Testimony

Oh to have the faith of a child! Listen to what my sweet, three year old son, Noah, said this afternoon. The kids were all sitting around the kitchen table making a Halloween window scene during conference:

"I believe in Jesus. He is real! And Satan is not nice. If I ever see him I’m gonna say “If you EVER say that again (referring to Jesus not being real, apparently!) I’m gonna karate chop you!” I’m gonna stand up to him and tell him he’s WRONG! Jesus IS real and alive. He is in HEAVEN."

To his sweet, simple testimony, I add my own: Jesus is the Christ, He is my redeemer, my savior, my friend. He is most definitely real and suffered, bled and gave His life for me, that I might be free from my multitude of sins. His Father, our Heavenly Father, is real. He knows me by name and counts me as one of His fold. He sent His beloved son to die for me, a sacrifice and pain so deep, no parent should have to withstand it. But because He knew me and knew of my faults, He allowed the price to be paid, that I might one day regain the gift of His presence. I hope and pray that through my continuing efforts to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that my children might grow to know Him. That they may feel His love for them, that they might understand that sacrifice, the atonement, in a way that can never be denied. That they might become disciples of Christ and live their lives in a manner pleasing to the Father, that they too, might return to His presence and live for eternity surrounded by the love and tenderness of their Father in Heaven. I pray for His continued patience with me as I navigate through this life and all it has to offer, both good and bad, that I might strive to be the pillar of light that they will so desperately need to illuminate the darkness and wiles of the Adversary. That they can turn to me in times of trouble, times of despair and feel of their Savior’s love through that which I have taught them. That I can stand strong and fervent in my heart, my mind and my deeds, that they will one day be able to stand on their own, with their own fervent faith and testimony, that they too will be a light to their families, to those around them and all that might look upon them as examples in the Gospel. These things I so desperately pray, in the name of my Savior, even Jesus Christ, Amen.

Noah Isn't Amused

We decided to take some photos this afternoon after Isaac's cut, and I suggested to Noah that we cut his hair too. He was not amused!!!

Isaac's New Do

If anyone has seen Matthew and Isaac lately, their hair is shaggeriffic! Yikes! So we decided to give Isaac a little make-over. In comparison to the Heart Pox post, its not much different, but that was an old pic, and his hair these days was out of control!! So check him out... Our new stylin' boy!!

Heart Pox!!

Imagine my surprise when Isaac came down with a raging case of the Heart Pox!! He came in to me on Valentine's Day, the morning after working on his class valentines, only to exclaim that he'd contracted the HEART POX!! I was mortified! Luckily, they cleared up very nicely on their own and they left few lasting effects and even fewer scars. He is a very lucky boy. Please parents, wash your hands carefully after every Valentine you create. Don't let this happen to someone you love!!

Noah's Sweet-Awesome New Do...

Addie thought it would be fun to pimp Noah's hair and these were the results! I'd like to introduce you to Coolio Jr.! Too funny!!

A work in progress. Noah actually sat really still for her. What a trooper!

"What are dese fings, Mom?"

The amount of hair this child has is just not fair!

Oh yeah, baby. I'm so cool and I know it!

I can't get enough of this kid! He is SOOO awesome! :) What a lucky mommy I am!

Our growing baby...

I can't believe Ava is 4 weeks old today! Time has FLOWN by and she is growing by leaps and bounds! She doesn't even seem like new born to me anymore, which is so sad!! She was in the hospital a couple of weeks ago for some emergency testing... More on that later (I even have some sad little pictures...). She is doing great now, no major problems were found, thank goodness! Now we are just trying to keep her away from all 3 of her very sick big brothers! I can't until everyone is healthy!!

I thought I'd just pop in really quickly to show you a more current picture of our sweet babe. This photo was taken by Josh on Mother's Day. It's one of my favorites! Thanks, Josh! :)


Isn't she the sweetest little thing?! I know, I know, I'm biased, but I can't help it! She's my first and only girl and I think she's perfect! :) hehehe!

Baby Ava

Our sweet Ava Rose joined us on April 21st at 6:45 pm. She weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces, and was 18.5 inches long. It was a REALLY fast delivery, 2 hours and 45 minutes start to finish, which Mommy was VERY happy about! :)

She is doing really well and her big brothers ADORE her! They wake up every morning wanting to give her hugs and kisses, each of them taking a turn to hold her. I couldn't ask for a better bunch of boys! Noah is so cute, always asking, "Tan I hode her? Just for a setund?" So I'll lay her in his arms and we hold her together for a few seconds and he'll say, "O'tay, I'm done." Such a sweet boy!

It is such a relief to have her here and healthy. The doctor delivered her 2 days before our planned induction because her movements had slowed and he was concerned. So he sent me straight from my regular check up to the hospital and they were going to induce. However, just minutes after they hooked up the fetal monitor, I started having contractions! Talk about good timing! So they only used a minimal amount of pitocin and I flew through labor. In fact, I went from a 5 to 10 in 15 minutes, causing the nurses to rush the doctor from the O.R. (he was about to start a c-section). They JUST had enough time to get the doctor to the room and in a gown before Ava was born. I was so nervous she would come before he could get there. It all happened SO fast. It turned out to be a blessing that the doctor took her early. The cord was wrapped around her neck, so during labor her heart rate kept dropping, and that was also the reason her movements had slowed so much. The Lord was definitely watching over her and guiding the doctor, for which I am eternally grateful.

I can't tell you how humbled I am to have been blessed with this new, amazing spirit. I pray for the Lord's continued blessings to help me guide and direct her in a way pleasing to Him, as I do with all my children. What a gift to be entrusted with, that of sweet, innocent beings to love and cherish throughout my life. I am honored to have been chosen as Mommy for these young souls and hope and pray I can live up to the responsibilities that come with it. Welcome to the family, Ava, we adore you!!