Everyone is in bed but for some reason I can't sleep. So I read blogs. Blogs from people far away. People I don't even know. People I would like to know. People who are going through some really hard stuff. Over and over again I was reminded of my blessings. Along with blessings of the gospel, a home, food, work, America, family, siblings, education, books, health, my greatest blessings are right at my side.

Blessing 1. Pops
Blessing 2. Buster
Blessing 3. Boss
Blessing 4. Crate

Sometimes 3 of the four blessings are ALWAYS, literally, RIGHT AT MY SIDE. Sometimes I want to walk outside and sit where it's peaceful and quiet. Sometimes I want to wake up each morning and have a good reason to do my hair and put on make up. Sometimes I think about bringing home a paycheck and then go out for a pedicure to reward myself for my hard days at work. Sometimes I think about taking off for a vacation alone.

But really. I really don't want all of that. All I want is blessings 1, 2, 3 & 4. No one can replace their mother, who is me. No one loves my boys like I do. No money is worth it. No vacation could replace them. They should be worth me putting on make up and doing my hair every single day. They are my career. Their hugs are my paycheck. It's ok if my toes are nasty, pedicures will come one day. (Maybe with my daughter-in-laws!)

They are sent to me by Heavenly Father and I must be my best for them. I must have patience. I must give them my full attention. I must play with them. Teach them. Love them and act like I love them. I must be on my best behavior for them. Not for everyone else except them. They must get my energy first. Not the house, not the neighbors, not the other children, not the calling, not the...my energy must and will start coming to them first then what's left will be whittled down to the other demands in life.

They're alive and well and healthy and happy. I will cherish this moment, for I don't know how long it'll last. But I pray it'll last my lifetime. That I may always have these four blessings be alive, well, healthy and happy.

Still at Aunt Jeaniece's. Can't decide when to come home. We went on a walk with all five kids. Buster and Ash rode bikes, Boss rode in one stroller while Crate and Brayden shared the other stroller. They looked so cute sitting together. They're both so chubby so it was a tight squeeze! We went over three miles and everyone stayed pretty happy for the most part. The boys had fun with Ash at their "ward Olympic." The ward activities chairman is pretty darn creative. The weather was pretty nice. A little rainy but no big storm, luckily. I think Crate has had fun playing with new toys and being in a change of scenery. It's always nice to have a change for a few days.

Pops took off to Colorado yesterday so the boys and I decided to make a stop by Aunt Jeaniece's house today. They've enjoyed playing with their cousins, playing at the park and just hanging out.

Spring break starts this next week. Once again I think I'm more excited about it than Buster is. No early mornings, no school schedule, no homework. It'll be a great week.

I almost forgot to post today...

Wellness checks today.

Crate is 18lbs 11oz.
26.5 inches
and healthy as a horse.

Boss is 36lbs
41.5 inches
and healthy as a horse.

Can't complain in the health department of life. Many blessings to be grateful for when it comes to our family's health.

Camp Kickoff tonight with the YW. They all seem to be very excited to go to camp.
They are great young women.

My boys went to bed without a complaint and fell right asleep. Simple blessings are beautiful.

I talked with a friend for two hours tonight...over the phone. I'm not a phone person but the conversation was great and I laughed a lot. It was nice. Not to mention I got a ton of stuff done while talking.

I took the plunge! 8 inches off my hair. It's been a while since it's been this short but so far I love it. Karen as always did a great job. I would highly recommend her. Here are some pics to prove it. I took these myself just now so they're not the best quality. This has been a long time coming. I can't believe I was actually brave enough to do it. I know to some people it's just hair. But to me it's who I am. Hair is a big deal to me.

I found these other pictures on the camera...

This is Buster on Monday when his class celebrated Dr. Seuss. He loved having the teacher decorate his face. He came home and pulled out his Green Eggs & Ham book and read it while wearing his hat. For some reason the picture wouldn't rotate...
And since Buster was having his picture taken, Boss of course had to also. This is the pose he choose.
The night ended with a LONG PTA/Site Council Meeting. I was kid free. Pops had to run errands so he took all three boys with him. They even went in and out of multiple stores. Everyone survived and even had a good time.

~Plyometrics workout this morning. I love, love, Love this workout!
~Visiting teachers came, always a good thing. Once again the saw my house at it's finest. NOT. Oh well.
~Had a total of 11 children today, not all at once but scattered throughout the day. It kept Boss and Buster entertained the entire day. There was virtually no fighting and all went well. However I'm grateful I'm not the mother of that many children. My laundry would be out of control and I would ALWAYS be in the kitchen.
~Realized again a weakness I have. I must work on it more. I hope someday it'll become a strength. I have faith it will, it'll just take a complete conscience effort on my part.
~Enjoyed a quick hour at the park and feeding the ducks with five children. Although 5 little kids and a lake makes for a stressful duck feeding. Luckily no one fell in.
~Cleaned two bathrooms and cleaned the kitchen tonight. Now it's on to laundry.

It can't be March already can it? I remember when I was younger older people would always say..."The older you get the faster time goes by" I feel like I understand what they're saying now. Really it would be great if time just slowed down a bit. My boys are growing up way to fast.

Wednesday I get my hair cut...to chop or not to chop? That is the question. I keep wondering if I go really short am I gonna miss my hair long? Or do I just take the plunge and go for it, regretting nothing?

Yesterday the boys had their monthly PPI's with Pops. This time I got one to. We sat in the office, just him and I and talked uninterrupted. It was really enjoyable. We finished off laughing and ended with a kiss. I think I'll have to have PPI's more often.

Today I counted my blessings. Thankfully I have many.