A Little Love

OK, maybe not so happy for Amelia. But, Sam did cheer her up, and a little paper and Valentine making later, we have a happier girl. Maybe now it really is a {Happy} Valentine's day.

I really love Valentine's Day. I like to make pretty valentines and fun breakfasts and treats for the kids. I actually have had this wild idea the last couple years to have a Valentine "tea" party for the girls and some of their friends. {haven't made the time}

Side Note:

Actually, this year we did have a Valentine's party for Primary. It was really fun, although exhausting. We had almost 60 kids come to the party. It was a half day of school, so we had them walk to the church after school and we served them pizza {lots and lots of pizza}. Then we split into three groups. My group talked about service and then made a coupon book. Lara had pictures and talked about all the missionaries who are serving from our ward. {Ben in California, Aaron and Austin in Oregon, the Martins in Texas, Ryan in Mexico, and Clint in Finland.} They then made Valentines to send to them. Kathy had the kids decorate {and eat} cookies and then play some games. It was crazy busy, but I think everyone had a good time. So, I guess that I can say that I did throw a Valentine's Party this year.

Tea Parties

This afternoon, the girls had their table all set for a "tea" party. They had "baked" some cupcakes and "cooked" some mac&cheese in their little kitchen, and I was joining them for some afternoon playtime when they wondered who would sit in the other chair. We figured it out.

She was the perfect little guest. She just sat there at the table, filling the chair, and making all three of us laugh at her utter cuteness.

Draper Temple Open House

Last weekend we went with D & A and kiddos to the Open House for the Draper Temple. It was awesome. Such a reverent and peaceful atmosphere, it was really awe-inspiring. I really loved that the kids were able to feel the beauty and the holiness. Nate and I were talking about it afterward, and we both wonder how anyone can question, belittle, or mock the temple after being there. If one had no knowledge of our religion at all-- it should be clear, through touring the building, that it is a place of instruction, learning, inspiration, and peace. It is a place where earth meets heaven and we are promised that our families are ours beyond this life. I love the temple.

The next morning the girls were trying to get Clay to play Jenga with them...Clay came in and said to me..

"Mom, if I play Jenga, the beautiful memories I have of the Draper Temple will leave my mind."

I'm happy that he, too, felt the same reverence and awe that I did.

Lacking Pictures

This is a little pathetic. I brought my camera to the computer to download all the pictures I've taken this year so far. There were 21! Not even one every day. But, there were some very darling ones.
When we had our fireplace redone this summer, we moved the shelf from the wall, and had not yet anchored back to the wall. I kept having that nagging impression to get it done, as did Nate, and so one morning, as soon as I got up, I removed all the books and we got the job done {eventually: after a long search for the correct driver for the drill, I waited for Nate to come home for lunch}. So, Amelia really wanted to help restock the shelves. She started with the picture of President Monson. {This drawing was done by the spouse of a good friend...click here to see some of his other wonderful art} And of course, she wanted to be right next to him. I thought it was sweet. I hope she always wants to be "right next to" the prophet!

Meet Marlee, our newest addition. {I would be willing to bet that Marley is a popular dog's name right now. We love the children's books. Unfortunately, we hear a lot of "bad dog, Marley"} She's such a character, and a fun little addtion to our family. I love how she sits down and cocks her head. Her ears flop when she runs, and when she catches sight of them she starts chasing her ears, which is usually followed by a tail chase because her tail gets wagging so enthusiastically that she sees that and gives up the ears for the tail. She makes us laugh.

We have not had the Wyoming winter like we had last year, where our snowman that we made at Christmas time did not melt until Easter. Really. We have had some beautiful days that we've been able to get out and play without frostbitten fingers.

We've painted lots of little nails.

My girls are in love with their little cousin Ryker. We were happy to visit with them last weekend! I don't know how you do it all, Lindsey. You're pretty amazing!

And the boys seem to be at school all the time, excluding them from most of my photo ops. Between piano for Sam {who is doing amazing, if I may brag for just a minute} and swimming lessons {We call Clay "the rock"...} and the other things we do, we stay busy enough.

Today's a sick day...just like last Sunday. Some de ja vu going on here. I'm just glad that I haven't had to be as friendly with the toilet as the boys here today. :)

A New America

I haven't ever really been a very politically minded person. I may have pretended to be over the years, but the reality is that I seemed to be able to understand opposing points of view, and had a hard time standing firm on one side of many issues. After I would present my argument for my viewpoint, I would listen to the other side and say, "I see how you could feel that way." Thus, leaving me vulnerable in my own stance. But, years of marriage to Nate {who is very good at defending an issue, and making the other side look quite ridiculous}, coupled with my increasing desire to see a government that will defend and sustain our constitution, preserving the freedoms we enjoy so that our children will also have that privilege have sharpened my vision and drawn me to one side of the fence. If I dare say, the Republican side. I voted for John McCain for the president of the United States, although I initially supported Romney for his strong economic background. For me the race was about political issues which I have worked hard to understand and take a position on. I do have to say, however, that there was a time in the presidential race that I was drawn to Barack Obama. He is a very eloquent speaker and, although I like George Bush, I got caught up in the rhetoric for change. I loved what he had to say about Fathers. {so did Alisa and Lonnie: see here} I liked that America was responding so well to a man of African-American descent. It felt like progress and change. But then I listened to the policies he presented and promptly remembered that I was voting for a president who would defend the policies and practices that I felt were most important in defending the constitution of our United States. {not to mention the tax thing: I support our government, but would like to have a little more choice as to how I distribute my charitable contributions. All that being said, I knew in my gut that Barack Obama would be the next President of the United States. I was sure that, for the reasons I mentioned above, there were many who would vote for him. And I'm ok with that. I hope that the tangible excitement felt during the inauguration persists, and that a spirit of optimism will permeate our great nation, helping everyone to see the opportunity and the goodness through the difficult times. So, say a little prayer for America and for our new President. Because "Yes, we can." And we will....

When I Grow Up

At breakfast today, Emma told us that when Amelia "grows a mom" she will have 5 kids. Amelia proceeded to tell us that when she "grows a mom" she will have lots of money and her own house too. Of course she thinks that she is rich now because she found a quarter in the seat cushions at Grandpa's house and he told her she could keep it.

Slow Start

It looks like I am off to a slow start at recording and sharing this wonderful new year. I like a good reason to "start over" and to "try a little harder to do a little better" {favorite quote from President Gordon B. Hinckley}.
Today we visited with Grandpa Bear at the ranch for a little bit. Every time we visit I wonder why we don't take more time from our lives to share with him. His cheerful attitude and wonderful stories make me a happier girl when I leave. And the kids just love to tease and show off for him.
After school we took my shaggy-headed boys to get their hair cut by Aunt Adrienne. She always does such a great job. Adrienne, how do you always keep your house so clean and uncluttered? I want to be like you when I grow up!!