Time Goes By

It has been a couple of busy weeks since I posted.  I have to admit my 2nd trimester bliss is just not happenin' this time.  I'm still quite nauseated and so so tired.  For the most part, I'm able to rise above it and enjoy doing what I can.  I'm SO thankful that I have time to rest.  I have plenty of food and warmth and comfort.  I have a wonderful life.
I think I'm doing better at silencing the voices that want to tell me I'm not enough. 

I had a wonderful time last weekend.  My sisters and I had a weekend getaway to Las Vegas.  My oldest sister lives there.  (Don't worry, we stayed far away from the strip!).  We did go to a concert where they showed Lord of the Rings with a live symphony soundtrack.  It was amazing.  We saw some cool birds at the bird preserve.  And could it be a women's weekend without a trip to the chocolate factory (or two)?  A nice hotel, beautiful weather (though too hot for me!), and delicious food.  Who could ask for more? 
Well, my favorite part was just being with my mom and sisters and sisters in law.  I loved driving down and back and just having time to chat.  Just being together and talking and laughing is such food for my soul! 
We were really sad that my sister Amy couldn't come because of her little boy with leukemia.  We missed her and hope she can join in next year!  My mom took care of the major expenses, and I'm so thankful for such a generous gift!
I came home to stories of how helpful and happy my kids were.  Nathan and Ruby seemed especially willing to notice and step up when help was needed.  I love them, and I love my wonderful husband for making it possible. 

Monday night we went to a chemistry magic show at BYU.  It was great! 

Tuesday we did family pictures.  I spent most of the day preparing, but the kids were so good, and the pictures turned out so well.  We haven't done them for over 3 years, so it was time.  I'm so glad it turned out to be a nice experience.  We've had some that weren't so nice. 
I felt very content that night, and so thankful for my beautiful blessings.

Today is Daisy's 7th birthday.  I love this girl!  She is so wonderfully childlike and innocent.  She is so beautiful.  She has been SO excited for her big day, and she told me that it is just the best birthday ever.  We had german pancakes for breakfast and cup o noodles for lunch.  For her family activity, she chose to go to the Pizza Factory.  It is pretty rare for us to go to a sit-down restaurant.  Everyone was well behaved and happy.  We had some coupons, so the kids even got drinks!  They made a pizza shaped like a 7 just for her.  We brought her presents to open while we waited for our food.  A wooden cupcake set, a fuzzy animal family, a notebook and pen from Dad, and a roll of bubble tape were just the things!  We came home to cake that her primary teacher dropped off earlier.  It was great to be off the hook for that! 
While the rest of the family cleaned the kitchen, Daisy and I got to have a special date in my room.  We watched the video of her birth.  It was my first birth at home, and such a special experience!  We played with her presents, too.  We made a house for her animal family out of books.  Then I tore up an old Reader's Digest and made furniture.  We used toilet paper for blankets and pillows.  She got to tell me what a great day she had, and how she just can't believe she'll be 8 next year!  I can't believe it either.  I'm so glad she hangs on to the magic of childhood so well. 

While reading some stories to Simon and Sarajoy, Simon pulled a big, whole carrot out from under the beanbag in his room.  I told him to take it down to the kitchen.  He ran down the stairs and tossed it to Dallin and said, "Here Dad, I found this in my room."  A few minutes later, I had him climb into bed and he pulled another one out from under his blankets.  No idea...
He's such a funny boy.  He was cheering , "OH my goodness!"  when Daisy was opening her presents.  He couldn't stop saying things in his big excited voice.  Can't wait for his birthday in 2 more days. 
Though I don't think I'm ready to start saying he's 4.