Life...

I find it interesting to hear my words as a parent repeated in Olivia's play time.  Sometimes it's embarrassing, enlightening and often funny.  As she's playing with her dolls or toys I hear things such as...  "Time to clean up, everyone clean up," or "You need to obey.  Are you obeying?  When we obey, Jesus is happy."  Or, "Big girls go potty on toilet.  Do you need to go potty?"  Another favorite... "Come eat dinner!  It's getting cold."  There is often times I hear her discipline her toys by putting them in time out, or if they've REALLY misbehaved, they get a spank on the behind.  I've heard Olivia kiss all her toys goodbye before she "leaves to go shopping.  Be good! See you later!"  And there is always the question, "How's work Dad?"  She's quick to sooth a crying or fussing Tagen by repeating over and over, "I know Tagen.  It's okay.  I know.  We're almost there."  The same words I have muttered on a drive home when we're almost there and I have a hungry baby.  She's also held many Family Home Evenings with her stuffed animals and dolls.  It's fun to watch her tell stories from the scriptures.  We had another experience recently at a niece's baptism.  All the cousins were invited to the stage to sing, "I Am A Child Of God."  Olivia, being the youngest followed her cousins up and stood right under the microphone.  Honestly, I was a little nervous to see how she'd do.  But, after having that song sung to her for 3 years at bed time and at restless moments, the words have sunk in and she sang along... right into the microphone for ALL the congregation to hear.  It was really cute, and I was so happy to realize she knew ALL the words.  But, the ultimate humbling experience is when I hear Olivia pray.  It really makes you check yourself on your prayers when you hear your child repeat the prayers you say at night as your kneeling by their bedside.  I'm glad she's learning and gaining a testimony... however small or big it is.

Overall, life has been pretty normal around here lately.  Olivia is getting really really good at putting puzzles together.  She did all these puzzles by herself today.  I was surprised... especially when she did the puzzle of the United States all by herself.  Nice work!

Notice her outfit?  She got dressed all by 

herself and was pretty pleased with her attire.

Olivia's proud moment.  I was proud of her also!

Here is a new photo of Tagen.  This baby LOVES to suck on cloth and also on her thumb... She's found a convenient way to do both.  Nice, eh?  She's getting big.  She's sitting up almost on her own, eating and loving rice cereal, rolling over occasionally, and handing out smiles galore!  She's a complete JOY to have in our home.  The spirit she has brought with her is so sweet and content.  It is a blessing to have her and Olivia in our family.