Sisters

Oh how I wanted a sister when I was growing up. When I found out that I was having a second girl I quietly screamed for joy!!!  My best friend has 4 sisters.  To say I was jealous growing up (and now) is an understatement.  Despite the fact that she and I have been besties for over 20 years can never compete with sisters, nor should it.  And, since I will never have a biological sister of my own I have the next best thing.  2 daughters!!!  Now, it is my job to help facilitate a relationship that will span decades, weather tough storms, overlook differences, accept flaws and love unconditionally.  No pressure right?  

Man, I love these girls!

Spinning MyWheels

I think we all do this as mothers, we spin our wheels, going as fast as we can and never getting anywhere.  Right?  I had a great day with the little A-Dubs.  Playdate for Kal.  Played out side with Lincoln.  We laughed, We slept.  We played.  It was a good day.  But, I felt like I was living in Ground Hogs Day.  No offense, but I HATE that movie.  Today consisted of doing the same thing over and over and over and over again; laundry, pick up the house, make food, clean up children, dishes, diapers, sweep, and repeat.  

What made it all worth it?  

This little gem.  

Who doesn't need a Spiderman Cheer Leader on you side?

And I Bother With Toys Why?

Have you ever notice that kids are great at making up games or finding new and unusual ways to play with toys?  Our kids are excellent at just that!  Who needs to use the trampoline outside with you can take a bed apart and use it instead!  I really enjoy this part of my kids brain. . .the creative part.  I am not always super happy with how they choose to express it but I love that they use it!  

Sunday Talk

Avery is giving a talk on Sunday.  "I know Jesus loves me," is the title.  Honestly, I forgot, which I do a lot of.  I am very best last minute, or so I tell myself.  She, however, is a planner.  I got home from yoga last night and she was preparing her talk, with visual aids, by herself!  She had mentioned earlier this week that she wanted to write it and then have us look over it but again, I forgot.  This is the first talk she has given that is 100% Avery!  

She never ceases to amaze me. 

 In these moments I realize that it is all going too fast!  She only has 9 yrs left in our house.  In 9 years she will graduate from high school and we are half way!  In these moments I feel a sense of panic.  Are we preparing her like we should?  Will she be ready?  Are we fostering a relationship that will span decades?  Will she even want a relationship with us when she is older?  Does she have a testimony of Christ?  Is she developing a good work ethic?  Are we missing steps that we are going to regret?  Honestly, my list goes on and on and on.  I guess these moments are good reminders that, for me, it is these little moments matter and are quite possibly the most important.  It is a good reminder to stay focused on what is really important.  Family.  So grateful for mine tonight.

Activity Day Girls

I get to help out with the girls from 8-11 years old at our church.  Their group is called Activity Day Girls.  They are DARLING!  During an age where girls tend to be exclusive this particular group of girls is the exact opposite.  They are so open to everyone, despite differences.  Tonight we said good by to this cutie, Ali.  She is moving with her family in a few weeks.  She will be sorely missed!

My favorite thing about Ali is her enthusiasm for service.  Last year we had the girls tell us some of the things they wanted to do, both fun and service oriented.  Ali wanted to help out at a women's shelter.  We were able to partner with Helping Hands Against Violence here in Hood River later that same month.  Ali ended up in one of the groups cleaning an apartment that was being prepared for it's next occupant.  She was so happy to help.  Her words to the director of Hands, "I love to do service!"  She is 10!!!  What an example of  being a follower of Christ.  I have seen Ali exercise patience while working on projects with those around her.  I have seen Ali listen to others ideas with out interrupting  I have seen Ali stop to help someone struggling with whatever we are doing.  I love this girl for being so "good natured."  If we, as adults could be more like Ali we would be a happier people and a  kinder people.  What a great example she is to me!  

Tonight was movie night for the Activity Day Girls.  How cute and funny they are!  Some watched the movie, other played boards games while some helped with constructing a pinata.  Again, it is so nice to watch these girls, of very different family back grounds, work together They are patient and kind to one another.  Everyone plays with or talks to girls that they may not have a lot in common with.  It is fun to see these "unlikely" friendships develop.  I love these girls.  

**Plus I love spending this time with my Avery!!!  

Gotcha!

So, if you haven't already figured it out, we are Mormons. We are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  What that means to those who aren't familiar with our faith  is that we go to church every Sunday, for 3 hours.  Yep, I know it is long time!   It is a difficult for an adult, who loves church, to sit still for that long let alone a 4 year old, very active, little boy.  

(I love this pic!  His primary teachers took this of him early this past summer and gave it to me for Christmas.)

That being said it is getting better. 

 A year ago we NEVER made it thru the entire 1st hour with out having to spend time in the halls, Today, leaving is abnormal.

A year ago he was often brought to us during the time he was with kids his own age because he couldn't sit still.  Today, his teachers praised him for being so well behaved!

A year ago there were many instances of crying when we took him to his class.  Today, he ran off to primary, by himself, as soon as the family portion was over.  

How kids grow, change, adapt, mature, and develop is AMAZING!  It really is different day to day, week to week, month to month and certainly, year to year.  I am in awe of how far he has come as  he continues to keep my life interesting and challenging and always FUN!!!

It Rained and Rained and Rained

You know you live in Oregon when you spend one day outside enjoying the sun and the very next you are slammed with rain.   Not one minute has passed today with out being able to hear it, as I type I can hear the rain pounding on our roof.  I am hopeful however, my phone swears that tomorrow will be partially sunny.  iphones don't lie right?

Because of the rain I was able to get this done.

before

after

I have been putting this project off for months.  This POST got me going today.  Thanks Megan!  I had each one of my kids (Avery twice) along with my husband come and look at my accomplishment!  I love checking things off my list! 

Because of the rain a few of  us were able to get in a lovely nap.

 Miss L was asleep on the couch at 10:30 in the morning with Miss A on the floor in front of the wood stove following suit.  Scott was the next to cave. What a great day to make this all happen.

Because of the rain we went to the Library.

We got to do puppet shows, play trains,  play toys, run around, build with legos, play with yo-yos, read magazines, and check out books. 

Because of the rain, we got to spend the day together as a family.  Love these days.  

Loved the rain today