A Few Things That Make Me Smile

I was sorting through our last five months of pictures (there were thousands - yikes) and I came across several that reminded me of all the little things in life that somehow make being a mother so big. so rich. so fun. so wonderful. These are the things I'll miss when my kids are grown and gone. These are the things that five months later still make me smile. . . and smile and smile.

Rain. I love this picture of Nate leaving for work in the middle of a downpour and Eliza (still in her pajamas) saying goodbye. We've had that zebra umbrella forever. I have memories of all our boys with it in the rain at one time or another. Rain is magical for kids.

The Royal Navy. Toys are left all over the house - this isn't uncommon. But while cleaning the living room one morning, it suddenly struck me as comical to see these British officers standing in perfect attention on the mantle. A happy reminder of the little boys that live here and their big imaginations.

Tortillas. Need I say more?

Quilting! Do you remember my 2008 New Year's resolution? Yup, I finally learned to quilt (4 years later). Thank you Jess for walking me through each step while entertaining Lydia - which meant quilting one-handed for you. Amazing as always.

Isaac is in love with my table-runner quilt. He wants to sleep with it. Which inspired me to start my next quilting project - a quilt for him. He already picked his own fabric - wow. Tie-dye meets camo. Stay tuned.

Wood carvings. Okay, I don't love this and this originally did not make me smile. But months later it does. Yes, my son who never does anything wrong gouged this permanently into our table. (???) Hey, at least he doesn't have self-esteem problems. . . just spelling problems. Awsome.

Pizza Parties. Friends. And "transforming tables" that can expand to seat everyone.

An octopus growing for days (weeks?) next to the kitchen sink.

And a crab (two months later). This is our version of household pets.

Reading. Freshly bathed kids. Books are the highlight of my life. My happiest times involve me reading to my children, listening to them read to me, and watching them read to each other.

More reading. Don't you just love this scene? I love these two girls (and their exclusive book club!)

Piano. My love for music is no secret. This picture probably makes me smile the biggest.

Kindergarten! I love kindergarten. Live it up now, Brig because it'll be slightly downhill from here.

Sleeping babies. Sleeping babies that match their blankets. Aw, I love this picture of widdo widdybug. Now not so little and with a lot more hair. Just wish she slept this well at night!

General Conference.

Cheese. Apparently Eliza loves cheese too.

Journals. Especially journal entries about me. Look how neat Brigham's handwriting is getting! And every word is true - let it be known to all moms out there!

I also came across this little post-it note book. Written again by Brigham. 1) Brigham's own boock. 2) One day a little boys whos name was Brigahm 3) he and his famly were going to the park. 4) Brigham was going to the sclide. 5) Clayton went to the bars Isaac went to the swing. 6) The end.

Dishes. I don't love doing dishes. But I love having someone to do them with.

Homework. Despite the drudgery, it can be very entertaining around here.


That's all. I'm glad I thought to grab the camera all those times. I think I'll be smiling all day now.

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