Simplicity 4709

Is there anything sweeter than a little dress and pinafore? I made this for a friend that just had a baby girl. I really hope she likes it!

What I have

Sometimes it's easy to take blessings for granted...to grow accustom to the little gifts we experience every day. Sometimes I fail to recognize exactly what I have and how good I have it. For example, I have five wonderful daughters. I experienced the miracle of childbirth five times. And I have been the center of the world for five different little people. I have been loved intensely and unconditionally-- they have preferred me over anyone else on the planet. When they wake up in the night they call my name; I get to spend the midnight hours holding one of God's most precious creations. Every day I am nearly smothered in hugs and kisses. I get to experience the day-to-day miracle of watching someone grow-- and I am instrumental in helping them learn and develop. I get to see portions of myself emerge in the personality, mannerisms, and beliefs of another human being.

Because there is "opposition in all things" each of these blessings come with little irritations and inconveniences. And it's easy to get overwhelmed with all the demands placed on my time and energy because I am "the Mom." But recently I've had my attention focused on people who long to share the blessings-- and irritations-- that I get to experience every day. It makes me see how truly blessed I really am. I am a Mother. And I am rich.

Sleeping Kids

I really, really love my kids. But sometimes it takes them falling asleep for me to appreciate how sweet and wonderful they are. :)

Sister Love

Someday my girls will grow up and realize how lucky they are to have sisters.

McKenna is TWELVE!

Here are some things you may not know about McKenna:

• Her eyes sparkle and her smile is contageous.
• She completed her Faith in God and memorized the Articles of Faith.
• She is in advanced math.
• She is quite a good softball player.
• She is a technology wiz. She can figure things out on David's I-phone that even he doesn't know how to do.
• She has lots of friends, but her sister, Lydia, is her best friend.
• She doesn't like cheese. (When I make homemade pizza I always have to make her a special "cheeseless" piece.)
• She has a great sense of humor and likes to laugh.
• She is quick to forgive.
• She volunteers to change Chloe's diapers-- even the poopy ones!
• We are so, so grateful that she is a part of our family.

We love you, McKenna!!!

How do you shop?

I do not like to shop. It stresses me out. So many choices and so much money. But I'm wondering if maybe I don't like to shop because I do it wrong. Here is my method: I go a long time without buying anything. And then I hit a wall where I realize most of my clothes are old and a little shabby. So I go to the store determined to reinvent myself and to come away looking stylishly fabulous. But in the store I walk around, look at price tags, find maybe one or two things that fit and are comfortable and then retreat. Probably not the best formula for maintaining a cute wardrobe.

So, I am coming to you for advice. How do you shop? Where do you shop? How often do you shop? Do you shop for outfits or pieces that you then mix and match? And how do you find the best deals?

Please, share your shopping secrets and strategies!!!

People aren't perfect

As I was driving home from the dentist today I was a little distracted and accidentally cut off a car full of young adult boys. Each of them felt like it was necessary to flip me off. In their defense, I did cut them off. In my defense, I really didn't mean to.

But this experience got me thinking about how people are so quick to judge. We react with anger, get offended, or spiral into all sorts of negative emotions when others don't behave exactly like we want them to. But the problem is that no one is perfect. We will have to interact with people that do things we don't like. And we will do things that other people don't like. But when it comes down to it, most of us are just doing the best we can.

When I do things wrong I am always so grateful for people who give me the benefit of the doubt. It's embarassing to make mistakes and I always feel really bad when I hurt, offend, or inconvenience someone else. So I try and treat them the way I would want to be treated. I tell myself: "They are doing the best they can." And somehow that makes it easier to let go of the feelings of frustration or self-righteousness that seem to flare up.

So, to the boys in the car-- I am sorry. I didn't mean to cut you off. And even though you were big jerks, I forgive you because I figure you're just doing the best you can.

:)

Why I love this picture

I love this picture for few reasons...

Chloe is constantly putting on her sisters' shoes. It's something about her that I want to remember and this picture captures it. And in a symbolic way, it shows how Chloe adores her sisters and wants to be like them. She does try to walk in their footsteps. Thankfully they are (usually) good examples.

I can also see how my baby is growing up into a little girl. The little scrape on her knee, her thinned-out legs, and how she is sitting are all reminders that she is growing up. But because the shoes are still too big and her feet are still a little chubby I still have time soak in the precious moments of her littleness.

I also love that she is just sitting on our front porch. For me it represents how she is venturing out a little, but is still content to remain within the shelter of "home."

And the lighting and colors are very "summery." Even though school has started, we can still enjoy the last lazy days of summer.

I'm in love with my husband

Every once in a while I am completely blown away by how awesome David is. Don't get me wrong, I know that he is awesome. But sometimes it hits me how really, really AWESOME he is. He works so hard for our family. Yesterday he got up at 3am and got home at 8pm-- not because he loves work-- but because he loves his family and is willing to do whatever it takes to make sure we are provided for. And when he got home from work he immediately hugged each of his girls (including me) because he was so excited to be home and to be with us. He helped tuck everyone in bed and was cheerful and patient even though he must have been exhausted. He listened to me talk about my day and gave me good counsel when I asked for his ideas. And then this morning he let me sleep in while he got the girls up and dressed. He is kind, considerate, helpful, loving, complimentary, hard working, and MINE. :) I am so lucky.

Vacation's Over

Summer, Lydia, and Emily ready for school. This is a big year for Summer-- she is starting kindergarten!!! Lydia is a big 4th grader and Emily is a sweet 2nd grader.

McKenna with her best friends, Alyse and Kelsie, waiting for the MIDDLE SCHOOL bus. Excuse me while I go and cry. :)

Actually, I'm excited for all of my girls. They seem to have great teachers and I know they are all going to learn a lot this year.

Now it's just me and Chloe holding down the fort around here. It's a little lonely, but I am really looking forward to having my house stay clean for more than 2 minutes at a time.