What the heck happened the past year and a half!!!

Greetings to all you faithful bloggers out there. I am not one of those. However, I am making an attempt to capture a moment in time, which is something I have not been successful with recently. This is myself and my spunky daughter Margaret, named after my sister (cousin) who helped me through an incredibly diffucult labor. We didn't have a name set in stone and so since Aunty Margaret was a heaven sent angel at the time, no name seemed better. Perhaps she was setting the stage so that we would name her after herself....nah it suits both of them. This little girl is 5 going on 15 and I love her so. Most days I cannot choose her outfits, or even do her hair anymore. Once in a while I put my foot down and say, "It's Mommy's turn to do your hair." We used to take turns but she is just so independent. It is as if she doesn't need me, but I know she really does. She is a quick wit. She has got a sharp mouth which gets her into trouble with her siblings, and cousins, and aunts and uncles, and parents, and ....well everyone. Most people think she is cute and so she gets away with some attitude, but for the rest of us, we have to be right on her heels, or miss fancy pants would seriously run the show, or ruin it! lol I love that she uses words to express herself, more than her two older siblings. It just makes it a lot easier to communicate. I could do without her talent of being able to get each sibling mad, all at the same time.

New hobby...Gardening

I just wanted to send you all a virtual flower. I love reading your blogs and if it were not so late I would write more. Today I planted some vegetables in our backyard and I can't believe how much I enjoy being outdoors. I have so much to learn about gardening. I love to see plants grow. Every seed I have planted has grown except for the watermelon seeds. With some beginners luck, we should have some giant pumpkins by the Fall. I think I have found a very inexpensive way to de-stress myself...just go to my garden. It is a peaceful place for me. The kids are not allowed in there so that must be why. In the beginning, is was so amazing to see the tiny seeds actually grow into a plant. Even the kids were excited to see the process.

Back from Seattle

I have just returned this night from Seattle. We saw Dad (Mark) and I have received comfort about his condition, that he is in God's hands. It does hurt to see him in such a fragile state, and yet I sense he will pull through this soon.

My heart is full of love for the man pictured above. While I was away, my little Evie came down with Croup and Nate took such good care of her and of Hemi,(2 1/2 yrs old). He is so supportive of me and all those I consider my family. He doesn't smile much in photos so even though this one is over six months ago, I wanted you all to see it. Nate is a lovely man. I feel so thankful to have such a wonderful person at my side. I could never have asked for a better companion, friend, or husband. He is the "package" I always dreamed I would find. 8 years, 5 children later, I find my ability to love this man just grows and grows. One of the things that makes him so special is his love for all people. He is very accepting and kind. He is always willing to go out of his way for others. Please understand, we have our ups and downs and I don't want to paint a picture with no contrast. So, if you can imagine, our marriage is like a painting of a bright, beautiful yellow flower...., the background, like the down times in our marriage, are colored in black and white. The grey tones only make the flower stand out even more.

San Francisco... rasta and break dancing...

Our first outing was Conference Sunday afterwards, we drove to San Francisco. Sisilia took us on some side streets that included the ghetto, but we eventually arrived at our destination...Ghiradelli square. We saw live breakdancing and a Reggae group singing Bob Marley and it was good times. I have video of it so as soon as I figure out how to get the videos uploaded I will send another blog link. You have to know that little Tane was throwing a tantrum because I wouldn't, "let me dance on the square." He loves to dance and he wanted to dance with the breakdancers.

Springtime!!! Life brightens up.

This is exciting for me to start this blog. I want to be able to share our lives with you all and present daily happenings this way than in plain emails. Nate has been working for Delta Airlines for about six months now and thanks to them we have been able to strengthen family ties. We are so grateful for the many and wonderful blessings Heavenly Father sends each day. Here are some photos from our most recent trip to California. I have so much more to share and hope to get it posted here before long.