Books

So do you remember the fun scholastic book orders. If we got to order a book it was such a treat! I used to get so excited to make my selection. Unfortunately I still love to buy books. I just placed my first order for books from scholastic since Haley started school and of course I got way to many! The kids shelves are already full of books that I have bought and have been given to us. My Sister in Law Ronni gave us a ton of books when she was cleaning out her classroom last year and we are still trying to read them all. My kids love them! Anyway, I guess there are worse things I could collect and hopefully my kids are learning a little something from our endless story times. Oh I'm guilty of collecting books for myself as well. My bookshelves could use a lighter load as well. I guess I should learn to use the library a bit more, but I can't pass up a good bargain! Does anyone else have this problem or any other addictions that you'd like to share?

I'm in trouble . . .

This little boy has me wrapped around his little finger.

How can you not melt when you see that smile!!

Sweet & Sour Chicken

It's rare that I make dinner and there are no leftovers and everyone loves it, but I found a recipe for sweet & sour chicken that was a HIT. I was so excited, so if you'd like the recipe click HERE

Women of Faith

A close friend of mine just suffered a terrible loss and as I talked to her I was overcome by the amount of faith she has. I'm not sure that I could be as strong and spiritual as her, but I know Heavenly Father has blessed me by surrounding me with friends and family to help build up my faith. I think of friends I've had thru the years and what I've learned from them and how much I've grown. I've worked in callings with sisters who are such amazing women and I'm in awe at what they do. So I want all of my dear friends and family to know that you are considered Women of Faith and compare to great women like Emma and Mary. Thanks for the faith you have instilled in me and hopefully it will rub off on my kids and those I come in contact with.

Hand me Downs

I always feel guilty for my two younger boys because they are always going to be the hand-me-down kids. I try to get a few new things once in a while, but we haven't needed to much. I was getting Hayden ready for bed last night and he was wearing some Pj's that every other kid wore--even Haley, I had such a flood of memories as I snapped each snap. So my opinion of hand-me-downs has changed and now as the boys get dressed I can remember fun times that their older siblings had and think of all the new memories that we'll get to celebrate together.

What do you do when . . .

You're Sad---I cry and eat

You're Happy--I celebrate and eat

You're Lonely--I sit and eat

You're tired--I eat to stay awake

You're Bored--I eat some more

You're feeling Lazy--I go out to eat

Seeing as I go thru all these emotions on a regular basis, it's no surprise that the baby weight isn't coming off. Anything with sugar is preferred and is guaranteed to handle all emotions. I guess you could say I'm an emotional eater :)

Happy with 4

I have been complaining a lot lately about how difficult it is to do thing with 4 kids, just because they are so young. Just making it to the grocery store is a challenge most days. I had an experience this weekend that taught me that I don't have it that bad. I had an opportunity to help my Sister-in-laws Sister when her van broke down as she drove thru town this weekend. It was just her and her 7 Kids (the oldest was 8). They were traveling from Missouri to California for a wedding. I personally think she is crazy for taking on such a trip by herself with all those kids, but she is a GREAT Mom. The kids were all very well behaved and very cute! I was thankful I could help her out and glad that everything worked out for her (even though her van is still in front of my house:). As I watched her take care of her kids and deal with everything she had on her plate I realized that my 4 cuties are not so bad and if she can handle 7 kids 8 and under then I can handle my 4. I'm also grateful to her for letting me help out. I need all the blessings I can get!

Just another day . . .

Every year on my birthday I say it's just another day, but that won't do for Michael. He spoils me rotten. In fact he spread out the celebration for a week. Monday we went to see Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs and to Olive Garden for dinner. Thursday was the big day, but it's our busy day of the week with soccer, dance, and school. I got to take the girls to dance and left everyone else at home. I sat in the car for an hour reading and enjoying our perfect weather (that was the greatest present--an hour to myself). After all the soccer practices that night I got all my gifts and some yummy ice cream cake the kids picked out. The kids each gave me a Wii game that we could play together and Michael got me a cute jacket, tablecloth, scissors, and a candle (just what I asked for). Saturday we continued playing by getting a babysitter and heading out on a date. Dinner and a movie ended all the celebrations. It was a great week and I feel so thankful that I can spend so much time with my family, it makes getting another year older bearable! ;)