Finding Joy in the Journey

Today was an extremely chaotic day and yes-it is Saturday. The boys had a birthday party to go to at 11:00. McKade had a Soccer Game at 12:00. Brynlee and McKade had another birthday party at 2:00. Somewhere in there I had to find time to go the grocery store, finish up laundry and do a little bit of work. So now here it is the end of the day. Today Harlee fell down the stairs for the first time, Brynlee is growing up so fast, her new words are "Dude" and "Sweet"-she is 4. Trevin and McKade are learning the joy of being brothers. They were shooting Brett with nerf dart guns tonight and of course Brynlee couldn't miss out on that fun. I ended up almost getting shot in the back of the head twice while I worked. I am trying to pay more attention to the things they say and write them down so I don't forget. I want to be able to look back someday and smile. Remembering to "Find Joy in the Journey" is helping me to keep life in perspective at this uncertain time......

Happy Halloween

We have been growing a huge pumpkin plant in our backyard since about March. We decided since we have already had snow and it's almost Halloween we should probably pick our pumpkins to enjoy on our front porch. Wouldn't you know it-we got exactly six pumpkins-one for each of us. We lost two off the vine a month or so ago in a horrible wind storm but we just sat them on the cement and they kept turning orange. We have two pumpkins that are HUGE!!! One of them is flat on both sides so it doesn't sit up by itself and Brett says it probably weighs about 60 lbs. It was so fun to watch them grow and watch the kids get excited about them. I don't think we will carve the two biggest ones, they are just too big but the other four are going to get their guts ripped out and carved with some crazy Halloween picture. I can't wait to start over again next year and see if we can out-do what we did this year.

Random Photo Tag

I saw this on Nicole's blog and thought it looked fun. Go to my pictures, go to the 4th folder and then pick the 4th picture. This is what I came up with.



This is a picture of Bryn opening presents at her 2nd birthday party!!!

I tag everyone else who thinks this looks like fun!!!

Harlee Bug-15 Months

I took Harlee Bug to the doctor for her 15 month checkup today. She weighs 18lbs 15 oz and she is 29 inches long. This puts her in the 3rd Percentile for her weight and only the 10th Percentile for her height. Dr. Jackson said she is growing nicely. I can't believe how she is growing up. She still won't talk and only grunts and points. Dr. Jackson didn't seem too concerned about it considering she has three older siblings who will do pretty much anything for her. My baby isn't much of a baby anymore and certainly has a mind of her own these days.

Tagged

Kerstin taggged me so here goes-


Six Question Tag

1. Six places that I go over and over: Work, Elementary School, Target, The Children's Place, Walmart, Brynlee's Preschool.

2. Six people who email me regularly: Denice, Karen, Jennifer, Terra, Joanie, Pam

3. Six of my favorite places to eat: Olive Garden, Red Robin, Chili's, Cafe Rio, Rumbi's, Quilted Bear-yummy soup

4. Six places I would rather be right now: Sleeping, Disneyland, Somewhere warm, Watching a good movie, Shopping, On a cruise-I never been on a cruise either but definitely want to try it one day.

5. Six people I think will respond: I am tagging Nicole, Rebekah, Terra, Amy H, Wendi and Megan

6. Six TV Shows I watch: Greys Anatomy, CSI, The Hills, 90210, Criminal Minds, Without a Trace

Six Quirks About me:

1. I cannot leave the house without cleaning up everything-yes I said everything. Brett thinks I am a little OCD that way. The house has to be spotless before I can walk out the door.

2. I make the beds very first thing in the morning and I do it in the same order every morning.

3. I am a total smell person. If something doesn't smell clean I will wash it again. This also spills over to the house. I always have something going to smell up the place. Right now this is in the form of Scentsy.

4. I can't stand the sound of people chewing their food. I always yell at Brett and Trevin when they are eating chips. Nothing like eating chips and having them fall out of your mouth because you are chewing with your mouth open.

5. I still sit out clothes for my boys. Up until recently they relied on me for this but lately they have been picking out their own clothes and I have had to relax a little bit. I guess I am also OCD that way too.


6. I iron everything-even jeans if they look like they need it. The only thing I dry is pj's, socks and underwear. I know I am nuts but it makes me feel like we are wearing new clothes all the time.

Brynlee's Thoughts

Do you ever wonder what kinds of things go through a 4 year olds head? Today Brynlee gave me a little glimpse. Normally if she knows I can hear her she won't keep talking but today for some reason she did. She grabbed her scriptures while I was in the bathroom drying my hair and said to Harlee "come here". She asked Harlee if she wanted to see a picture of Jesus. You know Jesus that was baptized in the River Jordan. As I was getting dressed she asked me how Jesus died. I explained to her that the bad men hung him on a cross with nails in his hands and feet and that was how he died. While I was back in the bathroom finished up the beautification process I heard her talking to herself. Acutally I think she was talking to Jesus. She said, "I am sorry you had to die and I wish that I could see you so that you could know my name. I wish that you could come to our house." I was almost in tears. I couldn't believe my four year old could be so wise. Especially this four year old who has perfected the art of whining. It was almost like Jesus was sitting next to her and she was having a conversation with her best friend. I love this little girl and I am so thankful for her sweet spirit. Since listening to President Monson's talk about "Finding Joy in the Journey" I have tried a little harder to stop and listen. Maybe today was the day that I had something to learn.....

Happy Birthday to Me

Yesterday was my birthday and I convinced Brett to take me to see "Nights in Rodanthe". I read this book on the airplane on my way home from Seattle and I absolutely had to see this movie. I am a huge fan of Richard Gere anyway and wow has he aged gracefully. It was a little different than the book but most movies are anyway. I am pretty sure that Brett didn't love this movie but thanks honey for being a good sport and for not snoring during the movie. It was definitely a tear jerker and lived up to my expectations.