35th

I turned 35 yesterday. The day really was mostly like any other except it's Christmas break so I didn't have to send my kids to school which I LOVED! I got to spend the day with all my children. I guess I never thought a ton about what my life would be like as a mother and wife, but the times I did think about it, I think I was so scared of it that I never imagined it could be as good as it is. I spend the day amazed by the wonderful life and little family I have. They truly are amazing. 

For years I've looked at my life and felt like it was so good and so blessed that something horrible was going to happen. In some ways I've lived in a partial fear that one of my babies would die, or Carl or I would die. The day before my birthday I had a realization. I had the opportunity to serve a few people who needed help or a babysitter last minute. I realized that maybe my Father in Heaven has made my life so blessed and easy so I can more fully serve those around me who need help. 

I don't feel like my life is always so easy. I have really hard days. There are days I get so frustrated with my children I want to scream, cry, beat them, or all of it. But when I just simply my thoughts and to do list, to the things that really eternally matter, my life truly is so blessed and easy.

 I'm married to an amazing man. We truly love and respect one another. We are happy together.  He is truly my best friend; he is the perfect man for me to go through this life and eternity with. I'm so thankful my Father in Heaven was gracious enough to bless me with him.  We have 4 beautiful children together, that bring so much happiness, laughter, craziness, and joy into our lives. We have the Gospel in our lives, and all of the many many blessings it gives us. If I don't complicate things I have everything I could ever need or want. I truly have been so blessed with a beautiful happily ever after...

Yankee Doodle

Addi asked me what we would sing when I was in kindergarten and Nana would come to help in my class by playing the piano.  I said "I think we'd sing songs like Yankee Doodle".  Addi reposnded with, "Mom, I don't think that song existed when you were a kid".  Gotta love my babies and innocent honesty. 

The Sabbath...

My parents left on their mission to serve the Lord for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on August 10, 2015; in the Bakersfiled, CA mission.  Because of this I am going to try and post more regularly so they can have a glimpse of what is going on in my families lives.  I miss them so much and am so excited for them at the same time, kind of like sending my children to school.  I hate it but I know they need it and its so good for them. I know my parents need this mission and I know that this mission and the Lord need them.
Today is Sunday.  We had stake conference today.  The little bit of the meeting that I actually got to hear was wonderful and very inspiring.  We had an adult meeting last night, thanks to Kimie watching the children Carl and I got to go on a much needed date to dinner and the meeting.  The two meetings really caused me to reflect on how sacred the Sabbath day truly is and what my actions on the Sabbath are telling Heavenly Father and what I'm teaching my children.
I've learned we have a long way to go... I truly am so thankful for the tender loving grace of our Lord.  I know that he is willing to forgive me every time, no matter how many times I make mistakes.  I know he loves me.  I know he is there for me.  I know he knows my heart and my many shortcomings and loves me anyways.  I know he hears my prayers, even those I don't vocalize.  I know he feels my heartache and is with me ready to always comfort and encourage me in my trials.  I know out of love he gives me trials so that I can become a better, more loving and compassionate person.  I know Jesus Christ is my brother, he suffered for me, he died for me, and I know he loves me and even though I make mistakes each day I know he would do it all again for me.  I'm know that I can be with my family forever.  I know we will all live after we die.  I know all of these things and so many more, because of my parents and how diligent they were in teaching and living the Gospel of Jesus Christ in their home. 
I pulled up my blog today and looked at the first page.  The last post was of the kids first day of school.  On the sidebar was their pictures as babies.  Instantly my heart ached at the thought of how quickly time really does go by. I'm so grateful to know that even though it seems like I don't have enough time with my family here on earth that I will have time with them for Eternity if I live righteously. 
One of the things that was stressed at stake conference was "begin with the end in mind".  It hit me that if I would do this in all things I do in my life how much more successful I would be.  Right now I feel like I need focus this thought on raising my children.  Even on the days where I feel so tired all I want is sleep I need to make sure I'm still teaching them to pray, read scriptures, serve others, love others, etc.  So many things that if I neglect their end won't be what I want it to be.
I know The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the Lords church.  I pray that I can become a better example to those around me of what the Gospel truly is.  I'm so thankful for this beautiful life I have been blessed with and the many amazing people that the Lord has put in my life.  I'm thankful for the Sabbath and the opportunity it gives me to slow down and little and reflect on what really matters.      

And they're off...

