SORRY, our IMAC is SICK!!

Sorry, our computer is currently getting diagnosed with whatever its current status of health is:). We hope that it is nothing too severe. Hopefully, we will add a new post this weekend. Thanks for still checking in on us while we have been delayed.

HaPpY bIrThDaY gRaNdMa GrAfF!!

Happy (belated) Birthday MOM!!!

 (It was yesterday, but technically we are celebrating it today.)

I love my mom and hope that she allows herself to have a wonderful day because she truly deserves it.   There are so many things about my mom that I admire.  One of them would be her strength.  This year has brought a lot of trials to my mom personally and as I have watched her endure through these and continue to endure through them, my love for her has grown so much. I watch in awe at the person she is.  She is a good grandma to my children and to all of her grandchildren and they all love her so much!!! I love how when I became a mother I understood my mom so much more and in so many more ways!! (Funny how that works isn't it?) I love how she has been and is so supportive of the things that I have chosen to do in my life.   I just want her to know that I look up to her so much!!! You are the best!! So please take the time to relax and celebrate this special day!! 

*I would have loved to post a picture of her, but she has threatened me.  Just know that she is truly beautiful:)! (Maybe I'll sneak one on if I can)

Peyton's 1st day of Preschool!!

Today Peyton started Preschool!  Where did my baby boy go?  I can't believe that time has gone by so fast, yesterday he was my baby, and today he is all grown up.  He was so excited to finally be big enough to go to preschool with Miss Julie and Grandma Smith..... He has watched his brothers over the past few years and has eagerly anticipated the day when he would get to go.  He attends Watch Me Grow Preschool in Washington City..... We love it there, they love my kids as if they were their own.... I am so proud of him for going all by himself!!  (and a little sad to know that he doesn't need me as much as I wish he did)  He was so excited to wear his new Speed Racer backpack and wear his new Guitar {Rocker} shirt!!! We love you Peyter-pie!

HB Jeremy

Happy BELATED Birthday!!

I just wanted to shout out to my older brother Jeremy and wish him a very happy birthday (which was yesterday, sorry)! I love him and look up to him a lot.  One of the things I admire most about Jeremy is that when he decides to do something he has the drive and determination to see it through!  He is always good for a laugh and brings life to a lot of family outings!  Also, I will forever be grateful to him, for without his friendship with Nate our paths might never have crossed!  Thanks Jeremy, we love you and hoped that you partied like a rockstar!

*By the way this photo was taken this summer.  Jeremy was wearing one his little girls'  gymnastic tops!! It was hilarious.  Just the fact that he could fit into it! Just goes to show that he loves to bring a smile to your face.

SUNLIGHT

It is amazing to me that my Heavenly Father truly knows me so well...Today as we entered sacrament (just a little late) the bishop was speaking... We sat down with the kids and tried to  get them settled with their things as I turned to listen to his talk.... as he was speaking and amidst all the chaos of my children he related this quote from President Gordon B. Hinckley:

"My plea is that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight.  I am suggesting that as we go through life we accentuate the positive.  I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment and endorse virtue and effort."

I have heard this quote many times and it is one of my favorites, but today it hit me a little differently.  Nate and I have been through a lot of trials in our years of marriage.  This year alone we have seen our share, especially recently.  I have been praying for the ability to endure them.  As I truly listened to the meaning of this quote in my life right now, I realize that in able to endure my current trial I need to be more positive and look around me and realize all that I have been blessed with (which is a lot) especially my little family.  I realize that I talk a lot about the chaoticness (if that is even a word) of my life, but I sometimes fail to recognize that this chaoticness is a blessing to me.  Without it would mean that my life wouldn't have been blessed with all my beautiful children.  For them I will eternally be thankful to my Heavenly Father because they are MY MIRACLES..... and a testament to me that my Heavenly Father loves me.  Too many times we all focus on the negatives and not so much the positives.... but it is my challenge to myself today to "look a little deeper for the good" and to "enjoy more fully the sunlight." (for me my sunlight is my children)  I know that even through the darkest of storms, sunlight is bound to follow.

*If you get a minute listen to the words of Someday I Will Understand over on our playlist, it goes along with this post and how I feel.  Thanks!

ScHoOl Is In SeSsIoN

NEW SCHOOL. CHECK

NEW CLOTHES. CHECK

NEW BACKPACKS. CHECK

NEW TEACHERS. CHECK

School has officially begun!!

 On Monday night we took the kids to Back to School night so that they could meet their new teachers.  This was good because they also got to get a feel for their new school.  Then came Tuesday the first day of school.

Karter is in THIRD grade this year. (Wow, he is getting so old and grown-up)

His teacher is Miss Adams.

Traevn is in FIRST grade this year. (Wow!)

His teacher is Mrs. Webb.

and Brekken started KINDERGARTEN this year.

His teacher is Mrs. Watson.

His official first day was Wednesday, but he did get to and do a treasure hunt on Tuesday and meet his teacher again.

They were a little nervous but definitely excited to start the new school year.  They love that they get to go to the new school, which is only about a block and a half away so they get to ride their bikes, scooters, or walk!!!  Nate gave them all their traditional father's blessings the night before school started to help ease their anxieties.  I love that my children love school (I hope that that lasts:).  They have already made new friends.  I think I get just as excited as them, I love buying them new school clothes, backpacks, and supplies.  

Oh yeah and Peyton starts his 1st year of PRESCHOOL next Tuesday so stay tuned for pics of him!!

HB Grandpa/Dad!!!

We love our Grandpa!!! He is the absolute best!! I have always known that I was blessed with such a great dad!! He has always been such a perfect example to me in many ways!!! He loves his family and especially his grandchildren and would do anything for them.   He is always there for us when we need him.  He is probably the most kind and thoughtful person I know.  I have always been a daddy's girl!!! I love my dad so much!!! He has endured so much in his life and still he is the most Christlike person I know.   I am thankful to him for so much but mostly for loving me unconditionally!!! I love you dad!!! We hope that you have an awesome birthday and party hard while you are in Texas!!!