Easter Morning!!

I love Easter, and I love Easter when General Conference falls on the same day. We had a great weekend listening to the Prophet and Apostles, Remembering Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for us, and enjoying some Easter treats.

I am so grateful for the atonement and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is because of this that I can be forgiven, my family members and loved ones can also be forgiven, so we can live forever with each other. I LOVE Easter. I love thinking of our Savior and I'm so happy we had a chance to celebrate.

Here are J and Lo waiting to search for their easter baskets.

Lo found his!!!! Silly bunny hid his in the oven!!!

z-man found his!!!

searching for the chocolate!!!

J's was hidden the hardest!! She finally found it though!!!

My little bunnies!!!

Really, mom?

Easter outfit pictures!!

We are a happy FAMILY!!!

Happy, Happy birthday Z-man dear!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Z-MAN!!!!!! I am sooo happy that Z is in our family. He is such a great little guy and is an amazing part of our family. Z is a busy, busy, toddler, but underneath the crazy busy 2 year old is a peace. He has a calm about him. He is a thinker, loves balls and being outside. . all. . . the. . time. He will ride one 'bike' down the cul-de-sac, come get the next and ride it down, etc, etc. then we have about 5 bikes we have to go pick up, but it makes him happy. Z loves games and is a relatively happy little guy. :) Z also LOVES sugar and treats and anything that comes from a fast food restaurant!! :) zoiks.

It doesn't seem like it's been two years, but it really has. I remember they layed him on me after he was born, and I knew he was special. Right after he was born, J and Lo had a vacation at my sister's house for a few days and it happened to be over General Conference. I remember laying in the sunshine with him on the floor listening to our prophet and apostles. It is a great memory full of peace. :)

these pictures are in chronological order. The second the cake was put in front of him, he blew. . even before we finished the happy birthday song.

Then he looked up at us like, "I'm done, what next." (Oh, we re-lit the candles. . I think he was a bit confused.)

My sister and her family came to help us celebrate (and help put in cabinets in our basement) THANK YOU!!!! Everything is always more fun with family!

Yummy cake!

on to the presents!!!

Yeah, I love BALLS!!!!

and BIKES!!!

Love you buddy, Z!!!! We are SOOOO glad you are a part of our family!

p.s. I measured Z and he's 35" tall. So if you double that, he would be 5' 10" when he is fully 'grown.'!! :) We'll see!

Let's go fly a kite!!!!

We had a great (o.k. kind of) windy day yesterday and the kids had a great time flying our kite. Even Z-man got it in the air. He was so funny as he would run, run, run up the street as hard as he could. I think everyone got their exercise last night.

Gratitude 31

My last gratitude post is on Gratitude itself. I've enjoyed this month of finding the blessings in my life. I know that the attitude of gratitude helps us find strength, happiness, and kindness. I truly am blessed and am grateful for all of my blessings and the many ways that Heavenly Father blesses my life.

Gratitude 30

Today i'm thankful for second chances. Sometimes in life I have succeeded, sometimes in life I have failed. Today I'm grateful that even though there are days that I fail miserably, I have a chance to try harder and do a little better tomorrow! Christ makes this possible spiritually.. . . and our friends and family support us through our failures and help us see to our potential.

Gratitude 28

Today I'm grateful for Sundays that we are home. We only had 2 meetings today, but they were right before and right after church, so we were home together as a family for quite a bit of time. I love just hanging out--playing games, making pizza, having home teachers come, etc. etc. I love and cherish the time that we are all together. . . hanging out, not hurried or busy to get somewhere or do something. :) :)

gratitude 26

Today I'm grateful for the good influences in my children's lives. I know there are a lot of crumby things in this world, but there is also a lot of good --and good people. I had the opportunity to go to Lo's pre-school today for an awards ceremony and I saw how much his teachers care about the little one's they teach. They are focused on helping them academically, but also have a confidence in their relationship with God and knowing who they are. I'm thankful for their dedication. Lo is reading small words and is starting to get really excited about reading. He is great at figuring out how many more days before the weekend (when he gets to play the wii), and how many marbles he has after I give him a few more. :)

J recently got her report card and she received all great grades except in one area, "drawing pictures to go along with math story problems." (I know you all are thinking, "really, they grade on that??") However, being the biased mom that I am, I figured it was either a typo, or some misunderstanding. So I did what all good biased mom's do and e-mailed her teaching asking for further understanding on the issue so I can know how to help the situation. Well, her teacher wrote back the following message:

Hi Mrs. Palmer,

I am so sorry. I'm glad you caught that. That was a typo that I did not catch. I will check with the counselor on Monday to see what I need to do to have that changed to an AS (area of strength). J is quite a mathematician. She is always very engaged during math lessons and usually one of the first to catch on. When asked to draw a 6 sided polygon she told me "I drew a concave hexagon." Had to smile before saying, "You sure did!"

