Sunday, March 29, 2009

Peace in Motherhood




I have been having lots of struggles lately and have had to rely heavily on the testimonies of others to get me through some rough times. I've been struggling to find some peace or at least something to focus on other than my own stupidity.... I got the strongest impression during church today to find peace in motherhood. I looked over at my gorgeous kids, who were being remarkably good during sacrament meeting and I felt many anxieties melt away. My children have been amazing. I try to shelter them from as much ugliness as I can and I am continually amazed at how perceptive they can be. They are the best part of Doug and I. I am so fortunate to be their mother. They are funny, bright, imaginative, and talented in so many different ways. Ethan is my rock of a kid, he's the responsible one who tries to be the third parent. Garrett is funny and sweet and energetic, he keeps us entertained. Chase is quiet, hilarious and such a hard worker, he is an inspiring kid. Mckenzie is articulate and loving, she's like a little mother, she keeps us on our toes. Carter is cuddly, tender, and charming, he is our baby and we wouldn't be complete without him.

I also have to say something about my husband.... My friend said something about him once that hit me like a ton of bricks. She said that Doug does things for his family that even the best husbands don't do. He is an amazing man. He's a good provider, a good father, a tender friend, and, well... good at many other things!! When I went back to work several years ago, we agreed to let things be 50/50 where our children and where household things are concerned. He truly does do more than most husbands do. He cooks and cleans (he's a MUCH better cook than I am), he helps with grocery lists, laundry (sometimes...I'm anal about laundry), homework, baths, etc. We may not have a lot in the way of temporal things, but we have everything we need in each other. We've had our problems but we have an eternal marriage... so no matter what comes our way, it's worth it to stay and work it out and make it better. Doug is my centering influence. When my emotions and/or hormones are going in all different directions, he is the calm, sweet voice that soothes me and brings me back to earth.

So... this has taken a detour from my usual sarcasm and humor, but I felt I needed to say these things publicly. Let my friends and family know how fortunate I am to have the husband I have and the children we have. Having 5 babies in 4 years has made me a little crazy and has added extreme stress to our finances, our relationship, and other things. We may not have it all together, but together we have it all! (How cheezy am I?)

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Catching Up

So.. it's been awhile since I've really updated our blog as to what we've been up to! We've been so busy so far this year... it's hard to believe it's MARCH!!

I'm posted a short picture video. In February, Ethan had the Blue and Gold Banquet. We made a Nevada cake. The theme for the banquet was patriotism or something like that. Ethan loves Nevada because that's where his grandparents live and we have tons of fun when we go down there. Garrett and Chase were introduced at the banquet this year because they will be turning 8 in July and will finally be scouts. I got to get up and say a few things about them.

Also in February, we attended the wedding of my cousin, Makai. The pictures didn't turn out so good because the lighting was dim but I got some cute pics of the kids in their new church clothes!

The last pics are of Mckenzie and her BFF, Jasmine. They call themselves heaven sisters. Cute, huh? Anyway, they got to have a late over/girls night where we did makeovers and watched girl movies. It was way fun!!



Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Perfect Pixie Piper

Pixie Piper
Mckenzie and Piper


I have a brand new neice! I am so excited. My sister gave birth to Piper Allsup on Thursday, March 5th. Piper weighed 7 pounds 8 ounces and has lots of dark curly hair. This is my sister's second baby girl! Eve is the proud big sister. Eve calls her new sister her "Baby Popper." It's too cute!




I LOVE my neices and nephew. Who knew I would feel so attached to them?