Grandma and Grandpa Simpson with 6 grandbabies

Grandma and Grandpa Simpson

Logan, Kyle, Cameron, Dylan, Allyson and Samantha

Simpson Family All Grown Up December 2008

Mom and Dad, then in birth order from right to left, Shalene, Cindy and Laurel. (Probably should have sat opposite, but oh well. We know what we were trying to accomplish!)

Definitely a boys Christmas....

From Spiderman, to Bowling, dinosaurs and guns.....Dylan and Cameron seem to be lost in all that paper! Where did you go?

And then.....

Hannah Montana's

"New" body guards.

More Christmas 2008

Christmas Stockings

Take note that my nephew has everyone at gunpoint at this moment. Ah, the spirit of Christmas!

Leaning Tower of Angels!!!!!

So it wasn't until after the tree has been put up and decorated when I notice that our tree is leaning ALOT! Oops....oh well, what memories can be drawn!

The Green Kitchen Monster

Does anyone ever get the feeling that you are being watched? Or just a funny feeling that something was off? Well today I know that I was being watched, take a look at what was taking peaks at me! No matter how you move, it still watches you! Pretty creepy huh!











I am not sure how the eye got stuck to the wash cloth, but I didn't even notice it until I just happened to set the wash cloth down right after I stuck it in soapy water and this is what I found staring back up at me! Talk about your weird happenings.

The All Around Husband Award

Okay ladies, your eyes are not deceiving you, Louis truly is doing CRAFTS!!!!! Well, to some extent! What a wonderful husband I have to help me when I am in crunch time just days before Christmas! Thanks Honey!!!! (I won't tell anyone that you are domesticated to some degree)

Bedtime Stories

Our FHE tonight was about feeling the Holy Ghost and knowing when to recognize it.

Conversation between Allyson and Mommy tonight at bedtime.

Ally: "Mommy, I really need to talk to you."
me: "About what sweetie?"
Ally: "Sometimes it is really hard to obey and sometimes it is hard to be a mommy"
me: "You know what Ally, you are right!"
Ally: "Maybe you and I can work on it together."
me: "I think that I would really like that Allyson. How did you come up with this?"
Ally: "The Holy Ghost told me to tell you".
me: "Well you know that the Holy Ghost is pretty powerful and maybe we should do what he
says, huh"
Ally: "Yep, I love you mommy!"
me: "I love you to sweetie!
Ally: "I hope that you have a good rest tonight and you feel better tomorrow".
me: "Thanks Allyson!"

Out of the mouths of babes!

Stinky Situations

Those of you who are a bit queezy or easily nauseated, I hope that you take my caution to the wise. Yesterday I was trying to take care of 3 sick boys and one sick mommy, plus clean my house and do laundry. Well I finally had decided that I wasn't winning the battle. Anyway, I noticed that Dylan had a stinky diaper and that I needed to change him, so I go into the other room to get the wipes and diapers, when I returned there was no Dylan. I am thinking, okay he knows it is diaper changing time. Anyone with a 2 year old, or at least in my house, diaper changing is a chore. Literally having to chase and WWF wrap to get the boy to sit still. I am looking for Dylan at this point only to find him in the bathroom no diaper sitting on the potty seat, smeared up his back and down his legs and yes a little on his face and now on his hands was poop. All over the toilet seat, potty seat! YUCKY!!!! I said all that a sick mommy could say who was pleased to see her 2 year old attempting to get on and off the potty by himself, "Dylan, are you serious! Good job for sitting on the potty, but next time let's tell mommy so that she can help you". Need less to say, after that was bathtime! Yeah Dylan, Boo Mommy for having to clean it up~

Tagged Again!

