Wouldn't have missed it!

I love going home to see my family. This trip tops all visits home EVER! It was a one of a kind Birthday surprise for my Dad. We (all my siblings) had plans to be at the Cardston temple without my Dad knowing we had flown home. What a sweet feeling it was to walk into the chapel room together and see his overwhelmed heart burst into tears. It doesn't really get much better than having all your children in the temple together on your 60th birthday! It was the kind of surprise we needed, to match the caliber of this man. 

Then, the weekend fun continued with Canada Day parades, a visit to Waterton National Park, singing to very old, and very loved grandparents, eating ketchup chips daily, and beautiful weather.

Only thing I'd change? Having Scott there with me to enjoy all the fun. He stayed home and moved us into our new house while I was off playing. What a guy!

My grandpa is 104? or maybe 105? I lost track...

Effort

SO..... it's been a while huh? I have decided, through some encouragement from the husband, to make a comeback to the blogging world. I know how grateful I will be in the future.. even if it's a only a small comment or photo every week. Life is so busy, but also filled with many great things I don't want to forget. Heres to trying....

We bought a farm this summer... Kind of a big deal!!

We now have goats, cows, chickens, ducks, sheep, and a dog. So much for easing me in to this country life slowly Scott Probst! 

Scott built fences all summer and kept busy with all sorts of farm projects. He is in his own little world out here... a world I know nothing about.

Okay, I'd be lying if I said I didn't love it. It really is a beautiful property.

 

My favorite tree.

 We had horses, but we sold them because.... well, they were senior citizens. Too expensive to feed, and not very kid friendly. Oh, and one almost killed Scott. No big deal though.

Our precious little girl started preschool!! She is so grown up and loves to learn. She can't wait to go to school with her big brothers next year... she wants to be BIG. 

This summer these gals enjoyed many wagon rides around the farm.  

Our J bird turned 4 in July.  

E bug is 18 months this month! My baby! NO!! She is my little sweetheart. 

A teensy birthday girl

I can't believe she is one...

Happy Birthday to my baby girl!

What a pleasant year it has been with you Emery, we all love you so much! 

Thoughts

So here I am sitting with Emery on Easter Sunday, just the two of us, some sunshine, and a quiet clean house.

Scott took Jade and the boys to Montana for the weekend..... yes, he has turned into Super DAD.

These are a few of the thoughts I had today.

When all you have to do is waste time... it becomes miserable. The first day was a nice break, the second was a shopping day, and today was a "I am so grateful this is not my life" day. I miss my loud, messy family so much. At least they can bring real happiness, love and worth.

Seriously, I know it's sounding really deep, but I am so grateful for the privilege to be a Mother.

It is hard, but so rewarding.

I watched all of Saturday General Conference sessions today and it was so fulfilling. Hearing their words brings a stronger conviction to do my job better, to worry about the things that will last, to understand that the most important things need to happen within the walls of our homes.

They are men called of God. I treasure their words.

I cannot wait to have my family return home tomorrow.

I just want to try to remember .... the next time I feel like I need a break.

14 pins

The boys started up wrestling in November. I didn't realize how intense it was going to be until both my boys had their first matches and ate a few slices of humble pie. I was so proud that they stuck it out, worked their very hardest and both had an amazing first season. It is a very nerve racking sport to go head to head with someone, in front of a huge crowd and have to fight for your life to win it.

Pins are obviously hardest to get, you pin a guy, the match is over. Otherwise, matches are won by points earned.

Kael got 8 pins, a medal for the most 3 pt takedowns on his team, and one 3rd place tournament medal.

Karson got 6 pins, a medal for most takedowns on his team, another medal for most escapes, and a 2nd place tournament medal.

They both made the 100 point club too (earning 100 or more points total from matches this season).

There is nothing better than seeing your kids want something so badly and work the hardest they can to achieve it. There were tears alright... but they kept getting back up. The best moments were to see them realize their potential.

You can only imagine how proud their Dad is of them, and their Grandparents who came to watch and be a part of it all.

Grandpa Mike and the crew

Karson 2nd place tournament medal.

Kael surprised us with this win. I think he surprised the other kid too.

Karson.

Kael getting a pin!

All of us on our way to the final tournament.

What a busy and exciting few months it has been!

Already

How did 8 months come and go so fast? I really have tried to enjoy every moment with this little baby girl. I even kept her sleeping in our room a little longer than necessary, so nice of me right? Now I can see why being the baby of the family has it's benefits. Emery has been my little angel girl, my little slice of heaven. A really good reward after the last 2 spitfires!

She has now entered busy, roll around, wiggly, baby mode. It's so exciting to see her accomplish new things, but so sad that she is already becoming more independent.

She is very strong and wiry, like Kael was. She is a happy baby, doesn't fuss for no good reason, is a great sleeper, loves music, and adores her SISTER. She is almost crawling. NO! Now I have to make sure she survives this toy infested household with out choking on legos.

She loves bananas and peaches, hates when Daddy kisses her, and is a Mama's girl. Emery loves her bath's, has a contagious smile, and is the size of your average 5 month old. Such a small fry!

What a Joy you have been little one.

Great start to a New Year

We took the kids to stay overnight at the Great Wolf Lodge on the last day of the holiday break. It is an awesome indoor water park and hotel about a hour from Gig Harbor. We had so much fun, even Emery loved the water this time. So, Mom & Dad thanks for the "family time" gift idea this year, we had a blast together! We promised a family picture showing what exactly we did.... so here it is!

Bubbles..

Studs.

Us girls enjoying the wave pool...

The coolest giant gingerbread house.

Our little pack of wolves...

December 2011

I know I'm a tad late posting holiday highlights....

I love Christmas. It always comes and goes too quickly. I hate the way the house looks afterwards.... empty, dull, no more glow. We had a wonderful Christmas and New Years & are very excited for what 2012 will bring!

Christmas dress up time.

Scott's dad had his surgery to remove all the cancer that was found in his stomach. There were many persistent prayers, fasts, thoughts, and so much hope that things would go the best they could. We sure do love that man more than words can express, and we are so grateful he was blessed to have an amazing doctor and so much love and support from family.

Scott and his office staff on their first Comfort Dental Care Day in Washington. The doctors and staff donated their time to offer free dental care for those in need. They treated 50 patients on Christmas Eve Day.

Grandma & Grandpa Williams came to visit for Christmas! What a treat it was to have them. We had a wonderful time, and beautiful weather. We went bowling on Christmas Eve Day, had fresh seafood lunch on the bay, baked christmas cookies, and chowed some toasty & delicious soup for dinner. The best Christmas yet.

Best part of the night was snuggling up to the fire and watching a nativity video together and talking about the true meaning of Christmas.

Sugar cookies.... a mastered recipe (Scott claims). He IS always right about everything. They were so worth the extra pounds and skipping meals.

How cute are these two gals?!

Oh this pictures makes my mouth water....

Presents out, stockings hung.

Emery's first Christmas.

Boys and Legos = best presents ever because they vanish to their bedrooms and don't come out until 2 days later when the sets are complete! Genius.

Jade and her (not so) exciting gift... she didn't even want it. She asked us to give it back to Santa! Scott even spent all this extra time beautifying it with girly stickers... why am I nervous this scenario will repeat itself in 13 years or so? "I don't want a truck Daddy, I want a BMW!" Yikes. Hopefully she grows into it, because it ain't going back. The boys already broke one of the mirrors off...

Jades favorite gift was her very own mini scriptures and carry case from G & G Williams. She is a sunbeam now, and totes that book of mormon every where she goes!