It is such a joy to have J in our class. She is very bright, interested in everything and delightful.

Thanks for bringing this to my attention.

Now, I was quite happy to see that it was indeed a typo. But I'm sad to say that yes, I had to google the definition of a concave hexagon. J has certainly picked up her math skills from her daddy, and grandpa's. I've really enjoyed the teachers that J has had also. I'm glad she is learning and growing.

So thank you to all those who help our children be better people in this world--teachers (both school and church), neighbors, grandparents, aunts, uncles--the list goes on!!! :) We certainly are blessed. :)

Gratitude 24

Today I'm grateful for perspectives. Sometimes. . o.k. lots of times when I am struggling with something, I get tunnel vision. It's hard to see a different perspective and it's hard to always keep a bigger picture. Usually when this happens, my eyes will eventually be opened up to see another's situation and I realize that things aren't as bad as they could be!! It makes me feel bad that sometimes it takes seeing others struggles to be grateful for the amount of my own struggles. Last night I saw a documentary on the holocaust and my heart broke. I listened to these amazing women who survived this experience and have continued on to live great, full lives. . . . . no, life isn't perfect, but I still have choices, I have options, I have an opportunity to move forward in life. This wasn't always the case with individuals in the past. . . or some in the present.

So today, I'm grateful for freedom. I grateful for perspectives, I'm grateful for the ability to choose.

gratitude 23

Today I'm grateful for inlaws that drive 3 hrs to be with me when I'm sick and D is gone on a trip. Really I've been so blessed to have people around me that serve and love. They are a great example of service and love to me. :)

Gratitude 22

I know D already got a gratitude post, but he's so good, he gets another one. I can't imagine life without him. I rely on him so much. .. maybe too much, but during times of struggle, it's so great to have a best friend to lean on for a while. He has always been willing to sacrifice things that he wants for my happiness and always works so hard to put our family first, even though he has so many other demands on him with work and church.

I heard someone say once that they thought that there were only a few marriages that were not a struggle or trial. I don't know that I agree. I think I've seen many marriages that although definitely take work, have been great blessings to individuals, etc.. . regardless of whether that is true or not, I'm grateful for my marriage which I truly feel was blessed and suppose to be. :)

Love you, D!!!

Gratitude 21

Today I'm grateful for a nap. . . a LONG one!!! Enough said! :)

gratitude 20

Today, I'm grateful to have a sister close to me. All of my family lives in the west except for my sister Val and I. Yesterday we decided to pop in and hang out and it was soo much fun. We love their family. We love being able to 'get away' a little bit and hang out. We loved watching Gav play in his jazz band and also play b-ball. . fun, fun stuff. It's weird that we both ended up 'randomly' being only an hour away from each other, but I'm sure Heavenly Father had that planned also. I'm so so grateful that I have a sister close by. :)

Gratitude 19

Today I'm grateful for mornings! This may sound weird, especially since I'm really not much of a morning person, but night time is oddly difficult for me. It is quiet, not much to do except try to fall asleep and although I'm totally exhausted, but brain usually doesn't like to turn off. So I toss and turn and try to turn off the thoughts and emotions that tend to be so strong at night and pray for SOME sleep. Although morning comes before I'm ready to get up, I am grateful that people are awake, there are things to do, and ways of distracting my mind. I find that despite my lack of sleep lately, I have been blessed with strength to take care of my children and do the necessary things. Now, the extra things??? not so much, but the basic important things I've been able to accomplish and I continue to move forward day by day. Some days I'm not sure how I was able to make it, but I did and I'm sure I'm being helped from above. :) I'm thankful that the sun rises and brings the next day.

Gratitude 17

Today my gratitude goes to good health. I'm finally starting to feel a little better. After two rounds of antibiotics and about 18 days of straight sore throat, no energy, and craziness, I'm starting to feel better. I haven't had a sore throat for 2 days now, and my energy is slowly coming back.. . . :-)))))))

Look at me and my cute self!!

