Children Will Listen . . .

I have been thinking a great deal lately about my precious children. Like many of you, I am blessed with active, spirited children who push limits, and have wildly independent thought. I find myself completely overwhelmed in some moments. There was one day this week when I turned into Mommy Monster. I knew I was out of line, but oh how they pushed me that day. And I snapped. And I said awful things. Things I didn't mean. I pushed them away with unkind words and calloused impatience. And after I had sent them off to their beds that night, I had that heaviness in my heart. I knew I was so wrong. So in tears, I knelt in prayer to right myself before God. He is kind and forgiving. He is merciful and just. He is patient with my shortcomings and He {still} believes in me as a Mother. And most important, He is ever willing to guide my steps and give me the strength I need to improve. He teaches me to guide with love in my heart. Because they are not mine; they are His. And even though I cannot fathom how, I know He loves them even more than I do.

When I was a freshman in college my two younger sisters were in a musical, "Into The Woods". I went every night I could, I can remember going at least 2 times. Each time when my amazingly talented friend Rachel would sing the hauntingly beautiful refrain of "Children will Listen" I would cry and cry. I thought it very weird--as I had no children of my own and was not even close to having them, but I was so moved and knew I would reflect on it one day when I had children of my own. And the day has finally come-- when I understand a little more what the song really means. (And it still makes me cry . . .)

Here it is . . . (And I must apologize that this singer is so scantily clad--there were no other YouTube versions that I liked the presentation of-- so just close your eyes!)

According to Rebekah . . .

We went to the Baptism of a sweet little friend a few weeks ago. After her baptism and confirmation we went to their home to celebrate with friends and the young girl's family. So at FHE this week Burke was teaching the kids about the 4th Article of Faith. We were going through all of the principles and ordinances of the gospel and Burke asked, "What do we need to do after we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost?" Rebekah didn't hesitate to say, "We go have a picnic!"

Andrus Family Reunion 2011

The Andrus Family Reunion is always great and there is never a dull moment! It is the only time I see most of my siblings each year as we don't often gather well for holidays. Here are a few pictures of the fun this year. We went to Camp Jackson near Blanding, UT. It was so beautiful and nice to sneak away for a few days :)

Playing a game that Grandpa made. This has an actual name but I neglected to ask it. Preston calls it "Golf Ball thrown onto the Rack Game" They both loved this!

Grandpa's Toy. The kids thought this was awesome (and when we needed to get something heavy down to the lake it was pretty handy too!)

Preston observing and learning all the time-- here he got a fair understanding of the game of chess as he watched his older cousins play for hours!

And here he had some fun learning some new knots from Grandpa. Preston LOVES to tie ropes, strings, clothes, shoes, or anything. (And I am not in love with this hobby I just have to say)

Rebekah In the sandbox. This was so nice right by the pavilion where the adults naturally gathered together. The kids had a swing set and play structure and sandbox to play in.

Rebekah loving her bike (Me Not Loving the pushing around it took to navigate the bumpy road!)

Lots of campfire and guitars and singing :)

Ignore my goofy expression, the kids were singing the lollipop song and I was helping them be brave! They did awesome :)

Preston digging "trenches" with a stick. Thank goodness for hot showers :) That is the only way I could let him get covered with dirt head to toe each day!

More 4 Wheeler rides :) Preston's little hat sticking up on the other side of the toolbox!

Biker Dudes. Ron went too, but didn't make the photo-shoot! These guys are tough (crazy?!)

Some cowboys came to collect cattle--they gave a few horseback rides. My kids LOVED this! Unfortunately I took no pictures (but Rachel did-- in fact all of these photos are from her!) so I don't have one of Preston on the horse.

Really love this boy :)

I think this was after the obstacle course observation (Preston says it was way too hard for him!)

It was such a fun gathering and we had many more unpictured activities, we played pretty hard and didn't sleep enough, but it was well worth the few days it took me to recover :)

In Review: The 4th of July 2011

The forth of July is always one of my favorite holidays. This year was a little too busy for us to leave town-- then we all got the plague and didn't do any of the things we were supposed to do anyway! Luckily by Monday (the actual holiday) we were much better and were able to get out for a few activities!

We hiked part way up the Lower Monument Canyon

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You can see the Monument (sort of-- have I mentioned I should probably get a new camera?!) in the picture above -- it is the "tower" to the left of the cliffs.

My awesome hiking companions!

. . . and my work horse!



Went to the park to play and enjoy some shade

Tried out the GJ parade (pretty weak sauce)

Love this picture of Burke-- his feet were dangling-- I asked him if he felt like a kid with his feet not touching the ground!

Cute little patriot!

Overall a very fun day!

In Review: Preston Graduates Preschool

So sorry for the poor picture quality. It is BEYOND time for me to invest in a new camera, but it is sadly still not very high on my list of "must aquire" things!

Preston had an awesome year in preschool! He learned a lot and enjoyed his experience very much :) For every frustrating moment there were many more rewards and seeing his love for learning is inspiring and motivating to me!
Ms. Cheyenna was a great teacher for him!

Preston earned the "Ravenous Reader" award and it is so true! This boy LOVES to read! (Mom is feeling lucky here!)

With his diploma :)

Receiving his diploma! Way to go Preston!!

In Review: Preston Turns 5

Preston's 5th birthday was super fun and low key! Instead of a big bash this year he decided on a special friend and activity to celebrate. Of course we gave him presents as well so he had a pretty fun time turning 5 :) We sure love our little guy who isn't all that little anymore . . .

and I must just say, this picture order gets more random with each post! I wish I knew what I was doing to make it so crazy . . . blowing out the candles on the cupcakes :)

Preston chose to take this special friend to Kidzplex and McDonald's for lunch. Poor Rebekah was super sick with a high fever and icky nose so she stayed home and had a nap with me! The boys felt so bad for Sis they asked to take the lunch home to eat with her :)

One of many fun gifts!

5 Fingers for 5 years. How did that happen so quickly?!

The lego car the boys built together after lunch :)

Happy Birthday Buddy! I am so thankful you are mine!

In Review: Rebekah Turns 3

Rebekah's Birthday was a complete success! Even all these months later I still can't believe how big she is getting! She reminds me constantly that she is not my baby. I just can't help it-- she IS my baby! She is an absolute delight and has found more independence in her 3 year old self. It has been fun (sometimes) to see her opinionated ideas present themselves and help her learn to control herself. We wouldn't trade Rebekah for anything!!Dora Cupcakes:
HoHo Cake Version

Getting ready for the friends . . .

MAP

Filling the Pinata before the party . . .

With some of our friends: Going on our hunt for the pinata Swiper stole. Somehow the picture of us making our binoculars didn't make this post ;) And I was so busy working out the pinata line, I neglected to take any photos of us at the pinata either!

Opening Presents-- Big Brother ALWAYS ready to help!

Enjoying our cupcakes and Ice Cream! Mmmm.

It took some practice, but she can finally put up three fingers when people ask! This was really the first time I had asked her to show me three fingers and it was something she had to work at for a few weeks before she figured it out!