Surprise!!

So life is full of surprises, right?

It's a suprise that I am blogging after five months of nothing.

I had a great surprise to find that my 5-year old had unloaded to dishwasher just because she loves me.

Another surprise was to find my husband's aunt from Tennessee at my front door. (Which was very obvious as I had a dirty diaper in my hand and a part-naked baby toddling after me and I wasn't "dressed" for company in my husband's sweat shirt and my paint sweats. But once I got passed that and invited these classy ladies into my living room-full of case lot sale items---we had a wonderful visit!)

Our most notable surprise is that we are expecting another baby in May....
I told my children they could tell their friends after Halloween because we would be past the worrisome 12 week stage, so I decided I would tell my friends here.
A few months ago, Lucy and I were talking about Lincoln (my 15 month old baby), how cute he is, etc. Lucy started talking about Lincoln having a playmate and how fun it would be to have a younger sister or brother for him. I told Lucy that I didn't think that little Lincoln would be having a younger sister or brother and that I felt that six kids was enough for our family. She replied, "Mom, you aren't in charge of that, Heavenly Father is." I was kind smug, thinking that yes, I was in charge of that. I guess I was wrong.

We are excited for our sweet little friend to join us in May and yes, it will be good for Lincoln to have a playmate. (There is a four year difference between him and his older siblings.) Most surprises turn out to be good if we have the right perspective. I'll be happy when my perspective doesn't include vomiting and the toilet, but all in all, it is a great blessing.

I hope your day is full of great surprises as well....

Hammy is twelve!!

I can't believe my "little" Hammy is so old. It is wierd having a preteen in the house. It sure changes the dynamics. He is a great help and a good example to the other kids most of the time.

Lucy's birthday and baptism

Lucy just turned eight the day after Christmas. It was a fun birthday and her baptism was very special. She had a little birthday party after the baptism on Saturday and then we had a dinner after the confirmation on Sunday. She is such a sweet, responsible girl. We are proud of her.

Christmas

Lincoln loves his jumper, even though at first, he didn't know what to do with it.

Hayden loved his Netbook.

Dallin was so excited for his miniature semi's and animals. He loves everything that has to do with ranching!

Lucy was so excited for her American Girl doll and books.

Miss Molly and her new outfit for herself and her bitty baby...

Porter LOVES his new cowboy hat!

Christmas was wonderful and exciting! We enjoyed all the fun with the kids, but are glad to have everyone back to some sort of routine.. Here are some picture and video highlights of our Christmas Season. Hopefully, your Christmas was as magical and fun as ours was!