a shiny new gift, (a kindle cover with a light) and the coolest card EVER.

This may not be the kind of mother's day most mothers experience, but this has already been a great mother's day for me. I am reminded constantly why I became a mother and that my family is the very most important thing to me.

I become more grateful to the sacrifices my mother went through just for me. She is a saint. She has worked hard every single day of her life. She has never been one to sit idly by and "sleep" on the job. She was up every morning and worked right along side us children. I can never remember a time that she locked herself in her room just to sleep or have some much needed alone time. She was amazing as a mother. I am so blessed to have such an intelligent mother who wants only the best for me. Her example of a mother is priceless. She is someone to look up to as she continually faces trials with little or no complaint. I love her. I love her. I love her.

umph...

Still no positive in my current trial; however, I am hoping something will change soon. After years, LITERALLY YEARS, of talking about cutting bangs, I finally did it. I must say, so far, I love it!

Since I can't seem to come up with a positive in my trial, I will find some positives in my life.

1) Stephen

Stephen is truly a blessing. He is so helpful and a great provider for our family. He works hard and plays hard. He is my strength. I love him.

2) Edward

Edward is HIL.LAR.I.OUS! He cracks me up all day long. He is happiest when I am giving him all my undivided attention (which is hard with two kids and a husband). He loves going to time out and I think it has to do with my previous comment. Stephen and I spoil Edward but it is so hard to say no to that cute face and those perfect beautiful blue eyes! I love him.

3) Nolen

Nolen, Nolen, Nolen. I love Nolen. He is content. He is patient. He is loving. He is happy. He is everything I needed in a baby right now. He is a blessing. He brings so much positive in my life. I can not say anything negative out this cute little baby boy who shares the same beautiful blue eyes as his brother. I love him.

4) Family

I love my family. Period.

Spelling

I recently read a book called, "Bounce" and it has changed my entire outlook on this so called thing, "talent". Read it!

Also, for your enjoyment, here is Edward spelling his name and recognizing letters. He isn't just "smart", I learned from the book, "Bounce" that talent is born, it is learned.