The Faces of Disneyland

Carson's 1st time down Splash Mountain. Can you see the fear in his eyes?

Baden's new friend from Korea liked his "smile". He only got about 49 pictures with him on the monorail.

Poor Chandler. There were tears as we rode the shuttle for the last time from the happiest place on earth back to reality.

Such a fun trip. If you want to see more pictures you'll have to come over.

As Good As It Gets

...on a school morning when Baden's wearing only his undies (what's new?), Kate's still wearing her jammies (way too small), Carson is wearing his favorite jersey-shirt (again), Chandler has on a huge polo that he insisted on wearing (he's insistent about most things these days, is it the age?).At least the three boys all got hair-cuts this morning.
If only Kate needed at least a trim.
...
Next week we are taking off to the land where dreams really do come true.
Thank you economic stimulus plan...it pays to have 4 children.

Motherly Advice

Four things I want this future mother to know:

• Modesty is always in style.

• If it isn't "virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy" it isn't worth reading, watching or listening.

• Nothing is worth losing your integrity.

• In this there is safety, In this there is peace.1
  

• And always remember who you are.

Editors note:
I have become increasingly cognizant of my actions as my children are growing older. I have adopted the mindset that; If I don't want my children to see, do, hear or speak something than why should I? Now you may disagree, but give it some thought.

The primary children are learning a song this year that I love and reminds me to stay true. It reminds me of how I can be the kind of mother I want to be and that my children need me to be. (If you haven't heard it, you can listen to it here: If the Savior Stood Beside Me.)

I know my abilities to mother are greater when I have the spirit and am Christlike. I will always have things to work on, but know I have a perfect example to follow. I know that I have a sacred responsibility to rear my children in love and righteousness. My influence in my home is great and never ending and knowing that if it is in the mother's heart it is in the mother's home (Sister Dalton shared that at BYU Women's Conference) inspires me to greater heights. So I say, carry on!

Joy in the Journey

How many times have we heard others encourage us throughout our lives to find joy in the journey? We are all witness to the fact that our stages of life come and go, sometimes more quickly than others. Admittedly, I've been one who has at times been anxious to get on to the next stage, wishing for time to hurry up a bit. Because of some experiences I've had lately, I am committed to have joy in the journey. At this season of my life with 4 children under 7 years life is busy. Not so much with the things that are pulling me away from home, but things that keep me in the home.

Many of you know of these things: the mountains of laundry, dirty dishes, the messy faces, the floors that need swept and mopped (again!), what's for dinner?, the homework, piano practice, dirty windows, bathrooms to clean...and then we have to find the time to study the scriptures and exercise! It has occurred to me that sometimes I am home, but I'm not really home. Do I put off the pleas to "read me a book," "play with me," "help me"? Am I missing out on opportunities to teach and talk with my children? Do I let too many distractions and self-interests get in the way of my responsibilities I hold sacred? Yes, I have been there, done that.

BUT:

1. Eccl. 3: 1
   1 To every thing there is a ^aseason, and a ^btime to every purpose under the heaven:

AND:

David O. McKay said; “No other success can compensate for failure in the home.”

The time is fleeting, but is not far spent. I want to live without regret. So for now, I will work on my talent of being a mother. I am going to have joy in MY journey by savoring the moments that won't last forever so that we can be together forever.

How are you finding joy in YOUR journey?