sorry can't blog

Ok so I've got a ton of stuff that I want to blog about but I have 7 days to get through 15 CDs. I'm listening to Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers, on CD because a couple friends have recommended it and although I would love to actually READ it, I don't see that happening anytime soon.

So the kids are asleep, Jeff is playing basketball, and I have 4 loads of laundry on my couch.

So here is to listening and folding.

Cheers!

Outside there is a storm...

...but that doesn't stop these guys.

Two boys

One is 6

One is 30

Both are laughing, squealing, talking trash

There is something awesome about having your Dad home to play with you!

Sissy is a Sunbeam

I can't believe Adelle is old enough to go to Primary. She has been anxiously awaiting this day and yesterday was pure bliss for this little girl.
She loved being a Sunbeam. She got to hold up a picture during Primary Sharing Time.

It was funny. After Sacrament meeting she bolted to go to Primary. I said, "sis, hold Braxton's hand," after which she grabbed his hand and basically drug them there. It was funny. The family sitting next to us commented on how SHE would be taking him to Primary. He was not taking her.
That's my little girl.

Emmett liked Nursery ok without his sis and Braxton protectively kept a good eye on Adelle from the back row. I guess either way she can't get away from those brothers.

Now theres 3 in the bed...

Well it's official. The crib has been taken down. Emmett's room has been converted into the playroom/craftroom/sewing room/study room.
Emmett now sleeps with the big kids.
The transition was smooth as butter and ALL the kids are loving having 3 in the bed.
Anyone need a place to sleep? We've got an empty top bunk!

The gift of gift giving

Cheesy picture. I know.
This post is not about the picture, or the tree or my jeggings(which I am teased by my husband for calling, "spaglings" which I do because they just make me think "spandex!")
This post is about this book and other amazing gifts I have received from my mother-in-law over the years. She seriously has the gift of gift giving and I am so happy to be one of the recipients of her thoroughly thought out gifts.

The coat in the picture was a Christmas gift from my mother-in-law, Christmas 2008. I wear it every winter and it never gets old. A friend of mine recently told me that the first time she ever saw me I was wearing that coat at church. She said she looked at me and thought, "wow, what a beautiful coat. She must be rich." Her thoughts sum up how I feel when I put on this coat. I feel classy and elegant. It's a good feeling once in a while for a housewife ;) but it's not the reason why I really love this coat. I love it because it just looks like me, to me, if that makes sense. I love it because it's something I would have seen at the store and wanted, but never bought for myself. I love that it fits me perfectly and that she knew it would when she bought it. I love that about her gift giving skills. She is so good at it!

Other gifts I have received have been just as good. She bought me a pair of brown cords the first Christmas I was part of the family that are still a favorite. Can you imagine? She barely knew me. We didn't live in the same state. And yet she bought me a pair of pants that I liked and that fit me. My mom laughs because she can't even do that! I am a picky person to buy clothes for. Period.
One year she sent me lingerie for my birthday. You may laugh, but not me. It was just what I, I mean WE, needed at the time! Ha! In her wisdom she knew that we had been married for a little while, money was tight and lingerie is not something I would just go splurge on. So she sent me some new stuff.
There was also a time when she sent me a VISA gift card with a note explaining that I knew better than she did what I needed at the time. She wanted to help and she did, in the perfect way.
I could go on and on. Art for my walls. Nick-nacks for my shelves. Other books. Her gifts are not all the same but they are all for me, specifically and I love that about them. Always my color, my size, my style, to match my bedroom....I am trying to develop this talent but I think it is a real gift that she has been given.

This year I received the book Lost December, by Richard Paul Evans, which I just finished reading. Yep, it took me 2 days, which is unlike my usual 30 days to finish a book and... I didn't even ignore my family to get it read. I knew I would like it the minute I opened it Christmas morning. I knew that it would fit me and it totally did. It was beautifully written and touched my heart from multiple angles. Read it! If you want.

I love opening thoughtful gifts from this special lady. They never disappoint and to be honest.... I can't wait for my birthday!!! (no pressure:)

Christmas is pictures

Christmas is saying Thank-You

My sister and I decided about a month ago that we were going to put on an Appreciation Brunch for our babysitters. Our mom, Gramy, Aunt Angela, Aunt Melissa, and Chelsey watch our kids...regularly. Jeff and I get a date every week, I get to volunteer multiple times a week in Braxton's class for different activities, we go to the Temple monthly, and we even got away for a weekend this summer all because of these sweet people who love and take good care of our children. They are such a blessing and we are really grateful for all the service they render us all year. I have called many of them last minute and they always come, wearing their happy face and ready to love on my kids. Every mother's dream come true.

So today was the day. We got our kids all dressed up. They got to serve and entertain with Christmas carols and dance moves. Braxton served the toast and kept the waters full. Lesha brought a ham and Cranberry Trifle. I made egg casserole and homemade english muffin bread. We all had a wonderful time. I think this should be a new tradition!