Emery's Eyes

Emery and I were driving in the car this week on our way to pick up the older two from school.

Emery: "Mom! My eyes are closing"!

Me: "How come?"

Emery: "They are very tired."

Me: "Are you tired?"

Emery: "No, just my eyes."

I looked back two minutes later and she was catching flies. I guess she was wrong about it just being her eyes!

I love this girl!

Princessess Are Real!

This weekend Emery, Tanner and I went to Cardston for my second cousin Dan's wedding. He married a sweet girl, Jessica. This was the first time Emery had been down to the temple for a wedding. It was a sunny day, but with lots of wind. Still, we had fun walking on the temple lawn and looking up at the magnificant temple. When it was time, we went to the front doors to see Dan and Jessica come out together after the ceremony. Emery just stared at Jessica. You could tell that Emery loved Jessica's beautiful white dress. Along with Grandma and Grandpa, we then drove over to the chapel for the family dinner. Once inside, Emery kept looking around as if she were waiting for someone or something. I thought that she was just looking at the beautiful decorations. After about 5 minutes of waiting for the newlyweds, Emery leaned over to me and in a whisper asked, "When is the princess coming?" I know that each of us dream of being a princess on our wedding day! I'm sure that now more than ever, Emery will be dreaming of nothing else. To Emery, brides are definitely princesses!

As a side note, as a little girl, I always wanted to be Cinderella! I did marry my prince charming, but unlike Cinderella, I still have to clean the house, cook and do the laundry! : )

The Blessing of Conference

I am grateful for this past weekend. As a family, we were able to watch all four sessions of General Conference. It is rare that we are able to watch all for sessions live, as Brook and Jordan usually have activities on Saturday. I loved the spirit that I felt as we listened to the counsel of our leaders.




One of my favorite talks was M. Russell Ballard's talk. The story he told of the man panning for gold really resonated with me. I think that too much of the time I forget that it is the gathering of what seems to be small experiences will eventually become a "pouch full" of grand experiences of personal growth for me and my children. It is hard when I am in that moment to see that the little experiences and teaching moments are adding up. I just have to have faith and trust in the Lord.

One of the little experiences that I am thinking of is serving others. I know I need to extend myself more to others. I know that I get wrapped up in my own trials, that I forget that others are struggling more than I. I need to expand my capacity to love others unconditionally and serve my friends and neighbours. There are so many things that I can do to help lift others. I desire to serve others and brighten their day. I feel such a great love from my Saviour, that I know I need to share that love with others. Love One Another. Such a simple phrase, such a profound doctrine, one I know that I have been inspired this weekend to focus my efforts.

Mom, I like you sometimes!

That's what Emery announced last week as the two of us were driving in the car. Just out of the blue. Funny kid! At least she likes me once in awhile, right? I remember someone once saying, if your kids like you then you are not doing a very good job parenting. I guess in the parenting department Emery is declaring me so-so : )

Our Newest Blessing

Tanner in the NICU with his 3 older siblings

This is Tanner Joseph born three months ago on November 14th, 2010. He came six weeks earlier than we expected, but we are so thrilled that he is healthy with no complications from his early arrival. He is such a sweet baby. I can't believe how time has flown. It has been a crazy three months, but I think we are finally starting to feel a little more settled in to life with Tanner.




Tanner at One and a Half Months Old








Tanner Today at Three Months Old. I LOVE this kid!

Another Two of My Blessings

This is Merlin, our 9 year old Boston Terrier. He is my buddy, wherever I am, there he is. I love that when I get home, he is always there to greet me. I have noticed that he is starting to slow down a bit. He does sleep more, but Harley, our puppy below does hound him enough that he will play. Thank heavens for Harley or Merlin would be as round as he is tall. I'm not sure Merlin is grateful for Harley, but Merlin tends to pack on the weight. We have tried different foods, but he is always on the chubby side (I can relate!)

This is Harley. He is our 8 month old Boston Terrier. He joined our family in September after our Maggie passed away. Harley is a nut, therefore he fits into our family perfectly. I have been a little concerned about Harley though, as he has been unwilling to jump onto any furniture. He waits for Frank and I to lift him up. Last week, I told Frank that we were going to have to take him into the vet to see what was wrong with him (dogs should be able to jump!) Then today, he jumped onto the couch to retreive his toy...YAY! Now I just have to get him to jump onto the bed, so he doesn't wake me up in the middle of the night to heave him up. Unfortunately for Merlin, this new skill of Harley's means that he can no longer jump on the couch to get away from Harley!

Grandpas are the best!

Last night my mom came over and helped me make and freeze cookie dough balls. She also came to see the changes we have made to the house. We decided to make our bonus room a music room/office. We found that we weren't using the bonus room as a family room since we developed the basement a couple of years ago. This change led to making changes in the living room (not quite done yet) and the basement.

When my dad came to pick up Mom, he took some time to tease Emery. He went to her room and got one of her blankets and brought it downstairs to have a "nap". She didn't like it one bit to see Grandpa using her blanket to have his "nap". Anyone who knows Emery, knows that she does not share, ever. Everything right now is "mine" according to Emery.

This morning, after taking the older two to school Emery and I were having our morning snuggle on the couch. After a few minutes, Emery looked up and said, "Emme loves Grandpa." I guess his use of her blanket was accepted!