Update time!

Wow, it's been awhile since I've updated. Lets start with our baby doll, Madylin. She is seriously a doll. I can't pin just one thing, but number three has been heavenly. (Ok, maybe not heavenly, no need to sugar coat it, newborns are hard work!) but she has been a lot easier than when Beau was a baby! And I think a lot of it has to do with me just letting go! If she wakes up, she wakes up! If she gets a short nap, she'll get a better one later! She is sooo smiley and I LOVE that. It definitely helps with feeling bonded and connected to her. She handles her brothers hugging her and kissing her and even licks from the dog. I know I say it a lot, but having a girl is SO much fun for me. She is truly a blessing, I'm reminded how precious she is every day and I'm grateful for that!

Beau-- my crazy two year old!! Beau is seriously crazy, busy as can be, but I love that little boy so much. He is in to everything ( the picture of him is when he decided to use lotion as Chapstick like ten minutes before we needed to leave for church... You know, like the last ten minutes aren't busy enough trying to get everyone ready and in the car, with shoes on!) Beau's recent phrase is, "I need you!" as he reaches his arms up to be held. I usually respond the same way as I pick him up-- all thirty pounds of him! As crazy as he is, his smile and laugh always melt my heart.

Isaac, five years old and beginning to really get involved in activities! I'm so proud of Isaac. He is such a good kid, he listens and retains things, and has a desire to do good. If the home teachers are here, the missionaries, or just a family home evening-- he always includes what he learns in our family or mealtime prayers. It's wonderful--and a little scary that he hears and retains so well!!;) Isaac recently started playing basketball two times a week and is in heaven. He always wants to practice at home or play with dad. The day after his first practice he said to me, "mom, I just can't stop thinking about basketball!" He is very into it and actually does make shots in his scrimmages! His coach told me yesterday that I've got an athlete on my hands and it was like music to my ears! I can easy get used to this whole boys and sports thing! ...now when and where to sign Beau up for sports??!;)

Taylor is super busy yet seems so calm. I don't know how he does it. I ask him often what he needs help with and he always says "I've got it." I assumed his new calling would be super crazy and busy but it's definitely not--perhaps I'll retract those words come summer time?? It's really just extra meetings on Sunday and I'll take that cuz it means I have a guaranteed seat for church! He is super busy at work and is really enjoying business banking. I sure love him and the example he sets for our family.

Hmm...as for me, my days are filled with household chores, meals to prepare and clean up, errands to run, and clothes to put away!:) I'm really into cooking lately and exercising. I just started month two of Insanity. I am awaiting the day I can try Zumba for the first time, but I haven't received clearance from my physical therapist yet. My ankle is getting better, I re-sprained it a few weeks ago by stepping backwards and rolling it but it seems to slowly be getting better. I refuse to let my ankle get me down or slow me down. I go to physical therapy once a week and I can't wait for that to be over with. Overall, I'm doing well, I don't feel exhausted or overwhelmed in any aspect of my responsibilities.

I have had many opportunities to reflect on the hand and love of God in our lives and I'm so very grateful He is there to listen and protect us. I am grateful to be a mother and to have the children we have been blessed with...they consume my days, my thoughts, and my worries...but I wouldn't trade it for anything!!!...slobbery kisses and all!!:)