Bright Spot

Clark's Birthday, Yesterday.

We have been sick for a while now, but we had a fun time last night celebrating Clark's birthday.

My Cute Husband

The children chose what cake to give him while we were at the store for medicine.

Blowing the candles out.

Rebecca had fun smearing the colorful frosting all over her face, silly girl. She really has quite the sense of humor.

Here are the gifts we made for Clark. A pencil cup and a "Best Dad" plaque.

Here is my little one, he now has two little teeth.

Feelings of Gratitude

Today my children had a dental appointment, we were a little nervous since we know our tender little children get scared easily by strangers. After asking advice of our great friend who is a pediatric dentist himself, we went with new eyes to our appointment. The appointment was amazing. We decided to be kind and thankful to those that were helping our children and they took very good care of our little ones.

This situation reminds that when we treat others kindly, it will cheer them and they will respond in kindness. Here is another example that comes to mind. On David's birthday we took our little family out to dinner at a restaurant. The waiter greeted us but from the moment he saw us I seemed to get the impression that he was upset that he had to serve this family who probably wouldn't tip. We were kind and polite and our children were sweet and were so happy to be on this outing. Suddenly his attitude changed toward us, he was kind and became friends with us and chatted with us and we really had fun. When we came home we couldn't stop talking about how nice he was and what a great experience this was. Clark decided to call the restaurant and tell the manager to thank that waiter for us. She was surprised to receive a kind phone-call and even told us the waiter had been having a hard day today.

Kindness and care towards people really can spread. Through these experiences not only did it cheer us up, but it spread to many others and I am sure they spread it to others as well, and so on and so forth. What an amazing thing kindness is. I want to continue these happy feelings to others and change the bitterness in the world to happiness.

"There is no end to the good we can do, to the influence we can have with others. Let us not dwell on the critical or the negative. Let us pray for strength; let us pray for capacity and desire to assist others. Let us radiate the light of the gospel at all times and all places, that the Spirit of the Redeemer may radiate from us."

Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Need for Greater Kindness,” Ensign, May 2006, 58–61

As Promised

Birthday Fun!

The morning of David's birthday, eating breakfast. David's choice of what to have for breakfast? Cold cereal.

Opening his presents.

Here is David building with the Lincoln Logs Grandma Rowe sent him. He has become quite the builder.

Birthday Party Fun

We decided that Five was an age to celebrate with a party of friends, it was small (for mommy and daddy's sake).

Playing "Pin the Tail on the Donkey", it turned out that we had a group of peekers who somehow got the tail in just the right spot.
Benjamin watching all the children playing. He looks like he wants to go join in.

Playing the Mystery Gift game.

Mystery Gift game, being flamingos

David wanted an airplane cake, and Clark used his creative abilities to make one for him.

Blowing out the candles, almost everyone joined in on the blowing.

David had lots of fun, but keeps saying, "Is it my birthday today too?" I think he wishes his birthday were everyday... Don't we all.

Exemplary Family

There are many people that I look up to and watch to see how I can help my family grow to be a Christ-like family. As I was visiting one of these families yesterday I asked the mother in a lull in the conversation how she had such a shining family where her children are always happy, kind, and really glow with the light of Christ in their eyes. Her answer was that what the church teaches families to do together is true. Just keep having family home evening, family scripture study, family prayers, etc.

How simple those things are to do, and yet how easy to let life get in the way. I am thankful that Clark and I have strived to keep those part of our lives, and trying to improve as well. I feel the power that comes from holding these together. Our children hear our faith and testimonies of Jesus Christ and his gospel, they feel the Holy Ghost, love grows in our home and we are that much closer to our Savior.

I am thankful for my sweet children. Even though we have down times here and there as we struggle to grow together, I am always impressed by each child and the love they radiate. They truly are gifts from God and I am thankful for the power Heavenly Father has give us to be sealed as a family forever. I can't imagine not being a family.

Regarding David's Birthday, I will post more after today.

Going Back In Time

My little boy is growing up... Just the thought makes me sigh. Tomorrow David will be five years old a new horizon lies ahead of us as he will be starting school this Fall. Here is a glimpse back in time.

David's Fourth Birthday

David's Third Birthday


David's Second Birthday

David's First Birthday

The Day my little David was born

My sweet David...

Laughter of Children

Clark and I chose to take the marriage and family class at church and we are now to the second half of the class that focuses on raising our children. I have been trying to look at my children from a different perspective and see the light they bring into our family. I have found it true that "Children express their love in original and innovative ways." (President Monson, "Precious Children, A Gift from God") My children really have their unique personalities and ways of bringing joy into our home.

David is turning five this week and he has turned into an energetic loving boy. He loves speeding around our house playing, chase and being silly. He also loves to snuggle up with his mommy or daddy on the couch for cuddles and to read a book. He has a great imagination for story telling, and when he sits down to draw a picture he has to tell a story as he draws it. He loves being fast!

Rebecca will be just as silly and loves laughing, which really is very contagious. She loves caring for things and people. She even gets concerned when she hears emergency vehicles in the distance and will say, "Oh, my friend Seeckakeeka is hurt..." (with a concerned face, and huffy puffy breathing). She likes to take things a little slower. She will play the chase games with David but really doesn't like it. She likes to sit and cuddle too. She really comes up with the funniest ideas, like the picture above. What a funny girl who touches your heart with every "big" kiss she loves giving.

Benjamin is so sweet and happy. If he is sad, all you have to do is give him a smile and through his crying he starts smiling too. He has a smile for almost everyone, but he loves watching his big brother and sister, they make him smile the most. Even though he is only little, he already knows how to give big hugs. He is a joy to all of us.

Children really do brighten our homes. I am thankful for the children Heavenly Father sent me.

Vacation

We just had a wonderful week last spent together. We decided to drive to Houston and see a few sites around there. If you care to see our fun little vacation, you can see the pictures by clicking here.