Pregnancy Thoughts

As we prepare to go into the hospital tomorrow for the induction of our 4th little one, many thoughts are swirling in my head. I am excited, of course, but it is always bittersweet to see one of life's chapters come to an end. This is the end of me being a mother of three, and the beginning of me being a mother of four. The funny thing is, that I always feel this way, and as soon as I walk through my door with my new little one, I can't imagine life without them. But for today, I can't imagine life with my unknown new friend.

I LOVE being pregnant. I really enjoy everything about it. I don't mind the little hiccups, they secede. I am so thankful that I've had this opportunity to carry this little one. I hope to have a few more!!!;)

There is so much to be grateful for. I am grateful that my kids are excited about their new sibling. I am grateful to have had four healthy pregnancies. I am grateful that I have the opportunity in this life to be a mother and to be a wife. I am grateful for a husband that pitches in and helps. (Especially his delicious cooking!!!) I am grateful for the health of my children. I am grateful for my health and for Jason's health. I am grateful for friends that uplift me. I am grateful for friends and neighbors that have helped so much with babysitting. I am grateful for a roof over my head. I am grateful for food to eat. I am grateful for TWO VEHICLES! I am grateful for furniture, because I have lived without it. I am grateful for health care. I am grateful for Jason's job. (SUCH A BLESSING!!!) I am grateful for my good doctor. I am grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for my children. I am grateful for my mother and father. I am grateful for my grandparents and their legacy. I am grateful for my sister's and their examples. I am grateful for LSU. (Just seeing if you were paying attention, but really I am grateful for LSU.) I am grateful for my education. I am grateful for my talents. I am grateful for the opportunities I have to serve my fellowmen and my Savior.

"Count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done."

I could go on forever, I am very grateful for the countless things that I have been given in my life and for the many blessings that are to follow. Thank you to all of you for your support and love during this wonderful pregnancy. I love you all. Wish me luck tomorrow!!!

Sustaining the Prophet of God

On Saturday, April 5th, 2008, the entire world had the opportunity to sustain President Thomas Spencer Monson as the Prophet of God. I do not remember doing so for President Hinckley or President Hunter, and would not for President Benson, but I was touched as this sacred act was performed. The Spirit was so strong in our home as I stood and added my sustaining vote to the millions of others for President Monson.
I am ever so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that provides us with the opportunity to have a Prophet. This world is becoming the place that the Scriptures say it will become. Life is getting difficult. What a blessing to have a mouth-piece for the Lord!
I wanted to bear my testimony to all of you, that I truly know that President Monson is our Prophet in these Latter-days. I know that the Gospel was restored to the Earth, through the Prophet Joseph Smith and I am ever-so grateful for all that the Lord has seen fit to provide us with during this dispensation. I know that the scriptures truly contain the Word of God. The Book of Mormon is a true book. I am impressed every time I read it, with how a loving Heavenly Father is so able to tailor the Book of Mormon's messages to us as individuals at different times in our lives. Most importantly, I know our Savior, Jesus Christ lives! He loves us! He knows us! He wants us to succeed. He is our FRIEND! I have come to know this personally, and am so very thankful for the opportunities my Lord has provided me with in my life thus far to come unto Him. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is true! It is exciting to have such a fullness of knowledge and to teach my children. I am grateful for my eternal role in my family, for the opportunities I have to stretch and grow and for all my Heavenly Father hath seen fit to bless me with. I say these things, in the solemn name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Spring Conference, 2008

During Conference at our house, we turn on all radios, Internet and television so as to flood our family with the Spirit no matter where we go in our house. The kids have a "free day" and are allowed to wear whatever they want, (this weekend they chose dress-ups). We had our good friends over for lunch in between sessions on Sunday and I made cookies. As you can see, Tys helped himself...It was a wonderful weekend, and I'm grateful that we were able to spend time together as a family while we listened to the beautiful messages prepared for us.

Easter Morn

Kirby's was hiding under her bathroom sink.
Mykee's was hiding under Daddy's computer table.
Tys's was hiding...
In his booster seat, of course! (The bunny knew he would check there first thing in the morning!)
Before Church chaos.
Sweet Kids.
After Church chaos.
Happy Easter, Kiddos!
Sweet big sister, giving Tys a kiss.
What angels.
Mom and the kids. (Gimme six good months, I'll look amazing!!!)
My two best men!
Sweet Kirby and Mykee
Smiley Boy!
Tys painting eggs before his nap.
A quiet Sunday activity.
Great artwork, Girls! (They took this very seriously, and proceeded to paint six eggs total for over two hours!)

Today was just wonderful in Sacrament Meeting. Being the Ward Music Chairperson, I had the opportunity to do a musical program for yet another wonderful holiday! We had the choir sing, a vocal soloist, a piano soloist, and the primary sang. It was just beautiful. Sandwiched in between, were two wonderful talks on the Atonement. The Spirit was really there. Jason and I were asked to substitute Mykee's Sunbeam Class. It was incredible, because the lesson was on "I Am Thankful for Fish!" Of course, Jason thought that was pretty amazing, as he is such an avid fisherman. We had a fun time letting the kids "fish" out of a bucket. It was a wonderful day. I am so grateful for the Atonement. I can truly testify that Jesus Christ lives! He is the Son of a Living God, who loves us and knows us. I am so grateful for my Redeemer and for His sacrifice. I am grateful that my kids are aware of the Savior and His purpose. It has been a privilege to teach them. On to our traditions...Before church, our kids went on a hunt for their Easter Baskets. (The bunny hides theirs.) They were excited to finally wear their new Easter clothes and we loaded up on pictures. We also painted eggs, this afternoon. Enjoy, Happy Easter!