The past few weeks...

Ok so I should be tired, but I am not. Instead of enjoying my guilty pleasure (watching mindless television) I decided to update our blog about what we have been doing over the past few weeks. You may ask why would I be so tired? Well Sleeping Beauty has decided that she sleeps better in our bed than her own. She comes into our room EVERY night between 3-4am and moves in. She usually is able to get her dad out of the bed as he retreats to the couch. If we move her back to her bed she wails and wakes up her baby brother. Last night I had the wonderful solution to simply move her next to our bed on her princess air mattress she wailed and we all were awake at 4:30am. However, how could anyone be upset by this angelic little innocent face? Better not ask that question at 4am!!!

Our Sleeping Beauty

The Ball...

Tori is motivated to read she always has been and we have always encouraged her. A few weeks ago there was a dance, a ball if you will, for the students. I had absolutely no intention of going since it was my weekend off. One night we came home from swimming and there was a flier advertising the event. Tori can read, she knows her numbers and days of the week. She was so excited she planned her outfit all week. Needless to say we went. She had a WONDERFUL time.

Prince Eric and King Triton came too. So who do you think Michael resembles? me? Definitely NO!

She dressed in her finest princess attire..Ariel of course. She loved the cake.

She loved the dancing and her shoes. Who does not want a pair of pink glitter shoes?

My children playing "under the sea". Tori is dressed as Ariel (she is singing to Prince Eric in this picture). Prince Eric is a good sport. In case you were wondering she dressed herself.

Michael's first candy. Thanks DADDY. Daddy is also the name he yells when he wants out of his crib. I wonder why? Check out his cute little curls on the back of his head.

He had his first haircut on the 7th. Doesn't he look adorable and so grown up?

I guess that is the quick update. This next week brings many celebrations our wedding anniversary, my neice's 2nd birthday, my brother-in-law's 30th birthday and MIKEY's 1st BIRTHDAY!!!! It will be a lot of fun!!!!

Guilt

One of the emotions that I feel on a daily basis since I became a mother. Am I doing enough? Am I teaching my children enough? Am I teaching my children correct principles? Am I patient enough (probably not)? Will they be good and righteous people? Will they be helpful and kind to others? I gave up a long time ago comparing my children to other children the same age. It just made me crazy and I realized when Tori was a baby that comparing her to others was unfair to her. I honestly hope that my children will be the best that they can be.

My guilt level has reached new heights since Michael's birth. Working with one child is ok, but two children is tough. I try to be a good employee and mother, and I always feel as though I am falling short in both areas. I feel as though I am constantly juggling all of my roles, but not very well. So while reading today in the Book of Mormon Nephi's words brought comfort to my soul

I was overcome because of my afflictions, for I considered that mine afflictions were great above all... (Nephi 15:5)

Ok so Nephi was talking about the destruction of his people. We have similar concerns, and Nephi inquired of the Lord. Now I have inquired about my guilt numerous times. What comforted me was that even Nephi at times felt afflicted. It is just part of life. Does this mean that my guilt has been lessened? A little bit. More importantly it has reminded me that I need Heavenly Father's help as I raise His children. I often forget that my children are His children too. He wants them to succeed as much (maybe more) than I do.

Am I making a difference?

We began a habit reading The Book of Mormon at lunch time about a month ago. Family scripture study has been a struggle usually because of poor timing (ie. everyone is too tired). Lunch time works well for our family....well at least for some of us. Tori has been less than cooperative (ie. naughty, leaving the room and my personal favorite she pretends to snore). We have been consistent and not punished her for avoiding the scripture study. Each time it has gotten progressively better (less snoring more listening). Today we had a wonderful experience. We ate lunch while listening to her favorite music The Little Mermaid soundtrack. I went and got the Book of Mormon. She ran over to the computer and turned off her music (without being asked) . I asked her what she was doing, her reply "it is time to read the Book of Mormon". AS I read she began asking a lot of questions. Who is the Lord? Why do Laman and Lemuel fight? Why do Nephi and Lehi have visions? What is the world? I cannot even begin to descibe what a choice experience we had today. I am so grateful that she is learning and paying attention. I am grateful for a wise husband who helped us keep going when i wanted to give up in frustration. More importantly I know (once again) that there are blessings in being obedient. I also understand that reading will be a constant battle, but we will do it! Today I would have to say...YES I am making a difference!!

HE WALKS!

Here is the proof!

Independence Day

It is OFFICIAL Michael WALKS! He has taken a few steps here and there, but today he finally realized what he was doing. He is pretty proud of himself. Tori also had to demonstrate to us that she knows how to walk. In the picture he is walking to me (he wants the camara).

I do not have a video or picture to document this, but he said MOM (while looking at me)tonight. Yes that is right all in one day a real word and walking. It is Michael's Independence Day!!!

We went to Hogel Zoo today. It was fun. I think that Tori liked the rides better than the animals.

The new Conservation Carousel with hand-carved animals. It is very cool. Tori rode the poisen dart frog. I think she just liked the color.

Michael thought that the egg was weird and he was not fond of his hat. He and I had a battle to keep the hat on. He was much happier when I took off his red, white and blue stars and stripes socks and his hat.

And finally our little turtle. She really liked the playground and rides. The animals were ok.

I love the 4th of July! The zoo was fun. However, it definately was HOT and dare I say humid today.