It's better late than never!

I wanted to get these Halloween pics up before next year! It was really hard to find the time to put them on the computer!

The kids had a lot of fun this year. I loved it because I didn't have to sew any costumes! The only thing I had to do was make Abbie's tutu for her costume and tie a few ribbons in her hair. The boys were all something from the costume bin! I love to sew their costumes normally, but, with school, I just couldn't find the time!

Abbie looked so cute, but I couldn't get any really good pictures of her. She is just so busy! The ribbons were pulled out of her hair within about 20 minutes. Adam was off with his friends the majority of the time, so he was hard to catch, too. We had a ward party early in the evening and then we went trick-or-treating in our neighborhood after that. The kids had a blast! Abbie loved the candy. She couldn't believe she had a bucket FULL of treats!

I really miss blogging! I miss my blogger friends, too! I hope to be able to juggle it all a little better soon. I've been saying that for a while, though!

Time to Reflect

It seems like I'm going through some type of identity crisis lately. I hardly know the person that stares back at me in the mirror. It's not just the physical attributes, either. I have changed immensely in the last 10 years of my life. Maybe that's why I'm doing all of the things I'm doing lately. I'm trying to find out who I am again.

First, and foremost, I KNOW that I'm a mom. I have four amazing kids, each with their own unique personality. I love being a mom. I never thought that something could be this rewarding. Every night I go to bed grateful for each little person Heavenly Father has sent to me. When I was younger, I would dream about how my life would be with kids. It was so magical in my imagination. Now, with reality set in, I realize that nothing in this world is more trying, or more fulfilling, than motherhood. Watching children grow and develop, trying to keep control, but realizing the whole time that your grasp only extends so far. Every day I see these kids face new challenges, some I can fix or help with, but most I have to just love them through. The biggest heartache in motherhood is the fact that I cannot take the hard things from them. I can't stop kids from picking on them or ease difficulties they face with academics. I can only dust them off when they fall and help them find their way back on track. The reward? Seeing them succeed and watching them grow! When I watch Adam with his friends at school, confident and happy, it makes me beam! Hearing Preston carry on a full conversation with someone brings tears to my eyes- I remember a day when I thought that impossible. Watching Campbell run up to the school to get in line for Kindergarten melts my heart. Every time I look at Abbie, I'm in awe with the fact that my baby girl is growing up much too fast. But I rejoice with every little milestone she reaches. Motherhood is exhausting but liberating. I'm glad it's forever.

I am also a wife. My whole life I dreamed of marrying my eternal companion in the temple. I couldn't wait to find a partner to share my life with. Sadly, this is part of me that I need to work on. I am fortunate enough to have the most amazing husband. He supports me in anything I do. He thinks of me often and shows it, too. I love the way he gives me compliments when I don't deserve them. He brings me flowers and, just recently, surprised me with getting a babysitter for a date. I am really lucky! My problem is that I have lost myself in being a mom and sometimes forget to be a wife. By the time it's our time at night, I'm exhausted. That goes for the weekends, too. I love my husband and need to show him how much I love being his wife.

I used to love to write. I guess I still do. I love writing poetry, short stories and would even like to try my hand at a small novel some day. Thinking up topics for a story used to be second nature to me. I struggle with it now. This is part of me I'm trying to reclaim. I've been trying to write down stories as they come to me- some seem pretty good, others need a lot of help! Writing is therapeutic to me, too. I feel like when I'm able to write, I am a more relaxed person. Whether I'm good or not doesn't matter, but I would like to develop my writing skills even more.

This brings me to my next point. SCHOOL. I have been volunteering with the resource class at my kids' school lately as part of my Intro to Special Ed class. I love the kids, they are great. I love the subject. I volunteer with the sixth graders that need to work on their writing skills. It's fun to watch the kids improve every week. What a rewarding field. The thing is, I don't know if it's for me. I don't think I was meant to be a teacher. It's good I figured this out now, rather than after I graduated. There are just too many things involved in being a teacher OTHER than teaching. I don't like that. So, now I have to figure out what else I want to do. I've thought about being an English major, but I don't want to teach English. (I would hate teaching grammar.) Too bad there isn't a huge demand out there for children's creative writing instructors. (Does that even exist?!) Maybe I should just be a professional student.