August 20, 2015 Spencer and Addi started school again. Spencer is second grade with Kathy Caldwell as his teacher and Addi is first grade with Loraine Steckler as her teacher. 

Even though they weren't ready for school to start they were both excited on the first day, which I was very thankful for.  

This is Spencer says his morning prayers getting ready for his first day. He is getting so big so fast. I'm so thankful for him and so proud of him. 

Spencer all ready to go...

My Addi Angel all ready to go...she is getting so big and I'm so proud of how hard she is working to be big. 

The duo ready to go. I love them so much!!! I honestly don't think I'll ever be a parent that is excited for school to start. I cry ever year...I know they need it and it's good for them, but my heart always hurts for missing them. I love their faces in this picture. It shows there personalities so well. Spencer is more reserved, Addi is a ball of fire waiting to shine.  Love these kids. 

This is how we kept Collier content while he misses them. His first blow pop-obviously it was a mess. If you look closely you can see his eye lashes stuck to his eye lids with sucker. He was happy though...

Scout

"Mom, Gizmo wants a piggyback ride from Scout" is what Spencer told me while Karlinda's dog and our dog we just got today we're getting acquainted with each other. Scout is our kids first dog. 

We're dog sitting for Kurls's family while they're in Germany. Addi just informed me "Scout licked Gizmos penis!"  I told them dogs do gross things. 

The black dog is Scout, white dog is Gizmo. 

The kids are all so excited to have a dog. Collier is a little afraid of him still because Scout jumped up in him. I'm sure he'll warm up though. 

(Original post was June 3, 2015. I couldn't get it to publish until today)

God truly loves us.

I'm laying in my bed listening and watching a beautiful thunder and lightening storm. I have always loved the rain and lightening, this time the thought keeps feeling my mind of how much love our Father in Heaven has for us. It's was a very dry winter and we haven't had anywhere near enough water for the coming year. Yet, it can't stop raining lately. God is blessing us. He loves us and provides is what we need if we do our part and have faith. 

This is a picture is horrible, but a picture out my bedroom window. Addi just came in to join me. She says it keeps waking her up, although I'm not sure she's gone to sleep yet. I'm going to go cuddle her and watch a beautiful Heaven sent storm. 

Father's and Son's/GNO

The girls and I are sleeping in my bed for our sleepover. We're all saying our personal prayers. The girls are finished and I'm not. Maloree starts talking to me and Addi says, "Maloree she's still praying. Her prayers are not like ours. I guess when your older you have to do something really important."  I love these little girls of mine. So thankful for this Girls night out with them. 

Things to remember

Collier climbed out of his crib for the first time last night. He's perched on the edge before but never actually hopped out. I think he just earned himself a toddler bed. 

This morning he was determined to snap his pants up himself. He told me "No" when I tried to help him. His is growing so big so so fast! Way to fast!!! I do love watching his independent spirit emerge though. 

This is Collier determined to do up his own pants. 

I got to help with Spencer's field trip today. They went to the fire station then swimming, picnic, and bounce houses at the rec center. It was so much fun. I love to help in my kids classes. I'm so glad they still want me around and hope we can be friends always, even when they're teenagers. 

My good friend Becca watched the other kids for me so I could go with Spencer. 

This is Addi on roller blades at Beccas house. 

Love my beautiful babies and the time I get with them!  They are truly amazing. 

Mother's Day

I'm usually not huge fan of Mothers Day. I am very grateful for my mom and my mom in law. They are two absolutely amazing women that have taught and continue to teach me so much about being a mom, life, marriage, anything. They truly are amazing women whom I don't know what I would do without. 

Typically Mothers Day is a pretty hectic day with church and both sets of grandparents and lots of cousins in town.    We usually try to do a meal with both families. By the end of the day we're all exhausted and the kids are beyond tired and cranky. 

This Mothers Day Collier had pink eye Friday so we told everyone we were staying away so we didn't give it to all the other grandkids that would be at both Nanas houses that day. 

By Sunday morning his eyes were fine. We'd already told both families not to plan on us though. We came home from church and Collier took an amazing nap (and he could because we had no where we had to be). Maloree even went and layed on the couch after lunch and put herself down for a nap. We just hung out together at home all day, (Other then going to church)!  It truly was so much fun. Carl is gone a TON between both jobs, studying, and his calling. It truly was something needed family time. I LOVED it!!!

I even did most of the cooking and clean up of the day, but Carl was here taking care of the kids while I did it. It was an amazing day, truly loved the time with my little family!!!

