B is for Blessings

So many blessings in our lives, and what better way to start a new year, than counting our blessings?

1. Living near family and cousins!
       We could not be more blessed with happy, beautiful nieces and nephews that keep us all smiling.
       And now we can see so many of them in a short drive (or walk!).
       Never knew what a blessing and impact this could be for the kids and me!
       A small smattering of a few of them:

( and uncle Jojo has some cool yoyo skillz)

2. Girlie Accessories:

        Headbands, glasses, purses... this little girl can bat her eyes and feel prettier than the rest of us combined.

3. Good Hardworking Doctor B:

      Great man, great job. Pretty great beard, too... 

4.  That my kids like shopping more than I do:

        Who knew Ben loved modeling... well, I did know that he loves ANYTHING new to him.  The mall is a happy place for Ben.  We took pics instead of buying most things...  

5. Chore charts and checklists.  My kids now do the dishes and make their beds!

6.  Answered prayers.  Even when it is not the answer or clarity I was hoping for, Heavenly Father does answer our prayers, and can give so much clarity about who we are and who we can be.

7.  Children feeling the Holy Ghost, and recognizing it with sharing love.  Most conversations in our house that invite the Spirit are sporadically interrupted with hugs and kisses.  They know it.  They love it.

8. Music. If I can sing one uninterrupted hymn with the organ on Sunday, I am filled for the week.  Truth comes more quickly to my heart and brain this way.  And I am thankful that my reading children sing along with me now.  And that My little Diddy sings more than she talks.  This is her happy language.

New Year: new post, new blog title... Generally new blogging goals.

Lucky 13.

Spring!

The magnolia trees and lilac trees are blooming.  We love the colors and the smells of spring.  (though it feels like we skipped two or three months of winter...) The kids played and collected petals as we walked through the UW Arboretum last Sunday. 

We went with Rani, her mother, and her precious new baby Arnov. He is the new mascot of U houses.  Love that baby boy!

Happy Spring!  Graduation, and a move to Virginia coming soon...

5 year old

BEN

Likes:

• Riding a 2-wheeler bike (Major Damage... or Major D. for short)
• Writing and Drawing notes
• Wrestling
• School (No, Mom.  I go to 4-K)
• Wii: Mario Brothers, Mario Kart, Lego Star Wars, Just Dance... all of them
• Casserole.  For all three meals a day.
• New things- new foods, new toys, new friends... He's there!
• Star Wars.  The movies and the light sabers
• watching moves... shows... commercials... Mike TV.
 

Dislikes:

• Waiting.
• sleeping alone.
   

Turning 5 means Ben is FINALLY old enough to watch The Empire Strikes Back.  He didn't waste any time.  He planned a Star Wars Movie party- complete with star wars cake, yoda soda, jedi pizza, and blow up light-sabers.

Cheeky!

Lovely Lily

Big blue eyes. Big squishy cheeks. TWO TEETH last month!!!

Thanks for sharing the clothes and hat and bibs, Belle and Aunt Annie!

Lily is very good at sucking and chewing on everything.

Ben Whispering in her ear, asking her to smile.

It worked!

Ben has teeth, too.

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY 7 YEAR-OLD!

Cookies at school

Mary and Ira at the late-night movie-party

With Kate and Will.

Esme even decorated Lily's swing for the party.

.. Lily napped in style.

Beautiful girl picking flowers at the Cranberry-fest

Pics from a daddy-date in the forest:

Orlando Family Business trip

Here we are in front of the Orlando Temple July 5th.
Jake and Lanie, and little Jake were sealed this morning!

Lillian was blessed on the same day that Ashley was baptized,
and three boy cousins were blessed, too!

Lily and Dad

Will's first airplane ride... yes, he just might be wearing Michael Westen's sunglasses.

6 girl cousins = way too much fun silliness going on all week:)

Lily And Grandma Jane came to our house!

Hooray for Grandmas and new baby girls

Love this little girl

Grandma and Will and Chris Made it to the Farmer's Market at the Captitol.

Will got a cookie.

He ate the WHOLE thing.