The sweetest part of my life

I love this little girl and I can not believe how big she is getting. I love how life is so simple and wonderful for her. As many of you know my daughter is never at a lose for words. Lately she has decided that she needs a baby sister and so is insisting that her daddy take her to the baby store to get one. Well when we explained that her baby sister is in heaven with heavenly father and that she would need to pray to heavenly father about she took us up on.

She is so bright and loving. She is praying very hard for that baby sister and with her simple beautiful faith I have no doubt that in time the Lord will grant her the joy of having a little sister. She has clarified that she loves her baby brother and does not want to give him back, but that he is not a baby anymore so we need a baby in the house. Oh, to be almost three and have everything so clear and understandable.

I am totally in love with my little man! He is definitely the strong silent type but has a heart of gold like his sister. He is almost walking and trying to explore and help in every way. His smile is infectious and no one who is exposed to it can help but smile, not even grumpy Uncle Jeff. What time I have to cuddle with him, since he never likes to sit still now, I thoroughly enjoy. As Mackenzie has stated, he is definitely not a baby anymore.

He greatest love as of late, besides mama is food. He loves to eat, although he really does not look like it weight wise. However, his is also trying so hard to show how much he loves his sister more and more too. Today while we were running errands he patiently sat in the back and at one point tried and succeeded in holding his sister's hand. It made my day. I hope that my kids will always be able to be the best of friends and know that this is a friendship that can last for eternity.

Finally love my husband. He is blossoming so much lately. While him and Mackenzie still have their difficult moment, I am not sure who is more stubborn, they are also so much fun. Mackenzie adores her daddy and Hyrum loves daddy time too. I have to say I love being able to talk to and laugh with daddy too. His heart is made of pure gold and is showing more and more. I know with out a shadow of doubt that I married the right man. He is an amazing husband, father and priesthood holder. I know everyone probably says this but this is definitely true in our case. Eric reminds me so much of other great men in my life. He is strong and steady and continually working hard to make life better.

All in all this year is the Winslow family has been great. We have our ups and downs, which make us stronger, but we also have sweet times that make life all worth it. I have to say that this chapter in my life makes me want to smile all the time. Not because everything is going right all the time but because I know that I have the right people in my life and they make me complete. There is more to be added but the timing is not just right. However, between Mackenzie and the Lord our little family will grow in due time. I hope all of you are doing well and enjoying time with those you love too. May our heavenly father bless each of you with joy and love even in the midst of struggles and hard times.

Truthfulness of the gospel

I feel the need to share something with all of you. For years, my family has been working hard to gather our family history and get everything in order to do the temple work. Today I was able to finally figure out how to move forward with the work. Only to find out that someone else has done the work or is trying to do the work for some of my immediate family members. At first, I was extremely angry and hurt. For I have waited years to be able to do the ordinance work for my grandmothers and name sakes along with the work for others of my ancestors that I have very fond memories of. But as my amazing husband helped me to calm down and see that the Lord will make it available for me to do their work and that the missionary efforts with our living family will not be hinder, I came to realize that the Lord's work is never wrong it is just people to do it or make it wrong. I know that I will be able to do the work for my ancestors when the time is right and the rightful permission as been given. I know that they are waited for all of this to be done it the right time. I will not let this dampen my joy in the fact that I get to go with my husband and do the work for my great- grandma Sallie Jane Phipps and her husband this coming Friday. This will be a new experience and I know that it will take more than one trip to get all the work accomplished but I am so excited to be starting to do the work for the dear people who have help me to become who I am. I also am grateful for a church that is sensitive to not only the needs of those who are deceased but also to those they have left behind. With the Lord's help my family will be welded together for time and all eternity through the joy and love of the gospel, no matter the missteps that we all make in this life. I hope that this little story may help some one else who may have had this experience. Please know that through the Lord the truth will always be revealed and win the day no matter how dark or bleak it may seem. I don't know how or when but I know this problem will be resolved.

