A Word About Pyper

When Pyper was born we went back and forth about the names Pyper or Grace. Eventually we went with Pyper Grace. But for a full year I struggled liking the name. She was such a good baby who brought quiet and tranquility to our home that I thought we missed the target and should have done Grace (even though half the kids in the area are named that).  However, now that her personality is coming through she is definitely a PYPER!  In fact, we could have named her 'little tornado' for that matter the girl is BUSY!!!

 Here she is naked, of course. Covered in stickyness because she was sneaking so much raspberry jam. She is constantly in the cupboard looking for treats. In fact, I've stopped buying fruit snacks all together because this lady will climb to all levels to attain them.  She is always in my makeup which I try to secure. She has already painted our furniture and blankets with mascara, markers, and anything else that will create color. She is WILD!

 But with WILD comes much love. She is full of it and happiness. If she's naughty, she does it with a smile. If she's happy she does it with a smile. She always wants to be the one to say a prayer, loves following her older siblings and is starting to see the effects of teasing. Almost every morning she licks her cereal spoon and touches her brother with it just to hear him scream. Which he does without regret. I think she has a bit of her dads teasing personality.

One of her greatest attributes is that shejust came obedient. If I say "everyone get your jammies on, she goes and does it without being asked twice (even if she puts the shirt on bottom). If I say, It's time to go! She runs and puts her shoes on. The older two I have to ask 50 million times it seems but Pyper has always been my obedient (and wild) one. XOXO

Kindergarten Graduation!

How does time go so fast! My Kindergartner is no longer a kindergartner! Ellie is great. The best oldest child a parent could ask for, a huge helper, and full of ENDLESS energy. I got to go volunteer at field day with her and it was so fun to watch her interact with peers her age. We treat her like she's five years older then she is at our house and it was a good reminder to let her be little.

So they had this bouncy tunnel with water in it and El could hardly wait to run through it. 

 This picture makes me so happy. She didn't know I was taking it or she would have probably shyed away. She was so excited for her turn that she was literally bouncing up and down like the school girl she is.  It was so fun to watch her be her natural fun self. Her first field day was just blowing her mind!

 "oh hey mom, didn't know you were watching."

 Finally it was her turn!

 Honestly just smiles ear to ear the whole day.

 They also did a color run tunnel at the end. She (surprisingly to me) did not want to run though so she threw the chalk at the those running and I think she got more messy!

There she is on the top row of course. She and the girl next to her are a head taller then everyone in her class. Ellie is so beautiful inside and out.

Of course, her fans went wild! And I just sat and cried.

Ellie loved Mrs. Johnson. She learned so much from her and was one of the top educationally in her class. She loves to learn. Just yesterday she asked, "Mom, whats an Anarchy?" Mitch and I looked at each other puzzled. I said, "eh, hold on lets go ahead a google that definition so I tell you right!"

It wouldn't be a celebration if we didn't finish it off with some YOGOTOGO. The kids love frozen yogurt. What a special treat!

Happy 1st Year Preschool Graduation Max!

Max has worked so hard this year in preschool. He loved Mrs. Julie's Preschool and always came home with a big smile.

 Yes, He really is as sweet as he looks. Maybe even sweeter. Nothing gets me more then when he says, "I love you Mommy."

 The teacher had each kid say what they wanted to be when they grew up. I think he said a superhero. His voice just melts my heart.

 They had the cutest songs and I know Max knew them because he had been singing them in the car for days! But at the program he just decided to move his mouth up and down and pretend like he was singing. Oh, and he was ticked that I made him wear something besides a t-shirt and basketball shorts to his program.

 Such a sweet heart. I hope he will always be cool and hold my hand like he is here. XOXO

Yellowstone 2016!

 In May I got taken off of bed rest so the minute we could bust out of our house we did! We bought the Minnie Winnie motorhome and drove to Yellowstone.

 Initially, we planned the trip to be one just for our family. After me being on bedrest our family was in a bit of disarray. Anxiety was high with the kids as they worried about moms health and poor behaviors and the lack of ability to parent was showing through. We needed some bonding together time. However, we were blessed that cousins would also be in Yellowstone at the same time as us and Mitch invited Dean and Amy and it was great with cousins too! The kids loved sitting on top looking out the front window at the animal (much to my angst).

 Here we all are crossing paths with Vals family. Cousins sure love being with each other!

The Minnie Winnie's first picture debut.

Crazy haired Py all ready to shoot any bad bears.

 We did plenty of traveling through Yellowstone. Mitch was quite determined to see it all. I was a little reluctant because I was still taking it easy hoping to deliver a healthy baby boy someday. But I was grateful for his efforts. Ellie hiked to the top of this stair case with me to look at some geysers. I do love and admire her tenacity.

Ellie and Elise were quite the explorers. They did not leave each others sides.

 Here is a beautiful black bear and it's cub. This view is right out our campers window. They were so close to the road and just so adorable!

 We also saw this Grizzly Bear (and wolves, mtn sheep, fox, buffalo, elk, birds etc). It sure was cool to see but not nearly as cute as those black bears.

