New additions to the family

These sweet girls (we think) joined our family a couple of weeks ago. They're beautiful kittens and very tolerant of all the love they get from the kids.
After a drizzly morning the rain sun is shining. I love springtime! Luke and Esther are fighting, I think I'll send them outside.

Walking

Give me more!

Esther caught me sneaking a bite of ice cream while I was fixing breakfast this morning. I decided it was only fair to share what was left in the carton (it wasn't much) so I got out three bowls--one for each of my older children. When she saw me dividing the ice cream into the bowls, Esther protested "I don't think Lily and Luke want ice cream!"
"Oh, I think they do," I replied.
"Well, make sure you give me more!" came the response.

I guess sharing doesn't come naturally at age 3...

Cookie Making

Growing up, my family had a rule traditionally honored in the breach: No Babies On The Table. as you can see, I have continued the tradition.

We were making cookies for a cub scout pack meeting last Thursday. I had plenty of volunteers to help.

Some of the volunteers were actually helpful!

Mark, 10 months

I owe the photo to my brother, I really need to find my camera...

Missing the sun

Utah gets a lot of sun, even in the winter, but it's gloomy and rainy today. I'm ready for spring! I'm itching to get out into the garden--I planted 10 fruit trees, and I've been building some square foot garden boxes for the kids. And we've got tomato and bell pepper seedlings started. But I want to get outside and get my hands into the dirt!

I have the sweetest husband in the world

Yesterday evening I was telling my husband how frustrated I felt--baby Mark has been super clingy lately, he wants me to carry him everywhere (all 30 lbs of him), and won't nap for more than 15 minutes at a stretch. I know it's because he's going through a rough patch of teething right now, but I can't get anything done. My house is a mess, I'm still not unpacked, and I'm trying hard not to neglect the children's need for my attention. I'm not prone to depression, but I admit I've been feeling a bit down--I really hate the feeling of not being able to get ANYTHING done because whatever I start is interrupted, and there is so very much that needs to be done...

Dan's response was to tell me to call a friend and go shopping, get out of the house, he would watch the kids. So I did. I spent some happy time (and money too) in a bookstore, picked up some groceries I needed, and came home at bedtime.

I felt so much better, and so very grateful for a husband who was willing to sacrifice his own need for rest after a long day to let me get out.