Ear Infections, attitudes, and reflections

Ashlie has her first ear infection. After having her temp go up to 102.7 we decided that we needed to take her in. Already she is acting better, and happier. She had been such a good baby, all my girls have been good babies. I think I am spoiled. It is when they get to be about three that they get their little attitudes. The other day Kaylee was told to go inside for something, on the way in she stopped, looked back at us, and swatted her little bottom and said "That's for you". Wade and I just looked at each other, not sure what to do. Were did that come from. Lindsay hasn't ever done anything like that. She has given us attitude, but not that. We didn't know what to do. Do we act on it and discipline her, or ignore it. We decided to ignore it, because knowing Kaylee it would then become a game. She hasn't done it since, nor anything even close to it. Kids...where to they come up with things. Gotta love them. Lindsay has almost the entire neighborhood planning and practicing for a Bonanza. They are practicing speaking parts, songs, dances, and everything else you could think of. She even has rules about drinks and treats at the performance. They aren't allowed. She definitely has a creative mind. She wants to do everything I do. Today she wanted to sew a blanket that is red, white and blue. I just finished making a jean quilt. She gets so frustrated when she can't do something the first time. I am constantly reminding her that she just needs to practice. She hates that part of it, unless she is in charge of it, like the Big Bonanza then she practices forever.

I do love my girls so much, I am so blessed to have them in my life. I always wanted to be a mommy. Then after getting married and it never happening, even when we did everything we could possibly afford, and even some we couldn't. Finally after almost 8 years we were finally blessed with our first girl. I still think back to that time and get very emotional. There was someone that wanted us to raise her child. What an awesome privilege and responsibility. Then after another 4 1/2 years we were finally placed with another daughter. It was a long hard road to get Kaylee, with a lot of ups and downs. But Lindsay and Kaylee are suppose to be part of our family, they just took a different way to get here. I thank my Heavenly Father everyday for the privilege of being their mommy. Ashlie has been such a wonderful addition to our family, her older sisters adore her. The spirit that she brings is so amazing. Many people mention that I finally have a baby of my own. I know what they mean, but Lindsay and Kaylee are as much mine as Ashlie is. Biologically they aren't, but they are never the less my girls. Wade is such a wonderful husband and father. He loves his girls, and does all he can for each one of us.

Here's a couple more pictures from our family reunion. This is one that I took right as they turned all the lights off in the cave. It was dark, you couldn't see your hand in front of your face. Lindsay looks a little nervous.











Here are the cousins before the hike through the cave. From left to right Nick, Lindsay, Nathan, Kaylee, Steven, Marley, and Jessica.