Learning and growing

So in the past two weeks this little family of mine has had some amazing and sad things happen. First, Eric grandfather passed away. While it was sad to see him leave this earth and also have Eric gone for five days as he drove with his father to Texas for the funeral, it was also a very inspiring time. You see, all summer I have been trying to figure out how to communicate and teach my now 2 and half year old. She is sweet and loving but also stubborn and hard-headed (like her mom). Needless to say our relationship is full of its challenges. However, I did not want the challenges to shape the nature of our relationship. So line upon line and precept upon precept, here a little and there a little I have worked to teach her eternal principles. While we still have a long way to go, I can see progress both in her and our relationship, along with me. One of my greatest weaknesses is my temper. It is something I have been striving all of my life to control. I have not always been successful. However, as I have turned to the Lord and tried to parent in a more Christ-like way I have found my temper flare-ups to become less frequent and more controllable. During those five days when Eric was gone, I will admit the house became messy and I only was able to keep the dishes cleaned and food on the table, but also had some amazing experiences with my children. I got to build a fort "club" with Mackenzie in the living room, watch my son figure out how to crawl faster and to begin to climb on furniture. I also had the opportunity to watch my daughter's love and concern for her brother come to light along with her powerful imagination. Now that Eric is home, we are striving to get the house back in order together as a team along with finding joy in even the most difficult situations of the this life. I hope you all can find the joy in life and enjoy the sweet little moments of your lives too.

In the midst of trials

So, these past few weeks have been extremely challenging. While we have been extremely blessed and the Lord is very much aware of this family, I am still just exhausted. I start classes again next week and talk about perfect timing. Our budget is tight so I won't be able to get book until the second week. Eric is working overtime so babysitting here we come. I know that if we continue to hold to the rod we will make through these challenges but it hard to remember that in the midst of it all. The biggest thing for me right is my lack of patience with Mackenzie. She is definitely at her two and half independence stage. She is still very loving and kind but challenging. I don't want to lose my temper or make her feel unloved or unwanted. However, it is harder than I thought. You see, while I was growing up I was yelled at a lot and left to my devices more than I care to remember. I don't want to do that to Mackenzie but with two little ones I feel like there is always someone needing something and I can't seem to get everything done. I am trying to organize our home and teach Mackenzie to help. I know the Lord is with me but other than him I feel alone. I may not be inactive or screaming for help and even offering help to others around me but it would be nice to have someone call to talk to me or stop by and check on me. I doubt that will ever happen though. So I will just continue to lean on the Lord and grow and work hard to change my weaknesses into strengths. All I need in this life is my little family and the Lord. I may feel alone but I am never truly alone. I will continue to fight and work hard to make a better relationship with each of my children both those here on earth now and those who are waiting to come. May the Lord bless your life in small and simple ways just as he has mine. For I know it is through the small and simple miracles that the large miracles come.

The dog days of Summer

So, I have to say that the last five weeks have been crazy in the Winslow house. Eric has been working hard at both his full-time job and being a part-time lifeguard. Mackenzie is growing and learning so fast and we are making through the difficult times together. She is truly a little sweetie but still wants her independence too. Hyrum officially has two teeth on the bottom. I promise to post pictures as soon as he will let me take some. He is working hard on his first upper tooth and to crawl. He has been mobile most of the summer with rolling everywhere but now he wants to get exactly where he wants to go. And mommy, well she has almost survived the most difficult summer in history for her.  I have only three more days of Spanish class and then I am off four weeks. In that time I have a lot of things I want to get done. I am grateful for the tender mercies of the Lord. For while we have all grown and learned, the Lord has also been helping us all to be able to do more in the day. Eric has been able to work almost 24 to 48 hours straight, Hyrum and Mackenzie both have taken naps, and I have been able to complete all my assigned work for class along with housework and enjoying special time with each child. I can not believe that has of August 1st, I will be done and Hyrum will be three days away from being nine months old! Life is good here in the Winslow house and I hope and pray we can continue to do well together. I promise to post pictures very soon.

The light in the darkness

This past week I have learned a lot about preserving through the difficulties of life. Mackenzie is officially potty trained! It was a hard two weeks mostly because she would have accidents and feel horrible and want to give up. But none of us did. I am also almost finish with Spanish 2010 for the summer. It has been a gruelling six weeks. I have found that I understand more Spanish both verbally and written but I am still struggling with speaking. I know just as with potty training, if I don't give up and keep trying I will get it eventually. I have also reminded myself of this promise in two other areas of my life. Eric and I have been married for almost four years now. We still have our difficulties but this is all because we are trying to bring together two lives to make a new one. We are getting there. Just as with Spanish and Potty training, I know it will take hard work and some tears for us to achieve the marriage that we want but it will be so worth it in the eternities. Finally we are also working with Mackenzie on being reverent at church. This is difficult, especially when she is up late waiting for her daddy to come home. So today, we brought her home after sacrament. I felt bad about it because I knew that Eric loves staying to magnify his calling but I also knew he was tired from working the swing shift Saturday. I have come to the conclusion that this will be the mostly difficult situation to keep working through but it will also have sweet rewards at the end. Step one, get her to go to bed on time even when daddy is at work. Step two, get her to sit quietly in sacrament meeting. Step three praise her for being a big girl and sitting quietly. It is hard, partly because she wants to come with me when I need to feed Hyrum. However, I know that if Eric and I keep working together, she will come to understand the importance of reverence and she will be the angel we know she is. I don't care what others say about her, because I know that they don't know anything about her and they never will until they are will to get off their pedestal and see her for the child of god she is. I love her so much. She is such a sweetheart and doesn't like to see anyone in her family upset. Now I just need to harness this on Sundays. With the Lord's help we can and will accomplish this. I hope you all have a great week too.

