SERIOUSLY?!

Who sleeps like this?!

Seriously?!

Monte Birk does I guess.

I suppose a full day at scout camp can really wear you out!!

my charmed life

I have been witness to many miracles in my life. I am blessed to feel the awe inspiring comfort and peace of the Holy Ghost continuously. I know God lives. I know the Plan of Salvation is eternal and true. The peace and awe I felt as I watched my mother pass from this life 6 years ago is the same as the feeling I have now. I feel the love that my Father in Heaven has for me and my family as he entrusts me with these special spirits that have entered our home. I am inspired by the gift He has given to women as I play my role in His creation. I am not always calm. I am not always right. My parenting is faulty - but I am learning every day and I am doing my best.

I am blessed with a strong, capable and loving husband. A man I feel confident and safe with. A true and just role model for his 5 sons. A worthy Priesthood holder that magnifies his callings as spouse, father, son and ward member.

I was blessed to be raised by 2 parents that loved me unconditionally, the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life, and 6 siblings to fight with, learn with and grow with.

My own children don't always get along. The TV is on too often and the computer games play a little too long. They argue and fight over insignificant things. But they love one another, they are safe at home, they have food in their bellies and clothes on their backs, they know their parents love them. They feel the Holy Spirit in our home.

I know God lives. I know He loves me. I know He hears me and He answers when I pray. I know His Son, Jesus Christ, is my Savior and Redeemer. I know families are eternal. I am blessed. My life is charmed beyond measure.

Precious to me

Just a small sampling of what a sweet and extremely talented friend did for me when William was just 1 week old. (In her living room - no less!) I wish I could post them all!

baby OVERLOAD!!

From the moment we walked in the door from the hospital a week and 1/2 ago our home has been in turmoil! Arguments and fights - nonstop!! "You've held him longer than me!" - "It's MY turn to hold the baby!" - "MOM! Can I hold the baby when you're done feeding him?" - "NO! I called the baby first!" Poor William - too many people wanting to love him all at once and all at the same time!!

Every day I hear, "Mom! He's my baby. I love my baby. My baby has tiny toes and tiny feet. I love to hold my baby."

"I love your baby too Jackson. Could we maybe share your baby with the rest of the family?" "OK Mom. You and Daddy can have the baby too."Seth would happily stay home from any and all functions if I would let him stay with the baby the whole time. He told me yesterday, "Where the baby goes, I go."

The older boys were at play dates and I had a peaceful afternoon-see photo below. (I also mopped the kitchen, cleaned all 3 bathrooms, and vacuumed the family room. - Thankfully a friend was bringing in dinner and it all stayed clean...for a few minutes anyway.)

Clyde - My Clyde. I called the baby 'Will' the other day and he said, "Mom! Are you going to call him that?" I sensed I was in a bit of trouble when he followed up with , "...because I call him Billy."

William, Will, Billy, Little Bill...

Who knows...we're still waiting for one to stick...

Monte Birk is actually one of my biggest and best helpers. I've got to be sure to get a good picture of him with his little Wiliam in tow.

the BeSt friendships he'll make...

Definitely one of my BeSt friends and sure to be one of Williams too. After all he is his name sake.

Grandpa (William) Arnett

The timing couldn't have been more perfect for Williams arrival. Grandma Gardiner was trying to take advantage of her flight benefits before she lost them (Monte is starting a new job next week) and she had planned a quick trip from Utah to see the brethren. She ended up spending more time alone with them than anticipated with Monte and I at the hospital the whole time but we sure were grateful for her at the house holding down the fort. It was a fortunate bonus for her to meet William while he was still so new.