Maggie's Blessing

On Sunday, February 21st, we were finally able to bless Maggie. She is completely RSV-free and doing great.
Maggie has been such a blessing to us. We were not planning on her, but we can't imagine our family without her. She really does belong in this crazy family.
She has such a calm, sweet personality. We love watching her react to the hugs, kisses, holding, ooohing, and aahhing, etc. She loves to be held and talked to. She is certainly happiest when she is not left alone. And, thankfully, she is much happier when there is some noise around her than when it is quiet. We all love her so much and melt when she smiles at us or tries to talk to us. It is amazing to discover that the space in your heart that you didn't even realize was empty fills up to overflowing! I love being a mom and can't wait for what life has in store for our family!
We were lucky enough to have had lots of friends and family come to share this day with us. It was special and Nick did a fantastic job giving her the blessing. He always does. We had one of those moments after he came and sat down. He turned to me - a little teary - and said, "That's the last one." There is something so sweet about these little ones and it is a little sad to think that we won't have another one to do this with again. Having said that, there is something really great about knowing that we are really living the next stage of life as we now move from giving them life to helping them live life. It is fun to be parents and we look forward to watching them all grow and become the people they will become!! Life is good!!

Here are a few of the pictures from Maggie's blessing:

One is Such a Lonely Number!

We decided that we are very thankful for Maggie's temperment. She so much prefers to be around other people than left to her own peaceful moments! It was so fun and funny to watch this little scene unfold the other day at our house. Her brothers and sisters really love her - wholeheartedly!!
Maggie started out all fed, changed, dressed, rested, and comfortable on the couch...

Then, Emma came over to give Maggie her proper morning greeting- with hugs and kisses, ooos and aaahhs, and lots of love that only Emma can give...

Of course, seeing and hearing the fun Emma was having with Maggie caused Grayce to experience an immediate drop of her toys and a quick sprint over to the couch (luckily she bounced off of the cushion and not off of Maggie when we arrived at full speed) so that she could join in the fun. That quickly started the outpouring of hugs and kisses that only older sisters can manage to give..

After a minute of that and watching the twins be a little more rough with Maggie than Tyler is comfortable with, he came over to supervise and join the fun...

Oh Maggie - we wish you luck in your perfect little role as the youngest member of our family! We hope you endure it well and know that we love you!!

Simple Machine

3rd grade at Sego Lily Elementary means "Simple Machines."
This year Nick and Bryant made a scale. That has been the source of A LOT of fun at our house. Bryant and his siblings have weighed everything that would fit on that scale. Bryant helped build it and he painted it red too.
Of course, he was most excited and proud when he got to display it for all to come and see. Great job, Bry!!

Modern Technology

No one can ever claim that the people in our house, no matter how small, don't know how to work the technologies of today!!

Grayce and Emma love to get mom and dad's phones and sit and play "pop the bubbles" or "coloring book."
Someday I am sure they will be doing circles around us with their understanding of modern technologies!!

Happy Valentine's Day

We had so much fun this year making the Valentine's Day boxes for the kids' school. Tyler didn't need a box, but we had fun making the Valentine's for his school class.
Bryant really wanted a BYU themed box - the girly stuff didn't really appeal to him much.
Abby wanted a little more frilly look to hers.
Anyway, the boxes were the kids' ideas. I helped with the implementation, but most of it was them! We had so much fun and they turned out great!!
Happy Valentine's Day to my favorite little valentines..
Abby, Bryant, Tyler, Grayce, Emma, and Maggie!
And, of course, to the love of my life and best friend... Nick (I love you honey!)

All Smiles

Maggie has been getting into that fun interactive stage. She loves to smile - especially right after she eats. Everyone loves it when she smiles. it is a lot of fun. The whole day for Grayce and Emma focuses on getting Maggie to smile - I LOVE IT!!