Emma and Papa's Birthday

She picked out her outfit for the party. She definitely has her own style!

Kaci decorating the most amazing chocolate cake ever!

wow!

She even made a special cake for Emma! 

Papa and our three. 

her face says it all! About to open presents!

Kaci and Salesi gave Emma the most adorable clothes and headbands!

Emma showing off one of her headbands.

Mormor and Papa gave Emma a Baby Dora and a cute paper doll book. She is obsessed with that baby Dora!

Thank you mom for having us all over for a wonderful night of yummy food and family! Happy Birthday dad! Thank you for graciously sharing your day with Miss Emma! And thank you Kaci and Salesi for coming and the beautiful delicious cakes Kaci! 

soccer

Jonah cheering his team

Jonah started soccer this fall. He absolutely loves it! Here are some pictures from one of his games. I was actually surprised at how well he's doing! He's definitely got his daddy's soccer skills.. and not mine. ;)

Always the tounge sticking out for concentration. 

 Headed for a goal!

 Ready to get back in the game

Emma practicing her camera skills

We're so proud of Jonah and how hard he tries! Even when he gets knocked down, misses a goal, or runs into the post, he gets back up, wipes his tears and keeps on going! Whenever a teammate makes a goal Jonah runs over and gives them a hug or a high five! The funniest moment was when Jonah had the ball and was surrounded by the other team he yelled out to his teammate, "Hey! Can you help me!!!!" In this age group you don't have a lot of communicating going on between players, so it gave everyone a good laugh.

blessed

It's the month of Thanksgiving.
It's been a rough week, Emma in her terrible two's throwing tantrums, and Micah not sleeping. That's a long story, but in short. it's been a week full of chaos.
 never the less, as I reflect on my crazy week,
I am so blessed.
 I love being a mother. Nothing is sweeter than when Jonah asks me to hold him and tells me I'm the best.
 He always seems to say it right when I need to hear it.
And after Emma finishes one of her tantrums, when she just wants to be held, I realize that maybe it's not something wrong with "mommy" that's making her upset.
 Hearing Micah say mama for the first time after a long day.
 Life can be hard,  I tend to worry a lot. too much.
It's so easy to get caught up in the little things. Temporary problems.
Things that seem so important, but at the end of the day, as we kneel down for family prayer, suddenly what really matters is so clear. The dishes that didn't get clean, The laundry that's piled high, a husband's hard day at work, and my lack of completing a to do list, does not even matter.
Because when all is said and done, we have a loving Father in Heaven.
And he is mindful of us, and our children,
How Thankful I am for that.