Mommy's Little Helper

Yesterday I was making breaded chicken for dinner. The kind that you dip in egg, then the breading and cook it. As I was cooking it Elijah was getting very fussy. So I hurried as fast as I could to get the chicken done and throw it in the oven.

I then rinsed my hands and took Elijah into the bedroom to feed him. Ten minutes later I returned to continue on with dinner. It was then that I saw David sitting on the kitchen counter where I had been working.

He had taken the eggs and cracked two open. Luckily it was only two. One of which had made it into the bowl and the other all over the counter and him. David looked at me with his big eyes and said "Eggs." The joys of mommy's helpers. I couldn't help but laugh at the whole mess and go clean him up.

Baby Blue Eyes

My baby bug! He is so fun. Today I was sick and just lounging around while my girls helped take care of Elijah but even with being sick I found myself just enjoying my little sweetheart. He is such a delight. When he smiles, he smiles with his whole body. Who could have ever imagined that being a mother would be so wonderful.

Birthdays are the Best

Another year has flown by! I had such a fun birthday this year. My birthday was on Saturday. With the Easter bunny coming on Saturday and our family Easter party I got to celebrate my birthday on Friday.

It was so fun! Steve got off work early and let me have a day for myself. First I went to lunch at Sweet Tomatoes with my sisters, my mom and my grandmother. Mmm, soup, bread and salad. It was delicious. I don't get to eat there much because Steve doesn't think it's a real meal. I mean no meat and potatoes, who would even think to make such a restaurant.

After lunch I went shopping for me, a rare thing. My mom and I went to Kohl's and found just what I was looking for. I came home with a big bag of outfits to choose from. What could be better than new clothes!

I came home for just a short while and then we went to dinner at Red Robin. The Blue Ribbon Burger was the best. And almost all my siblings were there and my parents. I love sitting around laughing with my family.

So a big thanks to all those who helped me celebrate and a BIG THANKS to my husband for watching the kiddies so I could have a day for myself. (I noticed I used a lot of exclamation points but anyone who knows me, knows I would have said those things with a lot of enthusiasm)

Eggs, eggs and more eggs!

Oh my! I don't know which had more paint on it, the egg or David. It was definitely David. This year I boiled 9 dozen eggs! Each of my kids had to have a dozen eggs to dye. Then for our family Easter party my activity was to have the children paint eggs with acrylic paints. So I have boiled eggs coming out my ears! If anyone would like some boiled eggs just call or maybe I will drop some anonymously on your doorstep.

Easter

Easter is becoming one of my favorite holidays. Last year we watched "The Testaments" and had a little testimony meeting afterward with our children. I knew I wanted us to do that again but I wanted to do a little more so my children would reflect on the Savior for more than one day.

So I decided we should go to Temple Square. I am very proud of myself because we actually did it! Being a mother of six any outing is a huge ordeal and usually I chicken out. However I wanted us to go to Temple Square and be surrounded by the beauty and let some of the spirit there soak in. And it worked. We walked around and spent over two hours there. None of the kids complained and Sadie even said she had a good time. We didn't have any earth shattering testimony builders but it just felt good. During the drive home we spontaneously started singing songs as a family. Fun songs like, Row, Row, Row your Boat and other fun round-songs. It was the best.

Today we watched "The Testaments" movie again and had our testimony meeting. It is one of the most spiritual times in my life to listen to my children express their feelings of our Savior. It is a moment all of us are pulled close to Heavenly Father and reminded of our purpose here on this earth. I am grateful that I am blessed to have moments like that every so often which gives me a glimpse of what eternity will feel like.

General Conference

I am sad to say it was hard to hear even one talk this year during General Conference. My girls were as well-behaved as they could be but it was so hard to focus. Aside from the chaos I was able to feel the spirit. I could feel the Holy Ghost testify that President Monson was a prophet of God while he spoke. And especially while the choir sang "We Thank Thee Oh God for a Prophet" and showed pictures of President Monson.

The day is coming much faster than I want that my home will be quiet. That I won't have children to hush and tell them to listen to the speakers. I must remember that and use the time I have teaching them and loving them before it is gone. (Photo taken this morning while watching General Conference)

Keeping the Right Perspective

The other day my teenager was complaining about how we never get to do anything and how deprived we are. And it got me thinking, are we? My list of "wants" is a long one, but am I deprived? I should say not. We have a home to live in that is clean, safe and comfortable. We have never had to go hungry. The Lord has always stepped in and given us what we need. I have been given an abundance of blessing throughout my life.

But the biggest wealth in my life is my family. I get to be a mom of six children. Would I trade that for an extra car or a yearly vacation? Never. There is not one thing I could buy that would make me happier than when I hear one of my children giggle or see them smile. There is no material thing that has given me the fulfillment and satisfaction I get when I see one of my children overcome a trial or succeed in school or develop a talent.

I am rich. When I go from this earth I will have an endless supply of memories. I am grateful for the riches in my life. As hard times fall upon us I find myself on my knees thanking my Heavenly Father for the blessings that sometimes I have taken for granted. Prayers of wanting a better paying job have turned into a prayer of thanks that Steve has a job. Pangs of envy for a bigger more beautiful home have turned to prayers of thanks that we have a home that we can afford. I am very rich. (Photo: This is an old photo. In fact I was six months pregnant with Elijah and we are missing Emily in the shot. Not to mention we added our cousin Ali. So as soon as I can get a better photo I will post it)