 I'll just go ahead and give Mitch 3 cheers for helping us on our vacation. He turns on MAN mode when we are in the mountains and takes good care of us. He makes sure the motorhome is working, that everyone is warm, and having a great time. We are so lucky to have him. However, I will say that when we are in the mtns we are all taking our lives in our hands when he is driving. I think he spends more time trying to spot animals then looking at the road. We don't fight much but this one seems to come up EVERYTIME a deer or something may be in the area! :)

In no time this family picture will be outdated by baby boy coming in September. Now, what to name him?

May: Mother's Day, Dance Recitals, and Memorial Day

Mother's day is always such a fun day. There is nothing better then getting a homemade card. I'm not one to keep every paper but I always try to take pictures of special ones so I can always remember them.

 Dance Recital!

      

Ellie did so well at her dance recital this spring. She takes tap and ballet and I love watching her interact with her friends and get little girl excited. She was so adorable.

 Here is her crowed cheering section minus Grandma Sherrill and Pyper (who knows where she was running around at.) Both kids were very good at supporting her sister during her LONG recital.

Memorial Day

The Sunday before memorial day we usually take a picnic to Mitch's brothers grave. Mitch is good at sharing memories of his older brother who was always such a good example. Family is Forever.

St. George Getaway!

At the first of April my mom drove my kids and I down to St. George to get a little break from the couch life. We also brought Grandma Murray along and met my sister Trish and her family as well as my brother Robb and his family. So it made for a lovely cousins getaway.

 The fact that I take so many pictures of Pyper is really a problem. I think it's because at this phase she is my right hand little lady. But she just melts me. Like really melts me.

 I couldn't do much walking due to the little bedrest issue but the kids jumped out of the van and ran to touch the temple. It is such a lovely place of peace for us.

 I find bedrest to be best next to the pool while catching some rays. Unfortunately Pyper got sunscreen in her eye and looked like one eyed pete for the afternoon. :(

 Few things are quite as yummy as popsicles with cousins. I think it was like 8:30 in the morning when the popsicles came out. Par-tay!

 This is the result of a successful day. Half naked baby because of playing in rivers and having way too much fun.

We drove out to sparkle mountain and it was so fun to watch the kids digging for crystals. We all had so much fun there.

 Uncle Robb helped Pyper get a special crystal.

The bigger kids went on a hike up leeds canyon so we sat at the splash pad for the afternoon. It was so much fun. These two just played and played.

 Monkey see monkey do!

This. Is. Hard.

This is hard.  Am I allowed to say that? Well today I am. This. Is. Hard. I'm pretty hesitant to ever complain about my circumstance because quite frankly my situation is ideal. If I complained about my kids not eating well, I'd have 3 meals at my door that night. You think I'm joking, right? I'm not. My relief society is incredible. They've offered to clean my toilets weekly, bring me dinners nightly and take my kids on play dates. They're truly spectacular.

 If I told my family I was feeling blue my siblings and in laws would show up with smoothies and a joke book.  My mom has come almost daily to clean up breakfast and drop loads of laundry on the couch next to me to let me fold. So really what reason do I have to complain? If anything I can only see bounteous blessings.
  
   But if I'm 100% truthful I'd say that sometimes I lose my Pollyanna spirit. Last night I curled up to my husband and cried. I simply said, "this is hard babe." Sympathy is not usually is strongest suit but I suppose we are both learning something from this. He hugged me and said, "I know Hun, it is."

   Yesterday I was feeling inadequate as a mother.  I told my boy enthusiastically that he was going to go to a park. His face lit up and he replied, "yes mom but will you be there to watch me?" His face dropped when I said, "not today but another mom will be there". Its tough to not be there for your kids. I miss the ability to cook for them or play outside with them. I've been filled with guilt as family and strangers have had to shoulder the responsibility of dressing, feeding, and entertaining my family. Of course they kindly say that they are happy to help, which I truly believe they are. However, swallowing your pride and being served is harder then I expected.
   
   My husband Mitch has also shouldered much of the burden and without complaint. He's been sweet as after a day of work he goes about the house cleaning before bed. And although I am tremendously grateful for him the guilt is tough.
    Yes the daily boredom is annoying, It really is like ground hog day. Each day the exact same. Yes the anxiety of a difficult pregnancy can be hard, and the thought of doing this for potentially 25 more weeks is haunting. But sitting back and having everything completed for you is guilt riddling.

    You always read in books about maids and servants and think about how nice life would be in that type of culture. But this new perspective has allowed me to be immensely grateful for the ability to parent, provide, and progress on this earth. To have a body for which most of my life has worked flawlessly. Health is a gift. Perhaps one of the ones  I've taken most for granted.
   
    My hope is that one day, i'll look back and read this post and remember that spilled milk is still spilled milk. That the ability to grab a rag and wipe it up is an honor. A walk to the park is more then a walk to the park. It's legs that move, sunshine that kisses, and muscles getting strengthened with each movement.  A messy kitchen means I can provide meals for my family, and a clean and orderly house means I can provide an environment where we can all grow. Life is gift. Living is a blessing. Each day should be counted.

The blessing of bedrest. No need for makeup and lots of snuggle time.