Now, don't fret, people. I'm not depressed. I don't want to sound melodramatic. I'm just really thinking about these things lately. I KNOW what my purpose is in this life. I KNOW what I want for my family in the life to come. I have no doubts of my divine nature. It's just time to reevaluate things and make sure I'm fully using any gifts my Heavenly Father may have blessed me with. I want to fulfill the measure of my creation and all that good stuff. So, I'm on a mission of self-discovery. I really believe that you cannot give enough to the people around you if you don't do anything in your life that is special to you. I feel like if I know who Sarah is, I can be more effective in teaching my children how to find out who THEY are. That's all.

My mom says....

Okay, I need some help from you guys.

What are some sayings that you remember your parents saying when you were a kid?

My dad always said that I "let my mouth overload my butt."

HUH?!

My mom would say, "You make a better door than a window."

I DO?!

The saddest part of all this?

I DO IT TO MY KIDS NOW!

I'm pathetic!

(Yes, I do realize this is a terribly short post, but I have no time lately! AND this has been on my mind. I've been trying to start writing my stories again and this ties in with one of them.)

Happy Birthday, Bub!

9 years ago today, my life changed forever. I became a mom! I stared down at your sweet little old man face and fell in love! I could swear that you were the most wanted and loved child in the history of children. I am so grateful for that moment. I had been waiting for it my whole life.

I still remember when Dad and I found out we were having you. We were so excited! We didn't know if you were going to be a boy or a girl, we just knew we couldn't wait to meet you. While I was still pregnant with you, Dad and I went to the temple. While we were in there, I heard a little voice tell me that you were a boy and that your name should be Adam. Sure enough, a few weeks later the doctor confirmed that. We knew we were going to be blessed with a very special little boy.

From the moment you were born, you brought such happiness to our lives. You were so funny and sweet. Everyone loved you! You started walking at 9 months old and then you RAN! We haven't been able to stop you since! You loved sports immediately. Your first word was, "ball." By the time you were one you knew the difference between all of the different types of balls. It was so funny! Sports are still such a big part of your life. What a boy you are!

Last year you were baptized. I am so proud of you and the choices you make each day. Your Heavenly Father loves you so much and is pleased with the kid you are. Keep making the choices you make and being the kid you are. Keep defending the kids at school who get picked on, keep on telling people when they do things that go against what you believe in. It makes you stand out and more people will want to be your friends. It makes me smile to think how much you love the things that are right. You teach me so much!

I LOVE YOU, ADAM! Each day you make me more and more proud to be your mom. I'm grateful to my Father in Heaven for sending you to us. Thank you for being my big kid, my buddy and such a great oldest brother. Your brothers and sister are so lucky to have you. You teach them so many great things. I know it can be hard sometimes being the oldest, but it pays off. Believe me, I know! There is nothing better than having younger brothers and sisters to watch and see the people they become. It's nice to know sometimes that who they are has a little bit to do with who you are. Your brothers and sister are lucky because you set such a great example for them to follow. I know your Heavenly Father sent you first because he knew you could be the best person for them to follow!

Keep on being you, Bub! I will love you forever and never for a moment will I stop being so proud of you! I love your smile. I love the funny little facts you know. The way you shy away from my hugs and kisses in front of your friends makes me laugh. I want to kiss each and every one of your little freckles on your face. I love how you get so excited about whatever it is that you're doing right now. Whether it's baseball, swimming, football, or dinosaurs, birds and insects. There is not one thing about you that I don't just ADORE! You will always be my first child and that is so special.

