Senior Picture Shoot

So we are trying to begin to delve into photography as more than a hobby and Derek had a girl at work that needed to have her senior pictures done. We volunteered to take them and had a lot of fun! It was very cold outside for an outdoor shoot, but she was a trooper and she did awesome! Here are a couple of the pictures we took! Enjoy!

Catching Up

So this is an update post because of many recent events. First our little boy was born August 25th. he was a big boy at 8 lbs, 14 ozs and a full head of hair. Then Derek's parents came up with grandpa Hawkley and we had a great visit. We got to see Seward, Alaska again and the ever-beautiful Alyeska resort. Derek decided he was not doing enough and got himself called as a counselor in the bishopric last month. As if he did not have enough to do already! He is loving it and seems to be fitting into this calling just like any other of his callings. The girls are in piano class and are loving it! Bella does not like practicing though and she will play her piano piece once and then stand up like she is done. You have to keep on her to keep practicing. Much to come soon as the girls are in dance and Halloween is this next week.

My Two Year Old

So last night Awnasophia wanted a cup last night and Derek couldn't figure out which one she wanted. So to help Dad out, she pulled the drawers out like stairs and continues to climb up to get the right cup. Derek's shock was priceless. I'm home enough that I see weird and shocking things all the time but not Derek.

She is fun and loving and full of energy. Right now while I'm on disability, she comes in every morning crawls over her dad and we get to cuddle. She tells me stories, plays on the itouch, and makes sure she is well cuddled before the day begins. I will miss this little ritual when I go back to work. This morning after the cuddles she proceeded to order breakfast which was pancakes and continued to be adement about it until I was roused out of bed.

I am thoroughly enjoying my little two year old and her adventures. I am excited to see where her imagination is going to take her.

Service

Yesterday Derek and I, ok mainly Derek helped a lady in our ward. I showed up with the girls and right away they pitched in and started helping with the smaller items. I was or am so proud of them for helping serve another person and just not thinking about what's in it for them. They were real troopers. Even at the end of morning when it was time to go and they were starving, there was no fit throwing or whining. Which completely amazed me considering my children and food. When we got home, Bella told us that the Holy Ghost was tickling her body. It is great to see my children grow and recognize the Holy Ghost. I am very grateful for my children and blessed that Heavenly Father has entrusted me with such sweet souls. I am very glad that I'm their mother and that I get to be a mother at all.

Too Pregnant!

So today I couldn't handle the dirty floors any longer and had to allow the girls to mop the floor. This is huge for me because I am pretty picky about how clean the floor needs to be. It is pretty hard to tell a 6 and a 5 year old how to clean as well as I like it. They did an amazing job and not too much griping on my part. Derek even pitched in. I am so grateful for my family putting up with my pregnancy tendencies however crazy and out there they might be.