quick quip

At scripture time last night, Kevin was telling the story of Joseph being sold into Egypt. Here's the conversation below
Kevin: So Joseph was sold to become a slave
He then explains what a slave is.
Kevin: We don't have slaves anymore
Haeli: Oh! We should buy one daddy!

Priceless

Mommy Blues-

I have the mommy blues today...oh and I had them yesterday and the day before. I use this term lightly....to some it may mean post-partum issues. For me, right now, it just means that I'm in a rut.  I'm sure after I write this, I'll feel better. It's my blog, so I give myself permission to complain a little. Blogs don't always have to be positive....do they?
So, just feeling tired of kids not listening when I ask them to do something OR to stop doing something. Getting tired of whiners. Tired of poop, wiping bums. Trying to change clothes on kids that keep trying to run away. Tired of threats (by me) that if they don't listen, they're either a) going to time out b) losing some privilege c) not getting to play with friends.
Tired, oh so tired of cleaning up my house, yet always feeling like it's so messy that I'm embarrassed for anyone to knock on my door. Tired of worrying about it.
Tired of cooking a healthy meal to just have kids say yuck before they even taste it.
Tired, of one crying cause the other hit, shoved, or took something away from them.
Tired of a 5 year old and a 3 year old talking back to me.
Basically, I think I'm just TIRED. I need sleep. But even when Kevin lets me sleep in or gets whichever child in the night, I am still so tired!
Okay, I'm done whining myself.  Is it okay to feel like this about something that I've wanted so much for so long. Is it okay to feel like this about something that I was jealous of others for having?
I truly love my life......I do....honestly!  I just have the blues this week. Kevin and I are going on a marriage retreat overnight in a few weeks, I'm so nervous to leave my kiddos overnight with someone....never done it before (except when I've been in the hospital) but I think it will be just what the doctor ordered. I need some good time with my man.  Thanks for letting me whine.

Wouldn't even trade them for a clean house!

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Back to School

So this week was the first week of school for both girls. Maili is so ready for Kindergarten but misses the deadline by just a month. So she is in her 2nd year of formal preschool.  When I took Haeli, I knew she was a bit apprehensive, as was I.  I've been wondering if it's too early to send her to school...she seems so much younger.....I guess she is, since Maili is kind of a year behind that way.  I felt a little tear in my heart as I left her there.  When I went to pick her up, she was all smiles and had a GREAT time!  She's ready to go back!

This is already old hat for Maili

Haeli loves her backpack!

Here are the two princesses getting ready to feast on our 2nd annual back-to-school dinner.

Haeli the Ham

Sweet "S"Miles

Here's to a good year of school and schedules!  Love it!

In the Hollow of Thy Hand

My nephew Derek returned from his mission on Monday. We went to the airport to see him come home.

I cried when he arrived. So proud of him and just the fact that he served an honorable mission. I have a special place in my heart for missionary work.

The 5 brothers

Richie and Derek

Proud father and son

Sign reads Welcome Home Elder Griffin!

As we were waiting for him, I realized that another group there was waiting for a sister missionary in the same mission....that sister missionary turned out to be one of my students!  So cool! Also, there were 3 other former students of mine there waiting for her. One of which went on an ASL mission!  I get so excited when I find out that someone, to whom I taught the language, went and served the Lord using that language!  So cool!

My baby's one!

My sweet little Sunshine turned one on Saturday!  I can't believe it's been a whole year since this precious babe joined our family.
Ashli truly is a joy! She is "talking" like crazy and loves to dance. Any time the music is on, her little body bounces to the beat. She'll be the third little ballerina in our family.  She loves to crawl around and more especially cruise around the furniture. She lets go for a few seconds to stand on her own, but we're still a bit away from walking. She loves to laugh and smile with the big open mouth smile. She loves to try and follow her big sisters around and dreams of the day she can run with them.

She is very much her own person and knows what she wants and what she doesn't. You really can't make her do anything as her squirmy little body wiggles away from your grasp.  She loves her momma and she is definitely a daddy's girl. Her whole face lights up and her little arms reach for daddy when he walks into the room.
We love you sunshine and are so happy you are part of our family!

Ashli's caterpillar cake! My first attempt with fondant.

I think she turned out pretty good!

Never try spheres for your first fondant attempt. HARD

Dancing to the music from her b-day present

Sunshine girl with her cake

It took awhile, but she did not disappoint for a great first birthday cake picture

Sweet messy girl

Full body shot....on her way to the tub!