Look at that AWESOME red hair and it now fits in a cute bow!!! :) I can't believe she will be 8 months old in a week!!! zoiks! I still feel like I'm trying to adjust to a new baby. :) So so glad she's in our family. I think she looks a lot like my mom and she even has my mom's name for a middle name, so it's soo fun to see her and think of my mom since she lives far away. :)

Gratitude 16

ya know, finding new things to be grateful for each day has been a good exercise for me. I have my standard 5 or 6 gratefuls and then I have to start digging and searching for ways that I've been blessed.

Today, I'm grateful for a temple marriage that allows D and I and our family to be together for all of Eternity. Recently a neighbor passed away after a long fight with breast cancer and It makes you think about your own life, where it is going and how something like that would affect yourself and those around you. I know that D and I are sealed together for time and Eternity. I know I will have the opportunity to be with my family again after this life. And THAT brings great comfort and I know that Heavenly Father loves us in order to put something like that in place so we can be with those we love sooo much. :) I don't always understand why things have to be so hard while we are on this earth. I don't understand always why we are to struggle through things, but I do know that we have been given a lot of things that will ensure great happiness through the eternities!

Gratitude 15

Today I'm grateful for pictures. I love pictures. I love taking them, I love looking at them, I love remembering how I felt when they were taken. I treasure our pictures and hope that someday my kids will also.

I make a scapbook page for each month of the year and turn it into a calendar each year. After the year is over, I take the pictures and put them in a binder and voila . . a scrapbook. Although I have MANY more pictures than what ends up on the one page per month, but it's about all I can do right now. :) Today, D and I sat and looked through each page starting back when J was little and enjoyed looking at all the fun vacations, activities, etc. It's fun to see how kids have changed, etc.

Pictures make my heart happy. Soooo Today, I'm grateful for pictures. :)

Gratitude 14

Today I am grateful for prophets. I get to teach the little children in our church and today I was able to bare my testimony of the prophets both prophets of old and latter-day prophets. As I bore witness to these little ones, once again, I felt the confirmation in my own heart that what I was saying was true. I read them the Scripture Doctrine and Covenants 76: 22-24 and talk about how Prophets testify of Christ and lead us toward Christ. I love this scripture. I love the sentence 'That he lives!" I always feel the Holy Ghost witness the truthfulness of that to me and I'm grateful for the Holy Ghost, I'm grateful that I felt the spirit today witnessing again to me of Prophets and that Jesus Christ truly lives!

22 And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the ^atestimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he ^blives!

23 For we ^asaw him, even on the ^bright hand of ^cGod; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only ^dBegotten of the Father—

24 That by ^ahim, and through him, and of him, the ^bworlds are and were created, and the ^cinhabitants thereof are begotten ^dsons and daughters unto God.

Gratitude 12

Today I'm grateful for Spring. There is a sense of renewal that comes each spring. The rain and thunderstorms that came today were fun and refreshing. The sun is a welcomed warmth and the ability to take 4 small children outside to play is AWESOME!! I think Heavenly Father knew we needed seasons and variety. I guess even in life we have seasons . . . We can't always have spring, but Spring does come!!! :)

gratitude 11

Modern communication Technologies!!!

Darin travels with his job, I live far away from many family members, I have many friends that I've met along the way and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that I live in a time of life that allows for such great communication. I can call, text, or e-mail D. I follow blogs, enjoy facebook friends, I can talk to my family members and keep up with their lives. I know this seems so little, but it means so much to me. :)

Gratitude 10

I am amazed today that Heavenly Father has loved me enough to put me in the path of others that can help me in times of need. I've looked back on the people I've met along my path in life and I feel that so many of them were placed near me or I was placed near them in order to help or be helped. I've found that I can always think of someone that has been in my place, had to make my same decisions, and that can give me advice and love along the way.

It's amazing to me that our Heavenly Father--knowing all things--places us in places and helps us meet loving people that may be a help to us YEARS down the road. I have found that true. . especially lately. I've gone to many friends (and family) with questions to help me make recent decisions and help me understand options. . and also for hope. It's nice to see others that have journeyed the same path and made it to the other side.

I find it much more pleasurable to be on the side that gives the service, love, and support; but with that said, It's amazing the love that is felt from friends and loved ones that want to help.

I know that we all have times in our lives that we get to be the one that serves and other times in our lives that we are the ones receiving that service. but today, I'm sooo very grateful for the friends that have been put in my path that are willing to help me!!!

gratitude 9

Family!!!

I know many of my grateful posts have been about family, but they are truly a huge blessing in my life. Tonights posts goes to my mom, dad, brothers and sisters. I'm the baby of my family.... and I've always had someone around to take care of me when I fall. I've never heard discouraging words, but only encouraging and positive words and actions.

