283 Priceless

Today Bean was looking at the little wallet I carry that has all of my important cards in it. She said "Mom, you don't have any money in it!" I explained to her that the wallet just carries my ID and bank card, there is no room for money. Then I said "I don't have any money anyway! I don't have a job, except to teach you. Do you want to pay me?" I giggled and said I was kidding. I told her that I love teaching her and she pays me in hugs and kisses.

Then she disappeared for a moment and returned with a handful of change from her piggy bank.

"Here mom. I want to pay you because you do such a great job and I love you. I want to give you money so you can buy a pretty belt or a dress for yourself."

My. Heart. Melted.

What a sweet little girl she is. I hope she understands though, that money isn't what matters. I am paid far more richly every day by the blessings of being able to spend so much time with my babies!!

275 Sending Sunshine

Things have been sorta rough for my mom. Just a lot for her to betaking care of, and I've had a hard time being so far away, I just don't know how to help her!

Enter pinterest. Seriously, it is the coolest thing ever. I pinned an idea a while back about sending a box of sunshine to someone who needs a pick-me-up. Well, my mom certainly does, so the girls and I hunted all over Target this morning for anything sunshiney. We found some great, happy things to fill this box with. Then  I painted the inside yellow and whipped up a cute card. I'll send it out tomorrow.

I can't wait to hear from her after she gets it!

Most importantly though, I hope it helps to bring a little smile to her face.

I love you mommy!!

264 Ohmagosh

I stopped by the school today to pick up Bean's school pictures.

I may be a little biased, but this is pretty much one of the best school photos I've ever seen!!!!

I think it should totally be used in their marketing campaign.

But that's just me...

(it's a little hazy because I took this picture with my phone, I should just scan it into the computer)

260 Scripture Time

I just love watching this!

258 Oh Yum!

Gotta love my mama! She sent me a box of hand packed See's today. They survived the heat and were as delicious as always.

And no, there were not too many butterscotch squares!

251 My, How You Have Grown!

The DQ got her school pictures today. I can't believe how grown up she looks!!!

She is growing into such a beautiful young woman.

And on the topic of growing up, she is off at her first night time babysitting job! She was really excited to do it. Luckily she's a street away if anything goes wrong, but I am fully confident tonight will be a success!

213 Happy Birthday Bean!!

She is 6 today!!

I cannot believe it!!

We had a fabulous day in Atlanta at the Lego Discovery Center, ate at Chipotle and Panda Express, then came home to play with new toys and eat cake!

185 Sleepover

The girls have been getting along really well this summer. They typically do, but they have been playing more than ever, probably because Bean is getting older and easier to play big-kid things with. 

They have been begging for a "sleepover" where Bean sleeps in the DQ's room. 

After the DQ's surgery, her generous grandmother ordered her a memory foam mattress for her. We kept the regular mattress that was on her bed so that Bean can use it when we upgrade her to a twin bed. 

It made a perfect bed on the DQ's floor. 

I love these two sweet girls!!!

169 We Love Daddy!

Happy Father's Day to my love, and to an amazing father, my LT.

We are blessed by you every day!!

Thank you for all you do for us!!!!!

165 Goodbye Grandma!

Sadly, my mom had to return home today.

We were so blessed to have her come and stay with us and we had a wonderful time. We were especially grateful that she could be here for the DQ's birthday!!

I miss her so much already!!

134 Motherly Love

I LOVE my girls and I LOVE being a mom.

I am so thankful for them every day, and I am so thankful that we are an eternal family.

Today was a lovey reminder of how blessed I am.

The meetings that the LT and I usually attend before church were cancelled so that those who attend could have a nice morning (read: the men who attend can stay home and help their wives get the kids ready).

The LT made pancakes (He is really aweseome, and I am really thankful that he is the one I get to be a parent with), I opened some touching cards from the family, and we rode in one car together to church (that's a pretty big deal right now).

Church was wonderful and inspired and uplifting. The children sang the usual "Mother I Love You" and there were lots of chocolates given to the women with the instruction to men and children alike: "These are for the mothers!"

Then we had a perfect Sunday of lounging, snuggling, Wii, golf watching (for the LT of course), and talking to family. The only thing that would have made it better would have been sunshine (it's rained for 2 days straight) and being with my mom and mothers-in-law!

I am so thankful to have them in my life as well. They are amazing examples of unconditional love and support and are simply magnificent women.

120 Cheese!

Today Bean looked so cute in her church dress with her hair all curled that I couldn't help but grab the camera and take some shots before she got changed and all dirty.

 I LOVE that smile so much!!!

113 Some LT Love

So glad I'm married to this guy.

It has been a great weekend, and he has been awesome.

Today he stayed home with the DQ so I could go to church and fulfill my calling. He had lunch ready when Bean and I got home, and he had steak marinating for dinner.

He brought me a diet coke and my lunch as I sat at the table with my migraine-afflicted head in hands.

He later cooked dinner, and cleaned up the kitchen.

I have been feeling a little wounded as my diagnosis has set in.

It's really not a big deal, and I knew I had it before being confirmed by a doctor, but the anxiety disorder has thrown me for a loop. I guess I just thought I was particular, but I guess most people aren't as edgy as I am. I've been walking around thinking, "Oh, I don't want to do that because it will make me anxious" and lame excuses like that. Generally treating myself like a broken baby.

The LT has had enormous patience with me and now some of his frustrations with me have been brought to light, and he also sees that the things that he's been frustrated with (like me changing the subject while he's mid-sentance) are things that I don't mean to do.

He pointed out the other day that we make a great team, and really balance each other out. I am thankful that he sees things that way too and that he loves me despite all of my faults (and crazies).

102 Post-Op

Today we spent the morning in the waiting room of the Children's Hospital of Atlanta. Around 11:30, the wonderful doc came out to tell us that everything had gone as planned (for the most part) and that the DQ was headed to recovery. We are now in her room with her, and she has slept the day away (thankfully). She occasionally wakes with pain, so she pushes her morphine button and then drifts back to sleep. She has received great care here and although the surgery was a big hurdle, I think the hardest part is ahead of us.

We have definitely felt the thoughts and prayers offered on our behalf. We are so blessed!!

99 Happy Easter!!

98 Grandma!

Grandma came in today and we couldn't be more excited!!!

96 Peace

We were in Atlanta again today, for the DQ's pre-op appointment at the hospital. Her spinal fusion is next Wednesday and today made it all that more real.

They drew blood, and talked to her about what to expect.

Afterward, we had lunch and tried to decided what to do. I decided I'd like to drive by the Atlanta Temple. The LT wasn't thrilled because he thought we were dressed too casually, but I really wanted to check it out. I was feeling really emotional about the surgery and so I stuck my ground on it.

I was overwhelmed by such a feeling of peace the moment we pulled into the parking lot.

Instantly, the scripture from John 14:27 came into my mind:

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

I knew I had made the right choice in coming to the temple, even if I couldn't go inside today.

I am so thankful for the love of my Heavely Father, and how much He wants us to be happy and feel His love.

95 First Photo Shoot

Today I did my first "official" photo shoot under my new "business venture".

I had so much fun taking pictures of little miss Bridget.

I think they turned out pretty good. It was seriously so hard to choose one for today!!

92 Jesus Loves Me, This I Know

I LOVE General Conference weekend.

We sat around all day and were spirtually fed.

Bean doesn't have the patience to listen for long, but she will sit and color or draw.

Today she worked really hard on this picture and then hung it on the fridge:

I know that Jesus loves Miss Bean too.

72 Great Weekend

Today it was time for family to go home.

We had a great time, and these 3 just couldn't get enough of each other!

Until we meet again...