Through August 13

POTD 8/7/10: As always, Leiden's artistic side shines. She has been doing some really great drawing lately, and has started to paint with the same skill. She's always so proud of her creations.



POTD 8/9/10: Leiden was in charge of the lesson for Family Home Evening. She prepared this drawing earlier in the day, and told me she wanted to talk about us. Great. She didn't want me to help her, so I left it alone. Well, later that day she was going to get in trouble for something and chose to lie about it to escape the trouble. Of course she got in more trouble for lying, and the day went on. So, FHE rolls around, and she holds up her face drawing, and then proceeds to tell us that this is a picture of how we feel when we say we're sorry for lying. Heavenly Father helps us be happy when we say we're sorry.

She came up with this entirely on her own, and both Brad and I were so proud. We then talked about how that happy feeling we get is the Spirit, and how Heavenly Father is pleased with us when we say we're sorry. I am consistently amazed at what she picks up, and humbled that we have charge of these little ones. It's a little scary to think about what we are required to provide for these children. Feeding, clothing, sheltering and loving are all good and necessary, but we are also required to teach them about God, Jesus Christ, and the plan of salvation. And we have such a short time to do it before they won't listen to us anymore! Days like this give me hope!



POTD 8/10/10: Today we went to Target and bought a new backpack for Leiden. Kindergarten starts in a few weeks, and I gave her the whole selection as a choice--thankfully she didn't choose a character. They just bug me, and while I would have bought it if she wanted it, I'm glad she didn't.



Miriam 8/10/10:



POTD 8/11/10: Leiden's breakfast creation. They like Coco Wheats, especially when I sprinkle a few chocolate chips. Today Leiden wanted blueberries--but only enough to go around the outside of the bowl, one cut up cherry, and one whole one.



Swimming is super fun, although the girls have not been as interested as I thought they would be. We thought they would be clamoring each evening to go out when Brad got home, but they almost never ask. This time Mimi got in, and seemed pretty okay with the whole thing.



That suit, by the way, that's super tight and even digging into her shoulders a bit, is a size 12M. She is a super big baby.



Miriam 8/11/10: Yes, she's sitting right by the pool side, and yes, Brad is JUST outside the picture's frame. She was not in any danger of toppling in, but it makes a great picture.



Getting splashed is all fun and games

until it gets you in the face!

Much better when we keep it to the legs!

POTD 8/12/10: Leiden and Mac made little fish today. Leiden's intent was for all of us to have a fish to hang in our rooms. Love the two eyes on the same side.

This was right in the middle of Mimi's bad cold. I went in after a nap, and she was being so cute. I think the nose goo smeared across her cheek only adds to her allure.

Miriam 8/13/10: This is after the cleanup.

Getting a diaper change.

Leiden had a friend from church over and they made cupcakes. I was going to go all out and have them make really cool ones, but I'm so glad I didn't, as they were actually fairly uninterested in helping after the inital first few minutes were over.

POTD 8/13/10: Eating their creations.

On the evening of 8/13, we went over to the Collotzi's for Jason's birthday dinner. It was fun to see old ward members again, and Mac was thrilled about ice cream sandwiches. I honestly wonder if she will ever learn to eat neatly. Because at this rate, there will be no food served at her wedding reception. That will save us a lot of money.

Mimi has taken to throwing her toys, and this one went a little funny. It ended up wedged flat between her head and the carrier at the birthday party.