Forgiveness is truly divine

So as a follow up to my last post, things are much better today. The comments and judgements that have been made still sting but less today then yesterday. My anger is also subsiding. I am so grateful for the amazing gift of forgiveness. While it still hurts when others say things or do things that hurt us, it is wonderful that the Lord has made it possible for us to forgive those who hurt us even before they ask for the forgiveness. I have found myself so much calmer and able to focus on all I need to do today. I have been able to get my Spanish homework done, gotten both kids dressed and fed and got Eric off to his second job without too much stress. I know that all of this has been accomplished with the Lord's help. For it through him and the atonement of our savior Jesus Christ has made it possible for us to be forgiven and to forgive others. I hope that this personal struggle may help one of you through a situation in your own lives that has caused hurt or pain. We all have something that we can share and learn from each other. I know that I have learned so much from reading all of your posts and also through the influence that you all have had in my life. I hope that in some small way I have helped you too. Have a wonderful Monday and week. I hope to be able to post again soon.

The good, the bad and the ugly

So that past couple of weeks have seen a lot of changes in the Winslow household. First, Mackenzie is almost potty trained. She is doing really well. Second we have had a change in ward boundaries and finally Eric's shifts change this week. With all these changes there have been some amazing things happen along with some not so good.

First the good. I have finally figured out why I am in school. Now I know my motivation but I am starting to understand the Lord has more for me to do than just course work. This past Thursday I had a major revelation. I am taking Spanish 2010 and 2020 during the summer semester. Well I have met this wonderful young lady in my class who I have connected with. She is so helpful with my speaking and pronunciation. Thursday we got out of class and early and had a wonderfully spiritual talk. Something she said really stuck with me. That was that the Lord wanted us to meet. With that in mind I have realized that there are people out there that value my understanding and view of the world. With that in mind it is on to the bad.

Along with feeling good about Mackenzie's potty training and my purpose in school I have been struggling with feeling of anger towards others in our ward. I will admit that Mackenzie is a ball full of energy that we are trying to harness, but what two and a half year-old isn't. In the past two weeks I have had a hand full of people make comments about Mackenzie not listening or not sitting in her chair. While I know this is true I feel if they are not her parents or her teachers they should keep their mouths shut. She is an amazingly loving little girl with so much to share in this world. But just as every other two year old out there it is our job as her parents to help her understand good from bad, right from wrong and wants versus needs. I don't need others who won't take the time to know her judging her or my parenting style, which is a work in progress. She is my first child for heaven sake! I do feel that many people are saying behind my back that this is all because I am not home all the time. Which leads to the ugly.

All of my life I have dealt with social aggression from other women who do not approve of my choices. But that is just it, they are my choices. These people are not in my heart, they do not know the struggles I go through. The constant prayers from my children for how to help them and myself and my husband to accomplish all the Lord has in store for us. This is why I am not thrilled about the ward changes. It is great to have more people in the ward but I feel more isolated that ever. I have not had visiting teachers in months, nor any visitors really unless I am outside. I struggle like everyone else but I also have a good heart and want to do what is right. Right now I feel like a failure as a mother, a wife and a divine woman in general. I fear that my children will not know or understand the love of my heavenly father, so I pray everyday and night that I will be able to teach and show them. Maybe I have it all wrong but I know in my heart I don't. I have had to wait so long and ached to have a family that every single decision I make from school, to housework, to discipline is for them. If I want advise I will ask for and to be honest I am going to ask someone who is willing to help not scold or belittle. With that said I know I can get past these feels with the Lord's help and continue to do his work both in our home and in our ward as he sees fit.

