The stress of it all....

This past week has been very hard for me. My dad was put in the hospital a week ago Sunday. They thought he had e-coli, but it turns out that he had some other kind of bacterial infection. He was released yesterday and is sounding much better. And then there's my own personal issues and feeling like I need to have friends to validate my own self worth. It's so easy to forget who I really am when I get caught up in what everyone else is doing. I have no control over the actions of other people and when I'm drowning in my own ocean of tears, I don't remember that my worth is not determined by my friend's choices. It's hard for me to not compare myself to other moms. I know that's a dangerous road and everyone's circumstances are different. I need to pull myself out of my hole of self pity and focus on what's really important in my life: my family, my children. In the end, they're what I really live for.

Starting early

As Shelbi and I were driving the other day, she was trying to tell me something. This is how she starts out, "Gav, oh, Daddy, oh, Mama!" I laughed. She went through everyone's names (except Kam's) before she got to mine! I thought that didn't start until you have kids! Or maybe I've done it so many times in front of her that she's learned it!

On a more serious note, I had the neatest experience with Gavin and Shelbi several days ago. They both have been sick with fevers and coughs (no, it isn't the swine flu). After 3 days, Dallin and I decided they needed to have a blessing. The kids weren't too sure about it at first. I think they thought it was going to be some horrible ritual where they would be beaten well. After the blessing, I sat down with them and talked to them about the Priesthood, explaining that a very special prayer had been said on their behalf. Of course they asked questions about the oil and the whole process. I, of course, got teary eyed as I realized how grateful I am for the priesthood. And what a comfort it is to know that we can call upon the healing powers of Heaven.

Adding to that serious note is another one. I was talking to a girlfriend a few days ago and we were discussing being fabulous (I happen to think she is super awesome). There are days when our parenting skills mimic that of someone who needs more education in caring for children. Days like that we probably don't feel so fabulous and are pretty sure we will not be up for nomination on the good parent award. I told her that sometimes the most fabulous thing about us is that we are daughters of God. What does that have to do with the tea in China? Nothing, but even at our worst, we are still His children and that's fabulous all by itself.

6 months!!!

He just keeps getting cuter and cuter!

Kam had his 6 month check up today. I can hardly believe that six months has already gone by! He is such a great little guy! Kam weighed in at 15 pounds 13 ounces and is now 27 inches long! He rolls ALL over the place and is really close to scooting. He sticks his bum in the air while reaching and then he topples sideways and rolls. Kam can tri-pod for about 10 seconds before he leans too far one way and falls over. He has 4 teeth and bites frequently. He is sleeping through the night most nights and when he does awaken, it is only once and he always goes right back to sleep. He is so NOT a fan of baby food, juice, or anything that resembles baby food! He will tolerate water (barely), but loves to try whatever I am eating (but that does not happen often). He is a huge momma's boy and cries whenever someone else tries to hold him (he's better with Dallin). We love him so much and Gav and Shelbi are the best big brother and sister EVER!!!

Hanging out at the park!

Gav and Shelbs feeding the ducks. These ducks were actually bread snobs! No, I really think that because it was Labor Day weekend, they were fed A LOT and so they weren't very hungry when we came along. Even the turtles stayed away!

Random pics

It was definitely a PJ day!

Such a ham!

Anyone else think she'll try out for cheerleading?! I bought this little uniform for her at a thrift store thinking that she could use it for Halloween. It has since become her favorite thing to play in. She will wear this all day sometimes and yes....she does have a little cheer that she shouts!

Is that not the meanest face of a 5 year old? He probably gets it from me!

He's just so sweet!

Secret Agent chalk girl?!?

Secret Agent Shelbi

Chalk makes for GREAT make up! And she does this EVERY time we chalk!

Rain storms are always fun for us. Once the threat of severe weather is over and the rain is pouring, we head outside for a reprieve from the heat! Notice the water gushing out of the rain gutter on the right....it was raining really hard!

This is one of our favorite past times! The kids head outside with their umbrellas, then jump in puddles until they are soaked....but they still need the umbrella..."but I'll get all wet!" says Shelbi!