Simplify

We are getting back in to the thick of things, only this year I was more cautious with our time.

I want to see my kids, not taxi them everywhere.

I want to have dinner together and not be rushing everywhere.

In previous years I have been too easily caught up in developing talents, that I miss the mark;

piano, swimming, sports, art...all these things are good, but what is better, what is best?

Cramming everything in puts me in survival mode, survive not thrive. 

I think the moments we will remember most are those we spend together laughing, playing, creating, reading, talking.

My Sister's Keeper

Yesterday morning I woke at 5:30 to study scriptures and sit in quiet.

Katelynn's cries broke my silence, 

she had a nightmare and was crying every 20 seconds or so. I read for a minute or two then got out of my chair to see what was the trouble. I walked in the room to hear Allison say, "come into bed with me Kate." She pulled back her covers and Kate sleepily got out of her bed and into her sister's.

It made my heart smile. The girls didn't notice me. Kate settled back to sleep and I went back to my scriptures. Good morning.

Birthdays and such

It is May already. Time blows by so quickly it amazes me. Last month we had Emma's birthday party. I am sorry to say that I am a Party Pooper (note the capital P's). I really hate having to plan parties and activities for kids, then go out and get all the stuff, I would much prefer to go out with the family and do something fun. Regardless, Emma enjoyed her birthday, simple as it was.

Some great beachball volleyball

Decorate your own cake

This month we have the twins baptism! They turn 8. I can't believe we have had these two awesome kids for 8 years now. Now to plan that. I think I will keep it as simple as possible. Simple with family to have fun with will be great.

Crazy, fun twinners

Moving forward

The past few months have gone by so fast. Every time I look at this blog it just appears as one more thing to do in my list of things to do. Today I want to take some time to write. My teenager is great. I love her. I think if I make that my mantra for the next few years we will all reach the finish line. William and I are still homeschooling this year and planning on next year. This is really not a venture I saw myself on. Perhaps it is part of the refining process for me, who knows. Most days are good ones, some not so much. I wonder daily if I am doing everything I should be, but I suppose that is better than a complacency and prideful assurance that "all is well". I often think its the blind leading the blind. Emma is in art lessons and loves it, art and creativity are her passions. Michael and Allison are turning 8 soon. They are looking forward to their baptism in May, time has gone by so fast with them. My Kate is 5! She is still my baby, she still makes my heart smile.

I want to move forward every day, to move to the good. I want to be better every day in some little way so that in a year or a decade I can say I am becoming who God knows I can be. That makes my heart happy too.

Nathan and I on vacation together