Hyrum's Six Month Check

So yesterday Eric and I took Hyrum for his six month appointment. He is officially 26 inches long and 14lbs 5 ounces. He is only is the 3rd percentile for his weight. We are working on that. But the doctor was pleased with his progress. This little guy is so amazing. He only cried for a second or two and then was fine after the shots. I can not believe how quickly he has grown. He is babbling more and more everyday and is rolling everywhere. If there is a toy that Mackenzie has left near him he will get! He has such a sweet personality. He loves to giggle and eat and always wants to play with his sister. Hyrum is not the only one growing.

Mackenzie is a sharp little cookie. She loves to help mommy clean the house and wit her Spanish homework. We are starting potty training this coming week! Also she starts dance in the fall. She can now count from 1 to 10 and only misses the number 5. Hyrum is her favorite and she cries every time he goes to bed. We will keep you all posted on the fun with Mackenzie. The latest is this last Monday night Eric fell asleep for two hours while I was got class. Mackenzie got a hold of masacra and painted herself with it. Let just say when Eric woke up he was shock at what he found.

Eric is now working full time for the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-Day Saints Print Division. He is doing really well, just having a hardtime with the long hours. I started back to school and am working on finishing my lower level Spanish this summer. As a whole we are doing well and learning more about how to bring our little family together and be like Jesus all the time. We hope we are doing it right and can continue to improve and show greater love to each other.

Teach me to walk in the light

So lately I have been trying to sing a primary song to each of the kids before they head to bed. Mackenzie usually love "I am a Child of God" and will now even sing with me while Hyrum loves "Teach Me to Walk in the Light". However, lately Mackenzie has wanted me to sing the same song as Hyrum to her. Last night was a very sweet bedtime with our little princess. She was having a really hard time sleeping so I finally asked her what was wrong. She said she was scared. So I asked her if she wanted to say a little extra prayer to ask Heavenly Father to help her not be so scared. At first I wasn't sure if she understood or if she would be up for it. She wanted to try so I taught her how to say simply, "Dear Heavenly Father, Please help me. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen" Wouldn't you know it, the simple faith of a two year-old worked! She was out like a light. She did wake up a couple of times in the night and we had to say the prayer again both times but it taught me something important. Faith really is that simple. Mackenzie knows that her Heavenly Father loves her as much if not more than her earthly parents (who adore her). So she knows that he will help her. As I was singing "Teach me to Walk in the Light" to Hyrum later last night I realized that this little sweet moments are how I am teaching my children to walk in the light. As I try to help Mackenzie understand the importance of sacrament meeting and help Hyrum remember the love that his Heavenly Father and savior Jesus Christ have for him. I know that it is clicking. They my only be two years old and six months but they are getting it. I am also learning so much as I teach them. Sometimes I wonder if I am a good mother. There are so many things I want to do for my kids and wit my kids but I know that as long as my heart and mind are in the right place and I do everything I can, the Lord will make up for my short fall. I am so grateful for the power of prayer and that I can begin to teach Mackenzie how to pray on her own. I hope she will always feel the desire to talk to her Father in Heaven.

The Challenges of a two year old

So I know I am not the only mother to struggle with a stubborn two year old but I have to share the challenges of this weeks so far. First, Monday night Eric allowed me to take a nice hot 15 minute bath while he put Hyrum down to bed. While he was doing that Mackenzie was in our room watching a show on her computer. However, that was not all she was doing. During the 15 minutes I was in the bath she had gotten a hold of my deoderante and decided to paint it on her computer and mine along with herself. Well needless to say she had a time out and we cleaned everything up. Tuesday morning she decided she wanted to color. I told her it was time to get dressed not color, but she went ahead and started coloring while I was changing Hyrum's diaper. I found her in the bathroom with a gray marker. She had colored on the wall, bathroom door, coat closet door and our bedroom door. She went to time out again and then she was willing to help me clean up the mess. Wednesday I made pancakes for the family for breakfast and she loved them. So much that she wanted to make herself more. So, she got a pancake and proceeded to pour herself some syrup. Well she didn't know when to stop and she ended up with syrup all over her plate, on the table and on the floor. Amazingly she was clean. Eric was mad at first but then he started laughing with me. The hardest part was that she wanted to help clean it up. (I guess she is learning from me) However, Eric felt that it was too big of a mess, which is was and so I took Mackenzie and Hyrum for a walk around the neighborhood while Eric cleaned up the syrup mess. Today has been a pretty quiet day for Mackenzie, mostly because I think she has worn herself out. While these are big frustrating messes to clean there are also the amazing moments. Like when she say "Love you Mommy" or "Sweet Dreams Mommy". Or when she is silly and has a blast just playing to the water outside or helping mommy and daddy take care of the neighbors. While two year olds are challenging they are also amazing blessings. As much as they want to do their own thing they also want so much to help. Mackenzie doesn't like it when Hyrum cries. She has a hard time with daddy going to work and just loves cuddling. I am thankful for the challenges with her because it makes the nice times so much sweeter. I am grateful for this time to teach her for I am also learning so much and finding myself gaining strength in my convictions and beliefs from her.

