When we're helping we're happy

Lately My sweet Amy has been noticing all I do as a mother. The other day she must have noticed i was feeling slightly overwhelmed by the chaos. While I was changing Rachel's diaper, listening to Nathan cry from his bed, and barking out orders for Ian to pick up his Trios off the living room floor Amy tenderly says ... "mom, I'm sorry you have to do so much work for us". It was in that moment when I was again grateful for my testimony and love of motherhood. I said to her, "Amy, I love being a mother. Sometimes it is hard work but I love doing it because I love you and Ian and Rachel and Nathan." I was grateful I could emphatically express my gratitude for this most important calling and so grateful for a kind daughter who at 6 years old is already noticing the needs and trials of others and who looks for ways to lift and help.

A few days later as I was clearing the table after dinner Amy decided she was going to be my right hand girl and help me without being asked. She busily helped take the dishes to the sink, but made it a point to hum a tune while she worked. This made my heart smile. She's done this several times and I know it's because she thinks of this primary song "when you're helping, you're happy ... And you SING as you go. For we like to help Mother, for we all love her so". I took her singing to mean that 1. Yes, she was deliberately helping me. 2. Yes, she was happy doing it. 3. Yes, she loved helping me. 4. Yes, she loved me. I'm so grateful for all of my sweet children.

I love family life

Haunted Trees

We spent a great weekend in Orderville. We love every bit of our time there and hope someday to find ourself there permanently. My sweet mother-in-law thought it would be fun for the kids to haunt the trees in preparation for Halloween. She brought out a collection of glow sticks and painted cardboard tubes and the kids (with some help) went to work making some scary glowing eyes. The kids hung them on the trees outside. Thanks grandma for making some holiday fun !

Rainbow Dash at the Color Run

Lately Amy has been really into My Little Pony. If you know anything about the ponies you know that each one has its own "cutie mark", a symbol on the pony signifying something special about each one.

Well, Saturday Amy, Ian, Uncle DoDo and Aunt Alexis went to a Color Run, a 5K event where colored chalk gets thrown at you along the way. When Amy got home she was SO excited.

"Mom, you would NOT believe it!"

"What Amy?"

"There was a man at the race that had Rainbow Dash's cutie mark on his shirt! Isn't that so cool!"

"Yes, Amy that is cool :). . . He must like the ponies too :)".

I love the innocence of youth. I'm glad that she can look at that man's "cutie mark" and and only think of the things that unite them. I hope she'll always have that kind and loving heart :).

The kids had a great time at the color run. We're still trying to get the chalk out of their hair. It might have to be something we do next year too :) Thanks for taking them Kevin and Lex!

Ian at Scout Camp

Ian and Kenny have spent the weekend at scout camp. I'm always a little nervous sending them off but love the experiences they have together. Ian gets excited for it days in advance, and when it's time to go he makes sure he's on his best behavior. At camp Kenny makes him act like a scout. He has to tell the scoutmaster whenever the two of them are taking a hike, he helps cook the food, sets up the tent and hikes like a big kid. This time was no exception. Ian hiked 7 miles with the scouts without getting carried once! I'm so proud of my big boy!