6 Months Old

Well, six months have come and gone and I still have my sanity (well, most days). Avery and Kole are doing so well considering the early start they got. They sleep through the night (thank goodness) now if we could only get their naps to overlap for more than 15-20 minutes at a time.

Avery's Stats

14 1/2 lbs

24 1/2 " long

Kole's Stats

15 lbs

26 1/2 " long

Not bad consider they only weighed 4 1/2 and 5 lbs when they were born. Here are some of my favorite pics of them from they last few weeks.

Dustin's Baptism

A few days after he turned eight Dustin had the opportunity to be baptized by his dad. What a special occasion it was. As usual, we had so much support from our family. They didn't have enough chairs set up to accommodate our big families!

He shared his baptism day with his friend, Thomas. In fact, the highlight of the baptism, aside from the baptism itself was when Dustin, Thomas and their siblings sang "I'm Trying to be Like Jesus." The boys each sang solos while their brothers and sisters joined in on the chorus. It was so easy to feel the Spirit while listening to them sing. Yep, I was a crying machine :)

Dustin was confirmed in our Sacrament Meeting the next day. Keith gave him a very special blessing. What a very busy yet exciting week we had.

Eight's Great!

My cute, little boy is now EIGHT years old!?! When did he go from this...

...to this?

Dustin had a great birthday! On their 8th birthday we give our kids the option of getting normal birthdays gifts or one big (expensive) gift. Dustin opted for the big gift and asked for a brand new BLUE bike. We made him wait until the very end of the festivities but he got his bike. Too bad his birthday is in the winter and he can't ride it very much. One other thing to note. For some reason, Dustin wanted a banana cake with green frosting for his birthday. So I searched the web and found a recipe I thought would work out. Tasted ok to me, but I have an aversion to bananas since being pregnant with the twins. All in all, I'd say one terrific day! Next is his baptism!

Today I'm Four!

This has to be my absolute favorite picture of Claire (courtesy of Aunt April). My little Claire-Bear who turns 4 today.

We have been hearing from Claire for months that on her birthday she wanted to eat at Red Robin (YUMM) for dinner. So we invited both sets of grandparents thinking that 4 pair of extra hands might be an asset while taking all 6 kids out to eat. And we weren't wrong! I gotta huge kick out of the fact that while we were at restaurant the specializes in burgers Claire order spaghetti with a side of mac and cheese. Oh, well! It's her day!

The much anticipated birthday presents included a bumblebee Pillow Pet and the Tangled figurine set. And just when we thought we couldn't eat anymore, there was still cherry flavored cake and ice cream to devour!!! What an exciting Birthday Party!

As a side note, I wanted to add something about Claire that I don't want to forget. In a phone conversation I had recently with my oldest sister, Kellie, I expressed my regret and guilt for the lack of attention and affection Claire has gone without for almost a year now. Between being pregnant, sick as can be, pregnant and huge as can be, on bed rest and then parenting the twins, the time I might have spent with her has been less than I would have hoped for. However, Kellie gave me an insight that brought comfort to my heart and tears to my eyes. I believe that before we came to this earth we were aware of the struggles and challenges that would be put in our path. Claire, bless her heart, my little girl who never tires of getting diapers, finding binkies and entertaining babies knew what an important role she would have at this critical time in my life and came to the earth with the attitude and countenance needed to be such an invaluable blessing to me. Her little hands have served me just as much as anyone! So, thank you Kellie for you wisdom. And thank you Claire for being such a sweet daughter.

2010

The year 2010 was a really hard year (that may be the understatement of the year). But it's undeniable that 2010 was a really good year, too. This year was full of challenges - but also full of so many truly great things. 2010 was just...full.

It is clear to see how my family was shifted, molded, challenged and changed. How we've been blessed and guided - and rescued more than a few times. Looking back, it is impossible to see 2010 as anything less than miraculous for me and my family.

But for me, alone? On a personal level, 2010 has brought me to my knees. It has broken my heart. Contrited my spirit. Ground me a little beneath the heel. Pushed my head beneath the waves - and even though each time I've managed to resurface and gulp that sweet air of survival, at the end of things I do still feel a bit like a drowned mouse.

And now, here on the cusp of a defined new beginning - where I can look down at my calendar and see a very clear line where the last square of 2010 ends and the first square of the next year begins - I look back on my travels - personal and otherwise - of 2010 with a feeling of reverence.

2010 - you did not beat me. Each time you shoved me down and pressed your knee into my back, I grew a little stronger. So thank you for the fight, because I needed to find the fight again in me. I needed to push back my sleeves, wipe the blood from my cheek with the back of my hand, and get SCRAPPY.

So here's to you, 2010. Thanks for the fat lip and the black eye. I really needed it.

And here's to you, 2011. Because, friend, you are going to be a full year, too.

Some Smiles

Twice Blessed

On November 7, 2010 we blessed Avery and Kole. Keith did such a wonderful job and the spirit was so strong. We were also fortunate to have so many family members there. I don't know what we would have done the last few months without them.