What in the....

On Sunday during church J decided to write his Christmas list. Afterwards, he gave it to me and I put it away. Yesterday I found it in my bag. He loves being able to sound things out and actually write words down. I turned the list over and found this:

I started laughing so hard as I sounded out each word. Just in case you need a tranlation: poo, pee pee, screwed, stupid. Uh, ya. I really wasn't surprised about any of the words...except "sgrood". I didn't even know he knew that word! So later when he came home from school I showed him his list and asked if he would read them for me. He was so embarrassed he couldn't do it. So asked him specifically about that one word. He said a boy in Maddsie's class said it. But he had no clue what it meant. Ooooh...way way too funny. Later that day I asked if he was going to write down any more bad words. He said "No, I don't know any more". Well that's good. :)

Some faves of the babes

I just want to eat her up. She's at the cutest stage...talking non stop. Saying funny things. For instance, whenever I say no, she says, "please, I PROMISE!" Not that she has any idea what she's promising, she's just heard it from her siblings. Tae, you are fabulous!

Sweet-ums

These two are so sweet...all of my kids are...but I loved these photos. I took them last month and forgot about them. Tae is trying so hard to grow up. She loves stuffing things in her backpack and walking where ever she may like a big girl.
I just love the bigness of the backpack against her tiny self.


Then there is this handsome man...always looking out for her, and everyone else. This illustrates him to a t. Not actually touching her- she would have a fit- but putting his arm behind her for protection and a little guidance if needed. And if there were danger in her midst, he would rescue her. I feel like this is so much the way God treats us. He is always there, never pushing us, but there to guide and save when we need Him.

  This time of year is so great for reflecting on the things we have to be grateful for. This year money isn't one of those things. But that's OK, it's really helped me to look beyond the present giving and buying and relish in the small and simple things I'm so blessed with. My amazing husband, laughing children, food, a warm house, friends, and mostly our Savior Jesus Christ who knows us.
One of my favorite songs has always been "Lead Kindly Light". I love the first two verses especially.

1. Lead, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom;
Lead thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home;
Lead thou me on!
Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene—one step enough for me.

This is something I have to remember...one step enough for me. I don't know what the future holds, none of do. Sometimes it's harder than other times not to see right in front of us. The night is dark, and it's sometimes very scary. But I trust, and I do not ask to see...one step is enough for me.


2. I was not ever thus, nor prayed that thou
Shouldst lead me on.
I loved to choose and see my path; but now,
Lead thou me on!
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will. Remember not past years.

I will continue to trust, I know our lives are all filled with various trials, hardships and weaknesses. Maybe this year I will be a little more gentle with myself, and with those around me. Any hardships in our lives really do draw us (if we let it) towards our Father in Heaven. What a blessing!! If we never had hard times, we would feel no need for that relationship. We can trust and He will lead us all on.

Confessions...

I LOVE THESE.... (Hagen Daz)

I eat them, and they make me sick.  But I still eat them, and they enlarge my butt.  Then I eat more (every night, until I run out), but still, I LOVE them.  What's your confession today??

Many Thanks...

This weekend was so wonderful. We went to Cedar City to celebrate Thanksgiving with 3 of my sisters. It was really fun to be with family. Here a few of the rug rats who ran around all day. :) Thanks Christine!

 On Friday Jaspers mom flew in and we got to spend time with her, then my family came and added to the wonderous chaos!  It was so great to have everyone here.  Madeline was baptized on Sat. It was amazing.  Really really amazing.  The spirit was so strong.  My sis Kimberly and Dad both gave really good talks, and Maddie sang with 3 of her friends.  Nothing brings the spirit like children singing.  couldn't help but think just how fast the time is going.  Already she's not a little girl, she's turning into this amazing young lady.  I just want to stop time.  Keep everyone like they are, safe, healthy, unblemished from the world and it's cruelty.  If only....

My mama, and Tae Tae.

Madsie and Grandparents...

The whole crew of family- they ALL traveled between 2-9 hours to come.  THANK YOU!

After such an emotionally uplifing weekend, my friend Allyson gave a talk in church yesterday and ended with this poem...I couldn't hold back the tears.  It tells just how I feel.

By Minni Case Hopkins:

"Have you seen, anywhere, a tall little lad

And a wee winsome lass of four?

'twas only today, barefooted and brown,

That they played by my kitchen door.

'twas only today - or maybe a year?

It couldn't be twenty, I know,

They were calling for me to help in their game

But I was too busy to go

Too busy with sweeping and dusting to play

And now they have silently wandered away

If per chance you hear of this slim little lad

And this wee winsome lass of four,

I pray you tell me

To find them again I would journey this wide world o'er.

Somewhere, I'm sure, they'll be playing a game,

And should they be calling for me

To come out and help them,

Oh, tell them, I beg, I'm coming as fast as can be!

For there's never a house might hold me today

Could I hear them call me to join in their play."

Let us not waste a moment with our small ones...they grow far too fast.

Picture challenge...take at least one photo of you with one or all of your twelve children this week and post it. It makes me feel like a good mom to see myself loving one of my kiddies in a pic. Do it!  (if you want help editing it...email it to me and I'd be happy to for you! )