Cute stuff

I tried for so long to capture a good smile, but this was as close as I could get. She has become sucha smiley baby--it's the sweetest thing EVER! I has her hair in a little pony tail, guess you really can't see it in this shot. Can't win 'em all you know!

We--well mainly Mike--recovered our chairs this weekend. I LOVE THEM!!! It makes sucha huge difference, and I can just wipe off all of my kids lovely messes. I was hesitant to do the plastic on them, but then decided to be realistic, and I love the way they turned out.

April

Goodness--April has been such a crazy month! We had Emery's baby blessing, Easter, then our Anniversary, and Bailey's birthday (which Mike was out of town for :( ) We did Bailey's b-day party that Saturday, and then last week was my birthday! Losts of fun stuff going on--here are some peeks.

Kyle is too cute! This boy keeps us smiling, and on our toes for sure!
My handsome boys in their Easter swag. (This was AFTER church, so they are a little less spiffy than if I had snagged a shot before)

Bailey in protest, but this dress is soo pretty on her.

Here she is on her birthday. Since Mike couldn't be here, he really wanted her to know he was thinking of her on her birthday, and Aunt Andrea went and picked up some balloons and some flowers--and even a Princess crown. We pretended that they were delivered--she felt so special.

She wanted a smiley face pancake for her birthday breakfast. This was the best I could do with what I had--thought that counts right??!

Emery's blessing

Alrighty! Where does the time go--for reals?? Emery is TWO MONTHS old today--how did that happen? These last two months feel like they have gone by in a happy blur--which I mostly blame on nursing. :) We blessed her at our house, the day before Easter, and it was GREAT! I am constantly reminded of what an amazing gift it is to have the blessing of the Priesthood in our lives, and it was great to chare the day with our families. I am hoping to get some "good" shots of her in the beautiful dress my mom made, but here are some for now.

Grandma C. trying to coax a good smile out of her for the camera. :D
Grandma L. holding Emery--so sweet!

It ended up being a tight squeeze--but so great to have so many people there to help with her blessing. Ever since I was little, I loved to watch the circle of men sway to keep the baby calm. Pretty sure Emery was the fussiest of all my babies during her blessing, but it was wonderful just the same.

Nine Years...??

So, today is my 9 year anniversary. NINE YEARS!!?? I cannot believe that much time has past. Honestly, how has it been that long? Nine years, and 4 children later, and we are still alive. That is an accomplishment in itself--right? That, and the fact that most days we can say we still love each other. (I say MOST days, because, well let's be honsest :)) I truly am married to an amazing man. When we met nine years ago, and he asked me out, I would have never thought we'd be HERE nive years later. Neither of us are perfect, far from it, but we are in this together, and that's what keeps me going. Gosh--I sure sound pesimistic, don't I? I blame it largely on the fact that he is out of town now, and I miss him! (That, and sleep deprivation)

We blessed Emery on Saturday. It is wonderful to get together with family, and see my husband use his preisthood to bless our child. He blessed her with so many wonderful things, and I cried thinking of the love I have for my little princess, and the obsticles she overcame to get here. When you think about it--ALL children are true miracles, and amazing blessings from a loving father in heaven.

Saturday night, my sister Amie received a blessing of health from my dad, and before hand everyone talked about all of the health struggles she has had throughout her life. As a little girl I always admired Amie and her strength, and talents. I still do. I know that she gets frustrated with the cards she has been dealth, but she bares it all so well. She has 2 GREAT kids who came to her by "unconventional means," and she loves them all the more. As I have watched her, I have grown to know that it does not matter HOW you become a mother, but that you choose to do so, and open your arms to that wonderful gift.