Time

Katie is 4 months old today. I really can't believe it. It seems like I just posted her three month picture here. Time is going by so fast and because I have this darling, sweet little girl, I find myself wanting time to slow down. I don't remember time moving this fast when the boys were little, but of course it did. They are big now and the moving time is not so obvious with them. They are such great boys and time with them is fun. They love their sister more than I could explain and are champions at making her laugh. My Katie is very interested in anything she can grab with her hands to put into her mouth. She thinks everything belongs in her mouth. As you can see by the picture.

A day of rest?

You would think, that having a 2:30 church meeting, it would be simple to get ready to for church. That is a lot of time to get ready and do things that need to be done before the block of meetings. Yet, each Sunday I am pressed for time. Today is a good example. I was able to sleep in until 9am. And yes, I realize that here is my problem, but I am not able to sleep in each Sunday and I could really use the sleep. But, whether I sleep late or not, the same problem occurs each week. I got up, fed Katie and myself (Brandon fed the boys for me!). I then got into the shower and prepared to go visiting teaching. Got Katie ready for the day (not Church) and was gone from 11-12 to visit teach. Came home, ate lunch, and worked on my Primary stuff. Fed Katie, got her dressed. Got the boys dressed. Already, it's 1:30 and we have to leave for a 1:45 meeting. And it doesn't matter what we have going on, there is just no time to relax. I never thought that I would say this, but I am anxious for the new year, when we will meet at 8:30. Then, maybe, I can relax on Sunday.

Choice

Today Eric made the biggest decision of his eight year old life. He choose to be baptized. We are so proud of him! All week he was so excited, counting down the days. Then it came. I thought that he would be nervous, or scared. Instead he was peaceful and calm. Now this is so very important because Eric is scared of the water. As we drove over I told him to put his trust in his Dad, and he did. He did so wonderfully! The event was beautiful with such a strong presence of the Spirit. I am so happy that he made such a good choice.

sleep lost

I love to watch my daughter sleep. Especially at night when the house is quite and I can stand there in the dark, watching. Often I am losing sleep of my own, but she is beautiful to watch. Her favorite position is with her arms above her head, hands in tiny fists, legs out, peaceful. I can't help but touch her face. I tell myself that I am making sure that she is warm, but the truth is, I miss her. She is a miracle to me. My boys are miracles too, as all children are, but her miracle is different. As I watch her sleep I am awed by the love that is given to me by my Heavenly Father, that he blessed me with her, my Katelyn. She is a perfect example of His love for my family. Often I move my way into my boys room. Their sleep is different, but just as peaceful; innocent. Eric is often hidden beneath the blankets, while Joshua prefers the edge of the bed and is easy to access for a kiss. My husband too --as my wanderings are often after he is asleep -- his sleep emits peace. And so, for a few short hours each night my house is peaceful and I can fully appreciate the love that is here and the miracles that have occurred in my life. During this time I can forget the struggles of the day and remember the fun parts, the joy, and my purpose in raising them. I am grateful for the miracle of my daughter, who helps me to remember the many other miracles in my life, Brandon, Eric, and Joshua. And so I am happy to lose sleep.

ketchup

Eric played his first practical joke yesterday. While I was out with Joshua he took packets of ketchup, folded them up and placed them under the toilet seat. Just a little while later when I was helping Joshua with his bath I noticed them. I actually thought maybe my father-in-law or brother-in-law had done this and we had just not noticed. I left them there to show Brandon; I just thought that this was too funny. But he went into the bathroom to talk to Josh and before I could get to him he sat down. Ketchup was everywhere! Boy was Brandon mad! Even though I was the one to clean this up I think that this was a great joke. The ideas that they get from books!

8 is great!

Eric just turned 8. And I would have to say that this was one fabulous birthday for him. Because of the day it fell on, and family members being out of town, he had THREE special days! On Thursday of last week (his actual birthday) I brought him lunch from McDonald's and cupcakes to share with his class. That same night at gymnastics they moved him up a level. He thought that was a great present! On Saturday we had his "friends" party. Brandon took the boys to the local corn maze. They had a blast. Eric really enjoyed the whole day; friends, cake, and presents. Then yesterday we had a family party for him. Yet another great day for him. And yes, for those of you who are counting, that is 3 cakes that I was in charge of! But it was fun to prepare all of these special days for my very special boy.

CRAZY

Kids can drive you CRAZY. I mean they can actually drive you CRAZY, but they can make you be CRAZY in LOVE with them too. Tonight Eric and I had so much fun playing the game Life. I LOVE him so much, but he often makes me want to pull my hair out, check into Dammasch, CRAZY. He has such a dominate personality; he definitely knows what he wants and he will do whatever it takes to get it. He is a natural leader, a good friend, and when he wants to be -- a caring, compassionate brother. Sometimes he scares me with how smart he is and maybe that is why he often completely bored and looking for trouble. He has been blessed with amazing talents: baseball, gymnastics, and many more. I LOVE all of these qualities about him. He is stubborn, opinionated, and a total smart-alec. He is the pickiest eater you have ever come across. My Mother tell me that he is me and he probably is, but hopefully a better version. Tonight, I was able to fall in LOVE with him all over again. I feel so blessed to raise him; to be his Mom. I hope that I don't mess him up to badly. I LOVE YOU ERIC!!!