BFF

My two oldest children declared the other morning that they are best friends. I found this picture and had to smile. I have to remind my self of these moments as I referee their arguments.

11 days till Christmas

It's Official I'm skipping the Christmas card this year :( Time is just not on my side, neither is energy, or children that will sit nice for a quick photo. So here is my wishing you all a merry and bright holiday season.
This morning Caden, who is learning how to read, looked at the word Christmas and said "mom, it says Christ." We have been trying to make this a Christ centered holiday and I hope the true meaning of Christmas, and the amazing gift of our Savior is sinking in for them, and for me.

October catch-up picture style

A first birthday Samoan style. Lots of food, lots of people, lots of fun.


Halloween with a builder, a fairy princess,
and of course Jack o'lanterns.

Where has the time gone?

Someday I'll update this blog. But right now it is lunch time and mommy duties are calling, literally "Mom I am hungry for lunch right now!"
I'm off before I have a peanut buttered floor.

Flash Back Friday for Luke

October 1, 2009
In my mind I didn't feel like it was time, there were no contractions, no pain, no sense of anything really. Just the simple fact that my outwardly protruding belly kept me from seeing my toes, left a constant ache in my lower back, and threw my equilibrium way off. I had put in the time, I was done, ready for it to be over. Yet I could not shake the gloom of guilt that hung over me for choosing the day my son would enter the world. I had a fear of being induced, even felt like a bad mother for forcing a natural process. I had gone in to labor twice on my own before, I knew my body could do it. Still I agreed to end the pain and discomfort the pregnancy was causing me, praying that my baby would be healthy and strong.
At nine o'clock that morning they started my pitocin. By now my body had started to contract on it's own. They were few and far between and I hardly felt them. With the help of medication they became more frequent but no more painful. At about nine thirtyish the doctor broke my water. Contractions started coming more frequently and with more intensity. I heard a newborn cry from the next room and suddenly I wanted to hold my baby, to hear his cry. I closed my eyes as the contractions began coming much quicker and were now becoming painful. I breathed, I focused, I continued to tell myself I could do this. The nurse began preparing the room and informed the doctor that I was having a baby very soon. My husband paced, talked softly, and would gently move my hair from my face between contractions. Then I hit that place were I think I can not bear it for another minute. I looked at the nurse begging her to tell me there was still time for an epidural even though I knew that window had long since been closed. I asked anyway and as I did the doctor came in. It was time. On October 1st 2009 at 11:05 am Luke was born into our family. I had known he was coming for so long and he was finally here. Mine forever.
Happy Birthday Luke.

My kids fight more then yours! So there!

Sibling rivalry, currently the ache in my head. Why oh why can't they just get along. Who started the I wish you were not part of my family business. I am tired of it, you guys love each other! Yes we are happy Jesus created your little sister. Yes your brother is your friend. No your sister is not weird, well maybe, but that makes her good not bad. Start your prayer over and this time bless your brother/sister (depends on who said the prayer). Say you're sorry and give her/him a hug. Now this time smile and screaming I'm sorry does not count.

Oh the bright side when they do get along they are the best of friends.

The little lady

She started her first year of preschool. I say first year because next year she will do it again. I was hesitant, her dad thought she was ready. I thought for sure she would cling to me. She was not as brave as her big brother, this was my little girl. I walked her in and braced myself for her tears. In my mind I saw myself peeling her off of my leg, hugging her, reassuring her I would be back. Immediately after we enter she gets lost in the scuffle of little kids and clinging parents. I felt out of place, she seemed right at home showing her teacher her Princess and the Frog backpack. Alas no big pealing her off me scene I feared, she hugged and a kissed me and excitedly waved goodbye. She came home thinking she was the stuff because she is a big girl and goes to school.