"Come little child and together we'll learn..."

This is what I really wanted for Mother's Day-- a photo with me and the adorable people that call me "mom, mama, mommy." (And not to forget my sweet husband without whom I wouldn't be a mother-- he had already left for church meetings-- after making me a yummy breakfast and getting the kids dressed-- otherwise I would have gotten one with him, too.)

(Don't be fooled by the first pictures of domestic bliss--

this is more typical of what goes on at our house on a daily basis.)

The Primary Children sang a beautiful arrangement of "Love is Spoken Here" and "Teach Me To Walk in the Light". My emotions swelled when I heard the lyrics, "Come little child and together we'll learn/ of his commandments that we may return/ home to his presence to live in his sight...." I really do learn WITH these kids-- it's amazing how much they soak up gospel principles and then turn right around and remind me how to live them.

My kids, in nutshells:

Ethan: Headstrong, confident, determined, relentless; traits that used to drive me crazy, and now as we are only a year and a half away from middle school (gulp!), they are what give me confidence that he will not only withstand opposition but scoff in the face of it. He is also clever and witty; he devours books and uses vocabulary that he has obviously read but not heard-- the other day he was describing something to me and correctly used the word "hoax" but pronounced it "ho-axe"-- I laughed outloud! That happens frequently. Ethan enjoys cooking and is becoming quite adept at it. My favorite trait of all is how loving Ethan can be. He has just recently become comfortable carrying Joseph and really enjoys helping with his baby brother. Jane of course has a special place in his heart as the little sister. He plays well with Luke and does a great job praising Luke's creativity. And although he sometimes has a funny way of showing it, Ethan really loves being with Reid. They share a room and often stay up late talking; for years they shared a bed, even sleeping in a single twin bed together even though they have two in their room. Ethan is quick to tell me how much he loves me, and what a good mom I am. He has a very keen sense of when I am frustrated and goes out of his way to talk me through my frustration and try to organize his siblings into better behavior (even if it was him who got everyone riled up in the first place!) I love that boy!

Reid is my tender-hearted rule follower; however, he has developed a passionate streak, particularly when it comes to his temper. He is almost inconsolable when he feels like he is being mistreated because it just isn't fair!!! The other night he was crying hysterically when we were gathered with friends to do a Cinco-de-Mayo pinata, and although we had told all of the kids to wait for the child with the bat to stop swinging, of course kids were diving for candy as soon as it hit the ground. Reid wasn't getting any while kids older and younger were filling their bags, and he was just crying, "They aren't following the rules, and I'm following the rules and not getting anything!!!" It was really quite funny. Again, a trait that reassures me that this kid is going to be okay in the face of opposition.

Reid is very conscientious about doing his homework, he has perfect handwriting, and he NEVER gets into trouble at school.

He idolizes his big brother, and is so forgiving of Ethan, even when Ethan persistently bosses him around. Reid has a ball playing with Luke and loves being the big brother to Jane and Joey. The other day, without being asked, he helped Jane dress, did her hair, even applied glitter to her cheeks and lipgloss to her lips. He said, "I like making my little sister look pretty."

Reid is very close to the Spirit and tells us when he feels warm inside. Such a sweet example.

Luke is genuinely funny. He has a very "yellow" personality-- charismatic, easy-going, in a very understated sort of way. He prides himself on being the only one in our family with blue (or some days, green) eyes. Luke is extremely creative and imaginative-- nearly every day he is in character, as a dinosaur, a "big cat", a Spanish dancer, or some other imaginary figure. He reads very well and is learning Spanish at school. His teachers adore him and say that he is often the center of attention at school-- everyone loves him.

Derek and I often look at each other and say, "Where did this kid come from?!" The closest family resemblance we see is to my brother Nick, not only in his looks but in the fact that he is very right AND left-brained (Nick was an art major and then went to medical school.) Very creative and artsy as well as very logical and intelligent.

Luke keeps up well with his big brothers, he has a lot of fun playing with Jane, and now he seems to enjoy this special new role of being a big brother to his baby brother, Joey. They have a cute connection.

Jane is Jane! So much spunk and sass in one little girl!!! If I could only have one, I'm so glad I got her. And maybe grateful that there's just one of her! :) She is so full of energy, we joke that she's more athletic than her brothers-- she definitely has no problem keeping up with them. While at times she loves to be Mommy's little helper, other times she digs her heels in and opposes anything I say. And she turns on a dime. She can be throwing a crazy hysterical tantrum that lands her in her bedroom, and minutes later she will exit, calmly sweeping her hair out of her face, and smile as if nothing were ever wrong. Jane dances all around the house, twirling and pointing her toes, shimmying and shaking her "bum-bum." She is so incredibly, innately girly! She loves princesses and Barbies and babies, and of course she loves her baby Joey. A little too much. She gets right in his face and makes him crazy. It makes me sad to think that I only have this little pre-school girl for another year or two, and before I know it her chubby little cheeks will be gone and her little tantrums won't be so cute. I cherish her.

Joseph is so sweet and good, and a perfect baby if there ever was one. He is easily consoled, his smile makes my heart swell with joy. I appreciate now more than I ever have just sitting and rocking my baby, looking into his deep brown eyes, caressing his warm tiny fingers so soft that feel like they could melt into my hand. It really is so sad that babies don't keep and yet every day that I see him grow and do something new is such a blessing.

I feel so content and blessed to be a mom. Let it be said that I feel overwhelmed and like my work is never done. But I take comfort in knowing that I am sincerely trying to do the most important things for my children on a daily basis, namely teaching them the gospel and making them feel loved. There is truly nothing I'd rather be.