Rissie sings the Water Cycle Song

Grandma Jane had sent some Reese's Pieces for the girls, so for a snack during our water cycle day of school I gave them these. They kept asking for more so I told them that if they could sing this song all the way through I would let them have a whole handful. They took the challenge seriously and practiced it over and over, at least Lauren did; Rissie sat on the couch doodling. I didn't really think she was paying attention but all the while as Lauren was singing Rissie was absorbing it. She surprised us all the next day when she was performing it for one of her grandparents and got it right - even the big words (mostly ;)! So as requested, here is the video of Rissie singing the Water Cycle Song. Happy Birthday, Grandma Jane!

A Mother's Book of Secrets

For Mother's Day, my sweet mother-in-law gave me a book that I have thoroughly enjoyed called A Mother's Book of Secrets by Linda Eyre and her daughter Shawni Eyre Pothier. It's about enjoying motherhood through the chaos before it's over and you miss even the craziness. It's also teaching me about some of the ways to avoid pitfalls and keeping what's important for the family in the family. (It's much more than that, but I highly recommend it to every mom.)

Motherhood is my life inside and out these days and it's been such a joy for me to read and find that I am not the only one who feels the way I do. I am relieved to see that several of the secrets I am already doing and come naturally, (thanks to my own wonderful mother!); others are new to me, but it's nice not to feel like a failure for only starting them now.

Lists:
An old roommate and dear friend of mine would take out her planner every night before bed and make a list of all of the things she needed to accomplish the following day. She was so good about it then, I wouldn't be surprised if she still is. I love making lists and organizing my tasks, especially if I have a particularly busy day. My favorite part is making a little check next to each item or crossing it through (sometimes I even add something I've already done just so I can mark it off). I am not as consistent as Jeanette, and having kids has really forced me to relax about a few things. I've had to find a balance between the part of me that wants to get it done (I get into this zone of productivity) and the part of me that wants to be a good mom...the kind that doesn't yell at her kids for pulling the room apart - again!
The organized (sometimes OCD) me wants to have a perfectly clean house, etc. but then I start expecting that and I get anxious when it doesn't happen. I'm not pleasant when this happens so I tell myself to relax. Some days when I am relaxed and let things happen without my list I get more done than if I had something to follow. (But then I can't mark my progress and cross things off. ;) Eventually, my drive "to do" falls, and I get anxious again that not enough is getting done. It's a vicious cycle. Sigh.

Have you ever taken those color personality tests? I love 'em. I am red and blue...I call myself purple. :) What color are you? Purple is a rare type and doesn't exist well together, at least not in the same person. My lists have left me for the time being. Mostly, because for me and more importantly, it means that I am a better mom, at least I think it does. The red in me is just going to have to wait. And yet, I read this great book about these mom's who I can totally relate to and have become my friends (even though, of course, we've never met), and they are sharing their secrets about how their goal setting and planning and list making, etc. have helped them succeed. I can see it. It makes sense. I want to be a part of that world that can be organized and clean and still be a good mom that's relaxed enough to handle her adorable terrible two year old.

My mom shared with me once how after her grandkids have come to visit she keeps the fingerprints on the glass as long as she can. It reminds her of those pudgy little hands that she loves so dearly that put them there. Perspective is an amazing thing isn't it. Thank heaven for wise mothers.

Anna's Pouting Lip

Lauren sings Latter Day Prophets

I love this little girl!

Today was hot and muggy. :)

Mother's Day

A little over a week ago, I sat in Sacrament Meeting listening to a handful of ward members tell their stories about their mothers. Later that day Jon and I discussed how interesting it was that each of them had difficulty with their mother in some way or another. It was rather disheartening actually. Perhaps that is more the norm when you leave "Happy Valley" or maybe the bishopric was inspired to call those individuals to help them heal. Whatever the case, it got me thinking about how blessed Jon and I have been to have such truly amazing mothers. I love you both. Happy Mother's Day to you and to all of you wonderful women in my life.
Advisory: Not suggested for the not-yet mothers.
I LOVE being a mom. I can't imagine my life without these little sweeties. Life gets pretty crazy around here and there are moments when I shout to Jon, "I'm losing it!" And being the wonderful support that he is, will come running to my aid. Lauren is a great helper. Rissie is a sweetheart. Anna is usually the reason I shout for help. Ha ha! (...as she continues to potty train herself against all my efforts to stop this from happening! Most the time she's pretty good, it's when I find a naked dirty bum then the clean childless diaper that I begin to panic - and go hunting. She is so proud of herself too.) She is a lot of work, but, oh I love that little girl! Kade has been such a good baby, I really can't complain. When his eyes connect they don't turn away. We've had several conversations when his spirit talks to mine for long precious moments.

I don't mind sharing this because I know that any one of you who is reading this knows me and probably has experienced the same thing in some way or another in your own life.
For me, this thing has been having four young kids so close together. I have been aware from the moment we learned we were expecting that this would be a challenge to say the least. I have also felt that this baby was not a mistake or an accident, even though it wasn't planned. That is to say it wasn't planned to come so soon. In that moment, I plead with tears of inadequacy that I would be given help beyond my own abilities. Now that the challenge is here I have to share with you that I am a witness of being strengthened through adversity. Every day sees pandemonium and yet we make it through...most the time without losing it. I need to be more organized, more patient, more efficient, etc., so through necessity - I am. At day's end I recognize things I should have done better, but even then it's a far cry from where I would be without the heaven sent help! My life is better with four. My need to be a better person is less selfish and therefore more worthwhile. I think I have gained a glimpse of what Matthew meant when he said, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it". I run the risk of sounding self-righteous by saying that, but I don't take credit for this understanding, rather I am merely grateful for it.

I LOVE being a mom - my joy is full!

PICTURES, Kade, Easter, etc.

I was just telling Jenny that I wanted to see some more pictures of her new little Jasper as soon as she was up to it. I've been meaning to post more pictures of Kade but I sometimes feel like I don't even have time to shower or make my bed. Ask me how I am doing with four little kids. No don't, I'll either scream or cry. Ask me another day!

Here's our Little Man Kade.

First 7 weeks

Us
EASTER

I was so excited to have a yard to hide eggs in this year and then it rained. Ah well, they had fun anyway. Lauren found The Big One, then later gave it to me and said, "That's how much I love you, Mom."
Lauren and Rissie liked finding, Anna liked eating and Kade got a bunch stuff that mostly just makes his first Easter official.

Marker Face Anna

Marker Face Rissie

This happened an hour or so before we picked up my mom at the airport. I was doing some last minute cleaning upstairs and left the girls to color with a 5-yr-old (mistake!). Sigh. First Lauren showed up with pink marker make-up all over her face that we made her quickly wash off. It was funny, but not in the middle of getting ready for company! When Rissie showed up with her tribal war paint we grabbed the camera and found Anna painted in her chair. We showed Mom the videos later and I am pretty sure she enjoyed them far more than the polished office. ;)

Those who've seen these have been requesting that I post them - so here ya go! :)