BFF

I love Laney's friends. I love the way they love each other and how fierce they are about sticking together. They're not "mean girls". They don't look down on other kids or try to make each other feel bad by playing games. 

They don't care what they are wearing or whether your shoes are falling apart. 

They are the kind of friends you pray for. 

Bishopric

Mark was called to the Bishopric!

He is totally overwhelmed by the calling (I think that is a good sign) and pretty scared (also wise).


Honestly, he will do a wonderful job because he loves the gospel and has a sincere desire to serve and be obedient.

When they ask for my sustaining vote, I'm going to raise my hand as high as I can, assuming I'm not busy with two or more children in headlocks.

WWII Memorial....Kansas City

One morning I woke up and it someone whispered in my ear, "Take the boys to the WWI memorial". It was one of those times when I knew that someone up there was helping me out. 

I needed a way to connect with my boys. 

They are incredibly sweet and willing to go to the Farmstead with the little girls all the time....but it isn't something that interests them anymore. 

So I brought it up with Ethan and he was super excited. 

Mat was on board.

Ethan has been studying WWI this semester in his Modern World History class. He is always excited about what he's learning and it's sparked a real passion for the military and combat.

Mathew is into photography and enjoyed shooting the museum from different perspectives.

We rode the ancient elevator up to the top of the tower and snapped a quick photo...then I was ready to GET DOWN. I don't like being in places that leave me no options for escape.

Smile!

Now let's go.

We stopped for lunch at Jason's Deli because Ethan insisted that I "had to try" the club sandwich. 

Somebody should have warned him about the method most restaurants use to keep those sandwiches together.

Ouch!

Rules

The checkers at Aldi say kids aren't supposed to sit up on the countertops.

We're pretty sure the don't mean us.

Likeness

It took me six babies....but I finally got one who looks like me. 

Everly...chubby cheek phase.

Maren....chubby cheek phase.

Drop off

I'm not going to lie...most mornings one or more of us is in tears and furious with one or more of the rest of us.

It's something I've learned to accept as part of normal life. 

But every once in awhile, things go smoothly, breakfast is eaten, hair is curled, clothes match and homework was done on time. 

And then I get to drop them off and say I love you to a smiling child that says it right back to me and I drive off feeling fine about my choice to be a stay at home mom.  

I cherish these mornings. And I'll close my eyes and remember them when she can't find the exact shoes tomorrow and I am officially a jerk and she's SO MAD AT ME!!!

Joining the ranks

It's band concert time! Mathew is in Jazz band this year and he loves it. He feels a little nervous about getting up there and doing improv...(duh..that would give me nightmares. For the rest of my life.)

But I have to say that I am so glad that he's doing it. It's good for his confidence and it also makes band concerts way more fun when one of your kids is playing. The jazz portion can be....lengthy.

And this year, Megan joined the band and chose percussion!

She has aspirations to join Jazz band too and do both percussion and piano.

A super cool idea, man.