"Men Are That They Might Find Joy."

Choose to be Happy.

Choose to find Joy.

I love my crazy, adorable, perfect for me, family!

The Many Faces of Moo.

Aunt Angie so sweetly came to visit - hope she comes again after Moo so promptly decided to handcuff her upon her arrival.

I told Moo to get dressed. He felt that putting on shoes and headphones satisfied this request.

I love the bummy in the air sleeping pose.

First trip to the dentist.

Moo was mesmerized by the decorating of the tree. 

He spent hours carefully placing every ornament in its place.

100 Days of Happy... Kind of... Well We Tried.

We had wonderful plans to succeed at "100 Days of Happy".

This is where you take a picture of something that has made you happy that day (reaching the goal of 100 days total) and share it on social media. We lasted three. 

Three whole days for these over achievers. :) I'm sure we're pretty happy people in general, just lacking on our follow through.

Here are some of our photos:

Carson created a little Dance he would do every time the song "Boom, Clap" came on the radio. Part of it consisted of him slapping his face which would send his brothers into gleeful hysterics. :)

Lou and Ruckus found happiness in playing the Wii.

Little C thought losing his teeth was pretty spectacular.

This was mine and The Beloved's Happy.
 We had told Little C numerous times to go sleep in his bed, that he wouldn't sleep comfortably on the couch. He disagreed. We walked in about half an hour later and he was out. Looks like the best, most comfortable sleep ever eh?
He was determined and... we laughed.

Ruckus was happy when he received an invitation to a birthday party.

The Beloved's Kids, even his tween, make him happy to return home from work.

The Beloved was happy when I brought him some leftovers for lunch. 

My kids say their Mom makes them happy.
Ahhh. Thanks guys.

Happy, Happy Birthday Lou Dear.

Dear Lou-Dog,
You talked and talked and counted down and talked some more about your birthday -the big arrival of when you would finally receive your Club Penguin Membership. Yes! 
You love games in general, whether they be video games, board games, athletics - you have a competitive spirit my dear. 
Just like your Dad.
And darn it, your mom. :)
For the activity on your birthday you wanted to go see Big Hero 6 with your family. I told you, you could also invite one friend. You decided on Beck from school who is your best buddy this year.
Big Hero 6 was loved by the whole fam and you guys have taught your little sister how to give a fist bump and then go Fa La La La La afterward while fluttering the fingers upward just like Baymax. It's pretty dang cute.
You are a sweetheart my child.
Your teacher at school has nothing but praise for you which makes sense because you are a Pleaser. You love to please and make people happy, especially adults. 
You're always trying to figure out how things work and fit together properly in the world around you. You ponder things I should probably ponder more. 
And when you've come up with an idea about why something works one way and then realize you've maybe figured it out incorrectly you're back to the drawing table. 
Your mind is always at work.
This can lead you to being a bit impatient but you are really working on it. 
When you ask me if I can help you with something you'll use words like, "is now a good time" or if I forget you're waiting on me to do something you'll say, "I'm trying really hard to be patient mom, are you about ready or do you need more time?"
That is a gift. To be self aware of where improvement is needed and then enforcing change. You rock kiddo! Thank you.
This year at school you've also become more aware of other children maybe not sharing the same gospel beliefs as you. 
One of your pal's has been raised atheist and this constantly breaks your heart. We talk about respecting other's belief's and about always showing love and that the best way for others to come to know Christ is by being Christlike. Which you definitely are.
You pray for your friends and get their phone numbers so you can invite them to church. 
I haven't been very good at calling their parents and arranging this, which is super frustrating to you, but I'll do better. 
What a wonderful little missionary you are.
You have a sensitive heart.
When Daddy goes on a business trip or I am gone for a couple days for some random excursion you break down in tears before we depart. You have done this ever since you were old enough to comprehend travelling and being separate from one another.
Thank you for loving your family so.
Yesterday, after you helped me rake leaves in the front yard, I asked you if you had homework and you said, 
"No, but I wish I did". 
(Seriously kid - you grew in my womb? How are you so brilliant?) 
I said, "Why don't you go and read the baby a few stories while I'm finishing up in the front yard."
So you did. Easy as that. 
You love to read.
You read every possible thing you can get your eyes on.
You're getting especially great at reading the scriptures every night and those words are not easy my friend.
Recently I went on a field trip with you to a local bakery. We don't get a lot of one on one time and when I walked into your classroom and rounded the corner to your desk you jumped up and held me tight. 
Oh how I loved that hug.
We had such a great time together tromping through the snow to get our hands on some delicious cupcakes. 
I think everyone in your class thinks they're your best friend because I think you envision them all that way.
You naturally love people and make them feel good.
I love you my sweet boy.
Happy 7th birthday!
Love,
Mom

Dash playing Club Penguin with his new membership.

Ruckus, Lou, and Beck

Little C and Moo observing the birthday festivities. 

Lou peeking through the bakery shelves at me during his field trip.

I'm sad this is so blurry - but Lou and I had fun being bundled up, walking in the snow to the bakery.