Right before bed we ran to both grandparents houses for a bit. Basically long enough to drop off the stuff the kids had made for their Nanas (and at the Swains to pick up a car to borrow for Carl to take his test today, the kids didn't even get out there though, Nana and Papa came out to the car to say hello to them). Then we got home and kids even went to bed really well. Truly the best day ever. 

It made me realize that I don't like Morhers Day (and have tension on many holidays) because we're always trying to see both families. Trying to spend equal time with both and please everyone. Our families probably don't even care and I feel the pressure only from myself most likely. This was a great holiday and I realized we just need to stop trying to do it all and please everyone (or at least  what we feel like others expect from us).  

I'm honestly fine not getting anything for Mothers Day, usually we don't really do gifts. This year Carl really surprised me. I've been wanting to hang family pictures up every since we moved in. I've never done it. It has seemed like a huge, very expensive project, that I couldn't ever figure out how to fit into the budget. Carl printed picture off for me. He even hung them up on Saturdy. We still need to get frames, but I'm so unbelievably happy to have pictures of my beautiful babies on my walls. 

So thankful for this beautiful amazing life I've been blessed with! And these beautiful little people that give my everyday a purpose and meaning! 

Spencer's first date with Nana

Papa Foley got called as a temple recorder a while ago. Nana got sick of being home alone all the time so she decided to take the grandkids on dates. She said she's starting with the oldest and working her way down. 

She started last night. Spencer is the oldest grandchild so he got to go first. He  was so excited and made a huge list...

I told him he wouldn't have time to do it all. I also wanted to take a picture of him with Nana for their date and I forgot, I really wish I had remembered. I'll have to get one of them together and post it later. 

New donut shop

We took the kids to the new donut shop in town today. They were very excited. 

Carl actually is happy to be there. You just can't tell...

The kids loved the donuts and had a fun time getting a treat. 

Addi's first field trip

Addi went on her first field trip today. They got to go to CAL Ranch and see the chicks. She wanted me to help, I'm so glad she did. I had a lot of fun, loved being with her. 

On the bus together. 

Picture I took of her on the bus 

She also wanted to take a picture of me

So glad that so far my babies want to be with me, really hope it continues. 

A group shot with some of the kids. (She's in the back on the right side behind the boys in the red and blue shirt).

They even got to pet the chicks. She loved this. I sure love this girl. I'm so glad I got to go on her field trip with her, I'm really hoping she'll always want to spend at least some of her time with me. 

 

Power of the priesthood

Maloree has been complaining about her bum hurting her for a while now. I've been at a loss as to what to do for her. She asked for a blessing. She wanted her daddy to do it and Papa Swain to help him. 

This past Thursday night we called my dad and he came over to help. 

It was beautiful. Truly a beautiful sight that brought me so much peace and gratitude. I'm so thankful that our Father in Heaven allows imperfect men on this earth to hold his perfect priesthood. I'm so thankful for the men in my life that do their best to honor this sacred privilege from our Father in Heaven. 

Since the blessing Maloree has been doings have better. I know the priesthood is so real and truly so powerful. I'm so thankful for my dear husband and my amazing dad being willing to do this for my sweet little girl. I'm thankful to my Father in Heaven for the love, knowledge, and comfort that he gives me about my children. I love The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I know it is Gods church on this earth. I know that although those of us who belong to this church are no where near perfect, God still loves us and blesses us for trying. I know that God sent his Son who gladly and willingly gave his life and atoned for our sins so we could be perfected someday. 

I'm so blessed and thankful to have this knowledge and pray that I will have the courage and strength to live worthy of it. 

Letting go

Today I went out and jumped with Maloree on the tramp. We held hands while played ring a round the rosies. We played "dead man, dead man" and any other game she could think of to play. I watched her soft light brown hair bounce up and down in the sunlight. All the while loving her laugh, the feel of her hands in mine, hugging and kissing her everytime "we all fall down". 

Everything about it was perfect and felt so good. Today I spent a lot of time just playing with my children. I accomplished basically nothing on the house, it's a mess. But I truly had such a good day!!! The whole time playing on the tramp, playing handball, superman and flips, sword fighting, all of it was so wonderful and felt so good! As I watched them as we played I felt such peace, true genuine happiness, and so much gratitude for how blessed my life is. 

