relax

Laun needed to head to Tucson today to for work, so the kids and I chilled at my moms house, which was nice after such a jam packed day yesterday. I did some shopping with my mom, read some of my cousin Sarah’s book-Seeking Persephone and just relaxed. Laun got to meet up with Andrew’s family for dinner at Guadalajara Grill, just around the corner from where we lived in Tucson for so long.

Monson needed a picture with his Uncle Laun. We sure miss living near his family.

Always glad when Laun returns.

family time

We are staying with my parents for the first part of the week and then heading to Show Low. We went right away to see my Grandpa Mecham in the hospital. He had intestinal surgery 3 months ago and has then gotten sick, so he has still not returned home. I haven’t seen him until today, since we live far away. I cried when I entered the hospital room. My strong, energizer bunny Grandpa was in a bed with a mask on. Oh how I love that man.

He hugged Marlee twice and said something like, “well there needs to be a cute first grader” (and she certainly is).

He told me that he couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw me, melted my heart. When Laun left the room my grandpa started crying and told me that he’s always loved Laun. Laun was in my Grandpa’s ward since he was 8 years old. I love him too and I love my sweet little Grandpa.

Then we headed to my sister Rachel’s for dinner to see my siblings and their families that live in town. Marlee loved seeing her cousins.

Ted, Richelle, Me, Rachel and Laura

Afterwards, we headed over to my see my Turley Grandparents. My Grandpa recently got his hip replaced and the way the doctor described his hip sounded like mine, I guess I’ve gotten quite a few of this wonderful mans genes. He mentioned to me that as he’s had this surgery and been doing physical therapy, he’s thought of me often and all I’ve been through.

We got to see so much family today and I am most grateful to have finally seen my Grandpa Mecham.

gratitude

Laun and I talked in sacrament meeting today. Our topic was gratitude, which I feel goes perfect with our families yearly theme- See the good. It’s a good reminder for me to be grateful everyday.

Then I gave the lesson in Relief Society, which is my new calling. I give the lesson every 4th Sunday on general conference talks. And Laun got called to work with the young men, so he will be with Clayton.

Then we packed up and left for Arizona, for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Saturday = work & play

Carter loves books & his Daddy.

Marlee spilled water on 3 library books, so we have to pay for them. Since she has no money, she has to earn some in order to pay for the books. She’s going to rake and bag leaves and with fall, there will be plenty of leaves! I’m proud of her for working hard today.

She went to her friends princess party today and was so sweet to share her candy with Carter.

spelling, lunch and cows

I volunteered in Marlee’s class today. I helped the 1st graders with their weekly spelling words. Marlee was happy to see me.

It reminded me of when I used to help out in Clayton’s classroom when he was in 1st grade and now he’s in 8th grade!!!

lunch date

Laun’s been wanting to take Carter to work with him for awhile now, since they share a love for cows. Tonight we went to a dairy and Carter loved the cows!!!

Laun and Porter getting a sample to send in.

        

my view

Sometimes I forget how great my view is…not just outside of those beautiful mountains, but inside my home. It may be a mess a lot of the time, but come on, I have this view of this cute baby boy everyday. The longest amount of time I’ve ever been away from him was the day I had my hip replacement. I left him with his Aunt Elizabeth in the morning and didn’t see him until the evening. And during this time I still nursed him. He was my longest nursed baby. I broke all my rules with him. Usually I don’t nurse after 1 years old (Marlee was 13 months old-close), but I didn’t stop nursing him until he was 18 months old! Now, he ate a ton of solids at the time, but I still nursed him for usually once a day and started skipping days at the end. He also can’t walk yet, with all his hip issues, so he seems even more like a baby. He came as a comfort to us, during such a hard time in our lives. Carter, my baby, I love you.

Speaking of love, Clayton loves his new indoor soccer shoes that he bought with his very own money, from mowing lawns. I found several pictures of them on my phone.

time flies

I’ve heard the quote before…the days are long, but the years are short. I totally agree. Sometimes the daily mom stuff seems to drag on, but then pretty soon your kids age so fast somehow. It’s strange how time can seem so slow, yet so fast, all at once.

Laun’s office is at home, which might seem convenient, but when you have a little named Carter, it is hard. Good luck getting work done when this cute little boy stands at your office doors and yell’s daddy, over and over again. Then he crawls in and sits on Laun’s lap. It’s pretty darling actually, maybe not productive, but darling.

Another darling thing…these 2 feather girls.

Marlee came home from school today with a feather headband, which reminded me of my younger self.

Me- kinder, age 5 and Marlee- 1st grade, age 6

fhe & donuts

We are getting better about having fhe weekly. Our kids take turns conducting and the boys purposely call on Marlee to say a prayer, instead of a song (she always wants to get picked to choose the song). Carter loves when we all sing and he loved the treat tonight, donuts. He sat on the table and as he took a bit of each donut he set them behind him (out of the box)…I’m pretty sure he was trying to claim them all.

number 6

I found out I was pregnant today. I’m looking forwrd to the first trimester being over already. I hate feeling so sick, for so long. At least the end reward is worth it. I’m due sometime in July & I think Clayton is more than happy to share his birthday month. This will be our 6th child, crazy. As an elementary girl I used to tell people that when I grow up I want to be a mom of 6 kids, I guess I’ve arrived.

family day

I love Sundays. The whole family goes to church together (the mornings can get a little hairy trying to get everyone on time), but we usually manage. Laun and I always sit next to each other, it’s one of our things. I don’t have the kids sit between us on the pew, they sit to the side of us. I love sitting next to my husband. Then after church we go home and make delicious food together. Today Laun and Clayton cooked up their pheasant and Porter made egg drop soup, it turned out great. And all I made was some veggies. Then we watched the movie To Kill a Mocking Bird, I was the only one who had seen it, so I was excited for everyone to see such a classic. We had popcorn & fudgy cookies.

And Carter’s horse got plenty of popcorn.

My youngins made some cute stuff at church today. Marlee made a family tree and she got all of her siblings ages correct, she even knew that Cooper would be 8, if he were still here. She was slightly off on her parents ages though. She put that Laun is 77 and I’m 22, our 4 year gap just got a lot bigger. and Carter actually colored in nursery today, which is progress. I got to sub in nursery and be in there with him. I love watching that kid.

my boys

Indoor Soccer/Futsal season has started. Clayton’s team is playing for the next couple months, but Porter’s team is taking a break. Lucky for Porter, Clayton’s team was short players for their two games today, so they let Porter be a sub. Laun and I have never watched indoor soccer before and we loved it. Both Clayton and Porter scored a goal today!

Our boys are both #21. I was so excited that they got to play together in a game, first time ever!

They tied the first game and lost the last game, that is why Clayton’s got a grumpy face.

We did a Sam’s Club run today and Carter was the cutest thing for sale;)

Carter habits

When Carter eats, he thinks his horses should eat, too. And I just love the way he looks at me.

He’s also convinced that all electronics should be used to look at cow pictures. Him and his daddy sure love each other and cows.