Portland trip for valentines day!

So hubby surprised me this year to get me back for his surprise party, by taking me on a four day vacation to Portland. We had a nice break from the kids, and a wonderful time. Going on getaways reminds me that there is so much more to James and I then babies( which are wonderful), but a nice reminder of why I love him so much. Here are some pictures of the fun-ness!

James turns 30!!!

Sorry I am so behind on blogging, I have no excuses! Anyways we celebrated James' big 3-0, on the weekend before his birthday! I actually decided to be social and threw a big surprise party for him at our home. Our friends Russ and Emily came the night before and surprised him as well, and were a big part of making the surprise a success for James! We had all of James' favorites made by different members of the family and a fun time playing games and watching him open presents. It was a very memorable birthday for him, and lots of fun. Here are some pictures:

The Ev-bot turned 4!!

 Well my baby boy turned four years old yesterday...which was depressing. I am glad to see him growing up though. He seemed to be stuck at 18 months in development for a long, long, long time, but now he really is catching up and doing so well. We got to go to Tomato Street and celebrate with most of my family. Evan asked for a green cake, that was it...green. So I did my best(ha ha!) I love that he is so easy to please, that pretty much describes him, easy going. He loved having chocolate milk and opening his presents. Grandma and Grandpa Divis came by the house later that night and brought Evan his Batman Car...which he loves.

All in all it was an awesome birthday for our little dude.

And my mother took some amazing pictures of the kids during our celebration!! So prepare for picture over load!

OK Sappy time! I really don't know how to start....he means so much to our family!
Evan has had a lot of trials in his very short life and they have been hard for him. From not being able to walk and communicate to dealing with a brain tumor and numerous doctors, lets just say he's been such a champ. This year has shown a lot of progress and hope for our little guy and we are so proud of all he has accomplished. He brings a Spirit of Peace and kindness to our home that seems to be part of everything he does. He is soft-spoken  tender, loving, cuddly, determined, smart, shy, nurturing, and above all kind-hearted and full of empathy.  We love you so much Evan, words are never enough!! Happy Birthday to one special little boy!!!! Love Mom, Dad, James Micheal, Makayla, Sadie, and Emily.

Christmas 2012

This year was a big celebration up at Jim and Jacki's home. All of James' siblings were home for Christmas(except Will of course) The days were spent making goodies and watching kids. James and James Micheal went up on Iron Mountain and had fun sledding one of the days we were there. Most of the pictures were from Christmas morning with James phone. They aren't very good pictures but we will make due. We also went to my mom and dad's home the day after Christmas and the kids got to open their gifts. All in all it was an exhausting and fun filled week. On a side note-Evan was potty trained during the whole trip and has done really well! Only a few accidents and he is well on his way!! Also...Dustin made us the coolest family home evening board. IT IS AMAZING and made me cry with all the thought and time that went into it. When we get it I will post a picture so everyone can see its awesomeness!!! Enjoy our fuzzy pictures...maybe I can get some clearer ones from mom. And my mom took the sleigh picture, its so funny. Well Merry Christmas everyone and Happy New Year, 2012 brought us many blessings, Emmy being number one on that list.

Sadie Belle turned 2!!!!!

Well the day I have dreaded for months finally arrived today, Sadie turned two. Her birthday started with her favorite cereal and plenty of hugs and kisses from all her brothers and sisters. We had a lovely day at church and came home and had Sadie's favorite meal:pancakes, bacon, and eggs. Grandma and grandpa Divis and McIntire both called and did video chat with Sadie, she blew plenty of kisses and had fun talking to them. Uncle Jordan and aunt Mariah came over for cake and presents. Sadie got two Barbies from mommy and daddy and a scarf and hat set. She also got a leapfrog laptop from grandma and grandpa Divis. She also got a gift from grandma and grandpa McIntire that she hasn't got to open yet!!
She loved her Barbie cake, all she said was "pink... Barbeeee"

Sappy time: Sadie puts the "s" in spunk. We love her crazy eyebrows and wicked smile. Her contagious giggle and her bouncy curls. She has been such a joy in our home. She is such a nurturer at heart. Wether she is helping Makayla get to the table or getting Emily a toy she is our little mother heart. She also has a wild streak that is very interesting...to say the least. But that's what makes Sadie, Sadie;sweetness with a bit of spice.... A lot of spice actually! I remember bringing you home from the hospital and spending many late nights under the christmas tree staring at the lights with you and kissing your rosy little cheeks, and thanking Heavenly Father for bringing me such a special little girl to love. We love you my beautiful little blue eyed girl, you've grown so much this year. You're smart as a whip and sweet as a button. You love all things pink and girlie. And I'll miss the day I can't see your bouncy little yellow curls running down the hallway...don't grow up too fast Sade brigade. We love you to the moon and back:)

Emily's six month photos.