Never doubt your place here on this earth. You are you, a child of God, and you belong. You have a very special place here on this earth and in our family. I can't even imagine the great things that are in store for you in your life! Your dad and I are here for you to help you on your way. Never forget that. Sorry, you're stuck with us FOREVER!!!

We love you, Adam! Happy 9th birthday!

(I almost didn't get this done before the end of today! We had such a fun weekend celebrating!)

Life is TOO busy!

I really miss blogging! I just don't know when to fit it in without feeling guilty!

I have been so busy lately with visitors, school, homework with the kids, volunteering at the school, and just trying to get things done around the house. I am determined to work blogging into the mix, but it must come after exercise. I have never been good at sticking to a regimented schedule, but I think now is the time! It just seems like there is never enough time to get everything accomplished. So, until I figure it all out, you will be hearing a lot less from me.

Wish me luck! I'll post again for Adam's birthday on Sunday.

Happy Birthday, Cam-Cam!

Wow! I can't believe it's been 5 years already! Where has time gone?



I remember the day you were born. I had been in the hospital for about 5 days already, miserably on tons of different medications! The doctors were trying to keep me from having you too early. They didn't want you to be sick. You were determined to come anyway! In the middle of the night, they woke me up telling me I was in labor. I started to cry! I didn't want you to be sick, either. I was so scared.


You came so fast. The doctor almost didn't make it in time. When you came out, you cried so loud. It made mommy so happy to hear you! You were very healthy! Your lungs worked perfectly!!! I cried because I was such a happy mom! You weighed 6 lbs. That was big for a baby born over 5 weeks early! I was kind of glad you came early then! You had to stay in the hospital for a little over a week. I spent a lot of time with you there. I couldn't stand to be away from you. You were so cute and tiny!



Over the years you have grown very big. I have loved every minute of watching you grow. Now you love to play with your brothers outside. You love sports and video games. You build such cool things with blocks for your cars to drive in. When you play trains, you make such neat tracks and villages. I love your imagination and how you talk when you play with your toys! I know your name is hard to write, but you do such a great job at it. I love how hard you try. You will have so much fun in kindergarten this year! I will miss you while you are at school!



You have been a great helper to mom & dad. We are still so happy to have you in our family. I love your little voice and the funny things you say. I love how you help me take care of Abbie. She is so lucky to have you as her big brother. You're such a good boy, my Cam-Cam. When I am sad, all I have to do is look at your happy face and you make me smile.




I will love you forever. You will always be my little boy, no matter how big you get. Thank you for the happiness you bring to me and for coming into my life. I can't imagine a world without you!

Bye Bye Summer, Hello School!

Summer has been very busy for us here at the Duke household. We have had fun with family, friends, and swimming lessons! Here are a few pictures from the summer and it's events.

Since we're done with all of this, it must mean it's time for back-to-school! Here are a few pictures of the boys from their first days of school! It's so weird to have them all in school now. It's just us girls in the afternoons now! CRAZY!!!

If you're wondering why I have no pictures of Adam in his class, it's because he was too cool to even look at me! When I left and said, "Goodbye," he just gave me the cool guy head nod!!!! Oh joy! I was lucky to just have him acknowledge me, I guess!

I got a little carried away with Campbell's pictures. I just couldn't help myself! He was just the cutest little kindergartner! I can't believe he's so big already! Monday is his 5th birthday! He's just such a great kid!

Last night was back-to-school night. I met all of their teachers and learned about what they would be doing this year in school! I feel like we are just so lucky to go to this school! I don't know if there's a bad teacher in the whole place! My kids love it and that is more important to me than anything!

I am grateful for the priesthood.

It's back-to-school time. Life gets so crazy this time of year. It is so hectic trying to gather school supplies, get your schedule back in order and mentally prep your kids (and yourself) for the new school year. This year, we have the added chaos of returning to school ourselves!!!

We got a phone call the other night from our home teacher. He wanted to know if he could come home teaching and help Lain give the kids their back-to-school priesthood blessings. I had almost forgotten!!! I am so grateful for his diligence in remembering. We really like the kids to have those. I think it's important for them to see that the blessings of the priesthood extend beyond being sick or injured.