8 Shows I Watch:
1. Super Nanny
2. CSI Miami
3. Eleventh Hour
4. The Big Bang Theory
5. Two and a Half Men
6. CSI Las Vegas
7. Rock of Love with Sharon Osborne (I know, bad isn't it)
8. Biggest Loser

8 Restaurants That I Like To Eat At:

1. Outback Steakhouse (Only on our Anniversary)
2. Wendy's
3. Loon Sheng Chinese
4. Subway
5. El Maguay's
6. Chevy's
7. Macoroni Grill
8. Ruby Tuesday's

8 Things I Did Today:
1. Took Ally to school
2. Unpacked the suitcases and car
3. Did laundry
4. Took Logan to the doctor
5. watched a movie with the boys
6. Took Logman to the doctor
7. Took the Kids to a birthday party
8. Laundry

8 Things I Am Looking Forward To:
1. Christmas
2. Bedtimes
3. Louis Graduating College
4. Cameron walking
5. Having a bigger house
6. Being debt free
7. A Clean house
8. Me time

8 Things On My Wish List:
1. Jewelery
2. clothes
3. lose 100 lbs.
4. My sister to get married
5. A bigger house
6. A Maid
7. I could be closer to family
8. Live where I can where shorts and t-shirts all year.

8 People I Tag:
1. Bethany
2. Emily E.
3. Jessica
4. Julie
5. Kelie
6. Tina
7. Tammy
8. Emily L.

Overwhelmed with Gratitude

I know that to some this may seem like another cry fest, but I just wanted to express some feelings that have been in my heart this last week. I am thankful for my family. Most of all my children. Even though I complain alot, I have never forgotten the joy that they do bring to my life. I am grateful for their testimonies of the gospel and the strength of the Holy Ghost that is in there cute little bodies. I am thankful for their responses when they are in class or when I am at home teaching them. I am thankful for their obedience when in other adults presence, and for the smiles that they give to others. I am thankful for my boys and their hugs that I get everyday!

I am grateful for Logan and his love for prayers. Never a day goes by that Logan has not reminded me to say a prayer at dinner time or at breakfast and lunch. I am grateful for the pictures that he draws for me when we are at church or even when he is at school. I am grateful for his ability to make new friends and be happy! I am grateful for Logan's stories that he tells to our family. I know that the Lord has blessed him in so many ways and I can't wait to experience them with him along the way.

I am grateful for Allyson and her testimony of Jesus and the scriptures and the reminders that she gives me to read my scriptures. I am grateful for her happiness and love that she shares with me and her friends. I am grateful for her love that she shows to her teachers at school and in primary. I am grateful for her teachers that have taught her gospel principles and the importance of going to the temple, past, present and in the future. Most importantly, I am grateful for her love of modesty and when she shares it with her friends at school and at church.

I am thankful for Dylan and his kisses that he gives to me each day. I am grateful that Heavenly Father allowed him to stay on this earth with us. I am grateful for his strength to fight through his illnesses and complications at birth. I am grateful for his smiles that he shares with all. I am grateful for the opportunity to be his mother on this earth. I am so grateful for his touch and his breath and his love. I know that he will be a very strong missionary someday in the future.

I am thankful for Cameron and his ability to make all of my children smile. I am thankful for his happiness. I am grateful for his ability to share a room with his brothers and sleep through the night. I am grateful to her his first words, mamma, dadda, etc. I am thankful for that cute little pout that he does right before he cries. I am grateful that he smiles and is happy most of the day.

I am grateful for my husband and for the love that he has for me. I am grateful for the opportunity that the Lord gave me to meet him. I am grateful for his love of the priesthood. I am grateful for his love of the Temple. I am grateful for his ability to do a little bit of everything. I am grateful that he has been given the opportunity to go to school and he is. I am thankful that he wants to better himself for us and for himself.

I am most grateful for my Heavenly Father and for the love that he has for me. I am grateful that he knows who I am and knows the tribulations that I will face. I am grateful that he is there for me to call upon when I am need of comfort. I am grateful that he is there when I need to talk. I am grateful that he has blessed me with the ability to feel the spirit through tears and through testimonies. I am grateful that he has blessed me with this wonderful family and I am truly indebted to him. I am grateful that He is merciful and kind. I am grateful for the friends that he has blessed me with in my life who have come and gone or are even still a part of my life.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

Allyson's First Book....

Many of you may think that I am crazy for feeling this way, but this is my first time having a child in school. It has been many years since I have waited for this moment. Yep, that moment of your anxiety of parent/ teacher conferences. I attended my first one last week with Allyson's teacher Mrs. Duncan. Now, many of you would probably think that kindergarten is a breeze, well if you had a cool teacher. Well, here is the issue, I am really game for old school teaching. There is a lot of good that could come out of that, but I was skeptical just because of the way that Ally learns. Well, I was pleasently surprised when I got nothing but great reports back from Mrs. Duncan. Allyson is a great student, listens well, follows directions, and is a great reader. WHAT???? She is reading already? I asked. Allyson read her first book to the entire class this week at school! I couldn't have been any more proud of her. She is a leader in the group reading and she is definitely an "A" student. I am so proud of her. She works very hard in class and even brought home a solo certificate that states she sang a solo in music class. I am really amazed with her studious endevours. She has been nominated as a student of the week and a star student in her class. GO ALLYSON~! We are so proud of you!

