Three Weeks!

We have had a very diverse Spring Break week. From snow to rain to spring sunshine, each day brought something different. Paul worked the first part of the week (Mon-Wed). When Wednesday brought the snow storm Mom started her own storm clouds. Something about being cooped up inside for the most part of 3 weeks and then adding all the kids home also being cooped up delighting in making messes didn't jive with the hormone levels. So, needless to say we were happy "when daddy came home" and spent Thursday and Friday with us. Thursday we went up to BYU's Museum of Art and saw the Walter Wick I Spy exhibit. It was really cool! Then we came home after lunch and took naps. Later that afternoon we went up to IKEA and to meet my Dad who was flying in for the weekend and to take my mom back home. Annmarie is still a hair shy of being tall enough to go into IKEA's play area, but she has learned to handle the disappointment well. On Friday and Saturday we went down to my parents place and Paul helped my Dad put in ten, 10-16' feet trees. They also had a gentleman putting in a rock wall and the children had fun watching the bobcat and claw tractor do his work. Working out in their yard made us excited to start on ours soon, but as I said before we are still getting random snow storms. We hope to put in some grape vines and raspberry bushes this year. We also really want to find a place for a peach and plum tree. The snow storm brought down tons of trees around the whole valley since things were already blooming. Luckily we have our cool monkey bridge and the kids would go and jump on it and shake all the snow off the apple trees so they wouldn't lose any of their branches. They liked that game and I am grateful they like playing in the snow too!

Here are a few things that I have been thinking about as I reflect on how grateful I have been the last three weeks as we have welcomed Genevieve into our home:

1. I am grateful to have Genevieve in the first place, as well as, all of our children. I have really had it pretty easy compared to some and thankful I can be so blessed.
2. I am SO thankful for Paul. He truly watches over me and all of us and keeps going when I seem to can't. One phrase that has come out a few times the last couple weeks from me is "Can you talk to the kids because I am not sure if I am hormonal right now." A little mess can seem overwhelming at these moments and little sounds are a lot louder when you come home from three days in a hospital room where everything is so quiet.
3. I am thankful for my children trying to be a little more quiet and playing well together. And for being so happy to have a new sister.
4. I am thankful for my Mom for being here whenever I asked and for lovingly chastising me when I don't ask and should have. And for stressing out so much over Genevieve's blessing dress. I am thankful to Ann for those past years where I am sure she stressed out over making Bianca and Annmarie's dresses and I never knew it, but I now know how much love, time, and stress did go into them!
5. I am thankful to Paul's employer for being mindful of their employees and giving them 2 weeks off paternity leave. I have needed that extra time with him!
6. I am thankful for neighbors, friends and ward members that take such good care of our family. The Activity Day leaders inspire their girls to do service for each baby born in our ward and they decided the best way to serve us was to make dinner for our family. So, the second week after Genevieve was born we only cooked dinner once and I think we just had leftovers from all the food. I also had a friend who even went to the library to find a book for me to read. Oh, I better return the book today. And Claire I need to get you back your special red plate. I hope that it didn't cause problems with Mason's birthday :)
7. I am thankful for my sisters who ask how I am doing and then listen to my concerns and woes. For all the nice blankets and sock monsters and food and comfort and support and etc.
8. Most of all, I am grateful to God that I can be a mother and be here to care for, teach, and nurture these precious ones.


Love,
Candace