Simple Pleasures

Usually Ben and I are really firm on- no kids in our bed. Ben is especially particular when it comes to his comfort when falling asleep. But last night I went in to check on Grace because she hasn't been feeling too good and she woke up. I decided to bring her in our room to cuddle. First she cuddled with Ben and then with me. Even though she was right next to me she wiggled around to get closer. She looked up at me with the most angelic smile and then she would turn over and rub daddy's arm. It was a wonderful little moment. The kind you want to just pause and enjoy for a really long time. Our children bring us the greatest joy. What a miracle each one is. I especially cherish those quiet unexpected moments when a special bond is shared and we experience a little bit of heaven on earth.





Little Man

I have to give a shout out to our little man. He is more reserved and demands less attention than his sisters so sometimes he isn't the center of attention, which is usually just fine with him. He does contribute greatly to out little family, he is very loving and considerate, when he comes home from school each day one of the first things he does is find Grace to give her a hug.
Dallin is a funny boy...his favorite food is beets but I was just informed that squash has moved up to #1 and beets are #2. This kid will get in the fridge and pull out a head of cabbage or lettuce and eat it. He is a very conscientious eater, he knows what is and isn't good for his body and he eats accordingly.
Dallin seeks truth. Even before he could read he wanted his own scriptures and he looked at them quite often. He asks a lot of insightful questions and he recognizes the spirit.
Dallin is the best big brother. A few months ago he asked me "how do people know when they are done having kids?" I explained that for some it is a physical thing and for others they just know all their children have come down from heaven. He then said "You and dad don''t feel that way right?" He just wanted to make sure he would be getting more siblings. He used to hope for a little brother but one day he was playing with Grace and he said "Grace is so cute, I don't care if another baby is a boy or a girl". We love him soooo much and are so thankful he is in our family. I just couldn't adore him more!



Creating Peace in Our Little Kingdom

I feel like the world is in constant turmoil. The adversary has unleashed full force against our families and it is quite scary. We have now had no tv for 5 1/2 years. At first I thought it would nothing less than torture. But can I just say how much I do not miss having rated-R previews in my home, especially the horror ones. I remember watching the Olympics with my kids at someone else's house and all of a sudden a preview for the movie "Hostel" came on. I was furious, my kids were sitting right there and even as fast as we turned the channel I know they were disturbed. I love having control over what enters our home, the raging storm stops at our door and inside can be a safe haven. I feel very empowered! We're not complete hermits, I get my news from the Internet and talk radio (huge Glen Beck fan). Besides I can't stand the media anyway! We still have a tv by which we enjoy plenty of movies! Ben and I enjoy sitting down together after the kids go to bed and watching an episode of good ol' fashion "Hogan's Heroes". We have noticed a big difference in how our home feels and how much time we're not wasting anymore. It has been a bit of a sacrifice, we'll go over to our families homes for "big games" but for the most part we are glad we're doing it!