What is it about shoes?

I'm not really sure what it is about shoes... but there is something about a new pair of shoes that can put a smile on my face and a skip in my step--wow--I get excited too easily!

I think it's genetic because Mackenna is exactly the same way! She has asked Santa for tall boots for two years in a row now and is constantly "clacking" around in my Sunday shoes--whenever she can sneak into my closet to get them! Anyways...Kelly found a great deal online for new shoes and so what can I say? We splurged!! I LOVE my new sneakers....maybe you don't understand how excited I am about them--but if I'm making time in my day to BLOG about it--they've got to be pretty fabulous! Not only are they comfy, but I LOVE the yellow laces...they make me feel so happy and a little bit like I'm stepping out of my box! I've been trying to do that more lately...I've started going to the gym here and I LOVE it!! Anyways, the other day I went to the gym (no makeup on--which is a big deal for me)--and after my hour long cardio workout, decided to hit the grocery store--no makeup, sweat, and all! I felt so liberated....I even called to tell Kelly how proud of myself I was--to be in a public place looking so bad--and I'm sure he thought I was high...

Well...the point being that I'm trying to stress less about the not so important stuff...and enjoy the little things more--like a pair of new sneakers--one for me and two for Kenna! What is it about shoes?

I guess we are finally adults...

I love my husband!! What can I say--he is literally the best. When he gets it in his mind to do something, he does it--there is no stopping him. We have had a little problem with our towels lately--they've started to stink--so we've been trying new things to get them clean. Yes--we even tried OXY-CLEAN and guess what--it didn't work any miracles for us. Anyways-not long ago we purchased a new front load washer and dryer set--our old set had given its best efforts and gone the way of all old appliances. When our new set was delivered and finally set up, Kelly and I sat together and just watched the washer and listened to how quiet it was--we were entertained for longer than I would like to admit--and I guess that is when it dawned on me that we are officially adults. When you get excited about new appliances and sit listening to them AND go hunting around the house for more laundry to do--because you want to watch your new washer work, you've finally reached adulthood. Exciting right? A little sad, too... So--Kelly decided to soak all of our towels in detergent in the bath tub and then wash them. Well--they weren't rinsed from the bath tub soaking--and then we added detergent, and let's just say there were some serious suds!!!!! It was hilarious! And Kelly was so awesome that he stayed up late rinsing them out and washing them until the water ran clear...let's just say that it was a late night...but you know, it's moments like these that make me fall in love with Kelly all over again...

My sweetest blessings and biggest challenges...

So I am finally getting around to printing my kids pictures that I had done in November! I am just terrible at getting updated pictures on the wall! Seriously--I just took some of Mackenna's baby pictures out of a frame that is on the wall in my living room--how sad is that? Anyways--Kelly ordered me a bunch of ink and now I'm getting to it! I thought I'd post them, too--just because it is so fun! Speaking of fun--Tessa's little personality is starting to shine--and she seems to be quite the little diva! She squeals and squeals--but can give a crusty look with the best of them (I know my family will say she gets that from me--and thanks alot guys!). She's a good baby--though she's thrown a few good tantrums lately--I guess it wouldn't be right if she didn't fit in with our other kids anyways! She's fun and it's fun to watch the other kids help with her and love her. Her dad is especially smitten with her--except on Tuesday nights when I'm gone--those seem to be the nights she's a little stressed. But we are so glad she came to our family...so far :) !

Two words describe Christopher for me--JOY and nightmare! He can be the funniest, cutest, angel--and then just as suddenly he's a devil with an ear piercing scream! He is so much fun to be around--especially the last two days with the older kids back in school. Maybe he's realizing how good he has it when it's just him and me at home...more treats, etc. He is a sunbeam now--and let's just say that Sunday was an experience! He ran out of the primary room 3 times--and someone came looking for him twice! Luckily I was out in the hall with Tessa and caught him--but Kelly had to be recruited to help him sit through sharing time! He'll probably be "that kid" in primary for awhile! It doesn't help that Carter is sitting on one side yelling (because Carter only has one volume) at him to come and sit by him. I'm sure it will improve with time--or medication (just kidding)!

