Invention Fair

Our school does an invention fair for first graders. Every first grader has to create and build their own invention. Ally really wanted to do some type of a robot. Thankfully these inventions could be prototypes and did not have to work. She decided to create a tooth pulling robot (easy to tell what stage of life she is in right now) so we got to work and here is the final product...

I was really proud of her because she came up with the idea, design and did most of the work all by herself. She was really proud of her robot!

Daddy Daughter Dance

Jim took Ally to the school's Daddy Daughter dance. They had a great night of treats, dancing, games and then Wendy's after. Ally had so much fun having Daddy all to herself. Every time she talks about it she smiles. I'm grateful the school provided this opportunity for Jim and Ally to have some one-on-one time together. I'm especially grateful Jim was willing to take Ally to such an event. Although, with the way she asked, I don't think anyone could have said no to that sweet face. Vanessa got dressed up in her tutu skirt and had to be involved in the pictures.

She was extremely disappointed when they left without her. Nothing a little computer quality time with her favorite brother couldn't solve.

My Entertainment

I definitely don't get bored very often being home with V. She is very busy but also very entertaining with some of the things she comes up with. Here's proof...

And from the time she decided to get her own egg. Thankfully she picked the hard boiled one.

Seriously no time to be bored when around Vanessa! She makes my heart smile!

Wiped Out

We went out with some friends to dinner and a movie and came home to find V...

She was wiped out! And, she was lovin' on her Hello Kitty, which I thought was so cute! It just doesn't get much cuter!

Superhero

A while back I found this on Pinterest and pinned it because I loved it and want to hang it in Andrew's room. Back then I didn't realize his sister already thinks he is the best at both.

One day when I was getting ready I dropped my eyeliner brush down the drain of my bathroom sink. I was so frustrated the first thing out of my mouth (at a not so quiet tone) was 'gosh dangit.' Vanessa came running in asking me what was wrong. When I explained to her what had happened she immediately said she'd get Andrew. I told her that there wasn't anything Andrew could do and the brush was gone. Her response..."Andrew get it, Andrew a superhero." I know that she loves her brother more than anything in this world but I didn't realize she thought he could do anything, even the impossible.

Unconditional Love

I know that our Heavenly Father does the things he does in the way he does for a reason. Everything is part of the Plan and it is all for our own good. Like, I know that he has mothers be pregnant for nine months so they can feel that baby grow and change within them that creates an unbreakable bond. Mothers suffer such pain and feelings of intense joy having newborn babies for a reason.

That reason...unconditional love.

Tonight Jim and Ally are at the school Daddy/Daughter dance so it's Andrew, Vanessa and me at home. We've had fun playing together but just a few minutes ago Vanessa did something and I looked at Andrew frustrated and said, "Do I have to love her?" (Now, just know that I was kidding when I said this and he knew that, but I was frustrated and it just came out). His quick reply, "Yes." I then asked, "Why?" He said, "Because if you didn't, you'd probably kill her." His response was quite strong but there are many times I am so frustrated by some of the things (and yes, these things are typical two-year old things) she does I just don't know what to do.

After this conversation with Andrew I had a "lightning bolt" moment. I have done MANY things that have gone against my Heavenly Father's commandments and His plan but never once have I felt his frustration. Never once have I felt him thinking, "I told her if did that she'd get hurt, why doesn't she listen to me?" All I ever feel is His deep, unconditional love envelope me and tell me "everything is going to be okay, I sent the Savior, your brother for times such as these. Lean and Him and all will be well."

THIS is the type of mom I want to be! I never want my kids to feel my frustration (because that is my weakness, not their fault). I only want them to feel my and their Heavenly Father's love and to know all will be well.  This is something I am going to work EXTREMELY hard at making a strength of mine so my kids will never question my love, for it is unconditional.

An Amazing Angel

Do you ever feel like you know someone even though you have never met? I have recently encountered this experience thanks to the amazing world of the Internet and blogs. I 'met' this amazing girl and her family by reading this post on the theredheadedhostess.com blog. (Great blog written by a seminary teacher to help with scripture study, etc.) I was overwhelmed by this young girl's faith she has had her entire life even when faced with extreme trials. I found myself wishing I had been more like her when I was younger, and heck, who am I kidding? I wish I was more like her now at my age. I hope and am striving to teach my young girls to grow up to be like Alissa. To have such faith in our Heavenly Father and our Savior that the trials of this life only draw you closer to Them and our Heavenly home. Her parents started this blog for their most recent trial, Alissa's brain tumor. After reading their posts I have no wonder why this girl is the way she is...her parents live their lives with the same Faith and love for Heavenly Father and Jesus. I find myself checking their blog multiple times daily hoping for updates because they strengthen my testimony each time I read their blog. I rejoice in their small miracles and found myself shedding tears today reading their post on preparing to let go. Here are people facing any parent's greatest fear, and I'm sure their hearts are breaking, but they get it, they truly understand our Heavenly Father's plan so they are at peace. What an example these people I have never met have been to me!! I wish I could have known Alissa and could meet her parents.  They are truly Angels here on Earth.  I know Alissa's mission will continue on the other side and I have hope that I can one day meet her, and thank her there.  If you have a few minutes, go read their blog.  I promise you will be grateful you did!