Disclaimer

In my last post I wrote about so many positive things that are happening in our family because that is what I want to remember. Things definitely don't always run so smoothly, trust me. Being a mom is the most difficult thing I've ever done, but it is also the most rewarding. I appreciate Elder Ballard's counsel in the conference address directed to young mothers, "recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction." Very true, that is why I want to try to capture those moments!

Somethings better than nothing...right?

Ok, so I just decided to write a post and forgo the pictures. I just have to eliminate one step or this just will get left by the wayside! Hopefully a temporary thing though.... It seems like our family has been busy lately, as I'm sure all families are! So I will just give the lowdown on what everyone has been up to:
Jed has been working hard on our house. We are actually going to hire out the insulating and the sheetrock, which will SPEED things right up!! I actually am having to choose paint colors fairly soon!!! Yikes! The house looks so good with everything Jed has done, now I'm scared my decorating and color scheming are not going to be up to par! Jed is the hardest worker I know and is such a good example to me. He puts his all into everything he does. I LOVE YOU hun--sorry, I wasn't trying to turn this into a tribute, just an update, but when you love your hubby and talk about the things he is doing for his family...its natural.
I have been having fun with our kids doing our thing. Some of our area schools have had a free lunch program for kids 1-18 so the kids and I have been visiting our school for free lunch together. It's been way fun. Another bonus: One less meal I have to prepare and clean!! Two thumbs WAY up. We also headed out to our movie theater last week and enjoyed a free show: The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything. I love Veggie Tales, always have....even before I was a mom.... :) It has just been so fun to be with my kids and to do something we don't usually do together. Basically I have just been trying to keep up with everything and everyone around me!

Drew is doing great and has made a lot of progress in what he is learning. He just started to read a couple of verses at scripture time for us--of course there are lots of words he has never seen, but he does his best and sounds everything out. Best of all, he LOVES to do it!! Also last week Drew vacuumed our house 3 times. This was like a blessing from heaven!! Especially because he has offered to do it. I tell you what, that really is a HUGE help to me. I'm sure the new-ness of being able to do BIG chores will wear off, but for now I'm LOVIN it! (No I haven't been to McDonald's recently)...

Madelyn also accomplished something big, she can now write her name all by HERSELF. She is really doing well with identifying the letters and numbers too. She really wants to read like Drew, but she always tells me she already knows how. She is my little miss RED personality. The other day she surprised Drew and cleaned up all of his stuff. She was so happy and so was I! It just makes a mother so happy to see her kids serving each other. She performed a ballet recital for me the other day, so I cheered when she was done and said "Bravo!!" Then she told me it was my turn....so I got up and did my ballet debut (sorry everyone missed it!) and then she gave me raving reviews or "Bravo" right back. It was cute.

Hannah, she is changing so much!!! She has been scootching since last month and now she gets up on her hands and knees for a little while and then reverts back to the scootch. She also is sitting up, yes that came long after she scootched around the house. Hannah is my mover. She cannot hold still. Jed likes to say that I put caffeine in her milk! She can also be very loud and loves to have contests to see who has the most wind. She is our baby of many faces: monster baby (think of king kong in the world of blocks), police baby (Drew pushes her in her police car..the laundry basket and she gives Madelyn and I tickets. She even holds a police badge), and super baby complete with cape and special glasses. It is so fun when all of us are playing something together! Hannah also loves when I play fiddle songs on the violin, she just starts shaking her arm and laughing, very cute.

Congratulations on making it through the LARGEST NO PICTURE POST EVER!! I have to admit it was more for my sake than anyone elses. A lot has been going on that I had to write down before I forgot!!

A BIG Congrats goes to:

My brother-in-law Troy and my niece Becca on their graduations!!! You both are stellar individuals and we're so lucky to call you family!!

Troy--we're so impressed with the person you have become! I still remember when Jed and I were dating and I was able to go to your ordination to become a deacon and receive the priesthood. I was amazed at how seriously you took that step in your life, even at 12 years old. And it hasn't stopped there. You are an amazing example of dedication to the most important things in life. I've seen you arrive to church WAY early to take care of your priesthood responsibilities. I've admired your hard work in many areas including make your own lathe--which is amazing. Just want you to know we love you!

Becca--I can't believe that cute little baby girl I used to babysit is graduating!! I can't believe that I have children that are the same age that I remember you being just yesterday......You have become such a talented, intelligent, and fun girl! You've obviously worked very hard and been able to maintain amazing grades while being involved in so many different things. Congratulations on your scholarships! You are an exemplary person and we wish you the very best as you move up and on with your life!

CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK WITH ALL THE FUTURE BRINGS YOU!