I remember so many experiences where my family has taken care of me. I thought of writing some down, but really there are so many and I don't want to leave any out. During times of anxiety and nervousness, my brothers were there to calm me and joke with me to put life into perspective. My sisters have been in many of my positions earlier in time and are there to give me advice and examples to follow. My parents have ALWAYS been there for me. I remember soo many nights that I would end up talking with my parents late in the night when I had concerns or questions. I love them all soooo so much. I miss living close to most of them, but even being so far away, I know I'm taken care of. And hopefully they know I love them.. . even though I'm very far away.

AWWWWW, the SUN!!!!

oh how we have enjoyed the sun the past few days. It has felt SOOO good to be outside the last couple of days. I don't know why this winter seemed soooo long and sooo cooped up, but it has. . . . . so the sun seems so freeing!!!!

Lo was writing his name and since his middle name is D's he wrote "Lo Dad Palmer"!!! HA HA HA.

Lo Dad Palmer

Z-man has to stick his tongue out to drive!!!! :)

Lo had a GREAT time on his bike. We also played tennis together.

And MEG loves being outside. The sun was a bit bright for her. She's not quite use to the sun.

Gratitude 8

Hugs, Kisses, Notes, and Smiles!!!

Today I'm grateful that Heavenly Father knew just what children to send to my house. Each one has their special things and I feel blessed to have them. J loves to make me notes that tell me how much she loves me. I always feel so loved every time she gives me one. I have multiple hanging on the wall by my bed. She is very creative and puts her heart into preparing things for me.

Lo gives the TIGHTEST hugs EVER!!! and I love them. He loves to give those tight tight hugs and it's just one of those things that is total Lo!!! He puts his whole body and heart into that giant hug and it's awesome!!!!

Z-man has the juiciest wettest most puckered lips for kissing EVER!!! and I love it. He has always been my most cuddly boy and he randomly give me those wet juicy kisses all over and I love it!!! It is special to him and I don't even care how wet it is!! :)

Meg always smiles at me. Am I her favorite??. . probably!!! o.k. probably not, but whenever I come to talk to her, she gets so excited to see me. Isn't it nice when people get really excited to see you!! :)

So they are my four little gratitudes today!!! I loved reading stories to them today as the sunshine streamed through the window!!! :)

on another note, thank you to all the kind comments. I really felt loved and supported as I read them!!! So thank you to my friends!! :)

Gratitude 7

Today I'm grateful for the comfort of the Holy Ghost. Last night I was trying to make a few hard decisions. As I read my scriptures and thought of my options, I was able to make a choice. It wasn't the choice I wanted and things didn't really work the way I thought they would, but alas, a choice was made. Though the decisions were a bit of a blow to my pride and I had to humble myself and realize that I have great weaknesses, I felt the underlining peace that I was still loved, that the decisions I had to make were because of this imperfect world that we live in and not because I lacked in obedience. Despite my weaknesses, I was still loved. I was still a daughter of God and I still have worth in His eyes.

So despite some of what I feel about myself right now, I'm trying to remember the way my Heavenly Father and Savior feel about me and about each of us and move forward from this day.

Gratitude 6

I'm grateful for modern medicine that help me and my family get healthy. I know that sometimes medicine isn't the best route. . like when Z-man ends up with hives because he's allergic to amoxicillin, but when it comes right down to it, I feel that medicine has been inspired by our Heavenly Father to help us with our ailments and problems that come with an imperfect body!

So today I am grateful for these modern medicines and that we live in a day and time that they are available to us.

Gratitude 5

Today it was nice enough to go outside. I have amazing neighbors. I remember when we were house hunting I had a distinct feeling we were to be in this house. I've since realized that our awesome supportive neighbors was a big part in that. I love our neighbors and where we live. I'm grateful that Heavenly Father loves me enough to let me know this would be a supportive, loving neighborhood to raise my family! :)

Also, D talked to someone on the phone today that went well. . . . not too many details on that yet, but I feel that Heavenly Father's hand is in that.

The sun was shining today.. .. another thing to be grateful for. :)

Bath time!!

Aren't bath pictures the BEST!!! I love bath pictures. I had to take a few of Z-man the other day. He has just figured out that he really likes to lay down and kick, kick, kick!!! He is such a little cutie. He is definitely hitting TWO!!! and knows what he wants, we deal with the tantrums, but he is still my little guy that likes to snuggle and be loved. He LOVES to sleep with about 20 different stuffed animals and loves to laugh. I think he was born laughing.

love you, buddy.