In Our Spare Time....

Can you imagine????? I am busy cleaning my house, thinking that my Dylan is sitting quietly watching Baby Einstein. I think that all is well. A little too well, I enter into the kitchen only to find my son, sitting on a chair that was pushed over to the counter covered in Peanut Butter! Yep, that is right, peanut butter that was safely snug in the cupboard~ So even though you have your house baby proofed, it isn't always!

Today, I was cleaning the kitchen and I found Dylan in my Den with diaper cream. How do you ask did he get that? The same way he got the peanut butter. HE CLIMBED~! I have a hoodlum on my hands....I have managed to keep them away from this stage for a while, but I guess that it was too good to be true.

AAH!!!! I love you Dylan~

IF YE ARE PREPARED, YE SHALL NOT FEAR

We Thank thee oh God for a prophet to lead us and guide us in these latter days!

I've Just Been Tagged!

Darn it! I thought that I would be able to slip through the cracks! Thanks Jules!

7 weird things about me you may not know


#1. Um....I am all over weird! This is stinking hard..... Okay, I am fascinated with smells. Anything that smells is always a plus in my book. My husband makes fun of me because I can't stand the smell of a dirty house. Those of you who have been to my house or know me, know that I have to have smelly goods (aka glade plug ins or candles) in my house all the time. However, I am currently out! Sacralidge!

#2. I love Pinesol and bleach! (Again with the smells) Does this count? I have to clean everything with Pinesol and bleach (not together, just one or the other) because it smells so good. In fact that is all that I clean with.

#3. I'm a Pyro. Ever since I could remember how to light a match, I have been fascinated by fire. I have always been able to start big fires and maintain them. I think once, I went camping and I started my sweatshirt on fire. I still have that sweatshirt to this day!!!!! I got lost in this trance of deep thought when I watch fire. I have a wood burning stove in my house that we nearly have to call the fire department on because our fires are too big for the stove. I remember one time, Louis opened the door and smoke came out first and then poof his eyebrows were singed! Thanks Louis for letting me tell that story!

#4. I am a prankster. I love to play pranks on people. For instance, the missionaries came over for dinner one night and well, lets just say that it is a good thing that they didn't have any appointments afterwards, cause they were soaked! I also have vaselined the missionaries car and put confetti in the air ducts so when the heater or ac came on.....well, you get the picture. Just remember, if you get ideas, I get revenge!!!!!!

#5. I can burp REALLY loud. Sorry this may gross you out! I have learned over the years to burp just as loud as a guy! Especially after a soda~ HEHEHE!

#6. I collect cows. I have always loved cows. I have cows in my kitchen! When I lived at home, I had a cow collection. Not so much anymore, but I do still love them. I have a few still. I will one day have my own cow. Or at least think I will.

#7. I hate stuff touching my feet. I can't stand to have crumbs or sticky or anything on my feet when I walk through my house or anyone's house. But here is the weird part, I hate to wear shoes...... I can't stand to wear shoes, so naturally, I will get things on my feet and then I freak out because there is something on the bottom of my feet.

I am sure that many of you can think of more weird things, but that is all that I can think of right now. Sorry guys! I am pretty boring......

Now I am tagging 7 of you (this is hard, I have too many friends): Angela, Becka, Lisa, Jessica B., Codi, Megan, Sarah B.

Let Children Be Children

My little soap box:

I think that maybe I had better write some of my feelings down! So my daughter tells me that her school principal got on the intercom at school and told everyone on Monday Nov. 3 that Barack Obama won the race! Now, correct me if I am wrong, but wasn't the election on Nov. 4? How in heaven's name did this man know that? Then I find out that in school today, her teacher passed out pictures of President Obama and decides to teach politics to a class of 5 year old children that should know nothing about presidential campaigning at this age.