They came on Thursday, looking all sorts of snazzy in their shirts and ties. The boys were excited. We visited for a while, then called each boy in for Lain to give him a father's blessing. It was so special. Each one of them received a personal message from their Heavenly Father to bless them throughout the year. What would we do without it? I can't even fathom it!

When the boys were finished, they turned and asked Lain and me if we would like blessings to help us, too. Hmmmm... now there was a thought. We were going back to school. Why not? I sat and listened while Lain received his blessing. It was so comforting. I knew we were doing what our Heavenly Father wanted us to do right now. I know we can make it through these stressful times. Of course, I also know it will not be easy. When it was my turn, I was nervous. I am a private person and really didn't want these people hearing what my Heavenly Father had to say to me. I always cry. I really hate that about myself. But, I knew I had some nerves that needed calming. Lain gave me a very special blessing and I was instantly comforted. Am I still nervous? Yes. BUT, my insides aren't turning inside-out anymore! Baby steps. There were things addressed in the blessing that I hadn't even discussed with Lain yet. I knew this was a message to me from my Father.

Do we even recognize the great opportunities provided to us through the priesthood? I have been thinking a lot about it lately. This is the same priesthood that blessed the lives of so many people in the Bible. We are fortunate enough to have it in our homes! That is amazing! As a member of Christ's church, even if the priesthood is not available to us in our homes, we know someone who can bless our lives through it's power. And those blessings are without number or limits. I have seen miracles in my life and in the lives of many people. Things deemed impossible by the world have been made possible by the power of God.

The boys started school without drama. Lain and I have been trucking right along with our stuff. Would it be possible without receiving blessings? Maybe. But, I know that the peace I have right now could only come through the power of the priesthood and my Heavenly Father's enduring love.

Addicted to the Olympics

Since the gymnastics are over, I thought everyone would enjoy one more balance beam routine...






Or, if you're more of a floor routine kinda person...

I seriously don't know how he keeps his package all wrapped up!!!! Anyway, have fun laughing!!

Yummy, Chewy Goodness!

I have been given a plethora of zucchini by all of my wonderful neighbors. I think my kids were getting tired of it as a side dish. I decided to make my Great Aunt Mayme's zucchini bread recipe with what I had left. I loved this stuff growing up and my kids loved it, too! So for all of you with extra zucchini this time of year, here's the recipe:

3 eggs

1 cup oil

2 cups sugar

2 Tbsp vanilla

2 cups peeled and grated zucchini, put in blender

3 cups flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda (3 tsp w/double)

1 Tbsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp baking powder (2 tsp w/ double)

3/4 cups nuts (optional)

Beat eggs until light and fluffy. Add oil, sugar, zucchini, and vanilla. Mix well. Add dry ingredients. pour into greased and floured loaf pans. Bake at 325 for 1 hour or until done. Remove and cool.

It's best if you only fill your loaf pans about half full. I overfilled mine this time and the bread fell in the middle. I use the smaller, disposable pans because I love the way the quick breads bake up in them. PLUS I usually give away at least one loaf. A double batch will bake up 5 loaves this way. It is so yummy!

Nosso much time for blogging!!!

Where oh where have I been?

Lessee....

Oh.

Yeah.

Remember how I am going to school? Well, I have been back and forth about a zillion times trying to get all of my stuff together for financial aid and such. It's a lot of fun.

PLUS, my husband has a broken foot. He is now in a cast and on crutches. That does not fare so well in sales. I have been his chauffeur! Oh joy. It's a good time when you get to drive around the valley with four kids in tow. I cannot listen to Harry Potter or Eragon one more time. Santa has got to bring some new movies this year! My car seriously looks like a McDonald's explodabomb erupted in it! SICK!!!

