The perfect family

Ahh, getting the family together for pictures, one of my favorite things.  Not really, the pictures are great, but the stress that goes into trying to get the family to look "perfect" almost ruins the moment.  I really, really, really, dislike (trying not to use the word hate) taking hours to pose for family photos.  I believe you get the family together for some quick shots and then continue on your day.  Especially when it involves us trying to get 6 little kids, looking, smiling, behaving, all at the same time.  So here is what our family really looks like.  These are the pictures that we will enjoy the most anyway!  I especially love the one of my brother in law Sam.  There will be more of him later, just you wait.

Ellie Sheree is baptized!

We are so proud of our Ellie Sheree for choosing to be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  She wanted to follow Jesus' example and we are so happy for her!  Ellie brings so much to our family and she has really grown up lately.  She was so excited to be baptized, and to prepare we had lots of family night lessons on baptism.  Ellie studied hard and learned so much.  The bishop said she knew all the answers and that she was ready!  I know as parents we do all that we can to teach our children about the Savior.  We read our scriptures every night and have weekly lessons, but I am so grateful for all the wonderful people who teach my children on Sunday.  Some people think that going to church on Sunday for three hours is crazy!  I think it such a blessing.  I was able to substitute teach Joslyn's primary class last Sunday and it was so much fun.  I should explain.  The first hour of church we all sit together as families and listen to prepared talks from other members and our leaders.  The second hour the kids meet together to sing and learn and share messages that they have prepared and then the third hour they have another lesson with other children their age.  So when I was sitting with Joslyn's class the second hour and we were singing and listening to the talks, my heart was so full.  I was in tears the whole time as I thought about how lucky my children are to be taught by such wonderful people and that they are learning about Jesus Christ.  They learn how to be kind, how to share, how to be a friend, how to be honest,  how to be obedient, how to love, how to forgive, and so much more.  What a different world we would live in if we all tried our best to be like Christ.  I know we aren't perfect, my children aren't perfect, I am not a perfect parent, but I hope my kids know how much I love this gospel and how much I love them!  I don't care if its not the "cool thing" or the politically correct thing, its how I feel in my heart and how I get through my day. I am so blessed to be Ellie's mom! She is such a great example to our family! And she just happens to be beautiful as well, Congrats!

 

Happy Birthday Ellie!

Well here are two amazing pictures to go along with the amazing birthday cake that Justin made for Ellie.  We had lots going on during Ellie's birthday because she was turning 8, and getting baptized.  I asked Justin to help me out and make her cake.  Well, I don't really know what happened, but now I know why Justin NEVER cooks or bakes for our family.  I mean don't get me wrong he makes some awesome scrambled eggs, oh and pumpkin cookies, but that's about it.  Okay back to Ellie's birthday, it was a lot of fun, but a little stressful getting things ready for her big day.  My mom and dad also take all their grandkids to Disneyland for their 8th birthdays so, I didn't feel too bad that she didn't get a gorgeous cake that day.  I did however make a delicious red velvet cake from scratch a few days later to make up for it.  Happy Birthday Ellie, we love you so much and hope you had a special day.

While the big kids are in school.

After the big kids are dropped off at school its time to hang out with the littles!  I love it!  We are having a blast reading, playing with play dough, going to the library, and taking naps.  We also go to the Springs Preserve a lot.  The weather has been amazing these last few weeks, between 75-85 degrees.  The park is one of our favorite adventures as well.   Here are some pictures from our latest trip.  The puppet show the kids put on was pretty hilarious!

Our trip to Vegas

Living in Las Vegas has its perks, it has other things too, but it does have some perks.  For example, if you need a vacation, you don't have to go far at all.  For our birthdays this August Justin's sister was so nice to watch our kids for us while we went on a stay- cation.  We were happy to get away for a little bit.  We got a room at the Red Rock resort, and had a really fun time.  Its so important to have some alone time every once in a while.  We love our kids, but we also love each other!

It was pretty cold the next morning, but Justin was brave enough to swim. I just stayed in the hot tub. 

This picture is actually from another time that Justin took me out to the melting pot.  For this trip we had Italian for dinner, yumm!

Our room had wall to wall windows with a view of the strip, so pretty!

End of Summer 2013

Andrew finally gave up diapers.

Noah discovered Legos and became even more funny.

Taylor helped me survive the summer and grew up a lot.

Joslyn took gymnastics and gave lots of hugs and kisses.

Andy also fell asleep a lot because he refuses to take a scheduled nap.

We got a new dog named Chester who has been so much fun!

The kids started school at Somerset Academy and Yes, Ellie did get accepted after the first day!  They are loving it and I am loving having them in school!

Happy Birthday Charlotte

Here are the rest of the pictures from Charlotte's birthday.  I had them on my phone because sadly, it takes better pictures than my current camera.  Hmmm sounds like a Christmas present hint, Justin.  Anyway these are from her actual birthday and the family party that we had for her.  Since then she has started to say a few words.  Her favorite it Chester, she says it so cute!  You have to hear it!  Then she also says baby, baba, mama, dada, thank you, the usual stuff.  She thinks she is so big, and always brings me her shoes and asks to go outside.  She loves it out there!  Yesterday she started opening closed doors, which isn't that great for me.  Now I will have to be extra careful about things on the floor, she still likes to eat everything! 

Just can't get enough

Too many pictures of one moment you say??  Never!  This is just about half of the pictures I took of Charlotte opening her first birthday presents.  I just can't get enough.  I have the cutest kids and I can't believe how fast they are growing.  Charlotte is actually 14 months old now and not really a baby anymore.  Justin keeps taking her binkie and bottle away and I keep giving it right back.  I want to enjoy this time as much as possible.  She had a great birthday and a really fun party.  Hopefully I can find the pictures of that!  Her brothers and Sisters love on her so much and even the dog likes to cuddle.  We are so lucky to have her in our family!