Fast!

I've finally figured out how to download or import some home videos onto the computer in order to burn them onto discs. Of course I got nothing else done yesterday because I would put in a new tape and go to walk away while it imported and would be stuck to the screen while watching every second. The funny thing was, I wouldn't sit down, because I thought I would just be watching for a second and thirty minutes in, it would finally dawn on me that this would be so much more enjoyable if I would stop leaning over my computer with elbows on the desk and just give into the moment. Even though I still have little ones, those few family home videos we did take have reminded me how far we've come in just a short time. It truly has gone by so FAST. It was amazing to see the growth in our family, the growth in the kids, and in our home decorating. I sometimes catch myself thinking too much about the future, or the next project I want to start on the house, and forget that the fun is happening right this minute and to enjoy what's happening today. It made me want to spend more time, plain and simple.

When I figure out how to organize all this footage and burn it onto a DVD, maybe I'll try to share a few clips on the blog. Until then, here's a few pictures that show the growth and how fast time flies!

Ben and I the month before we got married, June 2003

Our wedding reception August 2003

Ben's Graduations, May 2006

October 2007

July 2009

November 2010

We Arrive at Five!

Dear Max-

We did it, we've arrived at five! I love you to pieces! You're a beautiful child! Thanks for teaching me all I know...so far. You are so responsible and bright. You remember EVERYTHING, down to the littlest detail. We're both so blessed that you have such a strong and healthy body and mind. Yes, you are a busy little thing and very type 'A' (just like me), but I love it...I definitely have something to work with. You love super heroes, you like to dabble in video games and television watching, you collect all things creepy and crawly, you could drink ranch dressing (like you mother I might add), you're artistic, you keep me on my toes, your little bothers watch and look up to you, you love to play with friends, your a social butterfly, you want to help and please others, you love to have "boys" night with dad, the list could go on and on. Know that I love you and am so thankful to call you mine! Happy Birthday my sweet boy!

Below are pictures of Maxton on each of his Birthdays.

Little Hale Baby Girl!

No, we are not having a girl, nor are we expecting a new baby! But, I can only imagine our little baby girl looking like this.

It's amazing how much fun little ones can have with an after Halloween clearance wig from Walmart!

What do you do in the Winter time...

What do you do in the Winter Time when all the world is WHITE? You line up your army guys of course! That's right, The Joker is the POW this time. This is the small and simple thing my little ones are doing this morning. I love it!

34 Years

Happy Birthday to my sweet Ben! He is the best thing that ever happened to me. It's amazing how the Holy Ghost works...if you can figure out how he whispers promptings and answers to you and how to always listen, then you've got it made (that's one of those small and simple things for 2011). I do know how the Spirit speaks me and I'm so thankful I was listening when I was told it would be perfectly fine to marry Ben on April 6th 2003...after only knowing him for a month and a half. He is truly my other half, my best friend, my companion.

On his birthday I want him to know that I'm so thankful to be by his side through this life and the next.

Small and Simple Things

Happy New Year! We've picked our family motto for the year...Small and Simple Things. I've added it to my header at the top so that I can try and remember to include that somehow in each of my posts this year. With a busy family of little boys, I find that I don't take very many moments to be still and do something small and/or simple. The small and simple things I'm talking about are and not limited to: reading a story with my boys, looking through the Friend and Ensign, praying by myself, reading the scriptures, turning off the TV, temple work, laughing, enjoying, talking, being kind and gentle with myself and other. The list can go on and on and I'm sure I'll add many more to the list as the year moves along.

I leave you with a few pictures of me blowing out my birthday candles and a shot of me in my BiRtHdAy SuIt...yes, I'm 30 now!

Signing back on....

I'm back...moderation in all things...I hope to add some photos and updates real soon. Most of you have kept my blog address on your blog list, and for that I'm grateful and feel the love from the blogging world!