Samantha was blessed this last Sunday. It was an enjoyable day even with all the snow. Thanks to all who came and also those who helped with food. I didn't get my camera out until everone was ready to leave, so I didn't get pictures of everyone that was there. Dad, where's the picture of you with Samantha?
We are very lucky to have Samantha in our home. She has been a blessing and is loved so much by all of us!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIM!

To my best friend..

I hope you have a wonderful day. I know we won't get to celebrate today, but I want you to know how much I love you. Thanks for all you are doing to support our family. Thanks for the sacrifices you are making for us. Thanks for being such a good dad to our 4 girls. Thanks for pushing me to be better and for having patients with me. Thank you for being worthy to have the priesthood and guiding our family with it. We all love you! Happy Birthday!

If you look closely on the tree you can see that it says Jim (Hearts) Kristi Jo. Jim carved that our first year married when we were deer hunting. It was on a tree that we never thought we would be able to find again...well off the beaten path (unless your Ryan)...when we went hunting in 2007 we happened upon it so we couldn't leave without signing it again.

The things Lexie does for fun....

Can't you see the mischief in her eyes!

I didn't think those plastic toy scissors actually cut. They work on the back cover of Brindley's BOM.

The other day I sent Karissa to check on Lexie for me. Karissa came back saying, "Lexie is doing something very bad." I asked what she was doing and Karissa explained that the blue thing you put water in when you are sick, well...Lexie took the top off and was bathing her barbie in it. Yes, it is the humidifier.

I'll spare you the picture of her fun yesterday. I had just put a new roll of toilet paper on my dispenser. Not even an hour later I went into my bathroom to help Lexie. She apparently didn't need help. She had used everylast section of toilet paper on that new roll and put it all in the toilet. Now I know how the toilet got plugged the last two previous times. I luckily caught her before she flushed and yes it took me a day or so to get around to getting all the toilet paper out of the toilet. Luckily we have two other toilets we could resort to. And yes, this time I just shook my head and laughed.

I love my Lexie Lou!

PICTURES

I had a friend take Samantha's pictures the other day. She does such a great job. She also did our family pictures. She really only does children's pictures, so we were lucky to get her to take our family ones. You can see some of her work on her blog page... tinytoesphotography.blogspot.com. You can see some of the pictures of Samantha on her blog.

Thanks Jess for doing the pictures!

Happy Birthday Brindley!

Yes, I am a little behind, but I still wanted to post about Brindley's birthday. She is now 9 years old! Where has the time gone. I tried to scan a baby picture in, but it wouldn't work. I am so glad that Brindley is part of our family. She is such a loving person and wants to be liked by others. She has had to grow up alot faster this last little while. Whenever I need something done whether it's cooking dinner or switching laundry or bathing Lexie, she is there to help without a complaint. She rarely gets to play with friends because she is always helping me. I've told her that she still needs to be a kid, but I sure have appreciated her help.

Brindley, you are one of my best friends. I love you and am so proud of all that you do. You try so hard at everything and are such a great example to your sisters and me. Keep Smilin'!

This is the first year that I haven't decorated a cake for Brindley. Not because I didn't want to, but because she asked for "Dessert Dessert". (Pudding on a graham cracker crust.)

Brindley has had the same bike since she turned 3, so we decided that it was time to get her a new one. Now she can keep up with her friends when they are riding bikes.

So if you need an inexpensive b-day party...try Beadles! I have taken Brindley and Karissa there several times just for a Mom/Daughter date. They love to go and create their own bracelet. By the time you buy all the party favors and clean your house and make a cake, it costs way more than going to Beadles. The party goers can create two bracelets for $5 Everyone gets to use their own imagination and create their own unique bracelet. So much easier than keeping everyone happy at a home birthday party.

It all goes together in our family....

So we were driving down the street today and I noticed the missionaries crossing the road. I said to Lexie, "There's the missionaries." Then a block further we are driving by the temple. I said, "There's the temple."
Lexie: "Der's da tempo and it's so cwose to our car."

She continues... "Der's da huntoes. Do you see da huntoes?"

Not understanding I asked her what she had said.

Lexie: "Do you see da huntoes?"

Then looking in my mirror I realized what see was saying. There were two utility workers cutting limbs off of a tree by the temple. They were both wearing a blaze orange vest. Hence, they must be "Hunters"!!

More Pictures!

So yes, I'm camera happy!

Lexie loves to kiss Samantha on the head. She tells me everyday that Samantha is sooo cute and that we should keep her. She has been such a good big sister and loves to help take care of her little sister!

Mom gave me some cute onesies that were way to cute to put on her under her clothes, so I got some white long sleeved onesies that Samantha can wear under the cute ones.

Can I just say Thank-You! We have been so taken care of. We recieved several meals lastweek which were yummy and really helped out. Tonight I was just getting ready to go get McDonald's when Karissa came running in saying, "Mom there are some people coming to the door with dinner!" I had no idea dinner was coming again tonight. How awesome and helpful! Apparently they sent another sign-up sheet around on Sunday. Also, Thank-You to those who have brought gifts. I love all of the new little outfits. Here are some of the gifts we recieved also.

The case of size 2 and 3 and also the case of wipes came from Jim's Boss. The diaper castle came from our neighbors. Thanks so much!