Gratitude 4

Today my gratitude lies in back to back sicknesses. . now this definitely needs an explanation. J was sick with something for about a week which required loads and loads of laundry each day and much cleaning. For about a week, all I did was laundry and disinfect. Well, I've now come down with strep throat and some sort of nasty cold. While I'm not grateful for either of these sicknesses, I can at least be grateful that I wasn't on my death bed while J was needing so much attention. At least I had the energy to take care of her while she needed it and now that she's better, I can crash on the couch while my kids watch movies and play games until I can re-coup!!!

I'm not sure if that is a stretch trying to find something to be grateful for or not, but really I couldn't have done what I needed to do with J feeling the way I do. . . . sooo, cheers to back-to-back sicknesses instead of coinciding sicknesses! :)

Gratitude and Awareness!!

Well, without going into a lot of detail, this winter has a been quite a challange. I am ready for Spring which always brings a new start to life for me. :) In order to cope with some of the challenges in my life, I have decided that everyday this month (I know we are on day 3 already) I am going to find something that I am really grateful for . . or a way that Heavenly Father has worked in my life somehow. Sooo,. . . .

Today I am grateful for THE most supportive and loving husband EVER!!! D has really stood by me the last few months, been patient with me, helped me see things in a different light, and just loved me. He is my bright spot in the day!!! Sooo, today, I'm grateful that Heavenly Father led me to him and he to me. :) There were a lot of 'random' things that happened my sophomore year at Ricks in order for us to be in the same ward.. . and I'm thankful those 'random' things happened and probably were a lot less random than I think!!! :)

Seriously, don't you see the love!!! :)

For other news-worthy events: J was student of the month, so she was able to go to the PTA meeting and recieve an award. She was pretty happy!!! We love you baby girl!!

Since I have strep throat, I stayed home with the little ones and D took her to the PTA meeting.

Meg has done this for quite a while, but I finally got a picture taken of it. She will get on her hands and knees, but first she learned to 'plank.' She gets on her toes and hands. We think it's halarious and every time she does it we all yell out, "plank." (you know the exercise position of plank???)

Then J and Z-man wanted to join in. I think J is doing upward facing dog or something. She really likes Yoga. Me, not so much!

A little 'face' time with daddy!

my cousins

J and Lo like to stand in the corner of these mirrors at the library. They can see three other images of themselves and they totally get a kick out of it. They call them their cousins!!!! (maybe we need to move closer to REAL cousins so they can play more!!) They talk to their cousins, sing songs with their cousins, they especially like to dance and watch their 'cousins' dance just the same way. SOOO funny!! I'm sure the other parents think we're crazy, but they just have soo much fun!

Soo, yeah, to pretend friends and pretend cousins that look and act just the same as you!! :)

sorry the picture is from my phone. oh well, you get the idea.

All in the family

So J has to take a family picture to church tomorrow. We DID NOT HAVE A FAMILY PICTURE! I know sad, but the last family picture we had taken was when Lo was 2. That was before Z-man, before Meg, and before the extra 30 lbs from 2 babies. I kept saying we would do fam. pictures once I lost the baby weight. Well, I never had a chance to lose the weight after Z-man and before getting pregnant with Meg. . and now I'm working on baby weight from two pregnancies.. . but I consented to a fam. picture so J could take it to church tomorrow.

I keep previous fam. pictures behind the current one in the picture frame. It was, however, fun to pull those out and see how everyone has changed. :)

so here is our setup the tripod- put the camera on timer- and say cheese version of a family picture! ha ha. oh well. it's for documentation purposes, right?! :)

BE MINE!!!!

So Valentine's day is a day to show someone you love them. It's a day to build relationships and let someone know how much that relationship means to you. I feel that despite the commercialization of it all, that Valentine's day is for one and all whether you are single, dating, married, etc. It's simply a day we get to express how much we care for the friends and loved ones in our lives. . SOO Happy Valentine's day to each of you. Thanks for being great friends and family.

With the focus on relationships (any type) I thought I'd post this little quiz. It's the languages of love quiz so you know what makes you feel loved. D and I took this years ago, but this was done in Relief society last Thurs., so we took it again. We are both Quality time. I think I'm going to give it to my two older kids and see what they are. :)

Anyway, if you want to take it, it's pretty fun.. . AND then you will know how to effectively love someone else and they can effectively love you!!! :) putting our efforts in the right basket.

pick one of the options for each number. Then circle the letter at the end of the statement that fits you best. Add up each of the letters at the end to determine which is your love language.

