Short funnies

Home Teacher:  "I have just a tiny lesson for you Maili and Haeli"
Later after lesson
Maili:  "Bruder Smif-That wasn't such a tiny lesson."

Maili: "oh mom look at all that dirt over there." What are they doing?"
me: "hmmm that is a lot...I don't know what they're doing"
Maili: "I think it's compost" "ewwwww"
Maili: "If you eat compost you'll die"

Haeli: "scuse me mom, scuse me"
Me: "What Haeli?"
Haeli: I got tell ya somtin"
Me: "What do you need to tell me?"
Haeli: "Ummm  I wuv you"
awwwww

Briana's wedding

My niece got married on Friday. Here's some pics of the  reception....

Beautiful Bride

with husband Brenton and my bro Rich (her dad)

With her brothers minus missionary Derek

Me trying to be "THE" photographer

With her cute little cousins...oh yeah...my daughters :)

Taking time out for a dance

Priceless tender moment with daddy

Yeah he's like 6'1 and she's 5'0

spontaneous entertainment as Maili and Haeli had to strut their stuff on the "stage." 

Can't capture a more sweet moment. Ashli and grandma

Being crafty

If you know me, you know I love to do crafts....however....I have 3 little children so................yeah I don't do much crafting these days. However, my niece Briana got married Friday and I got to help out with the cake and the centerpieces. Here's some pics of my "masterpieces"

Here's Haeli helping me make the cake

The cake turned out okay for my first wedding cake. I'd love to take a class.

I am quite proud of my little "love shacks," "love nests," and "wedding chapels"

Maili's preschool

A few weeks ago, we went to Maili's last preschool field trip of the year. It was at Farm Country at Thanksgiving point. It was so windy and cold that it was hard to enjoy, but the girls did enjoy a pony ride and a wagon ride

Last week was Maili's preschool program. She wanted to be a cow. It was a cute show and funny...especially when the cat next to Maili picked her nose and wiped it on Maili. YUCK! Maili never knew, so that's good or we may have had to rope the cow in.

Mothering

Mother's Day was a a terribly great day.  What does that mean you ask?  Well, first the terrible and then the great.
We have been having quite the struggle with our Maili lately. She's turned into Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde. She can be so sweet and funny and cute and then she emerges as a little monster stranger. Is it early PMS? is it personality clashes? Is it testing?  Is she just now reacting to the baby? OR is she just 4?
As I sat in Sacrament meeting yesterday with a baby that was oh so tired and hungry, my sweet mom came to our ward and played with Haeli. Dr. Jekyl decided to emerge and throw her sacrament water all over, she continued to whine and cry and throw a tantrum. Then, Haeli unintentionally spilled the bag of cracker crumbs all over the bench and floor while I held the tired, hungry Ashli.  I lost it. Tears began to roll down my cheeks out of pure exhaustion. Exhaustion with this demanding 4 year old who I just can't understand. I prayed a silent prayer begging for some relief and understanding. Kevin sat on the stand feeling helpless as he watched me try to hide my tears and collect myself.  As the speakers were talking about and revering their mothers, I wasn't feeling so willing to be honored by all that I do.  I was mad and tired and I felt undeserving.
Soon we headed home to encounter even more tantrums, time outs, etc. Then awhile later, my hero came home. He handled everything...the time outs, the discipline....I actually got a nap! That was the best present of them all.  I arose feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day.  My brother made some delicious shish kabobs and Kevin helped me make some side dishes. We gathered and ate to our heart's content.  I enjoyed watching my children play with their cousins and grandma. I love being a mother. I am learning more than I could have ever imagined. Maili's phase will pass and it will be someone else's turn. All will be well. I love when my girl's run to me after I've been gone to give me big hugs and kisses. I love little Ashli's face light up when I come near and her whole body gets excited.  I love seeing my girls learn and play and giggle. I love reading stories and singing songs, I love holding Ashli when she's sleeping on my shoulder. I love kissing boo boo's and drying tears. I love watching them accomplish and excell. I love my children, I love my husband and I love my life. It was a terribly great Mother's Day. Thanks to my hero...I'm excited for our Mother's Day date. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Our little Star

Maili has been taking dance this past year and has loved loved loved it!

Last Saturday was her recital. She had a ball. She so loved performing!

That's my girl!

Showing off her duds along with her sparkle eye make-up

Ta-Da

When we finally kiss goodnight

Wiggle those hips sweetie

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

With her little class!

This is probably just the first of many recitals we will be attending. Love it!

Catching up a bit

Just some fun shots of the past couple months

Sure love 'em