I miss Yolanda!

Best Vacation EVER!!! Last week Sam and I spent it in Punta Mita, Mexico with some of our favorite friends, the Jones' and the Chapmans. It's hard to describe just how fabulous and relaxing the trip was, I think I must have really needed a vacation. I'll be dreaming of last week for months to come, as we tolerate the rest of winter. I've only been back 6 days and I'm already missing this vacation...

I miss the view from our balcony, the warm sun and gentle breeze every day.

I miss popsicles in the perfect temperature pool, with kind latin men doting over us all day on the beach.

I miss beautiful sunsets and fun evenings with friends.

I miss breakfast made for us every morning out on the balcony.

I miss the best dang food I've ever eaten in Mexico, and a lot of it. Grateful for friends that like food as much as I do.

I miss reading by the pool or on the beach, and having nowhere to go for 6 lovely days.

I miss Yolanda. For six days I didn't lift a finger. She made our meals, complete with guacamole and salsa everyday at 3, she made our beds, she picked fresh flowers to insert in my toilet paper roll or towel, she washed and ironed our clothes. She is a dream and every year I try to talk her into coming back with us, but no luck yet.

Christmas and Fammiversary

As you can see, Santa found our house this year, and those are some happy children. We had a fabulous Christmas and feel so very blessed. Christmas also marks the one year anniversary of bringing the boys home. Wow, what a difference a year can make in so many ways. They are definitely part of the family now. A year ago today, I was sure I would be in a looney house within six months, and look, I'm only slightly crazy. Thanks to a lot of answered prayers and divine guidance, we've made the adjustments necessary to accommodate the new family dynamics these boys brought to our home. Sitting in church today I was so grateful for how far we've come. It took about nine months to figure out a seating order on the pew to keep the "scene" to a minimum, and as long as we stick to that order everyone is happy and mostly quiet. One Sunday after sacrament meeting the Bishop pulled me aside and told me he needed to talk to me. I just new he was going to talk to me about reporting me to child welfare services, but thankfully he just wanted to thank me for an hours worth of entertainment. Good thing he has a sense of humor. It's crazy, but if we stray from that order by one child, we're doomed. I could probably write a book about all the things I've learned about myself and my children this past year. Gratefully, when child rearing was at its worst, Heavenly Father always stepped in and helped me out. In the book I would write, half of it would contain miracles I've witnessed and the immediate answers to prayer I received. I've had Him on speed dial and His answers have come just as quickly. Blessed! Thanks to all our family and friends who have put up with my whining and complaining the past year. Without you, I would most definitely be in a nut house.

Halloween

Two witches, batman and superman, what could be better than that. Nate did make the comment as he was unloading his loot on the coffee table, "mom, this is a good hollyday!" Dag on the other hand, does not like candy, but he sure liked opening the door and handing it out.

Nate the Great is 6

Happy Birthday Nate!

Nate, Nate, Nate, how you've rocked my world. You are the smartest little boy I've ever met. You are charming, talkative, witty, adorable, a big tease, and some (most) days you bug the hell out of me, but I love you all the more. I love how you often tell me how smart, and beautiful I am. I love when you sing to your ipod lyrics only you could conjure up. Just a couple weeks ago you cracked me up when we were at church, and I saw you coming down the hall, when you should have been in class. I asked, "Nate, what are you doing?" Your response was, "Mom, I'm just checking out a Book of Norman from the library." Honey, that is the Book of Mormon, and I think you are a champ for learning as much english as you have, as fast as you have. Nate, you are brave and strong, and the toughest kid I know. You are going to achieve great things in your life and I can't wait to say I'm your mom. Love you buddy.

PS: I think most 6 year old boys bug their mom.

Forever Family

On September 18, 2010 Nate and Dag were sealed to us. It was a great day, and one that won't be forgotten . We kept it small and just had the kids and our parents at the temple, to hopefully make it more meaningful for everyone. Words can't describe how special it was, seeing all my kids dressed in white in the temple together. Now all I can ask for is a repeat in about 15 -20 years.

DC Trip and Happy 14th birthday Spencer!

Just some fun pictures from our trip to Washington DC in September.

Dag is 4

"Me, My Birthday, Yes," said Dag on Sunday. We are still working on his Yoda like grammar, but other than that he is a keeper. He loved his birthday...pizza for breakfast, chicken nuggets for lunch, a huge oatmeal muffin for his cake, and pizza again for dinner. He couldn't have been happier. We frosted a muffin for the picture but he wouldn't eat that one. I wish I liked sweets as much as he doesn't, I could maybe lose those extra 10 pounds I've gained since they joined our family:)

He is such a cheese when it comes to pictures.

Fantastic Four!!!