How Are We Already Here!?

I mentally was not prepared for our latest milestone. There are some recipes that I'm already needing to double in order to feed my family. I can't be too surprised since Samuel is obsessed with eating whatever they rest of us are eating. Tonight, he decided that the exact same food that was on his brother's plate was far more appetizing than what was on his plate. He's lucky he's so cute!

Yesterday

Yesterday was the best day I've had in a long time. These two sons certainly help make mornings even brighter.

At the last minute, I decided to make a couple of new recipes for my foodie group potluck. The kids did great! They requested a car shopping cart and at first I wasn't sure all three kids would fit, but they did and they all loved it!

I still can't handle how cute looking at the backs of their heads. Aaron and Lucy were very excited to see that there's a "pumpin" patch inside our HEB.

Lucy helped me make a homemade funfetti cake.

I forgot to take any pictures of last night with our friends, but it was great. We even came home with a bit of cake and a few stuffed bell peppers.

I really enjoy our group and this was one of the first times we included our families which was good since we usually have way too much food!

By the end of the day, my feet were more sore than my back! I am so excited that I'm really healing though I'm mentally preparing for another set back just in case. God is so good!

New Printer

We celebrated getting a new colored printer by cutting out colorful shapes! For the bast few years, I've heard good things about Epson ecotank printers and so we finally got one. This is the one we got. It's nice because you buy ink instead of an ink cartridge and if you run out of one color, you don't have to replace all of them. Here's hoping it's a good fit for our homeschool!

Sunday is the Best Day

"Come unto Jesus, ye heavy laden,

Careworn and fainting, by sin oppressed.

He’ll safely guide you unto that haven

Where all who trust him may rest."

First verse of hymn #117 "Come unto Jesus"

By: Orson Pratt Huish

It felt so good to be back at church. Yes, the seats were uncomfortable and so I wasn't too sure I would stay the whole time but it was just what my spirit needed today. What a week! Something that I'm seeing is a surge of men and women choosing to learn about Jesus for themselves. It is powerful and uplifting me to be better at living what I believe. My prayers are shifting to focus more on those around me that are strangers because I know Jesus knows and loves each one of them. I am so grateful that I had parents that introduced me to Jesus as a baby. I still had to choose to get to know Him and I am so grateful that I have. I still have so much more to learn and change and grow, but I know I can trust Jesus to be with me through it all.

So Sunday

"I believe in Christ; he is my King!

With all my heart to him I’ll sing;

I’ll raise my voice in praise and joy,

In grand amens my tongue employ.

I believe in Christ; he is God’s Son.

On earth to dwell his soul did come.

He healed the sick; the dead he raised.

Good works were his; his name be praised."

Hymn #134 I Believe in Christ
By: Bruce R. McConkie

We did another church at home week. The children have been congested and didn't want to spread any germs in their classes. After dinner we went to the Austin Temple. It is so exciting to see the progress each time we visit it.

Aaron and Lucy love finding "tools" to play with as well as throwing rocks. The work site is clean so there's not too many screws or nails but they find a few each time we visit.

Sleepy Sunday

"Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control: That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate And hath shed His own blood for my soul. It is well with my soul; It is well, it is well with my soul."

Second verse of hymn #1003 It Is Well with My Soul

By: Horatio G. Spafford

I was able to hold Samuel for his morning nap today and it fed my soul. Samuel then got in another good nap at church. Healing is coming, but it's still slow.

A Day of Rest

"Master, with anguish of spirit I bow in my grief today. The depths of my sad heart are troubled. Oh, waken and save, I pray! Torrents of sin and of anguish Sweep o’er my sinking soul, And I perish! I perish! dear Master. Oh, hasten and take control! The winds and the waves shall obey thy will: Peace, be still. Whether the wrath of the storm-tossed sea Or demons or men or whatever it be, No waters can swallow the ship where lies The Master of ocean and earth and skies. They all shall sweetly obey thy will: Peace, be still; peace, be still. They all shall sweetly obey thy will: Peace, peace, be still."

Second verse of hymn #105 Master, the Tempest Is Raging

By: Mary Ann Baker

Another Rough Sunday

"Be still, my soul:

The Lord is on thy side;

With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain.

Leave to thy God to order and provide; 

In ev’ry change he faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul:

Thy best, thy heav’nly Friend 

Thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end."

First verse of hymn #124 Be Still, My Soul

By: Katharina von Schlegel; translation by Jane Borthwick

Right after this picture, I tweaked my back and it was bad. The pain was immediate. Thankfully I was able to hobble to the car and, with the heated seat on high, drive home. What makes this even harder is that my ankle was mostly healed and now I'm starting all over but with a much bigger injury. It's hard to be hopeful tonight.

We Are Two Dirls

Lucy frequently tells me, "We are two dirls." I think it's more about where she's at developmentally rather than she's feeling out numbered by two brothers.

