True Love

Bridger loves Penny more than I've ever seen a little boy love anyone.  When I bring Penny down from her bed in the morning, Bridger's eyes light up and he stops whatever he is doing to come play with her and try to get her to smile, although he really doesn't have to try.  The feeling is mutual.  When Penny sees Bridger, she'll let out a giggle without him even looking at her.

 

You have to click on this picture to see the amazingness that is her opening her mouth wide enough to eat her food and then her spoon and then Bridger.

The other day Bridger asked if he could feed Penny her breakfast.  He did great! And she loved it.  I hope they stay close friends forever.

Mid-sneeze. She looks funny. And kind of sad.  But she's not.

My Source of Happiness

A few weeks ago I was feeling overwhelmed and unhappy in my situation in life.  Being at home all day with kids who don't appreciate anything I do gets draining.  I was tired from not getting a lot of sleep and feeling sorry for myself.  Then I had a dream that one of my children was taken from me.  I woke up scared and tremendously sad.  I hugged each of my children more often that day and realized that I had been taking so many things in my life for granted.  Every day since I have tried to appreciate the funny things they say, the innocent little faces each of them have, and their individual personalities that are so bright and happy.  It is hard sometimes, with the tantrums and whining and bad attitudes.  I am really trying to show them my love more and to enjoy (almost) every moment I have with them.  I love them so much and they really do make me happy.

This is Brody on his way out the door for the bus.  He was in a hurry and not thrilled about having to stop for a picture. He is so big and is learning so much.

 

Bridger loves his family.  All day long I hear, "You're the best mommy ever ever ever" even after he gets in trouble.  He loves Penny more than I've ever seen a little boy love his sister.

 

 Penny is scooting all over the place and is starting to sit up on her own. She is getting so big and remains our sweet happy baby.

Love Them

I am so grateful for these three men.  They are such good examples of faith, kindness, gratitude and having a positive attitude.  I needed to hear everything I heard in General Conference. I want the feelings of hope and the desire to be better to last long enough for me to change.  I'm looking forward to finishing the sessions I missed yesterday...while I was working the Oliver Hardy Festival...more on that to come.

Scooter

Penny is now mobile.  Especially when there is a cell phone that is not within her reach. Or if there is a spot of carpet that hasn't been barfed on for a while.  We get so excited when she scoots around so we cheer and clap and laugh and she just looks at us like, "Yeah, what of it?"  I love her.

Snickerdoodle Muffins

I found this recipe a few weeks ago on a blog called Oopsey-Daisy and have been really excited to try it.  I love anything with cinnamon and sugar.  I could eat just the streusel that goes on top of apple crisp like popcorn.  I have tried a few cinnamon-y recipes in the past that were okay, but these muffins were SO GOOD!  The muffins alone (even without the topping) have such a great flavor.  Maybe you should go make them right now!  Here's the recipe:

Snickerdoodle Muffins

Muffins

2 c. flour

¾ tsp. baking soda

¾ tsp. cream of tartar

¼ tsp. salt

½ c. butter, melted

1 c. sugar

2 eggs

1 c. milk

1 tsp. vanilla

Topping

1 c. sugar

2 T. cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Either butter a 12-cup muffin tin or use cupcake papers.

Mix the dry ingredients together in a bowl.  In another bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla.  Stir until combined.  Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and mix lightly with a fork.

Fill the muffin cups with batter.  Top each muffin with the cinnamon/sugar mixture.  It can be applied heavily.

Bake 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Camping Out

Last weekend I took the boys out for a little camping with some of our friends and this was the result: Dirty faces, lots of sweets, running around with flash lights trying to scare people, throwing rocks in the lake, trying to catch little fish with our bare hands, making sand creations on the beach, going for nature walks, checking out the nature station at the park (who knew beavers were so huge?), and staying up late listening to the noisy forest around us. It was fun. I'm pretty sure the boys think being out in the woods is better than Disney World. At least, there was less complaining. Of course, how could they not be happy with no need for hygiene and a mouth full of fire roasted marshmallows?

Rockstar

Last night Penny went to bed around 6:45, ate at 6:00am, then slept until 8:00. That's my kind of baby. She really is a rockstar. And I'm not just talking about her hair.