Friday, September 24, 2010

The Cake

On Sunday we finally had cake for Anne. She had requested a Strawberry Shorcake cake. So this is what we came up with. It was my first attempt at fondant. Not too shabby considering I really had no idea what I was doing. In all honesty, the pictures look so much better than the actual cake, but since the pictures are what we will remember what does that matter?








Monday, September 20, 2010

Celebrations

A few days before school started Anne dumped a bunch of folded up scribbled on papers and told me to put them in her backpack. When I asked what they were she told me they were invitations to her Birthday party to hand out to her kindergarten class.

I immediately started hyperventilating at the thought.

What can I say? I'm a party-pooper. Yes I am.

So I bribed her.

How about instead we go to Hogal Zoo and have a family party?

After some thought she took it and I breathed a sigh of relief because I bought myself another year before the mania of friend parties starts.

So we went and had a ball. All of the Stevens were able to come and Anne LOVED it.

With the cousins. SO glad the came!

Family pic with the Giraffe. A favorite.


Anne's absolute favorite- Elephants. I have half a dozen pictures like this one. Anne kept saying "Take one of the baby! Take one of the Mom! Now take one together! They're eating, get a picture!" We spent at least a half hour looking at them.

Anne carried her purse around all day. It was hilarious. She refused to put it down and was very picky about what had the honor of going into it. Sunglasses, no. 15 cents and a few crayons, yes.
Libby and Truman.



Climbing on the statues was a hit.

The carousel. Libby was not a fan. But she did like sitting on the peacock chair.









Anne and Sara where in heaven.


Gramma brought sack lunches for everyone with Hostess cupcakes. I turned around and thought Libby had eaten hers really fast. Then I noticed Truman chowing down. Apparently she didn't want hers so she handed it over to a grateful Truman.


Gorilla with Uncle Mitch.


By the end of the day we were bushed but we loved it. We also played on the playground, rode the train and went to the bird show. The camera was not within reach for those events but we loved it all.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Happy Birthday Miss Anne!











Oh Anne-girl! What can I say? You're just so dang cute and weird and I love you!







Saturday, September 11, 2010

Answers

Today I'm grateful for this old ensign article I came across yesterday.
LDS.org - Ensign Article - When You Feel Inadequate as a Mother

I wish I could express what this woman's words meant to me. I hope if any of you are feeling discouraged about being a mom it will help you too.

It was such a relief to find someone else who has struggled with the same feelings I have about being a mom. I'm afraid I'm smack dab in the middle of the adolescent stage of motherhood, however, it good to know it's normal and I can do something about moving forward now.

Also, I've struggled with my personal prayers and scripture study. Especially scripture study. Why should I bother if I'm just going to be interrupted every single time? I realized as I read this that that isn't going to change, however, if I'm diligent in trying the Lord will give me the strength and answers I need in the time I do have (even if its only 5 min) as long as my heart is soft and willing to accept His answers.

I'm grateful that I can find answers to my prayers even when I'm surrounded by chaos if I'm willing to loose my attitude and listen.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Today I'm grateful for Kellan. Again.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Grateful for...

Autumn. I love it. It's perfect. Every other season should be Autumn. The end.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Today I'm grateful we can sleep in our bed again.

We slept on the air matress in the front room all last week.

Truman is still in our room and the sleeping through the night thing just wasn't happening on a regular basis.

He's 10 months old.

It was time.

Gratefully he's now sleeping until at least 5:30 usually 6 or 6:30.

So we can sleep in our bed again.

Yay.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Today I'm grateful that our internet is working again, and that it was only a small matter of the modem getting turned off by some little person.

It only took us 2 days to figure out. We're technologically challenged. Can you tell?

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Relief at Last

Today I'm grateful that Kellan is willing to put the kids to bed by himself so I can take an institute class once a week.

Tonight was the first night and it was such s relief to just sit and listen without interruptions for a whole hour and a half.

I know this will be really good for all of us. Not only will I get a much needed break, but also the things I'm learning are what I need to teach my family. I'm glad I finally decided to go, because I almost didn't.