There we were.

i put these pics on our computer the other day and thought, "although these are random, i must document."  the end.

 at the table eating the rooster that once bullied our children.  i think they were liberated.  oh, not very tasty i might ad.

 on this particular day i was quite ill.  these cute kiddos brought me a cow bell to ring if i needed them.  they also made their own mac n' cheese, following my instructions from the couch.  they were pleased with themselves and i think they were doing a cheer.

 at present, we are enjoying some fabulous weather.  gosh, i feel like i'm in heaven.

 Zach's friend Cal from work came over and tilled our garden.  my mouth is currently watering for the harvest yet to come.  and didn't he make it look so pretty?!

 i love working outside...especially when zach is watching the kids and i just enjoy the quiet and thought.

 yes, we have chickens.  13 of them.  these red chickens, one of which Sarah is holding, are intense.  they try to intimidate people.   well, not sarah.  this is her "sweet heart".  she feeds it, holds it, swings with it, plays in the sand with it...etc.  i find it remarkable.

 i love it when we are all in a good mood and are able to bake together.  especially when it's cinnamon rolls...and the weather is slightly chilly.  yum.

 i love that they like to wear their chef hat's.  freeze frame.

i should have taken this picture sooner.  zach cut a bouquet of flowers from our yard.  these pedals are from our peoni's.  well, the pedals fell and ben made his own flower for me.

aw, life is good...and documented. :)

Christmas part 1

My blogs lately are being funky. If I insert anything, bold or italicize it, the code comes up. Is anyone else having the same problem? Weird.
December went by way too fast! I am happy to report that I survived. :)...and enjoyed myself quite a bit. That is actually a serious understatement. I felt so blessed, loved and blessed some more.
These pictures document a little of our Christmas happenings. We had a family Christmas party, decorated cookies, went caroling to Grandpa Coons and our cousin Sheralyn, came back and opened white elephants (presents :)). The glasses were a favorite. :) All of us were able to be there. Doesn't really matter what we do, it is nice to be together.

We had a visit from a guy in our ward dressed up as Santa. That was really funny! He said he has been doing it for a couple of years. Came by last year and we weren't home. I just thought that was super cute. The kids loved it!

Decorating ginger bread houses and the tree...which I didn't get pictures of, was really fun. I love seeing the kids use their decorative imaginations. :)

I sang with a community choir called the Chordettes again this year. We have the choir only in the fall just to have a Christmas concert. It is really fun to do! The last picture is of me practicing the songs right before the concert with the kids sitting around me.

I was put in as the 2nd counselor in our ward Primary and I probably shouldn't say this, but I am surprised that I really, really love it! The part that I love the best...aside from the children, is that we talk about Jesus so much. I taught sharing time in December and loved that I got to feel the Spirit every time I taught about Him. There is a sweet Spirit in Primary. I'm grateful to be there.

As you know, December was harder for me than I thought it would be. BUT, I have never in all my life, felt so loved and blessed. It has truly been a wonderful year. I still have pangs about my loss. But there have been many sweet experiences to sooth the hurt. I feel grateful for the blessing of a wonderful husband and family. Life is good. God is good. You are good. :)

These are the days....

The sweetest days I know!

It is days like these that I can't get enough of their laughter and smiles and the awesome dad Zach is!!! Life is so good.

I hear you!

Common phrases/words my kids say:

Ben:

"Sarah peed"

"Can I play with Logan?"

"Sarah hit me?"

"Do you know why I can't sleep? Because Sarah keeps wakin' me up."

"Josh keeps wreckin' my track"

"I'll watch Josh mom" or "It's okay mom, I got it"

Sarah:

"I peed"

"Ben's not sharing!"

"Can I have a treat?"

"I'm sorry Ben."

"You're my favorite mommy."

"Will you play with me?"

Joshua:

"Wow"

"Uh oh"

"Hi"

"Bahl or Bah bah" (ball)

"Beh" (Ben and he shouts it when he can't see him)

I really do love being a mom and I want to remember the little things!