In-Laws

So, as most everyone knows because I've been quite vocal in my whining lately...I've had a hard time getting back into the groove after having Emrie. No matter what I do, my laundry is never done, my house is never clean. Well, I went on a little trip this weekend with my cousin and took emrie with me. Cody was home with Avery and Liam. As we drove back into town really late Sunday night, I was wondering how bad my house was going to look. I had worked hard on it the week before. Cody is good at taking care of and playing with the kids, but not getting much else done so I was expecting the worst. Well, I walked in and everything was clean. I was quite surprised, and told him how good it looked. He smiled and gave me a response that was "thats how I roll baby" Then as I'm unloading stuff, I notice that things are too clean. Things were done that he would NEVER think to do. Things were hung up that weren't when I left. The toilet paper dispenser was fixed in a bathroom. It had been broken for over a year. So, it didn't take me too long to realize my sweet husband was not responsible for all of this cleanliness.

Cody's parents spent their ENTIRE sunday at my house cleaning, mending, fixing, and more cleaning. I couldn't believe how good things looked. She even took laundry home to finish. At first I was mortified that they had been here in the filth, and that she was doing my laundry. But, she did it just to be helpful. Not to make me feel like I can't do it, or that I'm not doing good enough. But, just because she's been in my shoes and remembers how hard it is. I am so lucky to have such wonderful in laws. They are so much fun. They are our favorite vacation partners. And, they are so helpful too. So, for all of you with horrible mother in laws I say " so sad for you, mine is the best!!" Thanks guys, I love you.

Blessings....

Yesterday was Emrie's blessing day. What a beautiful day it turned out to be. Cody always gets a little nervous when doing blessings. He did a wonderful job. It really was a beautiful blessing. Among other things she was blessed that she would have a thirst for knowledge especially when it comes to the gospel. Also, to always go to the Lord with questions or problems and that he would be there to answer. I thought that was lovely, for what more can we ask than that our children want to learn and know the truth. We can teach them all we want, but it's so important that they want to know and gain their own testimony. I pray she does.

We are so blessed with family and friends. My brothers and cousins came from as far as Queen Creek for our lovely 8am sacrament meeting. With all of their children. It is great to have so much family support. My children are blessed with grandparents and so many aunts and uncles to love them and help us teach them as they grow up. My sister loves Emrie to death, and would steal her if I'd let her. It's sweet to see someone else love your kids as much as you do. I love that my kids always have cousins around to play with. I had that growing up, and to this day some of my cousins are my very best friends. Aren't families wonderful?

This dress was big enough to swallow her whole!

Our lovely little family. Liam refused to let us tuck in his shirt or comb his hair before church. And this was not a day we could afford to be late, so thats how he went! Avery spent the night with Cody's parents and came to church in a dress I've never seen before! Thanks gammy Jane.

We had a nice brunch at Cody's parents after the blessing. The weather was nice and warm, it really was a beautiful day. It was so generous of Cody's mom and dad to host the brunch for us, my family is quite a crowd when we are all together. The kids had a great time in the back yard. This is my mom, Cody's mom and dad, and my sister in law Amy.

Em and her daddy before church. I'm so blessed to have a husband who truly loves being a father. I'm grateful for his priesthood and that we have it in our home to bless our family and children. I have no doubt that as my kids grow up, they will know how much their dad loves them.

My two best friends Angie and Kierra from Mesa. I've known these girls for almost twenty years! Man, we're getting old. We've been hanging out since Junior High. They snuck away from their kids(angie has 8 of them!) to come hang out for the day. We've been through alot together, I love these girls!!

Cody perfecting the art of waffles, I think we had 5 waffle makers going. Everyone brought yummy syrups...it was delicious!

Emrie was passed around and kissed on by lots of people, this is my sister in law Ruth. It was a wonderful day with family and friends. Thank you to everyone who came, and helped celebrate our sweet girl with us!

P.S. I love my ward right now. This is the first time I feel like I truly have good friends in a ward. We all look out for each other and help eachother out. I have so many people I can call for anything. My sweet friend just came and picked up Liam so I could take a nap with Emrie and maybe, just mabye get my Christmas Tree down!!

THANK YOU!!!

Merry Christmas...Happy New Year

I can't believe Christmas is here and gone already. I've been in somewhat of a fog lately. Still trying to adjust to three kids I guess. I hope everyone had wonderful holidays. Ours was great. It was filled with fun, family and good friends. Lots of food too, of course. We have so much to be grateful for this holiday season. I'm so thankful for three beautiful, healthy kids. For a husband who works so hard to take care of us. I complain that he works so much, but then I remember all the husbands who aren't working right now. He loves to be home with his babies. I'm so thankful for parents and everyone who helps us all the time. Mostly, I'm thankful for my Savior and for his life and example. I try to teach my children about him and about the real meaning of this season!

So, I know it has been a crazy amount of time since I posted any pictures, or anything substantial for that matter. You see this cute little angel? Well, let me tell you about her. She refuses to sleep at night. I don't exactly know what to call it, but she cries from about 10pm to 2am on most nights. And I am no good with no sleep. So, if you run into me and I don't remember your name (or my own for that matter) just know that this is the reason. She is very cute and I love her dearly, but she isn't easy! Everyone told me that number three would throw me over the edge. That is where I am living right now...on the edge. On the edge of sleep, on the edge of insanity, o n the edge of buying new clothes because no matter what I do, I can't keep up on laundry. On the edge of alot of things. It is getting a little better, and I'm sure it will continue to get better as she gets a little older. She is very fun most of the time, she is starting to talk and smile lots. She gets her first shots tomorrow. I can't believe she's already two months old. Her older brother and sister continue to be wonderful, they love her and take care of her. We had lots of fun on Emrie's first Christmas!

Here is our Holidays in a nutshell. It's lots of pictures...forgive me.

Sweet Emrie in her pretty church dress. Avery loves this because she wore this same dress to my brothers wedding when she was about two weeks old.

Liam with his favorite Christmas gift. He calls it his "bow and arrow poom-poom". I have no idea why he calls guns that, but it't cute. He's quite dangerous with this thing. Those darts are not soft. He's going to poke an eye out, or a hole in my wall any day now!

Avery is eyeing what she knows will be one of her favorites!!

Emrie's first meeting with the big guy. She wasn't sure about all that hair...it's a little like daddy!

Avery loves talking to Santa, she has lots of questions for him!

Liam is looking at him like he's not quite sure if he's telling the truth or not...

My sister in law Janelle gave me a few really cute Christmas outfits for Em. This was one of my favorites.

This is the best I could get of the three of them, Liam isn't so much help when it comes to posing for pictures. He's cute though.

Avery and her cousin Kaylen at my moms Christmas Eve.

My youngest brother LaRen and sleeping Emrie.

A few of the cousins on the grass at my parents Christmas Eve. There are 19 grandchildren, so this is just a few! You can imagine the quiet, intimate, get togethers we have right? My husband loves it!

Beautiful night at the Temple lights. Emrie was strapped in the Bjorn, so all you can see is the back of her head and her lovely old man hairline.

Here is proof that they do love eachother! I may need this someday.

cool picture Cody got of the Temple

nothing like a little daddy time

Avery's Kindergarten got a visit from Santa and he came on a fire truck. They were very excited. Avery's friend Autumn gave her some Christmas jammies, so our three A's were matching that day. They are pretty cute (and they know it!)

Avery's Kindergarten program at school...a little chaotic, but quite funny!

Cheesy kids!

Well, there is my update. We'll see when I get around to another one. We are blessing Emrie on Sunday, so it won't be too long!