Daniel The Happy Bowler

Daniel went to Caroline's birthday party at the bowling ally today. I don't have any bowling party pics, but the ones above are from our holiday cookie decorating party with Owen and Caroline.  I was going to have Daniel's birthday party in April at the Union Lanes, but after seeing Liz and Tim's parents (Caroline's mom and grandparents) try to assist 12 4 almost 5 year olds bowl; I am having second, third and fifth thoughts. Daniel LOVED the party and had a blast. He was a little concerned at first because he was staring into the faces of ten giggly girls hugging and talking, but once he discovered O-Dogg was there too his spirits lifted and he was bowling like a mad man. I loved watching him jump up and down and cheer everyone on, and being so happy he even when he had a gutter ball. Just making it to the end of the lane was all the victory he needed. 

Daniel is such a special happy spirit and I am so happy he is a part of my life and our family. A few months ago we were all sitting around eating dinner (or rather watching the flying circus in its prime) and in the midst of the noise, mess and chaos Daniel stood up and announced "Everybody, Everybody listen up I have something I want to say." I was envisioning something inspiring like "Amelia smells," or the usual "Sam is poopy," but that day was different. Daniel said "I want to say two things, Mom is a good cooker, and we are a happy family." I just stood there looking at him and thinking this is what other moms mean when they tell me it is all worth it.  I love my sweet D-Diddy and I hope he always loves to be the nice, sweet person he is right now.

"The Early Bird Gets The Worm"

Or so they say. In my house if the early bird mom is foolish enough to wake early up before all of her family to clean the house and mop the floors. She is foolish enough to have to redo the floors just a few hours later. If you look closely in the photos you will see thousands of sprinkles mixed with globs of sticky pink and white frosting from the animal cookies "Daddy the Hero" purchased at Target without "The Mom of Mean" seeing. (you can also see that my pledge to give up Mt. Dew for Lent failed too.)I think this early bird is going to adopt a "why bother cleaning? it will just be messed up again later policy." My kids tell me it works with making their beds.

Trouble Comes in Threes!

If you don't believe me just look at the three bundles of trouble Dave and I have produced. I feel like I spend my days saying "No", "Wait", "Eat", "Clean", and "No", "No", "No". Oh, and my favorite "BECAUSE"! I just wish I had been this good at saying "NO!" before we had kids. 

Even as I am writing this Dave just came running in from the bathroom (where he is currently bathing three naughty and slippery kids) with a wet shirt, a Tupperware container, and a frown. Hey, at least we are never bored! 

 

I knew spring was coming our way and now I have proof. After having a fun morning of making bread and eating lunch with Annette; Caroline came by to show Daniel the new purple princess bike she got for her birthday yesterday. When I went outside I noticed out of the corner of my eye a lovely yellow color in my garden. When I turned around to investigate I realized my gorgeous daffodils were finally coming up for some springtime air! Yay! I am so excited for sunshine and warmth. Today was just perfect and I can only hope the days ahead keep getting longer and better.

Sunday Sunday Sunday!

Today I taught my young women for the first time. My lesson was on "Preparing to Become an Eternal Companion". They are great girls! I am going to have a lot of fun with them. They were all born right about the time I graduated high school, but they have accepted me even though I am an old woman. Yeah! They have even agreed to help give the lessons and practice giving talks to our class. Awesome, brave girls no doubt.

My own kids are the ones I need help with. Yikes! Can you say super hyper after 3+ hours of behaving in church. At least Dave was able to come home with us after I was set apart. Having him home before 7pm on a church night is a wonderful gift indeed. I cannot wait to have morning church again. 

Samo

Sam graduated from his high chair to a booster at the table today. It is kind of weird that I don't already have another bun in the oven to go into the chair after Sam. Kind of nice, but weird. Sam is such a cute Sam too. I have no idea what I would do without his almost eighteen month cute boy self. I hope he never stops cuddling.

Snow Blues

Okay, if you are a skier, boarder, farmer or even pro Lake Powell, you are happy as a clam with all this weather, but I AM NOT! I need warm and sun or at least fresh air. Dave keeps telling me we are almost done with snow, but I think he has been saying that for two months now and deep in my soul I know it will just come back again next year! I saw some of my garden the other day when a little snow melted and it looks like my tulips are trying to come say hello. I love bulb flowers because they never let me down and they always give me hope that warmer weather is near. (sigh) At the very least warm enough for my kids to play outside longer than half an hour.

Snow and Earthquakes

Here we go a new beginning for Meikle life. An online challenge to be sure. We will see how long I can remember to update this blog, but in the meantime. Here are a few glimpses into our busy, crazy, loud, happy life!