#24: Laci

Laci is my good thing today.  She is so amazing.  All my children are, in their own ways. Laci is the prime definition of middle child.  Her older sister gets a lot of attention for how much responsibility she takes on, and the younger ones get a lot of attention because they are toddlers.

We as parents, love them all, and do our best, but I think she often feels stuck in the middle.

Tonight, she stayed up the latest.  And I really enjoyed our one-on-one talk.

Laci is growing up and so intelligent.  She has a great logic, and I love the way she thinks and the ideas she comes up with.  Today she said it would be great if there was something to make it so we didn't have to clean at all.  She is always coming up with crazy ideas, and the way she gets to the final product just brings a big smile to my face.

She is also an excellent entertainer!  Her giggle is contagious, and though she may be shy with those she doesn't know, she is the biggest clown I know.  With both her little brother and sister, she is the first to make them laugh.  It is her daily goal in life, to make them laugh.  And she will do absolutely anything to accomplish it.

She loves fun, and hates work.  In our family, we work together to pull the load around the house.  She struggles with it, but never gives up.  She has the biggest heart, her emotions are deep and strong in all directions.

I can't wait to watch her grow and see who she becomes as she develops and uses all these traits for good!

Three Things I am grateful for:
1. Play & Pretend at the library. It was our first time- so much fun!
2. Beautiful weather!  We spent time outside, and Kayla finally has figured out how to peddle her bike.  Too bad it doesn't keep her attention for more than thirty seconds! :)
3. I am grateful to live here.  Where I am, right now.  Yes, sometimes it is hard, it isn't super close to the bus, and that bus only runs a 5 days a week/6am-6pm. But after today, and the friendships strengthened with neighbors, and friendships created, I am feeling really blessed!

One Good Thing #23

Today Sam was able to go to another friends house.  I am so happy to watch her grow up and become her own person.  I am really proud of who she is becoming, and she doesn't hear it nearly enough.  She is my good thing today.  When she was born, I was told in a blessing that Heavenly Father sent her to me, to show me how much He loved me..  Well, that couldn't be more true.  She brings such a sweet spirit to our family. And it wouldn't be complete without her.

Three Things I am Grateful For:
1. My sister-in-law, Emily (I love movie nights out!)
2. Girls willing to calmly take over making mac n cheese when mom slices her thumb open cutting a hot dog.
3. Super glue.  It saved me a lot of blood and band aids today

One Good Thing #22

Wow, I can't believe it's already been over 3 weeks since I start of this project. It has been interesting to watch it transform. I have gone from looking for things to be grateful for and a good thing that happens each day, to hoping and praying that I don't forget whatever it was that happened by the end of the day!

Today was it pretty average day when it comes to motherhood. potty training is always an adventure. And I think that's all I have to say about that!

The thing that made my day today was something that Jayce did.  I had just finished changing his diaper a few minutes before, so I was still on the floor.  He got up, walked over to the wrapped up diaper and picked it up. I was going to stop him, but I decided to see what he was going to do instead.  He examined it a moment, then proceeded to toddle over to the diaper pail by the door, open it, and put the diaper inside. He closed it, and continued on with his exploring!  How awesome is that?  Barely one, and already throwing away his diapers.

Three things I am grateful for:

1. My amazing kids.  Heavenly Father has blessed me so much.

2. Oreo Pizza

3. Summer Thunderstorms.

One Good Thing #20

Today my sister brought me clothes.  That may not seem like much, but when you have lost a lot of weight, it is definitely a plus.  I guess I can say I officially love hand-me-downs! (never thought I would say that)

1. My sister taking the girls for a well deserved cousin time.
2. Sleeping in.
3. Good kids.

One Good Thing #15

Today is Jayce's official birthday.  I can't believe it.  Where has the year gone?  I love this little boy so much, and I can't picture life without him.  One of the highlights of my day, was this afternoon.  Everyone was outside squirting each other with spray bottles, Jayce was on the grass in the play pen, with a basin of water and some water balls.  He was so excited and soaked.  It brought great joy to my heart seeing all four of my kids play, even with the large gaps in age.  It makes me wonder what life will be like when they are older.

Three Things I am Grateful For:
1. Slobbery Baby Kisses. (You know, where they open their mouth and pretty much slime your face)
2. Kayla totally rinsed the dishes today.  She got out the step stool, climbed up to the sink, and rinsed the unrinsed dishes, then moved them to the other side of the sink, with the rest of the already rinsed dishes.  Cutest little helper ever.  I gave her 5 pennies and lots of hugs.
3. You know the water fight?  It was during that play time Sam managed. I didn't have to do a thing.  So grateful for her!

