Elise turns 5 today!

Happy Birthday Elise Louise!  Every year you turn another year older is a year where I can't believe I was lucky enough to have you as my daughter... and also a year where I can't believe I am old enough to have a daughter your age.

Elise, there is so much in you that is good, but I will try to touch on a few of my favorite things about you...

• you are a wonderful big sister...everyone tells me so
• you take wonderful care of your siblings, like a little mama
• you are incredible intelligent
• we love your long blond locks
• we love how excited you get about holidays.... it makes it so much better for everyone around you as they all get as excited as you do

• you hardly ever make it to bed after 8, but no matter what time you go to sleep, you always wake up around 5
• you like to poor everyone their own drink
• you have a very creative imagination and enjoy making up scenarios while you play
• you love to be told that you are beautiful... it always feels good to be told the truth
• you are the cruise director around here and are always curious as to what we are doing next

• you love to play with friends... you are a social child even though you are often shy at first
• your memory is amazing... I can never get one over on you and all adults learn quickly never to promise something without coming through on time
• you love all things girlie

• you are bossy... must be a first child thing
• you love swimming and will surely be doing laps by the end of this summer
• you always want everyone to participate and are good at getting others to join in
• you usually do what mom asks of you

• you love to have books read to you.. we are now reading you chapter books and you love it
• all of your grandparents adore you... why wouldn't they?
• you enjoy baking and cooking
• you love doing all sorts of arts and crafts projects

• you have a sweet tooth... not your fault...genetic
• you love being outside
• you have a green thumb and are eager to get outside to check on our fruits and vegetables as soon as the sun is out
• you love surprises as long as you don't know about them beforehand, then it's torture for you
• you love to dress up and pretend you're a princess

• you are very sweet and still love being held
• you are learning how to match colors well, but still aren't quite perfect at matching patterns (you pick out some crazy clothes sometimes)
• you are a crank when you are tired
• you're incredibly excited about kindergarten

• you love anything new... for a day
• you want to be a princess all the time if you could
• you have a cute smile that lights up all around you and also makes your dimple show

Ellie, we love you so very much.  You made your mom and dad parents and helped us to discover the meaning of true love.  Thank you for being the person you are.  It's easy to see that you have amazing things ahead of you in your life and we couldn't be happier that we get to be around to see it all unfold for you.  We hope you never lose your sweet and friendly spirit.  We love you!!  Happy Birthday darling!

Magdalyn turns 2 today!

I can't believe my baby girl is 2 today.  The time has gone by too fast.

Since it's your birthday Maggie, I'm going to write a list of accomplishments and things I love about you so we can always remember this time in your life.

• you have a good sense of humor already
• you love to eat but stay skinny
• you think you can do anything your older brother and sister can do
• you give the best kisses....simply delicious!
• I think you might be the first teenager to still be sucking on a pacifier
• you decided you wanted to use the potty in March and will go whenever you want to or I tell you to

• you have a funny personality
• we knew you were going to be a goofy kid from the very beginning and so far you have lived up to that
• you make silly faces all the time
• you have an attitude... a big one... I am scared for when you are a teenager

• you have your father wrapped around your little finger
• you fall asleep in your bed yet always wake up in ours...hmmm
• you are in love with your brother and sister and want to do all that they do
• thanks to your brother you like Lightning McQueen

• you love to be outside
• you enjoy helping mom do just about anything
• you like to clean, I realize this will pass
• you are sassy
• you love to be held
• you pinch for comfort and it hurts
• you love to have your nails painted

• you are very stubborn
• you can throw a nasty fit
• you love to look pretty and always remember to put a bow in your hair
• you enjoy planting in the garden
• you think your hot stuff when you get to carry the keys to the mailbox
• you love the puppy... sometimes too much

• you have a toothy grin 
• you love to go places and see new things
• you LOVE the water...it's scary
• you give really good squeezes (hugs)

• you love it when mom takes your picture but aren't a fan of strangers taking your picture

• you love looking at pictures
• you really enjoy reading and constantly have books in your arms
• you are a great snuggler

• you have curly hair and we love it--even if your sister snipped some of the curls off
• you're very concerned about dental hygiene and make sure that all the kids get their teeth brushed
• you enjoy art projects, especially when you can do it all yourself

• you are talking up a storm now but you really weren't that interested until 18 months
• you are strong
• you can beat up your brother and sister--you don't take guff from any kid
• people always reference Maggie Simpson when you have your pacifier in your mouth...it's fitting
• you're a good dancer and you love to sing
• you can ride your trike like a champ... all by yourself

Magdalyn Beth... we love you so much.  You put smiles on all our faces every day.  We are privileged to have you as a member of our family.  Happy 2nd birthday my darling baby girl!!!

Oh Mama...

Oh Mama... yesterday was your birthday and tomorrow is Mother's Day.  How is it that you scored such a supreme week?  Anyway, just wanted to let you know that I am loving you.  Glad we are close, glad you are a good Grammy, glad you put up with my crap... mostly. 

Just wanted to let you know, the consensus at our house is that you are kind of a big deal and you rock.  Love you!

Me as a Mother

As Mother's Day approaches I find myself thinking about the last five years that I have spent in motherhood.  I didn't always know what my purpose in life was, but five years ago, when Elise was born, it became very clear why I was placed on this earth.  I was given a responsibility, a great responsibility, to help in raising these young souls and assisting them each in becoming intelligent, secure, happy and caring adults.  It's a huge task, one that a hardly feel adequate for and am always unsure of the right way to go about.

I didn't know, I didn't understand how much love could be felt for another until I had children.  It wasn't a magical connection when my first baby was born, in fact I didn't know she had such a profound pull on me until events occurred that tested that bond.

I'm a mom.  It's a job/calling/position filled with many everyday, seemingly insignificant tasks that all together can make an incredibly significant in one's children.   

It is my belief that we are able to take two things with us after this life, our knowledge and our families.   Recently, I have learned quite a bit about my own lineage through family history.  Through learning about the women and men I am related to that came before me, I have found a sense of pride and security in who I am, because I know who I came from.  When I think about my grandparents, I think about their children- and I think about their children- and then I think about their children... It's incredible to me how so many can come from two.  Just from my own parents, they have four children, two son-in-laws and 6 grand children!  What a legacy they will one day leave behind.  What will mine be?  What sorts of knowledge will be passed down from me to my great-great grandchildren?  I'm not sure, but I do know it starts here.  

All that I have learned in life has been for the benefit of my children.  They are better because of my experiences. They will know more because of what I have learned.  I will do my best to teach them all I can while I am able to.  Even though my days may be filled with housework, potty training, wiping noses, kissing boo boos, running errands and taking my children on outings... it is all for their good.  I am their example and they will learn through me. 

I realize that I have some who are not of my faith that read my blog, but I would feel completely ungrateful if I did not mention how my relationship with my Father in Heaven has evolved since my having children.  Before I knew for myself, my Heavenly Father knew that I would be a mother one day and He has blessed me with certain qualities and talents that allow me to be the best mother I could possibly be.

Elise, Owen and Maggie- I love you.  It has been my privilege to be your mother and as much as I try to teach you the things you need to know, you do the same for me.  You have taught your dad and I about love and sacrifice.  While some days are more challenging than others, I hope you will always remember me as a mother who gave all she could for your betterment.