*Family Words*

I don’t know about you, but at our home we have some words that are completely our own. The reason why they are our own is that we made them up.

One day Kelsey was trying to help Emily work through something that she was upset about. I asked her “What’s the problem?” Kelsey said “I’m just trying to consooth Emily.” In case you wondered, that is “console” and “sooth” together. What a darling little girl!! When I am struggling, I love it when I get “consoothed.” It really helps me feel better.

Remember that word. You have our permission to use it!!

Bonus Baby! She is totes the Best!!

My darling Emily is so funny! She is beautiful, sweet, loving, and very funny! One of the things she does that is so funny, is that she abbreviates her words. She calls me “moth” which is short for mother, not the insect that flies. I will ask her if she can do something, and she says, “I totes can do that!” Which means, “I totally can do that!” Or, “I probs can do that!” Which means, “I probably can do that!” Then there’s “awk” for awkward.

So one day she shortened the word sister, to sist. Then I hear her say, “Note to self, do not shorten the word ‘sister’!”

Sooo funny!!!! It’s probs best not to call your sister a “sist”! (cyst)

"Bonus Baby" is 17!!!

Newborn Emily
My darling Emily turned 17 today!!
My how time flies! It seems like I was just doing a post about her sixteenth birthday. What a fun girl!!
Em and Natasha

So here goes, 17 things I love about Emily (in no particular order):
1-she is funny
2-she is a good friend 
3-she gives the best hugs
4-she is entertaining
5-she isn’t afraid to talk to people
6-she is a good example
7-she is creative
8-she loves to keep her room clean
9-she is beautiful
10-she is very helpful
11-children love her
12-she has lots of friends
13-she is tender
14-she loves the Gospel
15-you can count on her
16-her laugh is contagious
17-she loves Heavenly Father and Jesus

So when she was born the Dr. said, “She’s a little peanut!” She was tiny, and was such a blessing then and now. I am so grateful to be her mom and to have such a wonderful daughter!! I love you, Emily! 
Happy Birthday!!

What a beauty!!!

First Date!

Emily’s first date!
My darling Emily had her first date the saturday after her sixteenth birthday. I was excited for her. Her friend Jonah took her bowling, they got ice cream and then they came and played
games at our house. 
Cute kids!!
I really didn’t think she was that short…must be!!!

My Baby is 16!!!

birthday was on the 19th.
We gave Emily a surprise party!!!
It turned out pretty great, and I think she was surprised.
We had fondue!
Cheese w/ ham, broccoli, cauliflour, carrots, pretzels, crackers, and –chocolate w/cinnamon bears (my personal fave), nilla wafers, pretzels, teddy grahams, marshmallows, bananas– also caramel w/ apple slices, pretzels, and all the stuff that was dipped in the chocolate. YUM, YUM!!!
what a darling smile for the camera!! Not!!!
(In case you were wondering, Emily is notorious for silly and crazy faces.)
Rachael forgot the “D” in birthday,
but did an awesome job decorating!
Then the kids watched “Zoolander”!
Emily calls her friend Linsey, her twin.
They were born on the same day,
April 19th, about 4 hours apart.
Linsey’s mom is one of my best friends, Lilli.
The girls have had their picture taken every year on their b-day,
since their b-day!!
Happy Birthday darling Emily!! I love you!!! oxox

Seasons of Life

School started this week, and with it came all sorts of changes. First, I started a new job. It is a good job, not that the last one wasn’t a good job, but it is a nice change.

Second, the little boys that we have been tending for years will no longer be coming to our home. They grew up enough to go to school and need a different tender. 🙁

And third, my baby is in high school!! How did that happen? We used to tell the kids that it was breaking the rules to “grow up”!

I have never liked big changes, I mean BIG changes, don’t get me wrong, I love variety in life. But when things change for good, leaving in their place an empty space or even something new, it is always a challenge. So I have been adapting and trying to appreciate

the seasons of my life.
If I compare it to the seasons that are common in the part of the world we call home, it is a good thing. Like Fall, my favorite, I love the colors and the crisp air. I love layering my clothes and I love going for drives and taking walks.
Instead of being sad or overwhelmed with the change, I plan to smile big and look forward to
the season at hand.