Sweet

I'm so glad I could capture this moment! 

The kids were out of school all last week for Easter break. It was really nice. I decided that we wouldn't watch any movies or play computer games. The result?

Many moments like this picture except this is definitely the best shot. 

We played outside a lot, all the kids read a lot, had some friends over twice, local and friends from our previous home area!, played with some toys, got their hair cut. For the first time this school year, the girls really don't want to go back to school. That makes me feel good. (Joel was off at his cousins house having the time of his life).

Thoughts on parenting

I wish I took more pictures of my other kids, someday soon...

My message of this post is that in parenting, many trying, annoying, aggravating, and frustrating things happen but are often "just a phase". My mom has said this phrase to me numerous times during my motherhood career but I'm slowly starting to get it. I think the biggest help for me has been the quiet whispers of the Holy Ghost reminding me of when my older kids did similar things that the younger ones are now doing. This encourages me to share these thoughts with the two older ones and helps us not to dwell on whatever annoying event or outburst that is bothering us. 

Opposition in all things

*Tantrums.....sweet snuggles from a toddler or "mommy, I need to hug you"

*Repeated loudness through voice or pestering of siblings.....holding little brothers hand on the 30 minute drive to town

*whining or complaining...compliments given after a meal is prepared or getting chores done without being asked or responding when mom and dad ask the first time

These things are all a part of raising children. When they are grown and gone it will be their turn to handle all of the parenting situations. 

3 cheers for Macy

Macy was so excited to have her birthday on a Saturday. She loves school but recognized that we would have more fun for a whole day, rather than just after school and in the evening. And we did!

She got to open presents before breakfast, watch her new movie "frozen", and swim with cousins, aunts, and uncles at a very fun place in Medicine Hat. 

She feels 7 to me. She's mature, treats others kindly, does well in school, plays well with spencer. 

Sweet moment of today. Macy was crying in her room after she messed up putting stickers on her new Barbie car. Joel, who often surprises us with his generosity, gave her $7 of his own money. He really does love her. And he showed it. 

So pleased

Our beautiful 3rd child. 

She really wanted to buy an iPod shuffle like her older siblings. Her allowance is $5 every 2 weeks. After tithing and savings she has $3 left. She started saving in January and her goal was to save $20 by her birthday, march 22.  She passed her goal and then received birthday money and was able to buy it much sooner than she thought. I am so impressed with her discipline, giving up treats, hot lunches at school, and anything extra. Way to go girl!

Once a month

I've learned this important truth for myself!  Talking on the phone to my long-distance friends is one of the best things I can do for my emotional and spiritual well-being.  I'm not much of a phone talker, meaning, I don't usually enjoy talking on the phone.  However, I've been blessed with some amazing friends and I finally realized this was the best way to stay in touch with them, glean from their wisdom, and share our ups and downs. So we schedule a once a month phone conversation and put it on the calendar, just in case we forget.  It's something I really look forward to and enjoy!

-A random side note-
Do I love living in southern Alberta?  Meh, it wouldn't be my first choice, I'm not a country girl, in fact, I think I like cities.  I don't mind driving everywhere but I don't like paying for the gas.  BUT it is delivering all the goods that we hoped it would.  We moved here because:
a) we wanted to be closer to family-in the area and within closer driving distance to many others across the U.S./Canada border
b)We wanted small town lifestyle for raising our family
c)we wanted to be close to the homestead which offers lots of great activities in the summer time
d)we are a little closer to the mountains (Waterton)
e)small town public school is an excellent compromise for me between homeschooling and bigger public schools 

What General Conference does for me

These wonderful men remind me what the gospel of Jesus Christ looks like.  On their faces, I can see joy, peace, hope.
I can't say that I have a favorite talk from General Conference because there were things I liked from each one, but the whole experience for me does this:
-gives me peace and comfort
-joy
-assurance
-courage to set goals and achieve them because, with God, all things are possible
-faith-faith to know that because I trust God and that I'm willing to do my best, He will make everything work out for the best, for me, for our family
-nudges to try a little harder to overcome a particular weakness or two but not to be too hard on myself.
I had an added bonus this time too.  I've recently started seeking out names of my ancestors who are in need of Temple work.  My nephew(by marriage) is awesome at family history research and helped me find two names!!  So exciting.  I can now see how people get hooked on doing family history.  It's so exciting to find work that needs to be done, and know that you are the one that gets to help bring them the amazing and essential blessings of temple covenants.