In addition to the car service, I have also taken on his responsibilities at the house. I mowed the lawn for the first time in my life. I don't mind outside work, but HAS ANYONE SEEN MY YARD?!!!! It's all hills. It was so long I had to keep stopping to bag it. I mowed half on Friday night and the other half on Saturday. Thankfully, it ran out of gas before I had to do the big hill!!! My eyes were swollen because of my allergies and I was itching all over. I loved it.

My in laws got here right as I finished, so we spent the rest of the weekend with them. It was a nice break from our usual weekend stuff. We had a great visit. My mom got here yesterday and will stay until tomorrow. I love it when she visits, although, I think the kids love it even more! She spoils them so much!

We leave to go down to Southern Utah Wednesday. Lain is trying to get some accounts down there. We'll probably be there once a month now. That's nice. I like that idea a lot. I will thoroughly enjoy that escape every once in a while! We will be back on Sunday.

That, mah frenz, is what I've been doing lately! Can I pleeeeez get some sleep now?! Oh wait, it's only 4:30!

Nerves are setting in!

I went and took my assessment tests at the school today. My transcripts haven't come yet, so in order to register for class I had to take the silly test. It is humbling to realize that my brain has forgotten so much (particularly in math)!! I used to be able to just whirl through math problems. In fact, school was always really easy for me. I did well on the test today, but I'm sure 10 years ago I would have done much better!

I wonder how it will be to go back to school right now. I mean, I'm 34! I have four kids and a home to maintain! I know this is going to take me a while to adjust to. I hope my family is patient with me. I know this is something I have to do. I feel very strongly about it. I know if I just power through, I will figure it all out. Heavenly Father will provide a way for me to achieve this. I'm just taking a couple of online courses this semester. That will be a great way for me to work my schedule out between Abbie's naps and the boys' school schedule. Not to mention the fact that I need to work around Lain's school schedule, too.

I might not be able to blog as much.

WHAT?!!!

I guess it's a sacrifice I'll have to make!

(I still haven't figured out this whole paragraph break thing!!!)

Perfect People

My sister has recently had an experience on her blog that has prompted me to post. Someone didn't like the fact that her blogging name was "The White Clan" because of the racist implications. Her last name happens to be White and all she blogs about is her family- nothing racist in the slightest. This person, who doesn't even know my sister, passed judgement because of her opinions. This brings me to my point...

I wish people would work on their own perfection. I have come in contact with so many people in life that swear that they are perfect already. OBVIOUSLY they must still be here because the rest of us need so much help. Otherwise, they would have been translated a long time ago. WAKE UP!!!! We all have imperfections. We all are being tested. There is something for everyone to work on. Just be kind and not judgemental. All people have flaws. Some are just more obvious than others. We need to remember that. If we would look inward instead of outward our lives would be better. We would become better people and WE would be closer to OUR goals.

Let us look to the greatest example that has been set for us. He did not judge. He did not turn people away. He only gave of himself and set the ultimate precedence of how we should act.

Our opinions are important. They do matter. BUT we need to be sure when we are sharing them that it is in a sphere where they are acceptable. Not everyone has our belief system, not even within the Church. Our lives should be the guidepost for others, not our words. If we truly LIVE the Gospel of Jesus Christ we can be comforted in knowing that we will touch peoples lives for good. This way we can be concerned with the perfection of ourselves and hope that our example can be enough to inspire others to look within.

Just remember, if the time comes that you think you are living your life to perfection already, you definitely need to look a little deeper. Pride is one of the hardest trials that we receive in this life. It is a constant battle! It is one of those things that only we can fix ourselves. I know, I fight it every day!

(Someone please tell me why I can't get paragraph breaks sometimes!!!!)

Crazy Summer!

It's been awhile since I last posted. I really don't even know how long this post is going to be! We have been so busy!

