through Carters eyes

I let carter go free with my camera around the house, and it was actually fascinating to me to see our home through his eyes.
Isn't it interesting what a little perspective can do?
Tonight I watched a broadcast dedicated to the disaster in Haiti...that gave me perspective.
I can not even begin to imagine what those poor people are going through right now, and the horrible things they see on a daily basis. Most of them do not have the fullness of the gospel to help them through their trials. I pray they can find peace.
I'm so thankful for the blessings of the gospel in my life. I don't know how I would handle trials without them. definitely wouldn't be with grace. I am so thankful to live in a place where neighbors look out for each other, and at least 20% of the people on my street have enough food storage in there homes to feet an army.
I have running water.
My kids are safely sleeping in their beds.
We all had plenty to eat for dinner...and then some.
I am blessed.

Happy Un-Birthday

While my Boise sisters were in town we had a big "Happy Unbirthday Party" for everyone who wasn't having a birthday that day...which happened to be all of us. We kicked it off with some good ol' traditional B-day games, followed by a delish dinner. After that my sister Jo and her hubby handed out gifts they had gotten for everyone, so sweet.
After the gifts we all got our very own chocolate cupcake, and sang happy unbirthday to me...and you.
The kids loved it.
I loved it.
It was just what we all needed.
So happy unbirthday to you...unless it actually is your birthday.

House Rules

Can I just say really fast how much I LOVE my family! I love them LOTS and LOTS!
Today we had my sweet little niece and nephew over to play, they live in Indiana, so it's a special treat when we get to be with them. There I was setting up the play dough supplies, just happy to have our visitors here.
Carter on the other hand had something else on his mind. He was worried that they might not know the "rules" for our house, so he took it upon himself to make them clear. I have to say, it might be a good thing he did, because I honestly didn't know some of them myself. Our "house rules" went as follows:

1. No fighting
2. no teasing
3. no dropping food on the floor
4. no yelling
5. no mean words
6. no throwing play dough at the chicken (our backyard pet)
7. Be happy
8. no hitting the chicken...or me
9. and no getting cheese out of the fridge unless you ask my mom first

As he went through his list, I had flashbacks of myself saying each one of those things to him, at one time or another....even the part about the play dough and the chicken.

My point, I discovered today that my four year old son actually does listen to me! yay for us.