These Are the Moments

Makenna said her first real prayer tonight. It made me cry. She has tried a few times before, but is easily side tracked and doesn't usually finish. Tonight, we read family scriptures and she wanted to say the prayer. She started by herself, said she was thankful for the day and then needed help. She said everything I helped her with, and crystal clear. It seriously brought tears to my eyes. She is so stinkin' naughty sometimes, it makes me crazy...but, the moments like tonight make all the madness worth it. I would give anything to always be able to hear that little voice saying her prayers. I love my little girls!!!

Ms. Marlee

There are so many fun things about watching your kids grow up and develop their own personality. I am finding it is also hard. Marlee is such a sweet girl but, she already lacks confidence. Our move from South Dakota has affected her far more than I ever thought it would. She misses her friends, her house, her school and all of her normal comforting things. She has always had a tender heart, but it has been magnified since we got back to Co. She has some very mature feelings, and sometimes I just don't know how to handle them. She is already taking notice of who is "better" at things than she is, and then she doesn't try as hard at those things because she compares herself and doesn't want to not be able to do it. It is something I have dealt with my whole life, and I HATE it about myself. I remember as a teenager never branching out of my comfort zone much because I didn't want to try something new and be bad at it. It makes me sad that I already see that in her. I want her to be bold, fearless, and not afraid to fail at something. Anyway, I have been working on her school work a little more with her. This is one of those things she doesn't like to try because she feels like she is already behind the other kids and she always says things like "but mom, they're gonna laugh at me!". She is one of the youngest kids in her preschool class, and I think she is doing great!(I am not at ALL biased) So, just for my record, last Monday (Nov. 16th) she wrote her name completely by herself for the first time. I was so proud I almost cried. I hope she is starting to realize that she can accomplish things if she is willing to try.This second picture is what she brought home from preschool yesterday. She misses the "chiclets" (triplets) SOOOOO much. She mentions them several times a day and breaks down into tears because she misses them and SD at least 4-5 times a week. They were like quads.. they were ALWAYS together, and I miss them (and their mom) just as much. I feel like they are my nieces, I truly love them and miss their silly little personalities every single day.I thought it was sweet that they are what she is thankful for this Thanksgiving, and thought they should know what an impact they have had in her life.

I love her and her sweet, tender spirit more than words can say, and she is one of the things I am most thankful for this holiday season!

Smarty Pants Trip to the Fire Station

Last week the Smarty Pants kids took a field trip to the fire station. I got to go be a chaperon/photographer. It was a lot of fun! The firemen got called out on an emergency while we were there so we didn't get to do everything they had planned but it was still cool. They got to go in the truck, learn about all the equipment, and watch them put on gear. They even got a special call from dispatch, you should have seen there faces when they heard over the emergency speaker "we would like to welcome the kids from Smarty Pants Preschool!" too funny. After they got there call we went out back and Ms. Jenn taught them all about 911 and what to do in an emergency. Marlee has been trying to teach me about fires ever since. Over all, I would say it went really well!!Makenna stayed home with Ang, and when Uncle Ty nrought me home a Diet coke, she STOLE it! 44 oz... she is addicted.

Yo-Ho, Yo-Ho...

A pirates life for them...This past week and a half has been full of costumes, parties and candy. It has been fun, but exhausting. I convinced Marlee to be something other than a princess, because at our house, they are princesses everyday. I must admit, I never knew little pirates could be so stinkin' cute. They looked awesome, and their costumes cost me $1 a piece (oh how I miss the Vermillion Wal-Mart...).

It was a lot of fun, a LOT of sugar, and a lot of work. I am kind of glad it is all over til next year!Hunter-Ninja, Jake-Gangster,Brayden-Gangster,
Owen-Lion, Lizzie-Glinda, Tori-Dorothy, Marlee-Pirate, Lily-Rocker, Sophie-Pirate


This is Owen. My sister Jenn's youngest. He was the cowardly lion. I instantly fell in love with this picture. He is so handsome.