Spencer's Birthday

So Friday was Spencer's 36th birthday. It's amazing how fast time goes. He luckily had work off. We made him a big breakfast and had him open gifts first thing and the kids gave him the cards they made. The three older kids went with Spencer to his cousin Robert's funeral. He was a cousin on the Daniel's side who died of cancer. When they got back we actually did our 12 mile run. Ya, not the funnest things to do on your birthday. He wanted to get the run overwith so we didn't have to worry about it the next day. It was harder than the week before because it was so warm, and we were both hurting by the end, but we did it! We took the kids up to Provo after to get supplies for the swings that Spencer added onto the fort in the backyard the next day. We grabbed Papa Johns pizza on the way home. He said it was a good day. The next day we worked for hours on putting swings in. They turned out really good. I am happy and excited for the kids to be able to use them this summer. They were already testing them out, as soon as they got put in. Spencer bought himself a speaker for the TV for his birthday, so that night we watched a movie as a family. Sunday was good because we were all well enough to go to church. That evening the kids were pleasently surprised. My Mom Masters sent me a message that day wondering if she could come stay for couple of days because Kim Cope was driving up to her daughter's and was willing to drop her off. So I told the kids that we had to go to Nephi to give some lady a ride that they didn't know. When we got to the gas station, they first saw Kim and recognized her and then saw my Mom and got all excited, yelling "Grandma!" It was funny. She stayed until Wednesday morning, which was so nice. She played outside with the kids, helped with homework, housework, and laundry. It was so nice to spend time with her. We got snow today and yesterday. It has been the driest winter I have ever seen, so we have been fasting and praying for moisture. It got really cold, but we are so grateful for the moisture. Hopefully it will continue. I am grateful for a Father in Heaven who listens to me and is aware of me. Good night.

Good Conference

It was a great weekend. I loved General Conference. Spencer & I got in an 11 mile run. The kids had fun with Cook cousins. We went for a drive today to Gunnison Reservoir and ended up with a flat tire. One couple from Gunnison and a college kid from Monroe stopped to help- thank goodness. I am grateful for my "perfect" little family. Oh how I love them.

What a day

Took the baby to the Dr. And confirmed my suspicion of an ear infection. She also thought he has a sinus infection. Grabbed Easter stuff for the kids on the way home. The kids had piano. Aynslee decided to take off on her bike around the block while I was in the bathroom. I searched for her and before I found her, a neighbor that didn't know who she belonged to, called the cops. Well, the cop on duty was our neighbor Colby. He wasn't the nicest about it. I was beyond embarrassed and frustrated because it made me feel like a horrible mother, but I can only do my best. To be honest, most of the time, my best doesn't feel or seem good enough. Its frustrating, but I don't know what to do except keep trying. I am hoping for a better night sleep, we shall see.

Kids

I need to go to bed, but I need to say. I am so grateful for the good life I have. For a good husband, for sunshine that makes me happy and my kids, who I love so much. They really are such great kids. I am especially grateful for Wylie. He is such a good boy. Goodnight. God has been so good to me.

Very Tired

Well, we did it! Spencer & I ran 10 miles today without stopping. It was actually not too bad. We even made our goal time. We are both very sore and I am walking like an old lady, but we did it!
The kids & I then cleaned the vehicles and the garage, while Spencer mowed the lawn. Ya, it's weird, he has never done that in March before, but this year has been the driest and warmest winter I've seen, so he is starting on yard work early.
Kaylese & I went to the Women's conference this evening for General Conference. It was such a wonderful meeting. It was mostly about defending our homes and families. Also, about lifting others burdens. It was the first time Kaylese was able to come. That made it neat. We watched a movie called Unbroken. It's a true story, and it is amazing. It really made me grateful flr all I have and take for granted. I hope O can be a strong defender of my family and home. I desire so much to help my children grow spiritually strong, so that they can have true happiness from living righteously. I love them with all my heart. I am very tired and sore. Just finished giving Baylor a treatment, now.onto Aynslee and then bed. I hope we all feel well enough tomorrow to go to church. I sure love going.

Great Day

So Spencer & I went to the 7:30 session at the temple this morning. What a great way to start my day. I have never been that early in the morning before. Even though I was tired, I really did understand more and felt The Spirit strong. After we came home, we loaded up Winston's Ranger, our 4 wheeler, and Wylie & Dylan's motorbikes. We went out to the dunes west of Nephi. It was a beautiful day. There weren't too many people and we were able to let the kids drive the 4 wheeler for a while and get more comfortable with doing so. I am so grateful our kids had fun and so did Spencer. It was nice for him to have a couple days off.

Thinking

So the kids have had Spring break this week. We went up to see Mom & Dad Slade, stayed over and went to the Aquarium in Riverton. It was awesome! The kids loved it. It was nice to spend time with my Mom & Dad. We have just hung out since. We are planning on going to the dunes tomorrow. There was a relief society birthday dinner tonight. It was a lot of fun.
So I have been thinking a lot about last year at this time, being in the hospital with Baylor, and how I feel about being done. It's just weird because right before having him I was overwhelmed at the thought of another child, and I still get overwhelmed at times, but ever since having him, I have felt so sad about being done. I don't think it means we were meant to have more, I just think it's because I have never felt more important, more loved, so excited, and happier than when I have been pregnant, and right after having a new baby. The feelings are so hard to describe. I loved everything about it. From taking the test with nerves and excitement, to announcing it to everyone, the first ultrasound and Dr.'s appt., the name picking, the getting ready, the planning, the spiritual experience of birth, and the love I feel seeing my baby. All the visitors and excitement about meeting your new one, bringing the baby home, the visits and thougthful gifts and meals, the tiny, sweet baby to cuddle.....sigh. I just have loved everything about it. And because it has been such a huge part of my life for the last 12 years, I guess it's hard to believe and accept that it's really over . I am forever grateful for these experiences and memories. I love my kids more than they will ever understand. Each has been such a unique experience. I think the fact that Wylie is in his last quarter of elementary is making it sad for me too. I can't believe how much he has grown up. I know I am in for new adventures, but that just makes me even more nervous. I want them to stay little. I just really hope I can be the Mom that makes my kids feel loved and special. It's harder to do than I thought.   I love them with all my heart. Hope tomorrow is fun and good.