Yesterday...

I realized how fragile life really is and that as much as I'd like to think I'm invincible...I am not. I also discovered (or finally will admit) that I am not the great driver that I always thought I was. :) Or maybe I just don't make the wisest decisions when I get behind the wheel.

Today...

I feel sooo grateful that my choice to make an illegal U-turn did not hurt anyone involved, but especially my 4 precious children that were with me in the car. I am so thankful that the men in the big huge Ford truck that hit me were so understanding and concerned for me and my children. I'm so grateful for the events that took place only a few minutes before my accident that helped me realize that my baby Lane was not properly buckled in his car seat. Given the fact that the impact was right where his car seat is, I truly feel that his little life was spared. I am thankful for good auto insurance and nice body shop workers who make me feel a little better about the situation. I am extremely grateful for my amazing husband who met me at the scene of the accident, helped settle my nerves, never said a condemning word to me, fixed our 'other' van so that we wouldn't have to rent a car, and overall was very concerned, supportive, and loving.

Today...

I am gathering my children even closer around me, relishing in their sweetness and goodness, and taking time just to be with them.

*Don't worry...I'm not taking time away from my kids to write this post...they are all having a much-needed rest.

I Miss My Sister

I miss my sister...a lot. We talk on the phone...a lot. I'm not sure why I'm missing her extra today; maybe it's because of the holiday season and we won't get to do any baking together this year, or go stocking stuffer shopping, or Christmas lights at the temple together. Maybe because I finished my Biology class today and felt badly that I didn't do very well on my last test and I need to talk it through with her and feel her support & motivation. Maybe it's because my house is a mess and every time it looks this way I'm reminded of what a great housekeeper she is and how I wish I could be like her. Maybe it's because I have a new baby and I want her to get to see him and cuddle him and for him to know his Aunt Milla. Maybe it's because I'm feeling the urge to try new recipes and oh, how I wish she were here to try them with me. Maybe it's because....I just miss her.

What Kind of Genius Does This?

Maddie wants some hot chocolate. I'm in the other room taking care of the baby. "Mom, how do you make hot chocolate again?" "First you put some water in a mug and put it in the microwave for a few seconds and then you put your chocolate in and stir it up. Or you could just get some hot water straight from the sink and use that instead." "Mom, is the hot water on the left or the right?" "It's on the left." "Mom, how long should I put the microwave on for?" "30 seconds. 3 - 0." "Owwww." Madlyn is crying. "Maddie, what's the matter?" "Mom, it's too hot." I check out her cup. It's one of those plastic sipper cups that has a straw built in. Ooh, she must have taken a big sip. I feel the outside of her cup. It doesn't feel too hot. I'm gonna try it out and see how hot it really is. Oh wow, that is really hot. "Mads, I'm sorry. That was too hot." Ouch. I think we both need some ice to suck on. Yea, that feels good. Ow, seriously. This hurts.

*About 19 hours have passed. Tongue still hurts. There are little tiny blisters on the tip. Still drinking ice water to help soothe it. Madlyn's tongue looks fine. Lesson learned.

What a Wonderful Weekend

My brother Colbran & his wife Stefanie hosted the family for Thanksgiving weekend in their brand new house (they had barely halfway moved in the night before). We all had a blast! Here are the gracious hosts at Texas Roadhouse (the bread is to DIE for).

My cute nephew Easton, who just turned 1 yesterday! He is such a cutie and it was fun to see him. Cade called him 'Doggie' because he was crawling on the floor. Apparently he hasn't really seen a baby crawling...weird, but so funny. I also saw so much resemblance between Easton & Cadeson; does anyone else see it?

My mom & Cole; unfortunately we didn't see too much of my parents this trip - my dad had to leave on Thanksgiving evening and my mom drove a little further on Friday to visit her family & also my brother's family who couldn't make it to Colb's house. Good thing we get to see them again tomorrow!!!

My sweet Lane enjoying the bouncy place we went to.

Lane did such a great job this whole trip and I again felt so blessed to have him in our family. What a trooper!

Maddie & Cole LOVIN' the big tall slide.

My sweet girl

This picture is so typical Cole...he cracks me up every day.

Cade is so funny...everytime I would pick up the camera, he would strategically place himself and pose. He is extremely fun to photograph.

Can't help but love this face!

It was soooo good to see everyone for such a relaxing weekend! We REALLY missed Buck, Ari, & Cardsen, and Milla, Brig, Layt, & Parks. We hope it's not too long 'til we get to see you!

Some of the highlights of the weekend (in no particular order):

playing Apples to Apples with the siblings (I pretty much stink at this game, but sooo fun - especially on little sleep...)

Texas Roadhouse (did I mention their bread is DELICIOUS?)

chatting in the kitchen (sorry I wasn't more help, girls)

quiet time with my hubbie in the car (Quinton & the kids slept almost the WHOLE way)

being inspired & motivated by my amazingly talented & beautiful sisters-in-law

lots of good food (thanks Stef, for the stuffing - yummm)

watching the kids play with their cousins (we miss you all and wish we could be closer)

surviving the freezing cold the first night (thanks Mom, for turning the thermostat to 68)

feeling grateful for the bounties of life that we enjoy every day...I am so blessed!

being amazed at my younger brothers & how responsible, mature, & grownup all of them are...and my kids absolutely adore you, Quint, Stant, and Linc

Thanks everyone for such a fun weekend. Can't wait till our next meeting...oh wait, that's tomorrow!! Yay!

Overheard...One End of a Phone Conversation

Madlyn: Grandma, we had a bus evacuation today at school.
(pause)
M: We had to get out in the back or the front of the bus.
(pause)
M: Yea, my chin was freaking out.
(pause)
M: My chin. My chin was freaking out.
(pause)
M: I was so scared that my chin was moving.