Elli, the birthday girl...

Elli was born on December 21, 2000. We brought her home in a stocking and she was the BEST Christmas present EVER!!

.

Elli has always been a happy little thing. She is kind, helpful and gives the biggest hugs. She brings so much joy to our family. I absolutely love this girl.

.

HaPpY BiRtHdAy, ElLi!

.

I almost forgot...

... that I have a blog. Thanksgiving is over, Christmas is up, shopping is almost complete, wrapping is not, Scentsy is busy, the kids are full of energy, loving the gospel and life is good... I'll be ready soon to resume blog activity... I can feel it. Can't wait to sneek a peek at all the blogs I've missed reading. Until then... let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. I'm ready.

Don't be afraid...

He must really love me to forgive me for this...

Alex wanted a haircut around 10:30 pm last night.... I agreed. As he well knows, I am NOT a night person! I far prefer the crisp clean air of the morning hours. I'm still not sure what I was thinking...or not thinking... but while I was doing a little clean up around his ears, I shaved a VERY large bald spot on the side of his head. I gave out a big "OOPS" and couldn't stop laughing (I do that when I am tired) There was no other option... I think he is secretly happy... he has been trying to get me to shave his head all summer. Elli came into our bedroom this morning and her eyes got very big when she saw Alex sleeping. She wispered to me, "Mom, did you shave dad's head while he was sleeping?!"

Anyone else need a haircut?!

Shine...

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

~Nelson Mandela

***

I have thought about this quote a lot in the last couple of weeks and wanted to share it. Too often I feel inadequate and afraid of letting my light shine in fear that I may fail..and fail miserably...in front of what feels like the whole world. I want to shrink. I often tell Alex... surely you must get sick of me, because I'm pretty sick of myself. I do enjoy watching others. I see those that are kind... especially when they've been treated unkindly... those that are forgiving... especially when things really aren't fair... those that don't complain...especially when they have good reason too...and those that SHINE... especially on a dark, cloudy day...

Thanks to those who aren't afraid to SHINE... as a Child of God does... it makes me want to do the same!!

More summer fun...

I thought I would have more time to do blog posts during the summer. So far, it hasn't worked out that way. Where is the summer going?!

In June we made our way to Logan and visited this cute family...

The Atwoods. Sandi was the first person I met when I started school at Utah State University and we became fast friends. She has been an amazing part of my life. I want to be like her when I grow up.

We had a great time relaxing and hanging out. We went hiking, played at a park and visited the Gossner Cheese Factory. The cheese factory was Ben's favorite part. They had endless samples of different kinds of cheeses, flavored milk (my favorite was cookies and cream) and cheese dips.

Can't wait to visit again soon...

We also took the kids to Lagoon a few weeks ago. It was their first time going and we had a blast!! The weather was nice and the crowds were small! When you visit Lagoon you might actually think, "Hey, I'm a little bit sexy!" Good people watchin', that's for sure. Stacy and Clint from "What Not to Wear" would be in over their heads!!

P.S. This may be the last of my photos for awhile... my camera was dropped and it will take 4-6 weeks for it to be repaired...uggh!! I'm in mourning...

Flowers...

"I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck."

-Emma Goldman

More amazing than an ice cream truck...

What can draw a crowd of children faster than an ice cream truck?

I found out today...

We inherited this on Saturday from my brother, Taylor, and his wife, Amy. The kids begged me to try it out after their swimming lessons today. I gave in and then a miraculous thing happened. As it was filling with air, children began coming out of the woodwork. Children in swimsuits, children fully clothed, children waking from naps...they appeared before our very eyes. Fun was had by all! (maybe with the exception of Owen, Brady and Ashley...sorry my little ones!)

Now I know what you where talking about, Taylor...