The Lord Even Cares About Laundry

Although my mother would probably be appalled to learn this and claim she taught me better, I ususally throw ALL my boys' clothing in the wash together - colors and whites alike. However, yesterday as I was putting their clothes in the washer, I had just a small thought to put the whites in separately. Many times, I will ignore those little thoughts and push them aside as just that: a little thought. Thankfully, I didn't this time! When I went to take that particular load of darks out of the dryer, I noticed some blue ink spots on some of the clothing, and then noticed one of those tiny, key-chain sized store club cards at the bottom of the dryer. It was blue, and it had melted in the dryer leaving a residue of blue ink in the dryer and on many of the clothes (as mentioned previously). I had given the little card to Trent, and he had put it in his pants' pocket. In my haste to get the laundry done, I forgot to check the pockets (a MUST when washing little boy's pants), and thus the card ended up in the load of laundry.

I realized then that if I had put the whites in that load, they would have been covered in blue ink! Thank goodness most of the clothes with blue ink on them were already blue and are now play clothes anyway. I am glad I took the time to listen to the still, small voice, and I am so grateful to have that in my life. Now, if only I can have the faith and wisdom to listen all the time!

Thanksgiving

Although I didn't post anything right at Thanksgiving time, I thought a lot about the many things I am thankful for. I think like most people, I am most thankful for my family. I am so grateful and relieved each night when I climb into bed that all my babies are at home safe in their beds, and that they are healthy and (most of the time) happy.

I am very grateful for a wonderful husband who works hard to provide for our family. I am grateful that we both have parents who love us and continue to provide guidance and support to us.

It is truly the basic and simple things in life that bring me the most joy.

Another First

Ryan went to his first day of pre-school today. He has been so excited for this long-awaited event. He already has some friends in his class and his teacher is so nice. He wore his favorite color - orange, and took his beloved backpack with him.

Where Does the Time Go?

Our baby girl is 6 months old! She already crawls all over the house, and I think it is so cute that she follows me around wherever I go. She is usually smiling and if her brothers are playing with her or around her, she is in heaven. In fact, that is what she has brought to our home - a little bit of Heaven!

I've Been Tagged!

This is the first time I have ever been tagged in a blog. My kids were actually napping when I discovered this, so I decided to do it!







#1 Self Portrait.

I could go on for hours about what is wrong with this picture. But, the kids could wake up at any time, so I will put vanity aside and move forward.

#2 What Are My Kids Doing?

Trent is at kindergarten. This is his first week at school and he has loved it!

As I mentioned before, Ryan and Keira are both napping, thus allowing me to post this. Yes, it is summer in Arizona, but Ryan wakes up every morning and insists on putting on his "Big Pants" and his long-sleeved shirt so he can "stay warm". (I think he gets cold in the air conditioning drafts inside.) But, you can see the poor baby Keira is sweating in her sleep.

#3 My Fridge. It seems to be always half-empty, although I am always stocking it.

#4 Kitchen Sink. I usually try to keep this empty, but sometimes I have to decide what is more important. Today, I decided to look at the grocery ads while watching 'Alias' and then post this to my Blog. As long as it is empty before I go to bed...

#5 Favorite Shoes. My running shoes. I just bought these at the Adidas outlet on our way home from California. (We used to have one right next door to us in Draper, and I miss it!) These shoes are awesome! It is almost just like wearing a pair of socks. I just wish I got to use them more. Since I work from home in the mornings until 7 or 8, it is too hot to take the kids out after that. I am just waiting for the mornings to cool off and get my double jogging stroller fixed so I can take Ryan and Keira out running every day.

#6 Favorite Room. I guess it is the boys' room since it is the only one with decent furniture and half-way decent wall hangings.

#7 Dream vacation. I would love to go back to Portugal. I served in the north, Porto, so I want to go back there. But I would love to see the south, Lisbon, as well!

#8 Bathroom . This is the kids' bathroom. It is kind of fun with Turtle bath mats and mongrammed towels. I guess I should start thinking about getting Keira a towel as well...

#9 The room I spend the most time in. The office. As I mentioned before, I work from home from 3:15 - 7:15 am (It's not as bad as it sounds) and then I check my email in here periodically thoughout the day. However, Keira does not like it when i sit down in the office chair as she knows my attention is about to be diverted from her.

Now I am supposed to tag 4 people. Since most of my family was tagged with me, I will tag my sister-in-law, Aquamarine, Mikell, Stephanie and Laurie. Have fun girls (and I won't be mad if you don't do it).

Tent City

Trent and Ryan LOVE to build tents: tents at our house, tents at Grandma's house, tents out of cushions, tents out of tables and blankets. any type of tent will do. Well, Keira was sitting in the high chair in the kitchen watching me work. I left the room just for a minute and came back and found Keira in a custom tent that Trent had built for her. He must have figured that if he and Ryan like tents so much, then so would Keira. (She actually didn't mind it for a while, but then she wanted out!)

Oh What Do You Do in the Summertime?

It is HOT in AZ right now! So what have we been doing? Trent and Ryan are taking swimming lessons, and Keira and I get to sit for an hour to watch them. I finally gave up showering before lessons because I need another shower afterwards. However, it is fun to watch the boys' confidence grow as they learn to swim like "little" fish (I know I use that play on words too much). Trent and Ryan have also learned that water + dirt = MUD, and that a run through the sprinklers will wash the mud off nicely.