That warm fuzzy feeling . . . .

So, there I was, sitting in the back of the chapel (as usual on Sundays) wrestling my three kids and demanding that they (excluding Porter because he can't really help it at this point), be quiet and sit down. It always feels more like a McDonald's Playland than a Sacrament Meeting in the back there and you can see it in the faces of all the surrounding mom's that are also fighting their kids to be quiet, sit down, quit taking other kids toys - you get the picture. I'm sure many can relate to the feelings of "why do I come every Sunday?" "what am I even getting out of this?" Plus let me add the hubby and I teach Primary - which is great - but those of you that have ever been involved with Primary know it's not the most spiritual uplifter. I would have really liked to have been able to hear the talks today - I think they were on the heritage/making/etc of St. George and the bits and pieces I caught were interesting. But hearing wasn't happening today. Then came the (what I call) musical half time. I love music, so I always look forward to this part of our program. This lovely lady in our ward (LeAnn - also one fantastic visiting teaching partner) gets up to sing a solo (In Humility, Our Savior). She starts singing without the piano at first, immediately, tears sting my eyes - it was so beautiful and so nice to feel the spirit - at church. It didn't take long for the tears to stream - now I'm sure I'm looking good, fighting kids and bawling - what on earth were those around me thinking about me? I thank LeAnn deeply - it was a great feeling. And of course, I know every Sunday why I need to go every Sunday, despite the fact that they DO NOT listen - it's where my kids need to be (and us too). But I thank LeAnn for sharing her beautiful voice and reminding me that the Spirit does dwell at church.

Exciting 4th -

So we had quite the 4th of July this year. Let's see - where to begin. Dustin did not sleep a wink the night of the 3rd or the night of the 4th. I was quite worried about him. His body had the "wiggles" and he could not relax long enough to go to sleep. We did not know why this was happening or what to do. He was suppose to work on the 4th and the 5th. He called in on the 4th, but went in (exhausted) on the 5th. Some know - some do not - Dustin has been sick with all kinds of weird, different symptoms since basically the beginning of June. We could not get into a doctor until July 9th because no one was taking our insurance or those that were were not accepting new patients.Or if they were accepting both there was a waiting list. GRRR - how annoying and frustrating. Needless to say - every last one of his symptoms was related to this medicine he has been taking - I was so relieved - so we're switching the meds. And I'm so glad nothing serious is wrong. Okay - so also on the sleepless night of the 3rd we got a text from my sis-in-law at 4:30 am letting us know that her water had just broke and they (her and my brother) were on their way to the hospital. Yeah - I was so excited. So baby Bryton Douglas King was born on the 4th of July. The next morning, I jumped in a quick shower, thinking all would be well with the kids if I'm fast. Well I got out and saw this:

Crazy kids! And Porter never even made a peep - he just took it all - poor guy.

Charly drew a picture of our day's plans - she is adorable. So I wanted to share her picture (she normally writes her numbers the right way - guess she was too excited to focus.) She showed me the picture and said - first fireworks, then dinner, then bed.

Early afternoon we went to see the new little baby. Yes, Porter has a huge head, but he's still so cute.

After seeing the baby, we were exhausted from no/little sleep the night before and went home to have a family nap. It was 6:00 pm. After we woke up (around 8 or so) we got ready to go to the church parking lot (across the street from the St. George temple) to watch the fireworks. We were so excited when we got out in the car and saw it was 99 degrees instead of 110 - ha ha. So here's some pics from the fireworks night. Porter loved chewing on his glow stick. And the temple was glowing beautifully. Hope everyone had a great 4th too!!

The next day we had family coming down from Salt Lake to also come and see the new baby - as I was cleaning the house Dustin kept the kids entertained outside. He played the guitar for them and let them play a little too. It was so cute. The neighbor kids got involved and had a good time and it was so sweet for him to keep the kids out of my hair so I could clean up. This is Ethan serenading Charly and Whalen and Mason actually sitting together without fighting. Then of course, my forever smiling, Porter!! :) And Mason - who loves to do whatever daddy does, playing the guitar.

Happy July!!

So, I have been working (and not as hard as I would like to be) on losing some of this dang baby weight. I try to get my 'Turbo Jam' workout in and also (or just) a walk around the neighborhood for at least 30 good minutes, with my kids (daily). So a couple of nights ago we are walking out towards (what we call) the money truck, which is just a big truck with a money amount stickered on the side, it's to sell the nearby condo's. Anyway, we're walking along and of all people, our KIDS, run into this: I don't think they realized the danger of getting so close. The snake was all sprawled out, just relaxing, it was way long and before I could grab my phone to snap a pic, of course, Dustin had to touch the dumb thing and make it fold up or whatever, so it's not the best picture to show off it's size. I guess this is stuff we have to live with if we are to live in the Desert.

On a cuter note, Porter is now eating solids, so we pulled out the good old High Chair, however, it's hard to even get Porter in it because it's now the favorite seat to sit in and both Charly and Mason always want to sit in it to eat. I watched Mason eat his lunch in it the other day, and try so hard to talk to me while falling asleep - it was adorable. He refuses to wear a bib, so we go through many a t-shirts daily. Porter is moving around more, and still always smiling and giggling at everyone around him. Here is a picture of him working on rolling over, and then a picture of him catching the flash in the corner of his eye and checking out what is going on. Cute little boys.

Happy 4th of July to everyone - hope the fourth is fun for all.