I can't seem to find the balance on how to do it all. Play with the kids, teach them to work and do chores, educate them, keep the house clean and make healthy foods they'll eat, etc. I don't know if I'll ever figure it out; but, I know that I love just letting it all go today and just playing with them! It felt SO good! I love to hear their true genuine laughter as we play together. I need to make more days like this. I hope and pray that I will always let my children know that they are my world. I love them so much and I always want them to know this. I'm so thankful for the opportunity God has given me to be their mother...life is beautiful. 

My Dads policy...go big or go home.

My dad is an Amazing amazing man. He is young men's president in his ward right now. He truly always tries to do his best at everything and give it his all. He's latest project was teaching the boys to build a boat. 

These are the boats they've built. They went up to Steinaker tonight to try them out. My dad sent me this picture of his truck all loaded with the boats. I love and admire my dad so much. I hope to be like him one day with my righteousness ambitions. 

Flowers for Mommy

This morning Spencer was at school, I was cleaning the house, and the younger 3 wanted to go play in the backyard. They kept coming in and bringing me flowers. Truly so sweet of them.  I looked out the window and saw this. It was so sweet I had to go take a picture. 

Here's the girls posing with the flowers. 

I wanted a picture of the flowers close up to show how pretty they were. Before I'd started taking the picture Addi also mentioned I should get on of the flowers. 

 So grateful for my babies and how sweet and thoughtful they are. They truly make my day each day. Even the days when I've been up since 3 a.m. Because of them. They're still wonderful and are what keeps me going each day especially my exhausted days when I just want a nap. 

Chinese jumprope

The kids and I went to Dominic's soccer game tonight. I took a Chinese jumprope with us that we got in the mail today. The kids had never seen one before, but they had a great time with it tonight. 

Maloree also got an owie on her nose today. Minuscule as it was she needed a band-aid and it was instantly better. 

Always wondering...

I think I spend a lot of my time wondering if I am doing the right thing for my children. I think this is normal for a parent, still very frustrating and not encouraging, but common. 

Last night we went to Carl's parents house for Foley family FHE. The kids weren't happy when we told them we had to go.  It was a school night though so we left around 7, a little later then I had hoped to leave. (I like to be starting the bedtime routine by 7 at the latest.) 

After we got home and I was in the girls room putting them to bed Addi says, "Mom, I know why your mean to us when you are." I was suddenly very curious and wondering what her mind had determined. I was sure it was something about me just being a mean mom. 

She completely surprised me though. When I asked "why is it?"  She replied "because you just want what's best for us. You want us to be happy and healthy." She is only 5, yet seems to have such a deep understanding at times. I know when I was 5 my mind was not thinking anywhere near as deep as hers does. 

I know it sounds so stupid but it truly made me so happy to hear this. I thought, "maybe what I'm trying so hard to do everyday really is starting to work. Maybe I'm doing okay." 

Being a mom truly is the hardest thing I've EVER done.  I'm so grateful for the opportunity I have to be a Mommy to these amazing little spirits. It truly baffles me each day why our all wise Father in Heaven entrusted them to me, but I am forever thankful that he did. 

This morning I woke up feeling uneasy about my day as I was saying my morning prayers. Each morning when I pray I ask to know what the most important thing is I need to do that day. This morning I couldn't get a clear answer on that and just felt uneasy about my families well being. Because of this I started to worry that today would be the day that my little world would fall apart. I was worried one of my babies would die. Something would happy to my amazing husband. I couldn't figure it out, I was just uneasy. I prayed to God to give me the strength and faith to do whatever would be required of me this day. 

I went into the boys room. They were both still alive and breathing fine. I went into the girls room. They were both alive and breathing fine. Carl was still alive and snoring quite contentedly. Everything so far was fine and normal. Because of my uneasy feeling I decided to stay home from the gym and do the elliptical in the basement. I felt like if I went to the gym and something went wrong at home I wouldn't be able to forgive myself for being so selfish and going to the gym. 

Everything was fine all morning. Spencer has had a really hard time going to school since spring break. Usually he cries a little or a lot about it each morning. I usually hold it together until he's out of the car and then I let the tears fall. I HATE sending them to school crying. Especially when they're truly sad or nervous. It's not a for crying. Just sad. I know he needs to go though and each day after school he says it was a good day. He truly just misses home and wants to stay home. 

Since this has started happening He and I say a prayer together each morning. With him in my arms we pray for his day at school. Keep him safe. Help him follow the spirit. Let him feel our love for him. Let him feel God's love for him. Let me know what to do to help him. Let me feel and follow the Promptings of the spirit to help him. Etc. 