Adam was invited, last minute, to play All Stars. We were excited for him, but sad because baseball was STILL not over. We let him play because he loves the sport so much. Centerville has an "A" team and a "B" team. Originally, Adam was put on the "A" team, but after a bunch of parents complained about the "B" team not being very good, they moved a couple of kids to Adam's team and moved Adam to the "B" team. Adam didn't care, he just wanted to play baseball. Well, after this all happened, the coaches of Adams team were so mad that they quit ( I guess they were a couple of really special guys) and a whole bunch of kids quit, too. Adam's old coach called and said basically that the boys who stayed on weren't going to be able to play unless they found more kids and a couple of coaches. They told Lain if he didn't coach, these poor kids were not going to be able to play. So Lain ended up coaching All Stars. JOY! We finally got out team together the day before the tournament started. Needless to say, that was not an easy task and our team, bless their little hearts, was struggling. We ended up playing two games and losing both. It was double elimination. The great thing was, though, that these kids got to be All Stars! It was amazing to see their morale improve just from having a coach that believed in them and told them how great they were (instead of pouting on the bench in the dugout the whole time). If we would have had any time to practice at all, they could have been such a good little team. It's just so sad that adults have to get involved in kids' sports and take all of the fun right out of them! What are we teaching our kids?!









Aside from baseball, we have done a few things. We went to Eliza's house on the 5th for a barbecue. It was so fun! The kids got along so well, and played really hard! As did the husbands! Unfortunately, my husband played a little TOO hard. He ended up tearing a ligament in his foot playing soccer barefoot in the backyard! What a fun experience! I won't go into all of the details, though!


And, finally, we've been trying to figure out school stuff. Lain & I have decided to go back to school. We're going to go 1/2 time right now at the community college. I'm almost done with my associates, so I don't want to lose all of those credits. It won't take me long. I'd like to finish my Bachelor's once Abbie is old enough to be in preschool. I realize I should have done this years ago, but we all know I was a little too focused on boys and not enough on school!!! Oh, to go back in time and kick yourself in the butt!!! I needed a serious butt kickin' back then.


So, that's that! I will try to be better, but who knows?! I still have a lot to get done this summer before school starts for me and for my kids! Blogging sometimes has to wait!

TAG!!!! You're it!!

Here is a totally different game of tag. Just remember....BE NICE!
1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Please be kind.

There are some of you with seriously scary memories from back in the day!!

I realize it has been awhile since I last posted. I will post! I just have to wait until I have a minute to breathe. I will explain!!!!

me

ABBIE'S PAR-TAY

Well, here it is- THE CAKE. It didn't turn out like I'd hoped, but it was cute! I need to attend some cake decorating classes!!! Thank goodness for Kacey's suggestion of dipping the bottom in chocolate! It looked so cute (and tasted yummy)!

The party was so fun! We had lots of fun before playing outside in the sprinklers and jumping on the trampoline. Kacey got some cute pictures of that. I hope she posts them! (HINT HINT)

Our families are great!!! My parents, Meg, Kacey & her lot drove up Saturday morning. It was so fun having my sisters and parents here. I'm so thankful for the effort my mom & dad make as grandparents! It was a long drive for just one day! My kids get sad to have no one here for games and parties and such. Thank goodness we have Amy and Brycen here (Lain's baby sister and her husband)! They always make our kids feel so special! What would we do without them?! (Happy Birthday, Brycen!)

So, it was a great weekend! I was sad to see everyone go! I hope that visit will last me a while! Although, we are very excited to see Eliza & Curtis next weekend! It will be just like being with family! We haven't seen each other in so long.

I will post some of the cute cousin pics later! I got sick of loading pictures!

A little visitor

We had a visitor in our backyard today!

At first she was up near the trees. Then she decided to come down and eat some strawberries! The boys were so excited! We even went and got some of our friends to come and see our "visitor"! She just kept grazing and didn't even seem disturbed by the 7 kids watching her eat! ( I was getting nervous because she was nearing my vegetable garden!)What a fun experience!

Laundry

I was just wondering if anyone else can go through an entire bottle of stain remover in one load of wash?

HELLO?!!!!!!!! Am I raising little piggies?!