She's such a fun girl, so we made crackers today. Lucy is becoming more independent and learning lots of good skills. I'm so glad we are two dirls. 

Sunday, Sunday

"We need to infuse the Light of Jesus Christ into every corner of our lives. If we are not testifying to the veracity of His premortal godhood, His divine mission, and His prison-bursting Resurrection in our homes and in every single meeting of this Church, then our messages of love, service, honesty, humility, gratitude, and compassion can become nothing more than a jaunty pep talk of thoughtful living. Without Jesus Christ there is no power to change, no purpose to aspire to, and no reconciliation of the travails of life. If we become casual in our discipleship of Jesus Christ, it could be catastrophic for our children."

Amy A. Wright, April 2025 "Thou Art the Christ"

These pictures are getting trickier to take!

At one point during Sacrament Meeting, there was a stack of boys next to me. It's crazy that there's three of them now!

During a prayer after church, Lucy thanked Heavenly Father for her teachers. Then she thanked Him that her teachers help her to know what to do. Then she thanked Him that she could be part of the best part of their day. I only asked if she wanted to pray, I didn't prompt her with what to pray for. Lucy is hard to win over, but once she is she is a true friend.

Two Little Fishes

Today is a day I want to remember especially since I took almost zero pictures.

Our nephew Tyler opened his mission call on his Dad's (my brother) birthday. I'm so excited for his next chapter. (He hasn't posted about it, so I'm going to wait to share where he's going.) I love that the letter has changed so it explains what is means to be a missionary before the location is stated. I know that he's going to have a positive impact in so many lives.

Next, we went swimming with our favorite Paynes. How we love them! Lucy and Aaron were constantly asking Liv for help even when they didn't really need it. Lucy has gotten so much more confident in the pool. Samuel basically hates his baby floaty and wasn't really in a mood for swimming. Thankfully he felt better after a bottle and lounging with me. My ankle is doing better and was really good in the pool. There are some light sunburns on us because we delayed leaving to be on the video call for Tyler. I forgot to put another coat of sunscreen on us.

Aaron loves man handling Samuel and thankfully Samuel typically likes it. These brothers are so cute together!

Today was such a good day. 

I Need Thee Every Hour

A few months ago while studying the scriptures, the hymn "I Need Thee Every Hour" came into my mind. I felt so strongly that it is so true that I really do need Jesus every hour. Then the thought came that I need to remember Him every hour if I truly want Him to be with me every hour. I am not good at thinking about Him once my day gets going. I decided then and there to create multiple alarms to go off throughout my day to remind me to pray.

I have noticed that even though I still need these reminders throughout the day, there are times that I am quick to pray. Frequently it's prayers of gratitude but at times it is for help for my kids or me. It's a simple change but I'm like the difference it's making in my life.

Happy Sunday!

Scenes in church:

I love the boy, the outfit, the naked baby doll, and the partially eaten sandwich.

Last week, Aaron quickly volunteered to give a talk in Primary. He loves talking in the microphone and he was so excited to use it today. He was assigned to give a talk about section 84 of the Doctrine and Covenants. Aaron wanted to talk about planets. We were able to connect the two by sharing that God and Jesus used priesthood power to create the planets. We are given His power as we make and keep covenants and it enables us to help others come closer to God. Aaron struggled starting his talk, but he was able to share it. It was hard to understand because he kept the microphone too close to his mouth, but he's getting more experience.

As we left church, my heart was overflowing with love for these three. It helped that we were listening to Jupiter by Gustav Holst. (I introduced Aaron to Holst's The Planets suite well over a year ago. He loved planets and I told him it was planet music. He quickly loved listening to it and started recognizing each planet.)

Aaron wanted to drive on the "new" bridge on the way home and I loved the beautiful view.

Fleeing the Scene of the Crime

Jonathan took the big kids to run some errands and so naturally it was Samuel's turn to get into baby mischief. He loves playing with the big kid toys but more especially enjoys making his way down the hallway. (You never know what treasures are there like diaper bags and shoes to chew on.) I heard him playing with paper and then the boing of the doorstop. I let him play with it for awhile and then when it was quiet for too long I went to investigate.

The suspect was fleeing the scene of the crime by belly as I approached. (He still hasn't quite got the hang of crawling on his hands and knees.) He played with the doorstop until it fell out. I was just glad it wasn't in his mouth. I do love my boy!

Mixed Feelings

This past week, Lucy has been calling Aaron by his name more often. I am having mixed feelings about it. She typically calls him bubby. For awhile it was bud and buddy, but since about the beginning of the year it's been bubby.

It is cute hearing her say Aaron, but I love hearing her say bubby. When my parents were visiting in January, my dad didn't understand her and asked who's Bob?! It was a good laugh.

It's so cute how much these two love each other. Aaron regularly tells me Lucy is a fun girl.

Overheard

This is a conversation I recently heard between Aaron and Lucy.