We did all this today like usual. He went to school. I teared up a little like usual and the day went on. 

All day in my mind though I was second guessing used. Had I done the right thing? Was he really going to be okay at school today? If something happened to him could I ever forgiven myself for being wrong? So many questions with no answered. I just kept praying. I felt peace, but confusion also. I had to keep reminding myself confusion and fear come from satan, not God. God gives us peace and strength. 

Then Addi didn't want to go today, she's PM kindergarten. It was the same thing all over again. Now I was really second guessing myself. Yet, I felt peace and made her go. 

Because of my uneasy feelings today I didn't do the errands I was going to do, just in case. I stayed home other then the necessary school runs.  I'm not sure that I've ever been so relieved to see both off children after school. I'm always excited to see them, but today it was complete relief with it. I still had a million questions going through my mind about if I was doing all the right things for them, but the school dilemma was over. They both were completely happy and said they'd had great days. When we got home I talked to each of them quietly and alone to confirm everything really was okay at school. They were fine and happy. Both back home safely with me. 

At the end of the day my family is now all home in their beds and safe. Carl is snoring by my side. All is right in my world. I have no clue why I had such an uneasy feeling about today, but I know I am so thankful we have a loving Father in Heaven who hears our prayers. Each and every prayer. I'm so grateful to know that I truly can have the Holy Ghost as my constant companion to lead me each day in my decisions. I'm grateful for eternal families and temples. I know no matter what life brings me I can get through it with God's help and guidance. 

So as I go through my journey of motherhood constantly doubting myself, my decisions, and my abilities; I'm so grateful to know that at least I've got God on my side. He gave me these precious amazing spirits to bless my life and home, and I find constant comfort in knowing both God and I just want what's best for them. So as I live each day second guessing myself I find comfort in knowing I can always pray for help and guidance.  Anytime. Anywhere. 

I'm sure I'll always doubt my abilities and actions as a mother, even when they're all moved away. But today and each day I have with them I will give it my all. 

Pilot

Spencer has become obsessed with Papa Swain's flight simulator game. He also quite enjoys getting a leg massage while he plays it. 

We went to my parents house a few times this past weekend to see cousins. He spent most of his time in flying airplanes and getting a leg massage. Cousins were in there with him a lot of the time, but even when they left he still wanted to play. And since I was having an "I don't care today" day, I let him play it way too much. 

Getting ready for church...

First...

Next...

 

After that...

In conclusion...

Before church this morning these three felt the need to have a little wrestling match. It really was pretty cute. 

Getting ready for church really can be crazy, okay, it's always at least a little crazy. But, if I can just stay relaxed and enjoy my children they really do make me laugh, smile, and enjoy life so much more!  I truly am so thankful for them, each and every one of them. I love each of their different personalities and what it brings to our family. 

Elsa towel

Mals wanted her Elsa towel that her Aunt Emily made her after she got out of the shower today. I wrapped it around her and she informed me I needed to use Elsa's long braid to keep the towel wrapped around her. She had the braid wrapped around the towel for me, I just had to tuck it into itself. I must say I was quite impressed with the way her little 3 year old mind works. 

This towel may prove itself to be quite handy, since she hates to be dried off after the shower. She prefers to have a towel wrapped around her and then she likes to sit and air dry. 

Kiss and make up...

Spencer and Addi were fighting on the way to their grandmas tonight. After they sat in time out for a while they had to apologize and hug each other. They really were so cute and sweet hugging each other. I'm so grateful for my babies! They truly are wonderful. 

A few of Maloree's favorite things...

She is obsessed with licking.ostly anything that is part of me...my clothes, hair, arms, face, etc.  It's really quite disgusting, she's lucky she's so cute. 

Tuesday. Not sure why, but her favorite day is Tuesday's and she wants everyday to be a Tuesday. Yesterday she asked what day it was. I told her Saturday and she started crying and saying "No, I want it to be Tiesday. I hate Saturday's!"

"  

Mittens to slow him down...

This morning while I was doing some of the morning chores Collier went and locked himself in my bedroom to raise a little havoc. When I went to let him out I found him trying to get these mittens on himself. 

I helped him get them on, which can he was quite happy about. He continued to wear them around the rest of the morning. While I was unloading the dishwasher, he came to "help", like he always does. As he was helping I realized I really liked him wearing the mittens...it really slowed him down on his tearing everything out of the dishwasher. 

I think I might need to put mittens on him everyday. Carl says to put mittens, snow pants, and snow boots on him then strap him in a stroller and I'd be set. 