Now, maybe I am not understanding enough to know, why my 5 year old daughter is having to learn about campaigns and world issues and gay rights. My understanding was that I am sending my child to school to learn how to read and write and spell. Has our world changed that much for me to want to switch schools because of the violence and lack of discipline at her school or pull her out of school period? Maybe I am over reacting, but something as adult as political issues? Seriously, Let children be children. We are already rushing them to know so much in this dispensation!

So today my daughter brings home this picture of Barack Obama colored very well with markers and crayons and this was the conversation:

Mom: "Who is this?"
Her reply:, "Mommy it is Borack Obama, my teacher says that we can't call him that anymore." me: "What are we supposed to call him?"
Her: "President Obama, my teacher says that he is a great man and will do alot to the country to help us. Nobody knows that he is a bad man and that he is going to hurt us."
Mom: "Your right, but he isn't a bad man. He is our President and we have to respect him and we must obey his laws"
Her: "Does he have to follow the commandments?"
Mom: "Well, not everybody knows the commandments, but hopefully he does follow them."
Her: "Why is he a bad man mommy?"
Mom: "He isn't a bad man, he just has different choices that he has made."


I know that this is all part of the Lord's plan, but I am a nervous wreck at how fast this is all happening! But I know that I will be okay! I am so grateful that I have a testimony of this church and that as long as we stand firm in our beliefs and stay strong in our testimonies, we will overcome this and we will be closer to our Father in Heaven. I know that when we call upon the Lord for guidance and council, he will truly be there as long as we do our part! Our children are the future leaders of the church, it is my prayer and my hope that I can teach my children how to be strong leaders in this world and to be able to stand as a witness of God at all times and in all places. I will do all that I can to teach them about testimonies and the importance of following the commandments and morals and hope that they will have a love of the scriptures and for the gospel as much as I do. I want them to know that I have made mistakes in this world and I know that we can be forgiven as long as we repent and are humble in our hearts and minds. Really, they are little children!

Annual Trunk R' Treat

Happy Halloween!!!

Cameron Puppy

Cowboy Logan, Kitty Ally, Batman Dylan

Even Super heroes have to stop time once in a while.

Newbie Higgs carving pumpkins! Go, Higgs, Go!

Purrfect!!

Time Management and Productivity!

Okay, set aside the fact that my laundry basket got dumped over and the dog is now sitting on the laundry, and there is toys and clutter everywhere, but my two boys decided that they would make good time with boredom. Here we have cowboy Dylan (Yeehaw) and Horsey Logan (neigh, neigh). I am quite impressed that he (Logan) volunteered for this. I couldn't help but to capture this on camera so that I could use this against him for the future! I love you boys!

Following In Our Footsteps

I never understood what was meant by you must always set an example so that your children can follow in your footsteps until today! While us was picking up the living room, I found Dylan down in the den going through all of the clutter baskets that we set out for the kids stuff during the day. I found stuff that I had just picked up all over the floor, so naturally I was upset, but then my little monkey does this.....Who can be mad at that! I love my Dylan and my fuzzy slippers. ( He has something in his hand that he picked up to put in the basket. Though I am uncertain what it is.)

~Farewell Elder Barry~

It was a sad night tonight for the Topps Family~ Our kids have become quite attached to this set of missionaries for some reason! It has been kind of neat to watch them interact with the missionaries. We just wanted to post a photo in memory of Elder Barry! We will miss you!

Sleep, Baby Sleep!

Today I was working in the kitchen trying to clean up from breakfast and lunch. I asked Dylan what he was doing and he told me that he was looking out the window at the Kitty. So I continued to do my work in the kitchen. The next thing I know, it was completely silent, so I went to go check on the boys. I found Logan playing with his train set on the floor and Dylan like this. It was too cute to pass up. Sleep my little monkey! I love you sweet baby!

My Hint That I Must Take Too Many Pictures!

So it is obvious to me that this is what happens when I take too many pictures at home. It is like day and night! But hey, there is always next year.