One Good Thing Day #8

This morning, Laci let me sleep in, while she watched Kayla and Jayce for an hour.  She woke up when Jayce started blabbing, and quietly went and got him and played with him in the living room.  Kayla soon followed.  She even took her potty! My kids are so special and I am so blessed.  She then asked for a dollar for babysitting for an hour.  I owe her a dollar!

3 Things I am Grateful For:
1. Modern Technology.  I am so grateful to be born and live in this generation.  I am grateful for medical advances and that I have the opportunity to thrive and live life to the fullest.
2. I am grateful for kind neighbors.  I took a neighbor brownies today, and ended up talking for an hour.  It was so nice to finally get to know them, and I am so glad I reached out.
3. I am grateful when children go to bed without a fight, even if it mean sacrificing their afternoon nap.

The Past, the Future, and Today

The more and more I think about it I am absolutely amazed at how fast time seems to be going. I am amazed how grown up the girls have become. It half breaks my heart everyday. The three of us went through so much together, and it blows my mind where we have ended up. We have many blessings now that I couldn't have even begun to imagine back as a single mom in California. Most important, the girls have the influence of a father in their lives. Not only Bryan, but Russell. They have been able to build a relationship with their dad, in spite of the three years of lost time.

Yes, I know I can't turn back time. Samantha is already almost nine, and I remember fun times when she was four dancing on the couch. And then, Laci and her little squeaky gibberish. Back when the center of her world was her big sister and her little stuffed dog. I am realizing everyday that I don't have toddlers anymore. They are both in school all day now, and though bringing me joy everyday, it is hard not to wish to take them back to that time of greater simplicity.

We have grown, and experienced much together. Through the years, I am grateful I am to have had them on this adventure of growth and challenge. They are my little companions in life. The journey to this point would not have been so enjoyable. In some ways, I think, I would not have made it without them. It was them, and their dependence on me, that kept me going on those hard days. Not to mention, the undying help of a loving Heavenly Father. Though, yes, there are some experiences I wish I could have protected them from having to go through, I am grateful we all have overcome with grace and a smile.

Looking forward, I wonder what is in store. I am excited to watch their personalities grow. I wonder what they will be like as teenagers. Will they be best friends? It seems I get glimpses everyday. As a parent I can only make guesses. Samantha is full of compassion and awareness of those around her. She has a strong desire to make people comfortable, loved and happy. While Laci is the artist full of humor, with a love of animals, and animals love her back. It will be exciting to see how they decide to use their gifts and talents as they grow up.

In the mean time, I will just continue to try and take it one day at a time. I need to look for what I am grateful for everyday, as to not focus too much on the past or the future, but the present.

"Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important—and what is most important almost always involves the people around us. Often we assume that they must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know. Wrote William Shakespeare, “They do not love that do not show their love.” We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us.

Send that note to the friend you’ve been neglecting; give your child a hug; give your parents a hug; say “I love you” more; always express your thanks. Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved. Friends move away, children grow up, loved ones pass on. It’s so easy to take others for granted, until that day when they’re gone from our lives and we are left with feelings of “what if” and “if only.” Said author Harriet Beecher Stowe, 'The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone.' " -Thomas S. Monson October 2008 General Conference

January 2007

Crazy, Busy, Happy Life!

Life has been pretty much a whirlwind since school started! I am grateful for so many many things.

A Few Minor happenings in the last few months:

• Bryan turned 30! We had a lot of fun celebrating his birthday! In fact, his balloons are still fully inflated and floating in our kitchen even 2 weeks later!
• Samantha read her first chapter book from beginning to end. She has a talent show tomorrow. Look what she made. It is called, "Samantha's Rose" If you don't know, her middle name is Rose.

• Laci stopped having accidents!

• Bryan was ordained an Elder
• We went to a Buffet for Thanksgiving and Bryan’s birthday dinner a week later. Samantha tried sushi!

• We went to a Voicemale/Jon Schmidt concert at the mall, and Samantha got herself a free CD by making friends with the members of Voicemale. Oh, and Laci smashed her finger in the car door as we got out of the car. That is why she is showing the world her finger in this picture! Luckily, I had a first aid kit with an ice pack and a bandaid in my bag on my chair!

• My mom and stepdad came to visit and we had an exciting birthday dinner for Laci at Winger’s which included a popcorn fight.
• Bryan’s last final is tomorrow!! Wish him luck

As we have ventured into our first semester as a family unit in college, I have noticed more and more what extraordinary children we have been blessed to raise.

