Dear Southern California,

This is called snow. It is cold and wet and for one brief visit I loved it. But do not fear I will never ever leave you to go live with it.

I thought yesterday was wonderful but today was full of knowledge and wisdom that seemed to only add to everything I learned yesterday. The biggest thing I learned out of today is that life is meant to be lived and enjoyed. And that by turning to my Savior in both good and hard times this desire becomes second nature.

BYU womens conference

I loved everything about today. The time with my sister and mom, the cold, weather, the apple I ate, the walk across campus, the blister I would develop. All of it. Because in today I learned so many lessons about who I am and who I hope to be. I feel as though I am on a spiritual high that could carry on through till I die. And then some. What I learned today above all else was that who I am is perfect. Not that I am perfect but that right now who I am trying to be is perfectly me. And being true to me in this moment is all I can do and all I can do is perfect!

Getting on a plane

I am leaving all of my children behind. Ryan is going to Dallas with Jared for a super conference today as well. So Aunt Lindsay and Uncle Todd are going to help keep my little people safe. I am so excited and so sad all at the same time. How can two emotions exist at the same time? I know the two days of enrichment and uplifting material will be very worth it and I am sure I will love being with my sister and mom. But I sure will miss these little people.

Jumpin jam

Joshua's friend Grant had his birthday party here today. The two older boys had a blast. Jacob on the other hand was rather frustrated he could not play on the equipment. He was just shy of the height requirement and he eventually resorted to bullying a little girl. This is new to me. It seems like each child wants to prove that they are individuals and surprise me with something I have no idea how to hand. How do you tell a 15 month old that hitting a little girl is not OK but hitting his brothers is?

What a marvelous day

I love when I can let the kids play outside and just be kids. Joseph loves to take care of Jacob and play with him. As I looked at this picture I realized my little baby is not so babyish any more. Kind of strange to be thinking of getting rid of baby things and never replacing them. Maybe I need to get a dog?

I tend to be a little obsessive about things

I sat next to the neatest man on the plane on my way home yesterday. He is a family therapist who specializes in family situations aka birth order. He broke down my family dynamics and helped me to see what I would need to help the individual children with because of the order they were born. I think what I have discovered so far is that Jared and Sarah are oldest children, Emma and Joseph are middle and Joshua and Jacob are youngest. Each have pros and cons and I am thrilled to delve into this book and find out how I can better help each of them. I also bought The Five Love Languages For Children. Another must read for all parents. I'm loving it! Social dynamics fascinate me and had I not chosen the career of motherhood I would want to be a therapist.

Success

Oh I loved our photographers. They were so fun and I can not wait to see all the pictures. We took the pictures outside of Sean and Allie's home and I think that worked perfectly. It was beautiful and the kids could go inside while they waited for there turn. I love watching photographers do there thing. So inspiring for me!

Why did I not think of this sooner?

I have been feeling a little overwhelmed and slightly stressed. Why? Just to much on my brain... all good stuff... just to much. Trying to find a home, the family pictures, packing, writing and coordinating with my sister on the book, women's conference, Ryan and I both going out of town at the same time and having to leave the kids with a baby sitter, a wedding cake, not being able to run, am I rally done having kids- cause I feel done but is it right?, I think I will stop there.

After having a very meaningful conversation with my sister-in-law Sarah I realized I needed the peace I knew I could find in the temple. And that is exactly what I found. So many answers but mostly just peace that I could do all that was needed of me.

Joseph's Turn

My little man is so quiet most of the time and does not really like to be the center of attention. While on our date it took him a little while to open up. I guess he is not used to us so focused on him. We would ask him all kinds of questions and he shyly answered at first but after a few games of uno he was back to his usual self. We enjoyed dinner at Elephant Bar. He really wanted to go there. I am sure it is because the name same super awesome to a 6 year old. He seemed pleased. He said later on, "Mom, isn't this just the best day ever?" Yes, yes it is my little Joseph.

Human Knot

My girls belong to a book club and this month it was our turn to host. The book was all about friendship so we played a few friendship games and also talked about being yourself and standing up for who you are. The kids had fun trying to get out of this. such a fun group of kids.

Baby Jake

I love taking new born pictures!!! He did not want to sleep for me but once he did...oh so special. He is such a sweet little chunk. Thanks Erin for letting me play with your baby.

