So Grateful

As most of you know, I have really struggled to connect with Kylee after the age of 3. I think that because we are so much a like we really butt heads a lot. She's defiant and argues with me all the time.
Tonight we went on a mini date to DQ for ice cream cones. She was making me laugh with all the funny things she was saying. I asked her about school and what she likes. "I like math review. Its fun" At one point tonight she told me she ran into a girl from her class at the store. "She's Nicole's best friend." I replied "Do you have a best friend?" She said "No. I am best friends with everyone. It would hurt someones feelings if I only had one best friend." She is so sweet and so wise.
Tonight as she was eating her ice cream, I watched her and saw a real person. Not just a child, but a person. Kylee is kind, thoughtful, caring, funny and smart. I adore her so much, even if she does argue with me 90% of the time.
When Ky comes home from school, she immediately wants to go play with friends. Sometimes no one can play and she gets upset and says she's bored. Tonight I talked to her about this. I told her that when she is bored she should play with her brother. "But he's annoying. He always wants to play in his room." I reply "He may be annoying, but wouldn't it be lonely if you didn't have him for a brother? Wouldn't it be worse if you didn't have a brother or anyone at home to play with?" She thought about it and said "You're right. I should play with him. I can teach him how to play barbies and color in the lines. " Proud mother RIGHT HERE!
Finally, as I was driving home from our date, she said "I love you so much that I will never stop saying it." I sure hope that's true.
I learned tonight that I am actually enjoying her getting older. I really couldn't be more proud of her! Not to mention, her teacher told me she's one of the top readers in her class. She said Kylee is a beautiful singer and is always so nice to everyone. How did I get so blessed?!

Why I Love Washington

I know you hear a lot of bad things about Washington, like, how it rains all the time (which ISN'T true!)A few things occurred to me when we got back from our trip to California. One was how I don't appreciate where I live enough. As I was driving Luke to preschool today, I felt inspired to blog about why I love Washington.
-I love how it smells. If you take a walk (which, by the way, there are a ton of trails) you can smells the wonderful trees and outdoors. It doesnt stink, its a homey smell. It makes you want to be, and stay outside.
-I love how no on cares how they look there. If you go to California, everyone is obsessed about looks, what car they have or what they dress in. The main thing that people care about here is health and being healthy. You will see people in their workout clothes almost everywhere you go. No one cares what you are wearing or what you look like when you go to the grocery store. Everyone is laid back. In fact, I complain that drivers are slow here, but when I really think about it, I kind of like that no one is in a rush to get anywhere. They worry more about safety.
-I love how environmentally friendly everyone is. Did you know next year they are getting rid of all plastic bags at the markets? That's so amazing to me!
-I love the change of seasons. The trees here are bright yellow and orange. Its chilly, but not too cold.
-There are so many things to do and be involved in. They have pre-preschool here! There are mommy and me classes. There are mother classes. There is activities everywhere you go! Its a "buy local" kind of place. I find this important only because its going to help our economy.
-I love being close to the water and the mountains. We have the best of both worlds.
-The schools here are fantastic! The teachers here really care about what they are doing.

Happy Halloween!!!

I know I have been gone awhile, and owe you picture from my trip, but I am still catching up from being back. Don't hate!
So I am not one for Halloween. I don't understand why we "celebrate" evil and scary things. I don't like that this country is overweight and we know how bad candy is for kids so what do we do? Give them loads of candy so they can be more overweight. Anyway....
I promised family I would post pictures ASAP. Here we go.
This is Luke's scary face. LOL!!!

Luke won best costume at Rhett's work BBQ the other night. Hurray!

I told Ky to make a scary face, and this is what she gave me. Silly kids!

Before we headed out trick-or-treating, we went to see cousin J at aunt Rachie's house. Isn't he the cutest little baby!?

Good-Bye (Not For Good)

That being said, I have waited long enough to see my family... and now I get to be with them for a WHOLE WEEK in the happiest place on the planet... DISNEYLAND! So for now, good-bye. Pictures to come in a couple weeks.

New Funny Sayings

This morning when I told Luke I wasn't going to buy him a hot chocolate, he started crying and throwing a fit and said "mom, you're breaking my heart!"
Last night Rhett and I were in the kitchen getting some food. Kylee walked in and said in a demanding voice "so who is going to get me the water I asked for?!" It sounded so rude and so bratty, but I couldn't help but laugh!
Rhett was watching Two And A Half Men and Luke got excited when he saw Ashton Kutcher and said "Its Jesus!"

General Conference Thoughts

What another amazing general conference. I think the thing that touched me the most is that I am not realizing how much I love President Monson. It has taken me until now to fully respect and love and accept him as my prophet. For so long I have still been "mourning" President Hinckley.

I feel incredibly blessed this evening. I love the prophet and adore him with all my heart. He really is such an incredible man! I love his whit and I love seeing him loosen up as years pass.
I loved President Eyring's talk. I loved hearing him talk about what the Savior means to him and how he stood as a witness to God and the Savior in a hard time. For so long I have been embarrassed by the fact I was Mormon. I would shy away from any kind of discussion or conversation that would bring it up. I don't know if its age or what, but I can proudly stand and say that I am a Mormon, and I know that the teachings are TRUE and that I live by them. I would die for my beliefs. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ!I want everyone to have the happiness that's in my heart and in my life. We share a wonderful message that can uplift and give people hope and light in this growing dark time. I fear for my children being raised in these challenging times. But I also know that if we pray, read scriptures and have family time on a weekly basis that my family will be saved in these dark ages.
I love hearing my kids say their prayers. I love teaching them that they can pray any time they want. I love teaching them about Jesus and charity and loving their neighbors (even thought they think that by "neighbors" it means their literal neighbors). My kids aren't perfect, but I want them to have hope and charity and love in their hearts and to know their Savior Jesus Christ. Through Him it is the only way we can be saved from Satans evil ploys and the darkness and loneliness that follow.
I love my family.
‎"Behaviors which once were considered inappropriate and immoral are now not only tolerated but also viewed by ever so many as acceptable. The laws of God remain constant. They have not changed; they will not change. The 10 commandments are just that: commandments. They are not suggestions. They are every bit as requisite today as they were when God gave them to the children of Israel." -Thomas S. Monson