Dear Bella on the night before 7th grade

I can't believe you are starting Jr high!!

I have been so worried and nervous for you for the past few month. Worried about friends, school work, friends, who you'll eat with at lunch, will people like you, will you do okay in school? And then dad gave you a blessing tonight and I was reminded of what an amazing girl you are. You have been so great with reading your scriptures, writing in your journal and making friends. You've been great at that since you were little really. Always including others and being a peaceful non judgmental friend. 

I know you may not always remember the things dad said in his blessing. But I hope you'll remember the way you felt and that you got up gave him a hug and wouldn't let go. That was the spirit touching you that the words dad said were true and that he loves you so much.

We both do!

I feel so blessed to be your mom.

I know it will be a great year and I have no doubt you'll do a great job!

Bella's Last Day of Elementary

This was not as emotional as I thought it would be. More the days leading up to it were hard. She was so excited! I was in charge of decorating and food so I got to be there before and watch them practice for it.

Ater school she walked to Fiiz with some friends and then went to a party that night. She had lots of fun!

It's crazy to think she will be starting jr high in a few months.

Learning how to mow the lawn

Seth taught Bella how to mow the lawn and she did a great job!

Spring Sports

Bella has been back at golf lessons and the twins have loved soccer. For some reason I only got pictures of Bre and not Syd. But they both did a great job all season.

Dear Bella

Dear Bella,

I can't help but think of where I was when you were born every time your birthday rolls around. I was so scared and felt alone, but having you made me feel like there was hope and purpose in life.

I've loved watching you grow. You're now going into young womens and I'm so proud of you! You are such a great example to your younger sisters. And you're and example to me and dad.

When I found out you went to church alone in the Salt Lake ward I was sad, and scared for you, but also so proud that you would chose to go. I love the light in your eyes! You have such a strong testimony! I know your Heavenly Father loves you just like we do!

I can't wait to see what this year brings!

I love being your mom!

Love,

Mom

Proud of Bella & Claire

Tonight as I was tucking Claire in she told me how she was scared the other night when I went on a girls night with my friends. She was scared I got in a car accident and she cried. BUt then she decided t read her scriptures and say a prayer. She apparently said 5 because she was so scared.

I was so proud of her that her first thought was to read her scriptures and say a prayer. 

That made me so happy!

Also tonight I got a text from Bella's Salt Lake ward with a picture of Bella at YW. They kidnapped her from activity days and took her to YW. I could tell by her face she loved it.

What a blessing that she has such great leaders there and here who love her and teach the gospel to her.

I love my girls so much!!

Time Out For Girls

Bella and I went to Time Out For Girls and had a great time. It was so much to spend time with just her and be uplifted. Some of the talks were over her head. BUt some were just what I think she needed to hear. Plus Mercy River sang and we went and talked to Soni which she liked. PLus we went out to eat and saw Sally during the lunch break on Saturday.

It was such a fun weekend.

Women's Conference 2016

Took the girls to women's conference. It was Claire's first time and it was not easy for her. But at least she tried. We grabbed dinner afert and then headed to SL to see the Lunt's who were in town for Beth's race. It was a fun night!

First Day of School 2016

Last week I had a crying breakdown when it hit me that everyone will be gone all day. 

Just realizing all the good times we've had over the years when they were younger and that, that period of my life is gone was sad.

But Seth helped me realize I was so sad because I loved it so much! And at least I had the last 12 years to look back on as a stay at home mom.

What a blessing. Despite all the financial hardship we've had I was always able to stay with my girls and I'm so thankful!

The twins were really excited but also a little nervous for all day school. Claire and Bella were super happy to be going back!

The day ended up going pretty fast because there are so many projects I have to get done.

And I am still able to have all 4 of them at the same school and walk up and back with them.

Fiddler On The Roof

II was such a proud mom watching them. They worked so hard. Practicing in the early mornings as well as late after school. They did this for 3 months. 

I love watching them preform!

Bella Time

I don't always get time alone with Bella so when I do I soak it all in. Today we were able to go to the theater tech expo at the Salt Palace because of Laura Lee. It was so much fun to walk around and se all the cool stuff. When we were done we stopped for a treat at Blue Lemon and Bella tried on one of the survivors she picked up.

Bella's Braces

Bella was so excited to get braces!! After she was done I asked if she wanted to go to Beehive to get a treat but she said no she wanted to go back to school and show her friends her braces.

When she got home from school though, she said how much they hurt.

But she was already looking forward to the 6 week appointment so she could chose another color for her bands.

Merry Christmas 2015

Christmas was bittersweet this year. Without Bella it just wasn't the same.

The girls still had fun opening their presents. Claire's big present from Santa this year was an ipod. He even hid it!!

When Bella got home the girls huddled around her as she opened everything that was under the tree for her. And she was thoughtful and had made present for each of them even though we drew names.