The New DO

Grant let me cut and style his hair while he was here for a few days.  It was a pretty big deal considering I don't think he has ever put any gel in his hair.  Don't you think he looks a little like Paul?  I was proud.  I think the ladies are liking it too.  

More Pictures

It was my Mom's birthday.  My sister wanted updated photos of each family for my Mom's walls.  I didn't like the one we took in December.  Audrey wasn't looking at the camera.  Paul's parents were in town so we snapped a few more pictures.  Paul's Dad has always been really good with a camera.  I'm glad they were here.  If it wasn't for Grant I never would have been able to get smiles.  You can easily tell that Grant is behind the camera trying to make Audrey laugh in one of these pictures and not in the other.  

Yesterday was a beautiful day.  I was asked to speak in church.  I can't tell you how many prayers were answered in the process.  It went really well and I know it wasn't because of me.  I spoke about the Book of Mormon.  

One quote that touched me was by President Ezra Taft Benson.  He said:

“I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to that counsel. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity—the pure love of Christ—will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness”.

I want these promises to be fulfilled in my life.  I love the Book of Mormon and I know it's true.  

I hope all of you out in blog world had a good Sabbath too!

Bouncing and Cupcakes

Paul got a ball for his Physical therapy workouts.  He lets us bounce on it.   Audrey loves it.  After the first day of bouncing with her I was sore for days, she kept saying, "more......bounce high".

 On Valentines Day I was sick.  I found myself wandering through Walmart to find something for Paul with a fever.  That's love.  

Because I was sick I pushed back plans of making cupcakes with Audrey.  We did them a couple weeks later. It was really fun to make them with her even though they weren't very awesome. Utter failure. If you have an amazing homemade yellow or white cupcake recipe please share.  My husband will thank you.   

I think the pictures pretty much say it all. 

Mormon Moments

When I was a child I loved primary (Sunday school classes for children).  I fell in love with the primary hymns.  Part of that was due to my mother.  She would play the piano for me on Sundays and I would sing my favorite primary hymns over and over again.  I was always singing and most of the time it was one of these hymns.  My testimony began with the simple words of these songs. They give me peace and bring me comfort.  Maybe that's why I love them so much.  

I still sing all the time.  I think I have rubbed off on Audrey.  There are few moments during the day when she's not singing.  

Today she didn't want to take a nap.  She climbed up in my lap and laid her head against my chest and I started to sing to her.  I sang her all of my favorites.  One of them is: "My Heavenly Father Loves Me" (found here: https://www.lds.org/music/library/childrens-songbook/my-heavenly-father-loves-me?lang=eng)  It was the first time I have ever sang it to her.  She kept asking me to sing it again.  Before the last time I sang it she fell asleep in my lap.  It was one of those moments that I never wanted to end.  I love her.  

I had to wipe the tears from my 

eyes.  Heavenly Father has given me so much. 

Here she is singing.

Animal Love

Audrey is in love with her stuffed animals.  They are her best friends.  She's always asking what their doing and telling them that they are silly.  I love that she sleeps so well with them by her side, and I love watching the way she cares for them.   As she tucks them into bed and gives them plenty of kisses and hugs I know that someday she is going to be a really good big sister, a really great friend, and a really good Mommy.  

I worry about someday having to tell her that her Bubba isn't real.  It would rock her world....maybe I never will.  Bubba, your secret is safe with me.  I love you baby girl.   

A Home

Audrey likes to play under my feet at the computer.  She hauls in her chairs, blankets, and friends.  It's her home.  I thought about building her a play house months ago.  Paul had all the plans drawn up.  Months went by, it was a little more expensive than we anticipated.  One day as she was playing at my feet under the table I had a moment of inspiration.  The next day I started sewing.  Here is the result. I sewed a cover to go over the table. She was so excited I couldn't get her to come out of it for two days.  I was not allowed.  Little girls only.

Please Stop Growing

Dear Audrey, 

I love watching you grow.  Nothing brings me more joy...but it's happening a little too fast for me.  When did you get tall enough to hold the banister, when did you get independent enough to want to use the bathroom on your own. Adding to the list, you started putting your own shoes on, putting your own pants on, and even trying a shirt or two.  Your not a baby anymore.  It makes me sad and happy at the same time.  I'm glad you are mine.