A Wordy Post

I have been on a picture-posting kick lately and haven't really done a lot of writing on my blog.  I have actually liked it that way and will probably keep it that way most of the time.

Nate started school back up on January 11.  It feels like he has been in school for forever!!  This is his last year of classes, and then next January he will start his student teaching.  May 2011 will be a much-welcomed month for our family when he finally graduates!!  Every day I think about and wonder where he will get a job and what our future holds.  I try not to worry.....but I am very curious to see what the Lord has planned for us.  I'm hoping it involves some GREEN.....(aka Oregon, Washington, Colorado), but deep down, I feel that we will be in Utah for good.  I will be a good wifey and not complain about where we end up, but I'm really hoping we get to go somewhere else for awhile.

I survived being a mom to 5 kids last week.  It was better than I thought it would be.....and harder than I thought it would be.  I learned a lot about myself.....and it was fun to get to know my neices and nephew better.  It was so fun to help Drew with his homework and reading....and get Ella ready for dance.  I only know life with babies and toddlers, so it was fun to get a glimpse of what is in store.  We kept joking that I'd come home at the end of the week wanting to be done having kids!!  But oddly enough, it just made me even more excited to add to our family!!

I'm still having fun with little home projects.  I have a gift card to Bed, Bath & Beyond, so I'm fixing up our bathroom with some new towels and decor.  Allie's room is still a work in progress, and I'm constantly finding new, cute things for my kitchen!  I'm glad I chose such fun, bright colors for my kitchen because red, lime, yellow and blue accessories are everywhere!!!  We obviously don't have extra cash lying around for decorating, so I have been selling stuff on craigslist before I buy anything.  I have also been using some of my bow money.  Nate reminded me that making my home a nice place to be is part of my role as a wife/mother, and that it's okay that we spend some money on decorating because it will invite the Spirit.  I love my man.

Speaking of Nate....he crashed his bike last week.  Luckily he only has a few scrapes on his face and legs, and his bike is okay.  He's so cute. 

The kids both seem to grow and change every day.  Cam is such a smarty-pants and can't learn new things fast enough.  He loves to play with art supplies.....cutting, taping, glueing, coloring, etc.  He comes up with some pretty hilarious creations.  He also loves to write his letters and draw pictures.  He still plays with his train set every single day......best $$ we ever spent!!  He is still a sassy kid, and disciplining him effectively is a constant learning process for us.  It is so hard for me to not parent him out of anger.  But he really responds so much better if I stay calm.  I do see a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel with him, as far as his craziness.  I can take him to the store now, and he walks beside me and doesn't take off running in the opposite direction.  I took both kids to the grocery store for the first time EVER on Saturday.  It was easy....although I'm wondering if it was just my 'reward' for watching the 5 kids for 5 days!!!

Allie is still the most relaxed little thing ever.  She is so content.  She has a hilarious sense of humor, but it only shows if you know her well......just like Nate.  She's a total Momma's Girl.....she would literally spend all day just sitting on my lap if I let her.  Cam was always go-go-go.  I'm grateful for their different personalities because they compliment each other well.  She still nurses like crazy and isn't overly interested in eating other foods.  I'm hoping this will change soon.  Both of my children have been difficult to wean.  But I do love it.....I still love rocking Allie while she nurses and just stroking her hair and cheeks and taking her all in.