"Smiley" Takes her first steps

"Smiley" is FINALLY walking! She has been standing on her own in the middle of the floor for a couple of months now. She's finally decided to start walking. Through this process she had many moments where she would start to take a step and then she'd see how excited we were and sit down. Everytime she did this I would call her "Chicken Little" so now that is "Energizer's" new name for her.

The other day I heard him talking to her in a different room from me. He was saying, "come here Chicken Little."

Good Times! I've always had the fear that my kids would end up with a bad nick name, I never thought I would be the one to actually be the the one who gave it to them.

Thanksgiving

As time gets closer to thanksgiving, I wonder why big life changing things always happen at this time of the year. I wonder if Heavenly Father (with his sense of humor) decides that he wants us all to be especially grateful at this time of year for the things we do have. That he humbles us to the point where we say, look at all the things we take for granted.

I have just been sitting, watching in awe, as the people around me are faced with bad news after bad news, and trial after trial. Watching them have to deal with what comes, wishing there was a way for me to stop it all, or take the burden from them. Then being reminded that it is somehow, all part of the plan. And that although it becomes real easy to question why, and to be heartbroken, I am still filled with a sense of peace. There is someone who will bare the burden with us, and sometimes even for us. The Savior does not abandon us.

My testimony as been strengthened so much in many different aspects. The people who surround us are there for a reason. We are given to each other as a gift to help each other through the trials. (the trials we signed up for) And though I feel as though I am lacking in the helpful department, I am forever grateful for everyone around me who help me through my trials. Thank you for your faith, and your incredible examples, and especially your love.

"Smiley" turns the big 1

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my "SMILEY" girl! I can't believe how fast one year goes. Halloween is probably going to be her least favorite holiday, because it will always steal thunder from her birthday! This year though, I think I can speak for all of us when I say it's our favorite. We all had a blast. We had a party to which we invited everyone we know... who lives close. I'm kind of bummed though because I didn't get any pictures of me or my man in our costumes. Oh well!

Our kids were troopers. Being the "air head" parent that I am, I forgot to bring jackets for the kids, and they were freezing, but they insisted on walking by themselves, holding their own buckets, and it wasn't even until the end that they started letting us hold their hands in between houses to warm them up a little bit. Funny kids... they really take their candy seriously!

In tribute to my "Smiley." The decision process to have her was a very difficult one. We had a really hard time deciding to have her, because our financial situation is not the best. We decided to get pregnant anyway. During the pregnancy my oldest, "Energizer," was going through a hard time. I was having a lot of difficulty keeping my patience with him, and I spent many countless nights crying, wondering why I was having another baby when I wasn't feeling sucessful with the ones I already had. Heavenly Father always gave me just enough peace to last through those stressful nights. When "Smiley" was born, and placed in my arms for the first time, I was overcome with peace. Ever since then, no matter what is going on in our day, whenever I pick her up I just feel peace, and calm. I don't know exactly what it is about her that does that for me, besides the fact that she's got a wonderful personality and can make anyone smile. (hence the nickname) All I know is that every day I thank Heavenly Father for the wonderful blessing he sent to me, and I apologize for not trusting that he knows better than us all.

Happy Birthday sweet baby!