Still trying

It is harder then you think to get 8 people to all coordinate with out looking to matchy matchy. I think we are close. I took this picture so I could see how it all looked together. Emma's dress is to small and I think Jared's shirt is to light. Luckily they all had most of these clothes already. I am so excited for Ryan's whole family session on Saturday.

Once there was a snowman

Jacob was singing along with us in his own little way. It is so great to watch him figure life out. He loves being apart of what we do and I love his attempts to mimic us. He has been trying to talk a lot more. Most the time we really don't know what he is saying but every once and a while he will surprise us.

last night on into the morning

All the kids except Sarah threw up. Such a sad night for everyone. Jared was even on a camp out at qualcom. I think he was the most bummed to be sick because all the fun stuff was going to happen today. By the late afternoon everyone was feeling somewhat better, just really tired. So Ryan and I decided to go on our date anyway. We had a really nice time. We had some deep discussions and mostly just really enjoyed being together. I am so grateful we are so in love. I know it can be a rarity these days and that makes me so grateful for what we have.

Date night

We have been enjoying a date night once a week with the kids. It is part of our new reward system. We are loving it. That one on one time is also leading to better happiness in our home as the kids seem to recognize how important they really are to us. Sarah and I went and got our nails done, got dinner, and enjoyed a little shopping. I have been searching for the perfect clothes for our pictures on the 24th. It was so good just to listen to Sarah tell me all about her life at school and with friends.

NO taxation Tea-party

We took the kids to a political rally tonight. Mostly to help them realize the importance of being involved and educated with what the politicians have to say before we decide to vote for them. As it turned out they were less then thrilled. Josh said, "Mom, this is sooo boring." Lucky for us it was right by the beach and we were able to walk around a bit. Ryan and I both found it interesting. I think I am not a fan of most politicians, even when I agree with there interests. One guy was bagging on his competition because she is short. It reminded me a little bit of class elections in high school. With that said I am glad we went to learn a little bit more about what they believe and stand for. The signs from the audience were the best. People have some funny things to say.

Oh the beloved shoes

I bought Joshua rain boots at the beginning of fall this year. They have loved them to death. Josh in particular would wear them every single day to every event if I let him. Even like today when it was nice and warm he wanted to wear them. The insoles are missing and a piece of it has broken off. What are we going to do when summer hits? I don't think sand will feel good in these.

Today Jared started Guitar lessons

And he loved it. His teacher is pretty mellow and Jared feels like this is something he is going to be good at. Since he has practice playing piano and already understands basic theory I am optimistic for him. I love the sound of music in my home. When I picked up my guitar today to hand it to him I realized I don't remember a single thing. I am hoping he will teach me what he learns and I to will regain my love of making music.

Yes we really did.

Take all of these munchkins out to dinner. We meet up with friends from St George at Macaroni Grill so we could catch up. It's always could to visit I just can't believe how much can change in such a short period of time. We have been back in SoCal for almost four years now. It was a weird realization for me. Since our move back I feel as though I have grown up in a sense. I am so much more comfortable with who I am and where I am at in my life. Strange tangent. Point is I had a great time and I think the kids did too.

Have I said before how much I love my sunday school class?

Because I really do. The kids are all great. They seem to really be listening to what I have to teach and they have beautiful insight as well. Today we talked about Moses and the exodus out of Egypt. What stuck out to me was the goodness of our Father in Heaven. When he promises something he always delivers. Do I remember this? Do I strive to do His will even when I can not seen the outcome? Sometimes I complain about the "hardships" I face. I forget to recognize that He knows all things and that He has my best interest in mind. When I do remember this I am always given peace of mind and comfort. Just like with my knee problems, I have been at ease since I made the choice to post-pone my marathon. I have been given ideas of how to continue and move forward.

I have seen this many times when it comes to my children. He gives me answers and guidance I could not have come up with on my own. But this only happens when I remember to come unto him. At one point in Exodus Moses is frustrated and can not see the Lords plan. But what impressed me was that instead of complaining or turning on God he went to Him with his concern. He sought the Lords council then moved forward. I guess that was what was so awesome. Mose moved forward in the direction he was told even though prior to this he was frustrated and concerned. I want to be more like that.

