Happy Birthday Sydney!!!

Our Sydney turned 4 years old yesterday!!!

We had a really fun party for her. We decorated sun catchers and the kids decorated their own cupcakes and opened presents!!! Sydney seemed to really enjoy the fact that it was her birthday! Lots of jumping on the trampoline and finding the candy that grows in our grass during birthdays and we had a great FIRST party!

Even Connor didn't begrudge it being his sisters birthday!! He stole and cupcake and headed outside with his find!

Oh yeah, did I mention she had a second birthday party with her cousin that night. Yes, a very fun affair with MORE cake, MORE presents, and lots of rides!!

So happy birthday, sweetheart. We love you and here is your list of
4 things you got to know about Sydney!
1. She throws the most intense tantrums of anyone I have ever met!
2. For a child who grew up without being able to talk she is so articulate now it is amazing!
3. Syd has a great imagination. If you ever watch her she is usually gesturing to someone next to her that only she can see!
4. Finally if you know her at all she sticks her tongue out anytime she doesn't know how to respond to someone. For those of you who have had this done to you we apologize and as she gets more comfortable with the speaking world we HOPE this trait will go away!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SYDNEY!

Connor SLOW DOWN!!!

This is my beautifully sleeping Connor. This was taken on Thursday. Such a peaceful little baby. I am completely enjoying him. So I am sitting here reading some blog posts, because Connor is in eating his breakfast so I have a few minutes. When all of a sudden...

I realize the little guy next to me at the computer is Connor. How did he get out of his high chair? I asked around to see if anyone had let them out- but no HE LET HIMSELF OUT!!
He just climbed out of his high chair!! Where is my cute small last baby?

He has been replaced with a climbing, jumping, babbling, non-stop moving TODDLER!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will come to terms with loosing my baby and gaining my toddler, but until then

anyone need a well used highchair?

I'm Back!!!

Well I had a wonderful weekend away. Thank you Tammy for arranging it.
Also thanks for all the comments, Monte appreciated them too I'm sure!!
It was nice to come home to a clean house - I might add!

Now I remember, I love these children and I wanted to raise them!! Wow, what perspective distance gives you!!

Now when is my next trip? Anyone?!

A New Experience

So this evening I am going to do something I have NEVER done before. I am the mother of five children the oldest in 13- and I am leaving. I am going away for the weekend and leaving my dear hubby in charge. Me and a friend all by ourselves!!

My husband has no idea why I feel it is necessary to "ditch" them for the weekend. He assures me no other wives feel this need. (Yes he actually said I was "ditching" him and yes he did state that other wives don't feel this is necessary--lives under a rock I tell you!!!) So my dear friends I call upon you for help. Would you please take a moment upon reading my blog and remind Monte why it is I need to "ditch" them and places maybe you have gone and "ditched" your family.

I would appreciate your help with this little project!!

Thank you!

The Park

With the weather turning cooler I can't help thinking of the fact that winter is coming!

So it is time to play at the park. We need to play, play, play!!

So go boys throw that dirt. Get those hands dirty for soon all you will be able to do is get them cold and wet with snow!

So let the sun shine and we will enjoy every last drop of this beautiful summer!!
Make sure and take advantage of this wonderful weather!!

The Fun We've Had!

So for the past 11 days Connor has got to be a twin!! His cousin Jeremiah has been staying with us. With their little blond hair and matching eyes it has been quite fun to watch them interact!

They got along pretty well especially in the bathtub! Connor treated Jeremiah like a push toy. You know when you push a button on one of your battery operated toys and it makes a noise - the same thing happens when he pushes Jeremiah!! He got very good at not pushing hard, just a light tap on Jeremiah would give him the scream he was anticipating!

As crazy as our house was with these two together I am excited to see what great friends they will become in the future. How fun to have a cousin your same age to play with and to tease younger cousins who are yet to be born!!

Overall, besides a destroyed home, the boys made this was a really fun time!

Thank You

I promise this is my last serious post for awhile!

A week ago today my little niece Daniel died. We have now discovered that is was a rare form of heart disease that she wouldn't have lived a very long life even if it was discovered. This week I was given the privilege to do some things I never thought I was capable of. I made her burial dress and then went in and made hand and feet casts for her parents of her little feet and hands. What an experience.

I am grateful for a Father in Heaven who loves us, each of us. I am grateful to have the knowledge that Daniel is not suffering- that she is perfect. I feel for my brother and sister in-law but due to my belief that we are all sons and daughters of God I can rejoice in having had one of Father's chosen spirits in our family. I know my Father lives and I know that if I live righteously and I teach my children the same that we will live with Him again and be an eternal family. What wonderful news to be a family forever- that even death cannot separate me from my loved ones. For I will be with them again someday.

But my testimony would not be complete without my gratitude for my Savior. How comforting it is to know that no matter how hard this life is He paid the price for me. He knows exactly how I feel. How grateful that I have an older brother that loved me and my family so much that he died so we may live again.

The greatest gift I have been given in this world is my belief, my belief in my Father in Heaven and His son Jesus Christ. I have also come to realize if I am not willing to share that gift shame on me. So for you, my friends, please always feel that you can ask me about my love of my Savior. I will always be open.

Thank You.

In Memory Of..

May 21, 2008- September 5, 2008

Danielle Jensen
My niece.
We love you. You were too good to be with us long.
See you soon!