A little "mom" perspective

Look who I found climbing the stairs.

Cute little thing isn't she?

Why is it that we have all these little moments that we just wish by?

I know the day will come when she heads down them the wrong way, but today I will smile as she heads up the right way.

Photo Shoot of my "heaven on earth"

The kids and I headed to Utah this last week for a chance to see the Oquirrh Mountain temple open house, climb the Y, see special friends and take this photo shoot.

See the pictures and you'll see why a 9 hour drive, by myself, with six little ones was worth every potty stop!

You have to take a minute and go to:

www.mhansonphotography.com

Michelle is a genius at capturing the true feel of a person! She saw things that I never saw, and I was standing right there!

Thank you Michelle.

I will forever be grateful for these memories!

~Laura

Dominican Republic it is!!!

Tonight we gathered...not for a birthday or a bbq...but for our brother...Bernard Joseph Dieker to open his mission call.

I know that this will date me, but Bernie was born the week before I left for my freshman year at BYU.

I know...19 years...where did the time go?

Well, let me tell you it was plenty of time for this tiny little brother of mine to grow into a young man who is worthy and ready to serve a mission.

Today I called the house to see if the "white envelope" had come.

Bernie answered. "I got it today." He said. He proceeded, "I went to get the mail today and I saw a bunch of mail and one white envelope. I took each piece of mail out one by one and pulled the white envelope out last."

Then he goes on with the tone of a perfect story teller. "I looked at who the white envelope was addressed to and it read, 'Elder Bernard Joseph Dieker'"

That is all it took. I began to cry. The image of this brother of mine, serving the Lord, and being old enough to do so, was all it took.

When we pulled up to my sister, Julie's home, the cars lined the driveway and the street. We were all there for one thing.

Where did the Lord choose to send our Bernie?

Dominican Republic Santo Domingo East Mission

Well they are blessed to have him and we are blessed to know him! Bernie asked for a "BIG" knife for the full opening effect!

Bernie read the entire letter...line by line. So Bernie!
Bernie going over the details with dad, who is currently working in Russia.

There it is. Completely official. Signed by our beloved, Thomas S. Monson.

His official map of where he is going. All 40 miles across!

Bernie and mom! Mom didn't even know that she would be wearing "traditional" patterns of the region!

Bernie and Ben! Just 13 months apart and sharing in the moment. Repeat next year!

Bernie and Eddie with his usual challenge of a "serious" photo! Love those boys!

A.J. letting Madie know. Next in line is Ben with A.J. just FOUR years later! Amazing!

The "golden girl" Quinn herself!

Annie hanging out in Uncle Kevins's arms wondering what everyone is so excited about!

The group is gathered! Drumroll please!

Bernie and the Romano family. They played six year old football together and have shared special moment in time!

Bernie and Julie with the perfect smiles!

Photographer Reese grabbed this one for Bernie and I.

Bernie, we couldn't be prouder of you.

You did the work, stayed worthy and now will experience the joy of our Father in Heaven as you share the "good news" to the people of the Dominican Republic.

So many things...

How can one picture say so many things?

I was looking at my collection of pics from the Thiess wedding and found this one.

This is A.J., Brooke and a darling daughter of a sweet friend!

I love how they are all smiling so big!

Just for perspective...it was after 10pm, A.J. had been working day and night on the house and yard in preparation for the big event, and he was still smiling!

It is about that time.

Girls have been noticed.

He spent the evening talking intelligently to adults and girls alike.

You have to also love that the little sister is invading on the photo op!

He is a good boy, but I officially just started watching him more.

Six Flags is STILL fun!

I remember as a child having the opportunity to go to an amusement park! I remember trying to ride every ride, holding my hands up in the air on the coasters, eating lunch by the family van in the parking lot, and staying until dark to get our complete money's worth!

Well, today I took a deep breath and loaded up the kids, (except Madie who is playing in CA with her friends!), two neighbor kids (because five of mine wasn't enough of a challenge), towels and a bag of miscellaneous snacks!

We were off...the result was a fun day in the sun! Three hours at the water park and an hour on the rides.

Now I have a quiet house, all chores done and dinner in the oven, with little ones crashed on their beds reading or sleeping. I should do this everyday! My kids would think I was Mother-of-the-year and John and I could enjoy quiet evenings!

Life is good!

Little miss Annie enjoying her shade in the stroller. People were trying to make her smile and this was her expression! Too funny to watch! Ellie ringing the bell on the classic boat ride with the "delicious" looking water! SCARY!

Our little friend Jack in the little green boat!

Ellie with the "cheesy" photo look! Still cute!

Brooke and Jillian on the teacups! No, I did not watch them spin!

Too long of a day! Too hot! Too cute!

The infamous water ride that soaks everyone on the boat AND everyone watching on the side! LOVE THIS ONE! Still have wet under clothing as I sit here and post!