The thought is quite tempting but then I'd have to listen to him scream because he hates being confined. 

Even though he turns the whole house upside down at least once a day I am absolutely crazy about this little man!!! His personality is really coming out a lot more lately and I'm loving watching it and listening to all the new words he's learning. Love these kiddos and how entertaining they make my life. 

Spring fever!!!

I have spring fever worse now then I ever did when I was in school-at least then I ever remember having it!  I am truly so sick of sending the kids to school everyday. I can't wait until summer!  I'm so excited to get to keep them home with me each day. To have time to actually do something with them other then get ready for school, take them to school, pick them up from school, homework, dinner, and then bed. It feels like that's all we do and it's really starting to wear on us all. Especially poor Spencer. 

Going to school for the whole day has been an adjustment for him. He's also my home body. He loves to stay home! He cries a little each morning about going to school, and after I drop him off I usually shed a few tears of my own. We officially have 4 weeks and 2 days left and it can't come fast enough!!!

I took these pictures of Spencer last night after he lost his second tooth. He is so sweet and such a wonderful boy.  Lately he has really started acting his roll as the big brother and I'm loving watching him grow into it. He truly has acted the big brother roll for the girls for a while now. But the brotherly bond between he and Collier is really starting to show now and I'm truly loving watching them develop that special relationship. Collier is sure he's as big and Spencer (and anyone else) and tries to do whatever they do. Succeeding a good amount of the time; he really is a very capable 1 year old. I'm so grateful our Father in Heaven saw fit to bless my life with these 2 amazing boys. 

Collier with his hat at Sportsmans tonight. He's in his turtle PJ's that he loves. He had a blow out after dinner that was bad enough I just took him to the bath. Where he pooped again...I love kids! 

Collier very happily checking out how much chocolate milk I have him in his cup for dinner. (He usually only gets a little at a time. I was trying to get rid of the milk and didn't realize how much was left)

Now he's very happy and satisfied with his milk. His milk is a physical affirmation of what he already firmly believes...he's just as big and as capable as everyone else in this house!

Collier woke up from his nap late today. When he woke up the older two were home from school. I was getting an early dinner ready for them so Addi volunteered to go get him out of his crib. She came back a while later saying, "he wants you Spencer, he wouldn't let me get him out".  It made me laugh because he does the same thing to me in the mornings; he always wants Carl to get him out. 

Sure enough Spencer went back and before long both of the boys were coming down the hall. More and more I'm realizing how much Collier prefers men to women. 

Addi works hard to watch the youngers (this is what we refer to Maloree and Collier as lately) when asked. She also wants to help with cooking a lot more lately. She will pick helping with meal prep over plying babies with Maloree a lot lately. This doesn't make Maloree very happy and Addi will usually quickly sooth Mals by telling her she'll come play babies soon. 

Even though Addi wants to keep helping cook she'll usually leave before she's finished helping me to go play with Maloree and make Mals happy. I love to watch their relationship develop lately also. They truly do play together so well and are so fun to watch. I often get asked to babysit for them when they are playing house. 

One time while playing house Addi told Maloree she would watch her baby for her if Maloree would go find Addi's baby for her. Maloree was trusting enough to leave her baby with Addi, I chalked that up to 3 year old innocence. Another time Addi told Maloree while she was babysitting for Mals that Maloree's baby had gotten run over because it was playing in the road. 

Thankful Addi is a much more responsible sister/person in real life then when she's playing babies with Mals. She truly is so helpful and amazing. I'm so grateful for her and all the love and tenderness she brings intoy everyday life. I love how she can be so mad at me bs within, literally 2 seconds, be apologizing to me and telling me how much she loves me. 

She truly is amazing and I'm so grateful Heavenly Father allowed me to be her mommy. This is her posing by he elk outside Sportmans tonight. (She's quite the little poser)

The girls together petting the elk. I love these two little angels.  I love watching them be sisters, it's truly such a special relationship. I'm so grateful for all the love and forgiveness they give me each day. 

I love my babies!!! Life is wonderful!!! So hard at times, but wonderful all the time if I just allow myself to see it. Our Father in Heaven truly is such a loving gracious Father. I'm so grateful for all of the tender mercies and blessing he gives me daily. I'm so grateful for the opportunity He has given me to live this dream. I have 4 beautiful wonderful babies and a husband more amazing then I would have dared to dream of. Life is wonderful, thanks to a loving amazing Father in Heaven.