Blessing Baby David

 Finally, we blessed David last Sunday.  It seems like we put it off for quite awhile but there was so much going on in the spring.  Tom and Mary came home from their mission, Adrienne got married, two of my nieces graduated from high school.  Oh ...and Father's Day and Mother's Day were also in there.  Nate and I just decided that there was no reason to squeeze in one more thing. 

These are the only pictures I got of the day.  Sad, I know.  My camera lens had a smudge too.. Dang.  It actually was a really nice day.  We had yummy kabobs.  Chicken Teriyaki with pinapple and These Italian sausage kabobs with all kind of veggies mixed in. 
Mostly, it always amazes me to see how our families come together to support us during each event.  I really am overwhelmed every time I see everyone gathered together for our kids.  We are so very blessed.  It was hot but there was shade in our backyard.  We talked and ate and had a good time.  David, we love you.  :)

Father's Day 2013

 I don't know what it was about the parent days this year.  They were really a bit of a bust.  We had sick and somewhat grumpy kids both days.  Poor Ben.  He was really sick...but I thought he was just tired and grumpy.  It wasn't until he puked on the way home from Grandma's house that I finally realized that he really was sick.  Oh yea, and the next day when I came down with what he had.  It was awful.  Fever and aching body.  Then I felt really guilty. 
Anyway, Daddy always makes the best of things.  So, we did the best we could to wish him a happy "Father of Five" Day.  The girls gave him some cute cards and we went to visit the Grandpas and wish them a happy Father's Day. 

Overall, the day ended up ok.  Nate and I are just in a place right now.  This world where there is no time for each other and no time for our own interests.  We are totally absorbed...maybe I should say bombarded...by family duties all the time.  I know, enjoy while we can.  Our little ones will grow up and stop needing us and then we will wish we could have these days back.  :) Right?  So, we will enjoy.  Happy Father's Day to the best husband and father our family could have imagined. 

DAVID SMILES!

Every mother knows what a huge relief it is when your baby starts to smile.  It is like you have suddenly had a burden lightened.  Nothing has changed except for that little smile that acknowledges that you are there.  That positive reinforcement that they know you are there and they love you.  Oh...he is a super cutie.  Feeding him is less of a burden...because he gives me his fat happy smile afterward.  Dealing with the sleep is not so hard...because he smiles at me when he sees me after a nap or in the morning.  I get the rewarding smile when I change his diaper...which he loves, by the way.  That smile lights up my world. 

Sibling Bonds

This picture is classic. Sarah was so excited to have David lay with her in the bed. David...well, not so much. Just had to laugh as he looked at me with those eyes.  I am looking forward to the relationship that will develop between these two kiddos.  I think Sarah will be a fun sister and I think she will really love it as David gets older and can play with her. 

Ben is excited to be close to his little brother as well. I am positive he will be a force for good in David's life. Ben definitely feels a special bond to David that will probably only ever be understood by those two boys.

I'm a mother.  It's is blatantly obvious these days when you look at me...even without the kids around.  The dark circles and grey hairs tell a story of a tortured existence. :) I'm a mother...which is even more obvious when you see this.

Mother's day...despite the sickness that was present in our house, turned out to be a lovely day.  I guess it was enough to just see happy kids and a happy husband as we enjoyed our own backyard. 

I love it when we look like a sweet little happy family.  Everyday is a challenge.  Whether it's kids fighting, sickness, or just plain worrying about one kid or another.  With all of that comes great blessings.  I know it.  So, whatever is ahead, I am glad I am a mother.