Allyson is doing very well in kindergarten. It seems that she is very much an over achiever. Her teacher loves her and seems to have no complaints so far. But we will see at Parent Teacher Conference, whenever that comes. She has gotten an Academic Achiever Acknowledgment from her principal. She loves to do homework so much, that when she brings home the homework packet, she does every page in one day. Anyone who has had experience with homework packets knows that there is supposed to be a page for every day of the week. Oh well, hopefully she will continue and have much success as the years go by. She has learned how to tie her shoes by herself like the second or third day of class, and now she wants to tie all of her brothers shoes and her classmates. It has been very fun to watch. I have joined the school PTA program and I have become a room parent for Ally's class. It has been super fun so far to be a part of her classroom so far. We have begun the busiest season of the year with all of the holidays approaching. It seems that there is a party every month for the rest of the year. My first one is next week! FUN, FUN, FUN!!!!

Logan is doing very well in Preschool. He just turned 4 last month, and he seems to be one of the most well behaved children in his class. His teacher tells me all the time how neat it is to see a child as young as he is so well behaved and such a great listener. I am glad to hear that even though they aren't listening all the time at home, that they are at least listening at school. I am very proud of him and his ability to work well with others. He is very excited to be at the same school as Allyson and they get to see each other through out the day in the hallways. He is beginning to recognize how to spell his name and how to write it. It is so neat to see him discover the way that different things work. He is a very hands on kind of learner, very much like his daddy. My little L man is growing up very fast. I didn't really want it to happen quite this fast, but it is very fun! His little brothers look up to him so much. My little hero!

Reflecting Back

I was just remembering back about a year or two ago when my daughter refused to get in the car when I picked her up from preschool and she was throwing a fit the entire way home. When we finally reached the driveway, I took boys in and went back out to get her our of the van. She still refused, then I remember saying "When you are ready to calm down and come inside to join us, I will be waiting." I walked inside the house and the next thing I know, in she runs tears rolling down her face with a fear struck look on her face. This was her reply, "Mommy, the cop was going to take me to jail because I wasn't listening." Me: "What police man?", her: "The one that just slowed down in front of our house." I looked out the window and sure enough there was a police man rolling very slowly down the street. Even though the officer wasn't stopping for her, it sure made her realize that she had better get inside the house when mommy says.

I sure wish that we could remind them of the moments of complete realization of what is right!

Midnight Caper....In my house????

I have had a bit of a rough week this week with some things and so I reached in to my freezer to have a nice chocolaty freezer pop and to my surprise there was an empty box. There must have been a bad case of the midnight capers in my house because I know that there were at least 4 the last time I checked.

I asked my oldest boy, "What happened to the ice cream pops that were in the freezer little man". Here was his reply: "I don't know mommy". I couldn't help but laugh because he was standing there with chocolate ice cream in his hair, on his face, running down his shirt. Here comes little D with his curly "brown" hair and his sticky fingers and a chocolaty face! So what a perfect opportunity to teach about stealing and what happens when we lie.

Me: "Logan, does it make Heavenly Father very happy when we tell mommy and daddy a lie or when we take something without asking?"

Logan: "No, but I pray."

Me: "How does it make you feel when you take it without asking."

Logan: "Did you see me? "

Me: "No, but I can see all of the chocolate on your face which tells me that you were in the ice cream."

I couldn't help myself but to think, Does he actually think that I can't see it on his face?

Moral of the story: Never leave your ice cream pops on the bottom of the freezer.

Is it really that time again?

I know that this may not seem like a big deal to some, but this is HUGE in my house. I was on my way down the hallway to the bathroom and what I thought was a gust of wind from the window, was really my 2 year old running passed me in the hallway only to beat me to the bathroom. He grabbed the potty seat out from under the cabinet and sat down on the floor and took his pants off and asked for help with his diaper and said, "potty mommy". Did I really just hear that! So I proceeded to help him up to the stool in front of the toilet and sat him down. I said, "I will be right back with a book." When I returned the next thing I know, he is pointing in the potty going "whoa!". So I looked and saw that he went potty!!!!

WHAT??? I am totally not ready for this yet! I was prepared to do it in a few months not right now! But I can't not let him go, so I guess I am doing the potty training thing early this time. EEK! Any advice would be helpful!