The last few weeks have been really telling about Carter--he is learning more independence and is showing a strong stubborn streak--which I think is genetic from his father! For the most part he is a good boy--but try telling him it's time to turn off the video games and he puts on a real show! He loves the power rangers right now and has always loved animals--particularly dinosaurs and sharks--Kelly helped him put together some model dinosaurs from Grandpa Skip and Grandma Karen--and he and Christopher haven't stopped roaring! It's great fun to watch them wrestle around and run on all fours! His teacher at school has mentioned that he roars randomly throughout the day--and I'm not sure how to solve that problem...any suggestions? He's a good boy and my good buddy. He's obsessed with Tessa--and can make her smile anytime--and usually can make me smile anytime--which isn't so good when he's supposed to be getting in trouble...

Mackenna is such a strong spirit! I remember once being told that it was good that she was so feisty--that she would need it to grow up in such a crazy world. Now I am realizing that she is feisty because I need it! She is teaching me so much about unconditional love--and accepting others for how they are and not how we think they should be. She's growing up fast--and she wishes it were faster! She's already saving her allowance to buy her own makeup--she's in to deoderant, too--which I guess isn't such a bad thing! She has joined the running club at school and seems to enjoy it--it's fun to watch her because she is definately in her own little world out there. Kenna is a GREAT helper--especially in school--even more so if it involves a trip to the school nurse. She loves to read--and LOVES to paint toenails--she's all about crazy patterns and colors--even with what she wears. I love it--she's got such personality and it will be interesting to see what this next year brings for her. I sure do love Mackenna--for who she is, and also for what she is teaching me about myself. I guess that's why having children is so bitter-sweet! They seem to teach us more about ourselves and who we truly are than we could ever teach them. And that's hard to take--but it's REALLY hard to see them struggle, to teach them, and to be a good example--all the time--but, there is nothing sweeter than those big hugs at bedtime that knock you off the couch--or being told, "Mom--you're great" by your 3 year old at 3 a.m. in the morning. There's nothing better than a "yes" when they hear what's for dinner--or that big smile when you surprise them with graham crackers and frosting. Truly these are my sweetest blessings and biggest challenges--and I'm so glad they are mine!

Another year...

So--it's officially 2009! I don't know why a change in year makes me feel so motivated--it's like a fresh start or something. I went to the gym with a friend this morning and it felt so good to get out there and exercise! Who knows how long it will take to work off all of the cream cheese I've

enjoyed over the last few weeks! Here is my little fam at family pics during my sister Laurie's wedding--and as I look at how much our family changed in 2008--I can only guess what surprises 2009 will bring. Mackenna is getting so tall and super sassy--but we actually had 30 minutes of piano practice (well, technically 28) without any whining. It was amazing...and gives me hope. Carter is signed up for flag football--and I'm excited to see him get to it! He and Christopher tackle and wrestle each other all the time--we'll see how it goes. He's starting to read now and loves trying to sound things out! Christopher is exerting his independence to the max right now. He's the king of "no"--and spends alot of time on the stairs. He is really into playing games on the computer--and for being only 3--does pretty good! Tessa is a squealer! She's is so stinking cute--and I think is getting big too fast! I need her to stay a baby...it's just so fun to have one of my kids be excited to see me every time I walk in the room. Oh well--without change, progress is impossible--and I think this year will bring with it many changes! I am excited though--life happens--and you can choose to either fear the future or embrace the opportunities and adventures we have each day--and live life to it's fullest. I'm approaching this new year with JOY--finding more happiness in my family and my life (at least I'm trying)--and am trying to be more appreciative for all I have. Yes--for now those are just resolutions--but I've got to start somewhere to get where I want to be :) !