In Ellie's Own Words

"Mom, I'm going to pinch the Holy Ghost!"

She's a funny little girl and is full of personality! She knew she was being silly and was rather pleased with her own wit! She proceeded to pretend to pinch randomly in the air and giggle to herself! Dayton assured her that this was not a good thing!! He's a by the book kind of guy.

On the B Side: I am grateful that she is an independent thinker with her own little thoughts and humor even at the tender age of 4! I am also grateful that she has a big brother to help keep her in line!!! xoxo

Fan Club

Dayton's team won again this morning but I'm certain that isn't what sticks out in anyone's mind. He was one excited little guy and did not stop smiling during the time we spent in the gymnasium. It didn't matter if he was on the court or sitting on the side lines by his Dad as he was such a happy fella!

The ball was passed to him several times and several times he was able to pass it to other team mates. He is part of a team and he gets that part of it. The excitement on his face when the ball would reach his hands was precious! At one point he even took a shot and swelled with pride! It didn't matter that he didn't score at that moment. What mattered was that he was courageous and tried as *part of his team*!

I love watching him race around the court! He does a great job playing defense and is all about guarding his man. Ellie also enjoys the games as she gets exclusive attention from the family members in attendance. She prances around and steals a little attention from everyone. Today my Mom came with me and both of Dayton's Paternal Grandparents were present as well as an Aunt, Uncle and some cousins. His Dad, Step Mom and Sister are also a staple and an important part of his cheering section.

Wouldn't it be lovely if we all had our own cheering section in life? This reminds me of a thought that was shared while I was a missionary. Please take a few moments to read 'The Cheering Section' as my words will do it no justice!

On the B Side: I am grateful that people can come together out of love to support a common cause. I love that we each have our own unique cheering section in this life and am so humbled by the individuals that make up my little squad! I can only hope that I am able to offer as much light, love, support and encouragement to others. xoxo

The Big, Bad Mormons

On a serious note, please check out what appears to be a well written article on THE MORMONS While I cannot attest with complete certainty to the historical details cited overall I feel it was one of the most objective literary pieces I have seen on this subject.

Also rather noteworthy is Mitt Romney's discourse on Faith given recently in Texas.

Please make no assumptions about my political stance as I do not make decisions based on political party or religious affiliation. My point in this post is my excitement surrounding the fact that public awareness is slowly progressing beyond the myths, misconceptions, stigmas and ignorance associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

On the B Side: I am grateful that others are understanding more clearly that my "faith exemplifies values of charity, self-discipline and community that we as Americans claim to hold dear." I applaud people who have the courage to speak directly about the hard things and I also commend those who take the time to listen and gain a deeper comprehension.

12 Weeks

This is what we know about baby to date;

All of baby's organs, structures and systems are fully formed. The heart is pumping several quarts of blood every day. Baby has also begun to develop nerves and a spinal cord, allowing him/her to feel pain. Baby's brain is not the same size it will be at birth, it does have the same structure. Fingers and toes have separated and hair and nails continue to grow. Baby is approximately 2.5 - 3.5 inches and weighs about 12 - 14 grams.

Also, the baby now show definite signs of gender. In 4 weeks we'll know if we are expecting a little brother or a little sister! Baby can now moves spontaneously and this time next year will be 24 Weeks Old! We're thinking Jacob or Josie but that's always subject to change ;)

The time is passing quickly! We've been busy and I've been fortunate to feel well. Poor Dayton and Ellie have strep right now. I'm hoping they heal quickly and that I can avoid their germies!

On the B Side: I am grateful for each day! I am grateful to be alive and well and to be so blessed! I love waking up and having new opportunities each day! The time I have here on this earth is precious and I never want to take it for granted. xoxo

He's Our Numero UNO!

Dayton's favorite new past time is playing UNO! I picked it up over the weekend and we've been playing rather often. He prefers to play with just the two of us so that the 'Skip' and 'Reverse' give him more turns! We play with our cards down so that I can coach him. He's got the rules down and we're working on strategy!

We take turns dealing and have talked about etiquette and the rules of engagement when playing games, etc. He always takes inventory of who has what cards after the cards are dealt. Our last hand tonight was by far the most exciting! While he wasn't looking I dealt him all of the wild cards. When he was turning his cards over he couldn't stop giggling! The laughter in his voice and the light in his eyes was priceless! He obviously was unaware of my contrived little plan and I don't feel the least bit guilty as I soaked in his innocent excitement!

On the B Side: I am grateful for the people in our lives who help us to see ourselves more clearly.

PS Clancy, You are always the one who blesses my life!