Just curious.

*sigh*

I really do love them!

Aren't they cute? They are totally worth it!

Messy girl!

We had so much fun celebrating Abbie's birthday yesterday!! I baked a chocolate cake (the cupcake cake comes Saturday- for the party). It was so yummy!

Her favorite thing was the singing. She was so happy that everyone was singing to her! She really wanted to get her hands on the cake!

She finally did!!!!!

Not to mention every other body part!!!!!

This was pre bathtub clean up!

Afterward, she got to play with her new toys.

And THEN she wanted a Coke! Poor baby! It was just an empty one!

Mommy can remedy that one later!

Like mother, like daughter!!

Happy Birthday, Abbie!!!

I remember the day of the ultrasound. The conversation went something like this:

Tech: "Do you want to know what you're having?"

Me: "I know. It's a boy."

Tech: "No. It's a girl."

Me: "Are you sure? I know it's a boy."

Tech: "No. Look. Leg, leg, and nothing in between."

Me: "Are you really sure?"

I made that poor girl show me multiple between-the-leg shots on that baby and I STILL didn't believe it was a girl!

I bought all of two items of clothing before the baby was born: a yellow short outfit, and a white sweater. I just couldn't bring myself to buy the pink. But, don't worry, the pink came. It came in abundance!!! Almost everything was pink. I couldn't even bring myself to wash it. I just knew it would all have to go back. Finally, my mom came to stay for a couple of weeks, and I actually washed the clothes. This is where things got real to me. Do you know what I saw? PINK FLUFF!! For the first time in my life, the dryer lint was totally pink. What was that all about? I mean, I've had pink clothes before, but not enough to turn the lint totally pink. Amazing! Was I really ready for this?

Abigail Elizabeth Duke was born exactly one year ago! From the moment she entered this world, she entranced me! I fell in love immediately! Who was this perfect little person? How could I be so blessed a fourth time? (I have never felt worthy of any of my children.) I couldn't take my eyes off of her perfect little round head and flawless pink skin. She took my breath away! We had been so worried she would be too early and have to stay in the hospital like her brothers had. But she was healthy. A tiny little miracle! (I started dilating when I was just 29 weeks.) She was determined from the beginning and stayed put until 37 weeks. Little did we know how strong-willed this child really was!

I like to say her dad spoils her. (He really does.) I have to admit, however, he is not the only one. She has hardly left my side since the day she was born. Her bassinet only was used about 5 times in the first 3 months of her life. She slept with me the rest of the time! (We moved her into her crib after that.) She goes with me everywhere. She is my little partner while shopping. We play outside in the grass or swing on the swing set. She loves being outside. I love all of the time we have together. It's fun to be able to enjoy so much time together. She was born further apart than the boys were, so it gives us an opportunity to spend more time together. I love it so much!

We call her the grand finale, the caboose, the icing on the cake or whatever other weird cliche comes to our minds. She really does finish off our family perfectly. Lain & I often tell people one girl is plenty for us. And that's no lie! We definitely have our hands full with her! She has got more personality than any child I have ever met!! You can read her by just looking at the expression on her face. AMAZING! She has had dramatic ups and downs from the minute she was born. It's hilarious! She definitely knows what she wants! She is a serious pistol! I wouldn't have her any other way.

Her brothers worship her. Adam was not excited to have a girl at first. It meant having "girl toys" in the house. After a couple of months (during the pregnancy), he said it was okay as long as she was a tomboy! He is her biggest fan now. That not-so-affectionate child can't get enough of his baby sister. None of them can! She is, by far, the most loved child on the planet! She has earned the title "Princess" in our home. I'm sure that will endure!

I know she was sent to our family to complete it. We would not be content without her. Some days I only make it through because she has flashed me her gappy little smile! I never in a million years would have thought that a little girl could be so much fun and make us all so happy. We are so happy she could come and be a part of our family!

We love you Abbie! Happy 1st birthday!!!!