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!