When Samantha was born, I remember in a blessing I was given that she was to be "my gift from Heavenly Father to show how much I am loved" She has definitely proven that year after year. Samantha has grown so much this year. I believe she is wise beyond her years. I believe she knows what a special life she has. She knows her mom is different, and I believe she knows her divine role in our family. More than any other child I know, Samantha is concerned about her family, and things that a child should not be concerned with. She has overcome so many emotional battles from her past. She has handled her life with grace. She will not give up! She has jumped an entire reading level in a matter of weeks! She helps take care of mom, and our home. How many seven year olds do you know who offer to make dinner on a regular basis just to help out? How many do you know who, after working with the family to clean the house for an hour (rather than play Barbies, or whatever else a little girl does) cheerfully says, "This is fun mom, we should do it more often!"

Bryan said the other day how he can see glimpses of who she will one day become. Samantha is going to be a very kind person, who is watchful of the people around her, and would swim through fire for the ones she loves.

Laci is a pure joy to be around! She has a raw sense of humor and a tiny little voice. I cannot believe she is now five years old! Laci is extremely smart! She comprehends more than your average barely 5 year old. Not to mention she is a smart-alec too! She is full of funny things to say, along with lots of love. She is finally 5! She made her own birthday cake. It was a lava cake made in the microwave! Then we decorated it with Tinkerbell!

Though it may seem surprising, Bryan and I are still extremely happy! It is hard to believe we have been married for almost 7 months already! My husband is so good. Bryan has grown so much since I first met him. He was ordained an Elder in November! We have seen so many blessings from that! (I don't know if he sees the difference as much as I do)

If you would have told me two years ago, that this life was coming my way, that there was a Bryan out there needing me just as much as I needed him... I would have called you insane! I cannot believe my own personal nightmare was just two years ago. I think I have lived and learned the meaning of the song "Hope Hiding There" by Michael McLean. http://meloduckpond.blogspot.com/ For added effect of my entry please go listen to song #7 on my old site playlist :)

"Around every corner, though you're unaware
Protected by grace in the face of despair
There is hope hiding there"

And right around the corner, there he was :)

We are going home to Arizona for Christmas this year! I am so excited to get out of the cold!

What an amazing year we have had. I feel extremely blessed. I hope everyone else has a happy and blessed holiday season.




Oh yeah, and to those of you wondering....

They get it from me... supposedly.

So during breakfast yesterday I notice all kinds of food getting into the hallow of Sammie's loose tooth. It still would not come out though. So yesterday afternoon I finally become brilliant and call Connor, our neighbor, who just so happens to be a dentist! Of course, at first Sammie wouldn't open her mouth, I told her she would get a new toothbrush and tooth paste once she lost it.


Look who is all giggly now.


Oh the faith of a child...
"Heavy Father tank you for a Cass an Uncle Mark an Kiana. Tank you ferr duh stickers on are walls, an da ledders, an books, an princess clock, an stickers on are drawers an tank you fer Mommy Meldy, an Sammie an Laci an Beth an Jo Ann. Bess we get up tomorrow, get dressed in princess clothes, an eat breakfest, an go to school, have Halloween an Father, Amen." ~Laci's prayer tonight

For Samatha and Laci

Daughter


If only you could understand

The things you could not see

Like a window to my soul

View the deeper part of me

I may not be perfect

I struggle inside

There are so many things

That break down my pride

I wish I was kinder

A gentler friend

A shoulder to cry on

With a heart to lend

I want to show you

How much I care

It is my hope

You know I am always there

I want to be the mother

I always dreamed I would be

Helping you reach for your goals

So many things I want you to believe

Believe in yourself

And who you are

Believe that you are heaven’s

Bright shining star

Believe that with God’s

Power on high

You can spread your wings

And conquer the sky

You are a Daughter

With nature divine

Each day remember

You are not mine

You belong to a Father

With a love so true

He wants in every way

What is best for you

He will guide you and love you

And take you by the hand

He will lead you onward

If you put your trust in Him

My daughter, I love you

I want you to know

Though I may not show it

You have a glow

You are a special spirit

Sent from Father above

I thank him every day

For your precious love

Hold on to the person

Deep down in your soul

Let’s walk the road together

To our Heavenly home.

May 9, 2008

Do you Wanna Dance???

I love having girls :)

Spring Slideshow

These are from the last few weeks. I am sure I will add more as time goes on.

Gotta love the gorgeous weather. The girls play outside pretty much everyday now!

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