My mom took some marvelous pictures of my youngest cutie!! She changes so much, I can't believe how different she looks these days. Thanks mom they are wonderful!!

My love affair with a dimple!

Our little Emmy has the cutest little dimple that I can never get enough of. It just makes me smile every time I see it!! On another note Emmy has 2 bottom teeth and loves solids!! She is very quiet baby and still loves snuggling. She is 5 1/2 months old and not rolling over yet, as a momma I worry but she seems really close, so I'm not too worried. We just love our little Emmy and how could you not? Just look at that dimple!!!

Grateful Post 2012

I usually do this post around Thanksgiving, but I thought I would mix it up a little bit this year! Lets be honest...I was afraid I would forget and not have time to really write what I wanted too, so now I will!

1.) I am thankful for tithing. James and I have often been asked how we support five children when he works part-time and goes to school full-time. We do take advantage of a lot of the state need programs, which have been a blessing to us the last few years while James has been in school, but we also know tithing and budgeting have been a giant blessing to us. People say its too expensive to have a lot of children...and I used to fully believe that statement, but the Lord has blessed us immensely to be able to provide for the kids and know when and how to plan our family. We give all we can, and He makes up the rest! The Lord has blessed us to be able to afford the vehicles we need and blessed us when we thought we would come up short. TITHING WORKS!!!!

2.) I am thankful for my body! Ok, we all know I am not a super model, but I have really been impressed by how amazing our human bodies really are this year. I have been able to carry and birth five beautiful kids! I can run, jump, play, and care for my children. My eyes can see my kids growing, my hands help me make things for others and serve, and my feet get me where I need to go! Yeah...bodies are awesome!

3.) I am thankful for my kids, I know big shocker!!!  My children are amazing, I am constantly reminded how much I have to learn by watching them everyday.

 James Micheal has really grown this year. He has come into his own as the oldest and is excelling in school. He constantly is sharing his things and putting himself second. I love that boy!

 Makayla has made a lot of strides this year. Her love for music grows along for her love of others, Makayla is one of those kids that makes you happy, because she is always happy. She makes me realize whats important,people...not things. We love you Kay Kay!

 Evan....I love that boy! He has been through a lot of struggles with his physical body this year, but he is a trooper. I have a strong testimony that we agreed to certain trials before we came to earth. Evan knew his body would cause him to be frustrated, but he knew it would be for his good. He teaches me to never give up! He also teaches me that God loves us all, not matter our imperfections, He loves us! Thanks Evan for your love!

 Sadie...crazy Sadie. She is the spunk in our house! I always say how insane and crazy she is, but she is a wonderful little girl. She has a mother heart...she will help Makayla get where she needs to go, she will get Emily things she needs. She loves to help! I love everything about that girl, from her devilish grin to her bouncy curls, she is sunshine. I believe she came to the family to be a help, and she is fulfilling that calling!

Emily, my baby, my heart. Before Emily was born I had the Spirit tell me that she would be as good a friend to me as my friend Emily(who she is named after) is to me right now. I fully believe that! I love how she snuggles into my neck and smiles at me with her one little dimple. I love that she tolerates her brothers and sisters attacking her! She is a quiet kind of soul, and I love the Spirit she brings to our home!


If you are still reading I am impressed!!!

4.)I am thankful for the hubby! What can I say, he is an amazing father! When the kids pray for daddy to be safe every night when he is not home, and mimic delivering pizza, you're a good dad. He provides, he leads, he makes me feel special! I love ya honey!!!

I think I will stop there! There is so much more to say, but I love the gospel, I love my family! 2012 has been a great year!