My favorite part of the lesson was the beautiful symbolism found in the passover. To find likeness unto the Savior and their reminder every year to quickly and eagerly follow after the Lord and His ways. To relinquish ones self of sin and the bondage we can create when we don't allow the Atonement to take place within us. To daily come unto the Bread of Life. I just feel so blessed to be able to grow in this calling. To be stretch and strengthened.

We rewarded the kids with a little fro-yo

When we came home and the house was shiny clean with out being asked rewards were in order. I have the best kids in town.

It was medicinal

Well sort of. I was kinda grumpy today and so I decided we needed some therapy shopping. I normally do not do this and normally do not like to take my children to the mall. But we had a great time and bought them all some really cute summer clothes/bathing suits/hats. Plus they got to spend some well earned allowance. I don't know what made it so fun for all of us but we really did have a wonderful day together. Even the baby was good.

What better place to have a campout?

Then your own back yard? You have everything you need just a few feet away. You don't have to drive a long ways away. You have a toilet. No planning. And if you are really uncomfortable in the middle of the night you go inside. This is what the kids did for "vacation" during their spring break.

Sometimes I think its so cute...

...when my children don't listen to me. Joshua had some chocolate balls in the car. 1. Why did I let him bring them in the car? I didn't know that's why 2. Why did I not take them away as soon as I found out. I obviously was not thinking. He asked me if Jacob could have some and I said no. The rest of the short car ride Jacob is very quiet. When I look back to see why I am greeted with this wonderfully happy smile.

Cute kids

I have decided that I want a new camera for my birthday. The research has began. I found a 40d on craigslist and while I was trying to figure out if it was a good deal or not Joshua woke up from his nap and climbed into my bed. Just chillin. I had to smile. And as long as the camera is what this guy says it is I am going to be moving up in the camera world. I am so excited!!!! I am selling my old camera to Lindsay to help off set the cost. So chillin is just what I feel like doing, that or the happy dance -I am not sure yet.

I knew we would find something to do

With the windy/rainy weather and Jacob still being sick I was so happy the kids thought to get out he kite and have a go at trying to fly it. Not much luck but it helped to keep them entertained while I started to pack up the garage. Packing - at least I am not pregnant and I don't have a newborn. That is all I have to say.

Easter/conference

Today the kids woke up to find baskets filled with treats and toys. Jared ate his all in one sitting and then complained of a stomach ache the rest of the day. I guess we will have to ask the Easter bunny to bring even less next year. We enjoyed a nice quiet day at home watching conference on TV and snuggling on the couch. Sarah has always been good about taking notes so that she can get the most out of what is said. A good example to all of us.
I made a big ham dinner. Last minute we decided to invite Ryan's brother Tory and his family over (I made way to much food) We are looking at moving into a bigger place This small house is just not big enough for the 6 of us. Ryan had mentioned to Tory that maybe he should rent the place we are at instead of moving off to Vegas. So it was a good chance for them to check things out. I think they are going to stay which is so wonderful. Jared and their son Luke are buds and I know he would be so sad if they went far away.

Nurturer

While doing dishes today Joseph came running in to tell me Emma had caught a bird. I came out to see and this what she had found. This pour bird could no longer fly. I think kids really scared it because it's little legs were shaking. We called the animal shelter and they told us were to bring it. When we dropped it off I felt like asking them to take down my number so that they could keep me posted on our little birdie friend.

Running update. Still a no go. I have tried to run on and off a few times over the last week and when I get to about 2 miles i get shooting pain. I am working with a chiro and hopefully by next Saturday I will be ok to run again. I have been biking instead to hopefully keep up my cardio

Easter egg hunt in the park

A bunch of the ladies from church got together for a huge Easter egg hunt in the park. I love visiting with these wonderful women. I left Jacob with a babysitter since he still is sick so I really got to visit without worry of what he might be eating or getting into. I truly do love where we love and the people I have met here. It feels like we are in such a good spot in our lives.

All set and ready to go

Tomorrow morning I will drive him up for an overnight camp out. He loves this stuff. And I am so grateful for scouts so that I don't have to go camping with him. I don't think I would love camping simply because I love my bed way to much.

Tonight we also took Emma out for her earned date night. We took her to frozen yogurt and just enjoyed listening to her talk about life. She also drew pictures for us. She has a lot of natural talent and I love watching her grow.