11.1.2015 - for my body

Obviously with the birth of our baby, there is a lot to be thankful for this month. I am completely amazed by the human body. The way we are created, the growth that happens in the womb, the miracle of birth, the way we change and grow and learn through this life, the bodies ability to heal itself. I am in awe.

I am so grateful that I have been able to have five little miracles grow inside of me. Towards the end of this pregnancy, I was already mourning the fact that I would never have this experience again, I would never feel the movements of a baby rolling around inside of me, even the discomforts of pregnancy - I was going to miss. Now it seems like ages ago that I was pregnant, but I am so grateful I had the privilege.

our baby girl

It has been a week and a half and I still cannot take my eyes off of her. Her! She has brought the most amazing spirit (just like every baby does) and we are soaking it up as much as possible.

Welcome to our family Miss Adeline Jill Morris. 

and so it begins again :: 2015-16 school year ::

And so it begins again. Is it just me, or did this summer fly by like none other? I hope the boys felt like it was a good one. Hopefully there were plenty of adventures, sleeping in, and lazy days. Now it's back to the nagging mom, early bedtimes, deadlines, but hopefully being back on a schedule will be good for us.

Last night we had our back to school feast, introduced our theme, had our father's blessings, and then had THE hardest time falling asleep. I tried reading to them so that they would fall asleep faster, it didn't work last night...they were just too excited!

This morning they were up bright and early (at least for them). New clothes on, hair combed, traditional rice pudding eaten, and pictures taken...they were ready to get out the door fast.

 Corbin has shown the most excitement. Last night he laid out his clothes, socks, shoes, backpack, school supplies and kept saying he couldn't believe he was in 6th grade. I can't either. When I was walking to the big kid hall to take his picture, I kept thinking...'I am a mom to a 6th grader!!' It seems way too surreal. 

I love how excited Taylor was about his shirt and shoes matching. We even found socks that went perfectly which made us both quite happy. :) Taylor is very excited to have one of his friends in his class this year and even a second cousin! I have a feeling this will be a big year for him.

 Levi was the least excited about school starting. Oh how he wished summer would go on and on. But that wolf shirt made it much easier to get out of bed this morning. I am certain there was a little bit of excitement about seeing friends, smelling fresh out of the box crayons, and getting to eat lunch at school again. Here's to second grade.

And I am determined to get on a good schedule, so that everyone can come hope to a peaceful, happy place. Meal plans, cleaning schedule perfected, and get as much done in this house before our baby comes in just over two months!

Rudger is NOT happy. Right now he is sitting by me as sad as can be. As we left the school this morning, he said, "I do NOT want the brothers to go to school." We are going to have some long days ahead of us.

9.5 years

Happiest half birthday to this young man. Last night we were looking at posts that I have done of each individual boy. Tay was amazed at how much older he looks now. I completely agree. He loved seeing his chubbier cheeks from only a few years ago and he also thinks he looks better with his hair short. :)

I love how easily he smiles, the sparkle in his eyes, and the kindness in his heart. We are loving watching this boy turn into a young man. 

His food requests for the day: crepes for breakfast, lasagna for dinner, and lemon cheesecake for dessert. And the boys played and played and played. It was a good day.

we love daddy - love the 'bos'

For some reason, this Father's day we were not on top of it. Saturday was a crazy day and we just were not prepared with a lovely breakfast and lots of gifts and treats and cards. Lucky for us (not really, but sort of) Justin had meetings in the morning before church and then had to stay after to do tithing. As soon as the boys and I pulled into the driveway we ran inside and got out the paper and markers and got to work. 

I was so proud of them, they really took their time on these cards and were so thoughtful. Then we thought about what we had in our home that daddy loves. I love that the boys know their dad - a can of squirt, a peach, and some chocolate. 

When Justin came home and saw how much love the boys have for him, I realized I didn't need to stress about not spending lots of money on him. He just loved the affection and admiration we have for him.

One of my favorites...the little note made from cheez-its that Levi spent FOREVER on. He went through each cracker to find the letters he needed, in the end he couldn't find a Y.  

moab 2015

This is one of our favorite places to be. The red rock against the blue sky and the fluffy white clouds has got to be one of my favorite sights. Moab holds a beauty that I have come to appreciate greatly. We haven't been for a few years and several of us were so ready to go. Even though this time of year the heat is already pretty unbearable, we took a risk and went the second week in June. Lucky for us, it couldn't have been more perfect. 

We enjoyed sun, rain, lizards, sand, hikes, nature, campfires, a bike ride, rain puddles, but most importantly family time away from the everyday. (plus we got to have Grandpa Morris with us!)

Plenty of pictures below >>

 :: The boys were so excited about writing up their own packing list, so for family planning night they got to work. I absolutely love these! (taylor and levi) ::

:: and probably my most favorite picture ::