1: I like it when you give me notes of affirmation. A I like it when you hug me. E 2: I like to spend one-on-one time with you. B I feel loved when you give practical help to me. D 3: I like it when you give me gifts. C I like taking long walks with you. B 4: I feel loved when you do things to help me. D I feel loved when you touch me. E 5: I feel loved when you hold me in your arms. E I feel loved when I receive a gift from you. C 6: I like to go places with you. B I like to hold hands with you. E 7: Visible symbols of love (gifts) are very important to me. C I feel loved when you affirm me. E 8: I like to sit close to you. E I like for you to tell me I am attractive/handsome. A 9: I like to spend time with you. B I like to receive little gifts from you. C 10: Your words of acceptance are important to me. A I know you love me when you help me. D 11: I like to be together when we do things. B I like it when you say kind words to me. A 12: What you do affects me more than what you say. D I feel whole when we hug. E 13: I value your praise and try to avoid your criticism. A Several inexpensive gifts from you mean more to me than one large gift. C 14: I feel close when we are talking or doing something together. B I feel closer to you when you touch me often. E 15: I like it when you compliment my achievements. A I know you love me when you do things for me that you don't enjoy doing. D 16: I like for you to touch me when I walk by. E I like it when you listen to me sympathetically. B 17: I feel loved when you help me with my jobs around the house. D I really enjoy receiving gifts from you. C 18: I like for you to compliment my appearance. A I feel loved when you take time to understand my feelings. B 19: I feel secure when you are touching me. E Your acts of service make me feel loved. D 20: I appreciate the many things you do for me. D I like receiving gifts that you make. C 21: I really enjoy the feeling I get when you give me your undivided attention. B I really enjoy the feeling I get when you do some acts of service for me. D 22: I feel loved when you celebrate my birthday with a gift. C I feel loved when you celebrate my birthday with meaningful words. A 23: I know you are thinking of me when you give me a gift. C I feel loved when you help out with my chores. D 24: I appreciate it when you listen to me patiently and don't interrupt me. B I appreciate it when you remember special days with a gift. C 25: I like to know you are concerned enough to help with my daily tasks. D I enjoy extended trips with you. B 26: Kissing me unexpectedly excites me. E Giving me a gift for no special occasion excites me. C 27: I like to be told that you appreciate me. A I like for you to look at me when we are talking. B 28: Your gifts are always special to me. C I feel good when you are touching me. E 29: I feel loved when you enthusiastically do some task I have requested. D I feel loved when you tell me how much you appreciate me. A 30: I need to be touched every day. E I need your words of affirmation daily. A

A= Words of affirmation; B= Quality time; C=Recieving Gifts; D=Service; E=Physical Touch.

D and I already went on our Valentine's date. (we like to beat the rush!! ) We had a great time going to the city and taking pictures and eating dinner. :) it was a lot of fun. I can't think of anyone that I would rather be with than D. :) He really is my best friend. :)

WHAT???

That's right, Meg is now holding her own bottle. She's been doing it for a few weeks, but she's really getting quite proficient. Did you know that I have 2-3 extra hours in the day now!!! o.k. I still feed her the night time bottle because I like to snuggle her at night!!! :)

She is up on her hands and knees. She's getting close to figuring it out. WHOO, life is about to get VERY interesting!

Meg LOVES her brothers and sister. Lo was giving her a kiss on her nose. :)

Z-man always pulls his chair up next to Megs after meals and tries to kife her food. She usually has those puff things and he thinks that anything on her tray is open for him. HA

being a monkey!!!

another monkey

Far Away!!

I've been thinking a lot recently of all the many friends that have brought such good memories and happiness into my life. I really am so blessed to have friends that relate to me, support me, encourage me, and remember to say hi every now and again. I have a friend that is moving back to her home town after 11 years away from family. I thought of how fun it would be to go 'home' and be by family.. . . after thinking that for a while and being a little sad, I realized that soooo many of my friends have been people I've met while 'far away.' And so I'm grateful for life's little (sometimes big) journey that has taken us through several states and multiple moves. I grow so attached to people and it was always hard to say good bye to those that have touched my heart, but I've been lucky enough to stay in touch and continue long distance friendships.

Soo, to all those family and friends that I've met along the way in life, Thanks for being so great!!!! Sometime (probably in the eternities) I hope to have a grand reunion!!! :)