It's Party Time

Logan turned 4 and Dylan turned the big 2 this past week. They both got to pick their theme for the birthday party and guess what, they both agreed on a Cars Birthday Party! Thanks to all of you that got presents and/or money! They really enjoyed them especially the cowboy stuff. Move over sheriff, we're gettin' a new sheriff in town! The cake was awesomely perfect and the ice cream rocked! Thank goodness for Sams! Too bad the rest of the cake got left in the oven. Okay, I am going to tell on myself here: So I am notorious for leaving stuff in the oven and never remembering about it until I smell something burning the next time I use it. Yes, it happened AGAIN!

More Toosh Pushin'

Here is some more video that I couldn't pass up! She is a natural! I have decided that maybe I should just put her in a dance class.

Next American Hero

Today is our anniversary and to celebrate we dropped the kids off at my parents house and off we went to spend a weekend away to Six Flags. Aside from the little snafu of rain, I am pretty sure that I rode every roller coaster there was! It was AWESOME! Little did I know that I would run into my best friends Batman and Robin~ It was so nice to get together with the gang again. They voted for me to be the next american hero. Never underestimate the power of your friends!!!! Thank you Honey you are my hero!!!

Standing Strong......for a snack!

So the other day Elder Davenport and Barry decide to stop by with goodbyes and take pictures and stuff. My neighbor made some salsa for us and the Elders decide that they were going to test the salsa and see how hot it was. Little did they know that they would be caught sneaking a bite or three!!!!

Shake It Like a Polaroid Picture

So I am sitting in the living room folding laundry and the next thing I know, my kids break out in this booty shakin' dancing. It was so funny that I couldn't pass up taping them.

Most Embarrassing Moment Award Goes To.....

Do you ever have one of those mornings at the store where you are keeping children from pulling things off the shelf, or eating stuff that you put in the cart? Well believe it or not, I was having one of those moments yesterday and today~ So I am at Walmart trying to find shoes for my daughter because for some reason the shoes that I bought at the beginning of the summer don't seem to fit her anymore, the next thing I know I look down at the floor and there is a trail of white powdered stuff on the floor. I turn around to see how long the trail is and I am not kidding, it is a trail from the children section, to the shoe section at Walmart. I look at Dylan only to find that he is covered in the basket part of the shopping cart, from head to toe of baby formula or what is left of it. So I track down an employee to let them know that we made a mess, I even offered to clean it up. The Lady roles her eyes at me and then proceeds to tell me that I should be watching my children more carefully. Well what more can I do? The kids are in the basket, did she want me to tie their hands behind their backs?

So today I tried to do the shopping thing again. I know brave right? Well, today I ran into some friends of mine at Target and while I am talking to them, Dylan is sitting in the basket part of the shopping cart, while Cameron is in the front baby part of the cart. Well the next thing I know, my friend says, he has something in his mouth. Dylan figured out how to open the box of nail polish and eat the brush and poured the nail polish all over him. Luckily, it was a really tiny bottle. You know the ones that are 3 for $1.00. So I am cleaning up polish and decide to leave. So I am checking out and get all the way out to the car. While I am putting the kids in the car, I look down and yep, there it was, the box of Sunday shoes that wasn't paid for. Yep, that is right! I stole a pair of shoes, well not really but you know what I mean. So I had to take the kids back out of the car and go back in to the customer service counter and tell, yep, the MANAGER I hadn't paid for the shoes and I forgot that they were on the bottom of my basket. I was totally surprised because the little metal detector things didn't go off when I left or even came back through, so I had know idea that they were still on the bottom of my basket until I got out to the car. I was so embarrased and I thought that I would be in trouble too. He just said thanks for being honest and coming back in to pay for them. At that point I was so greatful for the gospel and for the morals that I have been taught. One of those moments that you wish you had all the kids with you so that you could set the example for them. Talk about your excitement!

What would happen if.....

I am sure that you have seen the Christmas Story where the little boy gets his tongue stuck to the flag pole, right? So Louis and I decided to have an ice cream cone at home. When Louis opened the bucket of ice cream, there was a metal ice cream scoop. I bet you are wondering how the scoop got in there huh~ Well, I apparently had a blond moment. So I left the scoop in there. Anyway, Louis decides that he wants to lick the frozen ice cream scoop, the next thing you know, the ice cream scoop is stuck to his tongue. He then realizes that it is stuck so he quickly yanks it away from his tongue and rips a big chunk of skin off the tip of his tongue. Making it bleed. I know that sounds cruel, but you had to see how fast he moved to rip it off. It was very funny!

