Backyard Produce Post Part 2

I'm fully aware that this is not nearly so exciting to anyone but me, but something about the kids enjoying food they picked from our backyard really puts a smile on my face. Partly because of the excitement they bring into the house with them when they're holding yet "another ripe one!". We've picked about 10 grapefruits now from our mini little tree and there's still more. Look out for this tree when it's grown up! I feel pretty lucky the kids like them because even though I like them too, I know grapefruits aren't loved by all.

And now even Sadie enjoys then until the last drop is gone. Just shows that persistance can pay off with babies- or toddlers. If you missed Part 1- it was not love at first taste for Sadie. Also, if you did, don't go finding it. It was even less exciting than this post :)

Nothin' But Love

I have felt so extremely blessed the past couple of days. At the risk of sounding like a blog that "seriously so blessed" could mock, I'll tell you why. I think motherhood, like life, has ups and downs. There are days when you feel like you may die or go crazy at least if you don't get out. And many other days where you just follow the routine of your life without too much thought. But then there are some that make your heart feel like it will burst. When you just want to stop and hold those little kids. When you see your kids and all their worth and purity and goodness and potential. A glimpse of how Heavenly Father sees all of his children.

Emma reading a book to everyone tonight. Happily, Heavenly Father has given a few of those days to me lately! My sweet little Holly has randomly started saying "I love you mom" out of the blue. It gets me everytime. I stop whatever I'm doing, look at her and tell how sweet she is, thank her for telling me that, and tell her how much I love her too. Today she started saying "I love you sooooo much mom" and giving me big hugs. She's been playing with Sadie and being so sweet to her.
Last night as I was tucking Eli in he said with alot of sincerity,"Mom, I love you." I dug my arms underneath him and hugged him and said "thank you so much my sweet boy". Then he added "I love you with ALL my heart." Boy my tears sure came quick after that. Compared to my girls, Eli just doesn't express himself too often and those words meant so much to me.

Emma has joined in saying "I love you" and "thank you" frequently. She makes up games and includes everyone. She LOVES Sadie and lets her play too. She constantly helps me. I'm so grateful to have her as the oldest child.

I know I will have the other kinds of days again, but these special days are the ones that I want to document and remember and keep close to my heart. And hopefully have enough patience and perspective to get through the not so great days with a happy heart. What a blessing to be a mother.

"Fall/Winter"

Since we moved here, I've been trying to figure out the weather. I mean obviously I know it's hot. Everyone knows it's hot and that's pretty much the first word people out of people's mouth's when they hear the word "Arizona". Well maybe the Grand Canyon is also right up there. But I think you have to live somewhere for at least a little while to really get a sense of what it's like. Now that we've been here for 4+ years I think I got the seasons down.
Spring (my favorite) from February to mid-May, Summer 1 from end of May to August when school starts, Summer 2 from August to October when all the fall clothes are out but you can't wear any of them yet and the heat gets really old, and Fall/Winter from November to January. Does that sound right to all you native Arizonans?
My point is that we do eventually get fall leaves. Better late than never! And the kids sure had fun playing in them. Thank you Chad for raking and re-raking (or blowing) for such long-lasting enjoyment.
I swiped these pictures off Jill's blog, but they were too fun to not have on my blog too.
I just LOVE this one of Holly jumping into the leaves. Great shot Jill!

Family

When everyone came out for Christmas we got these pictures taken. My sister has a friend that's a photographer and she was so kind to get up early the day after Christmas and take these pictures. Dana had to work that day so we were there at 8 am! And it was FREEZING! None of the nice temps. we've had lately. We really got so many fun ones. I love this one of all the kids.

My AWESOME family

Our little family
I love this one. I really have the world's greatest mom :) She is also an equally wonderful grandma.
This one of all the girls is so cute even though Sadie is crying. In her defense it was at the end and she was shivering. She was all bundled in a furry blanket in grandma's arms between pictures. We couldn't quite get her to see the importance of the shot- and she definetly didn't like being taken out of that blanket.

The only 2 boys so far. Good thing they have each other.
All of us siblings. They are all such wonderful people and I learn from each of them constantly.

Only one guy missing. I can't help but think a lot about my dad whenever we take pictures. I know everyone else feels it too.(Me and my dad at high school graduation)

I miss you so much dad!!!

Dear Toothfairy...

Thank you for bringing Eli this dollar that he's been carrying around in his pocket for days. Thanks for searching for his tooth that was lost in his bed from his taking it out of the toothfairy pillow and holding it while he fell asleep. I, myself had, had to search the van for it to get it to you in the first place. I know how you love those teeth to make your castles with! And the big one- thanks for not forgetting like you have been known to in the past. This is one very excited boy!

Utah

The front of Grandma and Grandpa Kleven's house in Mt. Pleasant.

Lots of sledding fun!!!

Eli, Emma, Sadie, and Savannah ready to sled.
Sadie and baby Sophie

They had a great kiddy hill in the backyard that the kids played on for hours.

Sadie LOVED sledding and went about 10 times with a BIG smile on her face.

Emma is the best big sister to Sadie all the time. I definetly appreciate her.

Snow angel-making

Holly and Keena
Keena was a great babysitter the whole time by playing with Holly and Sadie. I'd love to have her move out here! Plus, we like the rest of the family too :)

Grandma Kleven rented this little pony to take the kids for rides up and down the street. They were in Heaven! The owner also had a big horse she let the older kids ride. So much fun!Midnight 2009!!! Super excitement sitting in Dana's mom and dad's house :) That's life with kids! At least we took a picture!

Forever Awesome

HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY!!

Dana- 4th grade- what a cutie!
The guy in the gray sweater (which could definetly win a best 80's sweater contest) sent Dana this picture on facebook. I just think it's awesome. Dana is that cute 80's boy front and center- in case you couldn't tell. Oh and his brother Dale is in the green back there. This is Dana at about 16. Amazingly enough he just had his 40th birthday on New Years Eve. Happy Birthday Dana!! Thanks for being so wonderful and sharing your life with me. I am so blessed to be your wife.