I just had to post a few pictures of my little guy. He is growing so fast and cute. Brayden and Brooklyn have been neglected by my camera lately...poor things!
Here Landon is on Valentine's Day. He knows a big smile for his Momma is better than chocolates! Brooklyn and Landon (end of January) He usually let her hold him for about 30 seconds and then he's had enough. This time he was a little more patient. She absolutely adores him and likes to take his hand and make him "punch" her in the face. Maybe she thinks that's what brothers are for!

Landon last Sunday. Isn't he adorable in this little outfit! It finally fits perfectly!

Teachings from Dumbo

The other day, I saw that Dumbo was going to be on, so I scheduled the DVR to record it. I haven't seen this movie forever, but knew the kids would like it. I remembered the "magic feather" that helped Dumbo fly and that it was to remind us that we needed to believe in ourselves. However, as we were watching it, something that was said in the movie really struck me.

As the little mouse realizes that Dumbo can fly, he says,

"The very thing that's been holding you down, is the thing that will lift you up, up, UP!"

How true that is, that sometimes those things that get thrown at us and seem to hold us down, often become a blessing in disguise. My mom used to tell us that what doesn't kill us, will only make us stronger. I've seen this in my difficulties with trying to get pregnant, my post-partum depression (I'm doing good this time, thank goodness), kids fighting, being so busy that I don't know if I'm coming or going- they have lifted me up by teaching me that Jesus Christ knows me, individually, and of my trials and the desires of my heart, that my husband is my rock and I can depend on him, that my kids are amazing and fun and have their own personalities, that they just need a little extra guidance and attention sometimes, that I can manage my time better and put the important things first and foremost. I could go on and on. It seems lately that I've had lots of friends going through very difficult things. My heart breaks for them and I wish I could just snap my fingers and make it all better. Of course, things don't work that way, but I want them to know that I love them and want everything to work out. And of course, just as that little mouse says, sometimes those very things that seem to hold us down, may just be the thing that will lift us up, up, up in the end. Its something I'm going to try to remember whenever hard things come my way.

My Smokin' Deals

Okay, I'm slow on posting this, but I had to show my lasted finds from my Saver's escapade! The top stuff is Landon's and the bottom 3 are for Brayden. The rest is all for Brooklyn...what can I say, girl stuff is so much cuter!

12 shirts

3 jackets/vest

11 dresses/skirts

9 pants/shorts

plus a pair of jammies and snow shoes

Total spent: just over $50! Wahoo!

And here is my loot from the Alberton's deal last week- thanks to my sister Angie for getting me through it! We're working on getting at least a 3 months storage of food- who cares that we'll just be eating cereal, brownies and fruit snacks! I think I spent just under $40 for all of this- for more than 60 items. Wahoo!

Pay it forward!

Pay it Forward...

One of my good friends from H.S. posted this on her blog, and I thought it looked like fun. (Plus she is super talented and I want something from her, so yep, I'm doing this partially for selfish reasons.)

This is how it works..... The first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive a hand made gift from me during this year. When and what will be a surprise. BUT, in order for you to leave a comment on my blog, you have to post this on your blog first. (That means that sometime during this year you will send a gift to 3 people as well.) Get it? So, the first 3 people to comment on this post will be the lucky ones! Good Luck! Start commenting people!

To: You From: Us

Life

I am not a great couponer, but I did come across a great deal at Albertson's. Their Life cereal (the only non-kid cereal I really like) is on sale for 2/$4. At the Eagle/McMillian store, they have dollar off coupons next to the boxes making them 2/$3. If you use your double coupon (Four of them came in the mini newspaper thing that gets thrown on your driveway) it makes them just a buck each. I got 4 boxes for 4 dollars and some makeup for cheap using the double coupon thing. Happy Shopping

Landon's Blessing Day

Last Sunday, Landon was blessed at church by his Dad. Both his grandfathers and several of his uncles also took part in the blessing. It was a very touching sight for me to see my baby surrounded by such worthy men as he was given his blessing. One thing that struck me as especially meaningful was that Billy blessed him that his sweet disposition may continue throughout his life and that he will follow the examples of his older brother and sister as they choose righteous paths. It was a very sweet day.

I love being a mom and amazed at how my heart just grows to love this new little one as much as I love my other two. When I look at my kids, I see their great potential, their weaknesses, their individual traits that make them who they are- It gives me a glimpse of how our Father in Heaven must see us and how he must love each one of us, as his children. I'm so grateful for this knowledge!

Happy Birthday Grammie!

Can you believe this lady is 80???? No way! Billy's "Grammie" turned 80 so we had a Red Hat party. Here she is with most of her great-grandkids in their fancy red hats. We are so glad Grammie lives in Boise and that our kids can have such a wonderful relationship with their great-grandma. They love her so much!

At Christmas she got them Build-a-Bears, so a few days ago we went and filled them up. Grammie works there, so it was extra fun since she was the one helping them. Here they are with the finished products- Iron Man Bear and Reindeer!

Brayden's Kindergarten Program

I was so excited for Brayden's school music program. I got there nice and early so I could get a good seat to watch and take pictures of our first school program. Will I be this excited when Landon has his? I hope so. The little kindergartners were so cute. Brayden's class recited the funniest little poem....

Once there was a little snowman,

with a carrot for a nose.

Along came a hungry rabbit,

and what do you suppose?

That hungry little rabbit,

looking for his lunch,

ate that little snowman's nose...

nibble, nibble crunch!