Maloree's first dance recital

Maloree had her first dance recital this past Saturday, January 16, 2016. It took a ton of time and I was annoyed about it. But, in the end I was so glad we did it. She was so cute and had soooo much fun!

Pictures before her morning recital practice. She in the only 3 year old I know that was unhappy about having to have her makeup done like a kitty...she makes a ridiculously cute kitty though!

I love love loved watching this sweet little girl of mine show off on the stage and not care what anybody thought! I wish we could all keep that confidence and ambition forever. 

Cute or funny?

Kaija is a cute young women that lives by us that babysits for us sometimes.  The kids all love her! For one of Kaijas school classes they are teaching a short little preschool for 4 days. She asked if Maloree could go. This past Tuesday was the first day. Maloree was so excited she could hardly stand it. She even let me do her hair in a hairstyle that took longer that day. 

Once I had her already and we were brushing her teeth for her to go she saw her hair in the mirror. She looked a little puzzled and then looked at me and very seriously asked, "Mom, does this look cute or funny?"  I told her cute. I loved it and she looked beautiful. These sweet little spirits that have blessed my life amaze me and bring a smile to my face everyday by how their minds work. In so grateful for them... 

Here's her pre pre-school picture with her cute or funny hair. 

She is a little poser. 

You make Jesus sad...(and recent pictures of kids)

I was just putting the kids to bed. I tucked the boys in their beds and told them I needed to go tuck the girls in now. They were both fine when I left. When I came out of the girls room Collier was screaming "mom". Not in a sad crying voice, just in his "get in here voice". I went back in. We talked for a bit and then I explained to him he had to let me go to bed because when I don't get enough sleep I turn into a mean mommy. He looks at me and goes, "you make Jesus sad!"  I love these babies and how easily they keep life and the simple things in perspective... And make me laugh. 

Collier holding a valentines package he wants from the store. (He was all about the Olaf in it) 

And a teddy bear he wants...

Addi holding the cookies she frosted for her music presentation she did today. 

Maloree wanting a picture of her battle wound she got while the kids were all playing crazy in the girls room. 

Spencer holding one of the cookies he frosted for his music presentation last week. 

The girls excited about their new leotards wanting a picture and Spencer hopping in to pose with them. 

Help you...

This past Wednesday I took Collier to his room to lay him down for his nap. He wasn't laying down easily and kept pulling all his stuff off of his bed to sleep in the floor. Then, he would want it back on his bed. We did this for a bit and then I told him I was going to sing big green tractor to him one more time then I was leaving to go potty. I sang he song and left to go potty. 

As I'm in the bathroom he was upset and crying a little. When he does this cry about his nap it usually only lasts about 2 minutes. He kept carrying on and started kicking his door. I gave him a few minutes and he didn't stop so I went in. 

I enter his room and in a very sad voice he says, "I help you go potty." I told him I was a big girl and could go on my own. I said, "What would you do if you helped me?" He quickly and very sadly responded, "Watch you."  I laughed and had to hug his cute little body. 

I love my children and the time I get with them so much. I love being a stay at home mom and truly wouldn't have it any other way, but there are times I want to go to the bathroom alone and in silence.

Heart forever changed...

I'm at the hospital with Addi getting some simple tests done. They had to give her anesthesia. Every time one of my babies goes under I find myself holding back tears. I'm nervous and anxious for when it's over. I'm thankful for the knowledge I have that I have a Father is Heaven who knows me and he knows my babies. He is always there. He hears my prayers. He comforts me through everything. This truly is such a simply non-worry some thing. Yet, I'm worried and thankful for the comfort and peace He gives me. 

I don't know if I was never warned it if I didn't head the warning because I was incapable of understanding it. I now know that becoming a parent changes you forever.  I've know this since I became a mom, but moments like this always remind me and solidify my knowledge of this. Becoming a mom is the best thing I've ever done. It's the hardest thing I've ever done. It's the thing that has truly changed my heart forever,  it's made me a better person and continues to do so. I'm so grateful for my babies and my husband and the life we get together. I'm forever grateful for my forever changed heart and the people who have changed it.