Favorite Moments

Last night I went to bed way too late, but before that I did have a wonderful outing with my good friend Natalie. We talked about kids, houses, friends and just life in general. We both needed to be away from our homes (and kids) for just a little while to refresh and relax. One of the days favorite moments.

Neal and I hung out for a little bit after I got home and before we new it, it was midnight and we were exhausted. It seems like those moments together lately keep diminishing because, life is just so busy. But, when I get them, those are my favorite moments.

My #1 favorite moment of the day was when after only being asleep for an hour, Joseph came into my room and with his soft little voice said, "Mommy, I can't sleep." He grabbed my hand and held it. He has such soft hands, I could rub them forever. I got out of bed and we walked back to his room. I tucked him in and he was cold so I piled a bunch of blankets on top of him and snuggled them up all around him. And then we sat there for a while and tried to figure out how to get him back to sleep. I finally gave him an idea he liked and he said he could go back to sleep. I turned on his music, the same CD of lullaby's he's been listening too since he was 10 months old. I bent over and kissed him and stroked his face and told him I loved him and he said "I love you mom."

I really love those moments in the middle of the night. Neal asks me how I can stand it and even said this morning he doesn't like it when the kids wake me up at night. But I do love them. They are quiet and tender and a chance for me to spend a moment with a darling kid who needs me. I know those few minutes at night are fading fast and I will only have the memory of them in a few years, so for now they are my absolute favorite moments.

What We've Been Up To in 2011, Part 1

Joseph got baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints August 6th. It was a very special day and Joseph was surrounded by many friends and family that love him so much. He is such an amazing kid. Unfortunately, these 2 pictures are the only pictures of the day. We were so distracted and busy we forgot to document his special day!



We finally updated our family photos in August. My good friend Olivia took them and we loved being with her. I hate having my picture taken, but she made it fun and I love all of the pictures. I just wish I weighed about 20 pounds less.....



Joseph turned 8! I can't believe he is getting so old. He got his first suit and had a super hero birthday party. His party was so much fun and he had tons of kids come to help celebrate the day.



Visiting with awesome cousins from Texas!



Awesome cousins from Colorado. We had a lot of family visit us this summer. It was great to see all of the cousins playing together and getting along so well.



Joseph went to his first Scout Camp and got to shoot a real gun! (Well, a BB gun.) It was one of the highlights of his summer!



Olivia graduated from her home pre-school program. I had the privilege of being one of her teachers during the year.



Neal is still in the Bishopric and this is what he looks like when he gets home from Church. He really does love his calling though!