Dance

One of her favorite dance poses

Isn't she cute?

This post is coming from someone who grew up playing sports and thought dancing was for sissies!
So, my 5 year old is in ballet and had pictures taken last week at her class. I am so disgusted with the whole process. Here's my spill about this particular dance experience...
So, her costume is pretty low on top. Some of the moms were wondering if they measured wrong but since most of the girls are having the same problem, it must be the way the costume is supposed to be. Putting make-up on her was a little odd, even though I know it's part of the costume. I also never wore make-up until I was in high school and the most I ever wore was on my wedding day, so much so that Stan didn't hardly recognize me.
My next beef is that it is costing our family $70 to attend her dance recital. I pay $40/mo for her tuition, paid $60 for the costume and now I have to spend a fortune to go see her dance for 2 minutes in a huge theatre, where they show other things such as Les Miserable and Phantom of the Opera. I don't think I'm keen on this dance studio. It's a little much for me. Please send comments. How do I deal with this? Brynn really likes ballet and would like to do more but there's got to be another way.
On the other hand. Brynn had the time of her life and was so cute as we slicked back her hair and put make-up on. She felt and acted like a princess. She floated around the house showing her dance moves and insisted on her dad taking several pictures.

Scripture Study

I often have a challenge staying focused on scripture study when I don't follow some sort of program. I just finished reading the Book of Mormon and needed some new direction. So I decided to start reading Preach My Gospel along with my scripture study to give me focus. It has been awesome. I'm sure it will help keep me on track and boost my knowledge and testimony of the principles of the Gospel. Maybe it will even help me be a better missionary!

These pictures are random from the last couple of weeks.

Me and the kiddos

Isn't he cute? Boys who have 2 sisters. He often asks for pretty things to put in his hair. He did this by himself, maybe Brynn's help.

I love this face.

I love you, Mom!!

May 2006, sometime near Joel's 2nd birthday

This is Dec 05, making Brynn 3 and Joel 18 months

I'm ashamed to say that this is the most recent picture I have of my mom, except for one she sent me with some other people while she was on her mission(July 06-Jan 08). (I found one from May 2006). These pictures show a big part that I love about my mom. She is great with kids. It seems to me that she especially enjoys the younger ones, but loves them at all stages. She helps remind me that they are only little once. When we visit, usually one or more can be found on her lap or near her, reading books, doing puzzles, or playing. She is a great grandma. But today is Mother's Day! There are too many things to list or mention that I love about my mom, but I will try...
-She has a positive attitude and is always looking on the bright side, reminding me that we can't control what happens to us but we can choose to be happy or choose to be sad, mad, discouraged, etc.
-She has a strong testimony and has related several times her love of attending church. She told us when we were young that she can't remember a time not wanting to go to church. I wish I could say the same! I've since repented.
-She is patient. Dealing with me as a teenager and child would give anyone patience. I was just different and very independent.
-She is loving. This kind of goes along with the above about being patient. She loves her family especially. We never had to wonder if she loved us. She told us often, showed us by her service to us and her actions toward us.
-She is forgiving. Since I've gotten older, I've learned how forgiving she has had to be with all of us kids and other people. She doesn't let her feathers get too ruffled, even if she does worry about things we or she might have done.
-She is my friend. As before mentioned, I was kind of a nasty teenager and didn't really appreciate my mom as a friend. Once I decided I was going to take charge of my life and my testimony (somewhere near the beginning of my senior year of high school), a friendship began to developed and has blossomed. It is still blossoming. What a blessing to have such a dear friend in my mom!
I hope everyone takes the time to tell their moms just how special they are.

Good-bye, my good doctor

I received word today that my doctor's office has been permanently closed. Over the last few years, he has been battling some charges against him and they finally closed up shop. What a sad day for me, worse for him, I'm sure. I've only had him as my doctor since I moved to Edmonton in November of 2003 but he has helped us in a huge way. He is the only doctor I've had that I really respected and trusted. He delivered both Joel and Macy and has seen all of us through different health-related issues. He is the most kind-hearted, caring, gentle, service-oriented doctor I've ever known. It was obvious that he loved his job, helping people.
Gratefully I don't have to be the judge of whether or not the charges against him are accurate. All I know is that we had a great experience with him and he will be a part of our memories and I will miss him.

This was before Joel was born. He and Stan had a great time chatting while waiting for my labor to progress.

This was after Macy. We didn't get a very good picture of him this time.

The shoe girl

Macy loves shoes. Many times throughout the day she goes to the shoe rack and brings me shoes wanting to put them on. Mostly to go outside, I think. She always wants to try everyone else's on too.I just like this picture of her. She looks like such a little kid.

A fun pyramid after Family Home Evening. (Notice Macy's toothbrush, she LOVES to brush her teeth)

Bye, bye soother

Macy has been my only child to have a pacifier past the newborn stage. She loved it and so did I. She really was soothed by it. It was easy to put her to bed, to nap, and keep her quiet in church. However, around a year, she began waking up at crazy early morning hours. I didn't know what else to do so I took her soother away. It was so easy!! She only cried one night and I wasn't here. I have only missed her having it in the car. For some reason she screams no matter where we go. Our trip to Washington this summer should be interesting!

Christmas morning, it's attached to her jammies.

With Brynn at about 5 or 6 months

This is her at one day old

I just noticed today that the blossoms are finally blooming on the trees and all the snow we had brought green grass. It's starting to look like spring up here!


Brynn took this picture of our nice weather we've had recently. Not too warm but warm enough to be outside and play. Finally!!!

This was part of the snow we got from the big storm a couple of weeks ago. We were depressed.