So soon?!

Somehow Jacob will be turning four in December. I know he is growing and has been on this earth for almost four years, but I really think the time has gone at an abnormally fast speed. I really do feel cheated here. And yet, there are days when I wish he would grow up a little faster. Those moments usually come after he has created some new mess or had a melt-down over something. But really, I am not ready for him to grow up.

He is my cuddle bug. Seriously, we have "cuddle bug" time during quiet time where we sit together in the recliner and snuggle. i don't think I could kiss his chubby little cheeks enough. He is so sweet and tender and also so crazy. I love watching him learn and hearing all about preschool. He is full of so many questions, which I am often unable to answer as we delve deep into philosophy. How does Heavenly Father travel to earth? Really, how does He do it?

And I love the things he says. Annoyed at Marshall singing while he was trying to watch a show, Jacob told him that if he didn't stop singing then Santa wouldn't bring him (Marshall) any presents. Love the logic! The boy never wears shows when he goes outside, even if it is 8 AM in the morning and 40 degrees. I asked him if he was cold the other day and he replied that he wasn't because he has "fire" in his feet that keep them warm. Aha. Or how about the question as to whether or not Heavenly Father created Lego people. After all,  He did create real people so why not Lego people?!

Jacob is a ham and I am hope he will keep entertaining us through the years. I love my little guy!

School Pictures

I just took my own picture of this guy since he doesn't get school pictures just yet. I love him. He is so crazy and busy. He keeps me on my toes. He is full of questions about the world around him. And he loves to be outside all the time. I love his smile. He is a ray of sunshine and such a treasure!

How did she get to 5th Grade?! Anna is turning into such a beautiful young woman. She is growing up and becoming more aware of the feelings of those around her. She is a great help and has a big heart, always looking out for the underdogs. She has a strong sense of what is right. She is a doll!

I love my crazy hyper Jimmy. Somehow he is in 1st grade. Despite the fact that I don't think he can sit still, he has learned an amazing amount of Mandarin in the Dual-Immersion program. He is so proud of his new language skills and enjoys showing them to everyone. He wears his "heart on his sleeve" and can be very tender at times. I love my cute snuggle guy.

Rachel never ceases to amaze me. Now that she is in 3rd grade she has started choir, even getting her big sister to join her. Rachel is so tender. She gives me hugs when she can tell I am stressed. She looks out for our cats and gives them lots of love. She loves to make friends. She is a beautiful girl with a great sense of humor. I love my sweet Rachel.

Post Election: There is Always Hope

I know a lot of people are upset over the Presidential Election. It was a huge surprise to us all. Watching the numbers come in was like seeing a horrible accident about to occur. You knew what was coming, but you couldn't believe it and felt powerless to stop it. And yet you couldn't rip yourself away from it either.

Last night while reading scriptures, we read 2 Nephi 7 and the phrase, "Where is the bill of your mother's divorcement?" hit me hard. It was a reminder to me that the Lord has not forgotten us. He has not cut Himself off from those who are righteous. Though some think there is no hope, there really still is. The Lord goes on to say that it is because of the people's iniquities, not any action on His part, that He is separated from His people. Yes, there is a lot of sin in the world today, obvious from the results of the election, but there is always hope and peace for the righteous. As long as we stay close to the Lord, He will not "divorce" us. We will be okay.

I also think of the plaque I have hanging in my kitchen, a famous quote from Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Come what may and love it." The election is over and there isn't much we can do about the results. It's done with. And so we need to move on. But we can still learn to love the life we have. We can't give up hope. We have to have faith in our Father's plan and take comfort from it. Being angry or fearful will keep us from feeling the Spirit. We can be wise, but not afraid. Fear is the antithesis of faith and comes from the Devil. Fear hinders us from progressing. Instead, we need to look for the good and stand fast in our beliefs.

The world is not ending yet. The Gospel is going forth. There is ALWAYS hope.

Picture Review

This is a picture blog to let all you non-Facebookers know what we have been up too. Plus I am tired and don't want to write tons and pictures always tell it better. How on earth did get it to be November?!

Our cat pumpkin. Surprising that the kids picked to do a cat since we only have 3 of them. Ha!

Mama Witch all dressed up for the ward Halloween Carnival

Angry Bird Man. Isn't he so cute?!

Anna the banshee, Rachel the fruit ninja, Jimmy the dinosaur, and Jacob the fruit ninja. Fruit Ninja is an app for those of you who don't know. My kids love the game.

Cute 3 year old Jacob

Studly 1st Grader Jimmy

Sweet 3rd Grader Rachel

Adorable 5th Grader Anna

And this is to show just how confident I am. I am posting a picture of me without make-up, people. I did the "Save a Sister" 5k this past month for Breast Cancer. It was my first time doing it and it was a blast. Plus I shaved 2 minutes off of my last 5k from a month ago. Of course, I had to go out all pink.