Aaron: "Lucy. I'm going to marry you."

Lucy: "Why you going to marry me?"

A: "Because you are a cute girl."

L: "I'm already married."

A: "You are going to grow into a grownup. You aren't going to stay two."

After she doesn't respond, Aaron starts using his train whistle and walks away.

 I love these two so much! I wholeheartedly agree that Lucy is a cute girl.

P.S. My ankle is slowly healing. I still can't do too much, but I am not in pain while I do little walks around the house.

Samuel Cool!

I am obsessed with this little boy! That is all.

So It Begins

The boys already enjoy wrestling each other. Samuel doesn't last as long as Aaron, but he does enjoy playing with his brother.

I am so grateful these boys have each other.

Happy Sunday

"Why should we mourn or think our lot is hard?

’Tis not so; all is right.

Why should we think to earn a great reward

If we now shun the fight?

Gird up your loins; fresh courage take.

Our God will never us forsake;

And soon we’ll have this tale to tell—

All is well! All is well!"

Second verse of hymn #30 "Come, Come, Ye Saints"

By: William Clayton

It was so good to be at church to worship with our ward family. There is power in gathering together and renewing our commitment to follow Christ. I taught the women in our congregation today and they shared so many wonderful thoughts and stories that helped me.

After church and a good nap, I finally got a picture of Samuel on his hands and knees. He's been working on crawling for the past week. He's really skilled at belly crawling and so I've been wondering when he'd switch over. He is so wonderful! He also got his first two teeth over the weekend and has been so chill about it.

Mr. Blue Eyes

After two brown eyed babies, I am thrilled to have a blue eyed boy!

Even as a newborn, it was obvious that there was more blue in his eyes. There's still a chance his eyes will change color, but I'm enjoying our little Mr. Blue Eyes!

Five Years' Time

So much has changed in the past 5 years.

And I couldn't be more grateful!

Church At Home

"So many choices with so much at stake.

Life’s full of pathways, but which should I take?

If I lift up in prayer in the name of the Son,

Through the pow’r of the Holy Ghost answers will come.

Heavenly Father is there,

Ready to answer my prayer.

I will find my own sacred grove.

Away from all of the noise in the world.

I will turn to prayer,

For I know He’s there

I will find my own sacred grove."

"My Own Sacred Grove"

By Angie Killian

It was a good and chaotic church at home kind of Sunday. My ankle is healing, but two hours of sitting still is a bit too much. I'm so grateful for all church at home we did in 2020 because it's so easy to do it now on those off weeks when church attendance just isn't possible.

A Change of Plans

I planned on going to the Houston Temple today. As soon as I hurt my ankle on Sunday, I knew that would not be happening. Earlier in the week, Jonathan said we need to get out of the house on Saturday. By Thursday that seemed reasonable and I knew I wanted to go to the Austin Temple. 

We stopped for donuts on the way there. Aaron picked one with white frosting and green sprinkles and Lucy chose pink frosting with yellow sprinkles. While we were looking at the temple, Aaron grabbed rocks and screws that were in the dirt. He decided the rocks were dinosaur bones and the screws were tools.

It is so exciting to see the progress each time we visit the temple. While this wasn't the temple trip I originally planned for today, I'm still glad we came and we can share our excitement for the completion of our temple.

On the way home, we went through a carwash. While no one cried, Samuel did look extremely concerned about what was going on.

I was wiped out after our morning adventure, so I got the kinetic sand and dinosaurs ready for the big kids while Samuel and I napped. I hid dinosaur bones in the sand and Aaron loved the surprise. It was perfect after how he had been playing at the temple.

This has been a hard week and I've felt discouraged by my injury. I'm definitely healing, but I'm ready to get back to my normal activity. I'm praying that things will continue to improve and I'll be able to get to the temple very soon.

Quiet Mornings

For the past few weeks (before I wrecked my ankle), I've been going on morning walks. They started with Samuel in the front pack, but he now sleeps in late enough so I walk alone. I'm surprised at how much I enjoyed this time walking while the sun finishes rising because I am not a morning person. It has been so wonderful and I miss it so much. I walk around our neighborhood and see so many bunnies darting around that I'm certain I've startled Peter Rabbit.

While I walk, I listen to some of my favorite podcasts. They connect me with heaven and how I can practically live out my beliefs. I miss this time terribly, though I don't miss the humidity. I'm hoping that it won't be too long and I'll be back.

My podcast list:

Talking Scripture

Grounded

Inklings Institute

Walk With Him

Magnify

Occasionally I'll also listen to a BYU devotional

Third Time's the Charm

I got out today! I went on a quick drive and it felt so good to be out of the house on my own. While I was gone, Samuel ripped up Lucy's letter Q from the wall.

That was Lucy's second letter Q because she played with the first one too hard and it got ripped. I'm hopeful that third time's the charm and this one will survive.