Your too Young For a Boyfriend

So I am playing blocks with the kids yesterday and out of the blue, Allyson says, "Mom I have a new boyfriend." It took me a few minutes to process what she had just said. A boyfriend? So naturally my heart sunk! I am just now getting used to the fact that my daughter just started school full time and isn't at home much anymore. I am not ready to hear that she has a boyfriend, let alone a NEW boyfriend. So biting my tongue I answered her, "You have a new boyfriend huh? What is his name?" Ally told me that his name is Fred. "See look mommy, here he is." You can just imagine my laughter and my relief!

I'm Busted!

Don't let this face fool you! As cute as it is, the mischief has already begun. Behind this couch is a tree and power strip. Cameron has figured out how it works. "If I push this button, the tree falls and the lights go out. Mom runs to pick me up. I like this game." He is not even one yet. BOYS!!!!

Is this really happening?

Okay, it is Saturday morning and all of my kids are getting along and actually coloring together. What happened? Am I dreaming? I just had to take pictures of this morning so that I could remember and reflect. I really do have wonderful and loving children!

I CAN DO IT MYSELF

At what point do I remind him that those are big brothers clothes? He was working so hard at doing this himself that I don't have the heart to tell him that! It took great concentration for him to even get this far.

What a KNOCK OUT!

"Mommy, I just love you. But I love daddy too." It is moments like these that make me totally forget the annoying mind stressing moments from day to day. It seems like the quiet moments are so peaceful and so few that I just had to share it with everyone.

It Seems like Only Yesterday.......

I know that you can't really see his face, but he has totally changed from his newborn look. Look how long he is! Today I heard it! Mama was his first word....Cameron will be 1 year old in October and he is already talking so much! Okay, well normally we call it blabbering! But still mama and dada came out today! More than once.....It seems that this last week he has just blossomed. He is pulling up on many different things, from the crib to the couch, to the swing and to my hands. Oh how they grow up so fast! Before I know it, he is going to be walking all over the place. He did take a few steps with me holding on to him~ Man, am I really ready for this?

Logan's First Day

Everyone Vogue! So this is how Logan wanted us to remember him on his first day of school! What a nut, he definitely has his daddy's personality!

Peace, Be Still

Logan started preschool today and to my surprise, I was okay with it. I cried a little bit, but not nearly as much as I thought I would. I guess it was from all of the poured buckets that I did last week that had left me high and dry. Ever since my children started to talk and walk, I have always dreamed of having a quiet peaceful home. I finally have experienced it for a brief moment! It was amazing how much difference it made in our home today, when both Allyson and Logan were away at school. Yes I had my moments of tears because my babies are growing up too fast, but I also had the moment of silence where my head was clear and my thoughts of projects flying through. I couldn't believe how much I got done today. My laundry was folded and put away, my dishes were done, vacuuming wasn't being fought over, my bathrooms were clean from the soap and water that gets all over the counter tops from kids washing hands. I was astonished! Now on to painting and rearranging~ Oooh, maybe I will become a divine cook and practice new recipes or bake some cookies. Oh my goodness, I know, I know. Your thinking, Laurel, don't go overboard. Well, lets be real these are only thoughts in my head of things I wish to do. When will they be accomplished, I really have no idea! One day at a time, I guess.

Anyone know a good plumber?

Okay, so I thought that I was done with the whole sad sopping with the preschool days. I was totally wrong! It is so hard to put into words the feelings that were in my heart the day that I watched my little girl go to school for the very first time. I wanted very much to be happy for her, but all I could think about was my baby girl isn't going to be at home with me anymore. It was a really hard concept for me to grasp and suddenly all of those precious memories that I thought I had forgotten suddenly came rushing back as I watched her make new friends as she stood in line waiting to go to class. It was amazing! I thought that the faucet would never stop leaking! I am very grateful for those memories though so that I could focus on the good. I can't believe how much our relationship has changed in these last 2 days. It is amazing! I am finally feeling loved by my 5 year old! Thanks to all of you who had told me that things will change. YOU WERE RIGHT!

My First Kindergartener

Allyson's VERY FIRST day of school!!!!!

Love Thy Neighbor

My Sweet Neighbor greeted me this morning with birthday surprise lilly flowers! What a nice surprise on my birthday.....Thanks Steph!