Hyrum too is a wonderful blessing. He is rolling over everywhere, loving his baby food and trying to sit up and talk. Also he started holding a sippy cup this week! I can see what being a mother is a divine calling that is only for a short amount of time. I already feel like time is flying by. I just hope I can be patient and continue to find joy even in the most crazy and frustrating times. I know there are many more to come. I just have to remember what would a holy woman do?

Entering Summer Mom mode

So as of today I have only class left to finish. With that I have been working on trying to not only finish the paper and presentation for the class but also get ready for the summer. Right now we are having a fence out into our yard along with the fact that we got the kids a sandbox. Along with that Mackenzie has entered the monster phase so this week-end we will be cleaning the house and ridding it of all bad monsters. I love that little girl and her imagination. Hyrum is also growing. He is rolling over onto his stomach all the time now. The only problem is that he wants to crawl but the rest of his body is just not ready. He is growing so fast and so is Mackenzie. I am looking forward to class only in the evening this summer. We will keep you all posted on the fun things we do during the week. On a separate note, Eric starting working full time with the Church last week. He is working four days a week for a little while due to shifts in assignments. He will then be working on the press for the Ensign and Liahona.

 Mackenzie loves to fall asleep in our bed

 She also loves to help daddy get ready to go to the temple with mommy

Hyrum is still his happy little self. This is the most recent photo with more to come.

The joy of life

So, this past week I have been both really ambitious and also really feeling sorry for myself. First, I decided to mow the whole lawn on Thursday! I did it but boy was I sore after words, for no weed or blade of grass was safe from me and our lawn mower. Secondly, I put the whole family to work getting the laundry caught up. Eric calls me the lean, mean folding machine. Poor guy, I apparently fold so fast that he can put the clothes away fast enough.

Now for the pity part, Mackenzie has enter another clingy phase. She cries every time I leave for class. It is so hard to go, because she is so vocal now. She can beg and plead for me to stay home with her. So because of this we are in count down mode. I will be so happy to only have night classes for a while. Even so I still have a hard time leaving the kids. I miss Hyrum's little giggles and smile and Mackenzie's happy personality and desire to help me in everyday. I have to remind myself that I have only a two years of course work and then student teaching. I am so thankful that I am alb to get this degree. It is great to know I can help Eric with the finances of our family. Also i am learning so much about the educational system and what experience I would like our children to have with it. May the Lord guide each of you in your lives as he continually guides me.

Count Down time!

So, as of yesterday I only have four weeks left in the semester! I am really excited not because I am taking the summer off but because I will have more time with Mackenzie and Hyrum. I am so excited to start taking them to Gymboree more and doing more projects around the house with Mackenzie and just cuddling with Hyrum. For example, this morning he was up at 6:50 am. Mackenzie was still fast asleep, so we have moony/ son time. He nursed for about 20 minutes (which is wonderful!) and then I changed his diaper and clothes. After which he played on his play gym while I began cleaning up after tornado Mackenzie. He was just enjoying mommy talking to him and smiling away. I love having this individual time with the kids. I know that this time fleeting and so I want to take advantage of every moment I have.

Mackenzie is getting so big. Last night I called on my way home from class and Eric decided to put me on speaker phone. Mackenzie started talking up a storm to me. She even said "Mackenzie sad. Mommy come home." Well that did it. It was extremely hard not to break traffic laws and speed home as fast as possible. While it is hard to see my little girl grow up, it is also exciting to see her personality come through. She is so much fun.

Right now I am working on my first sewing project (all by myself). It is just a simple blanket for Mackenzie with monkeys and stars on one side and sparkly pink fabric on the other. (Pictures soon I promise). She has no idea about and I am so excited to finish it and surprise her. I love it when others teach me but I am also enjoying learning on my own. Next step remember how to set up my sewing machine and get started on quilting it. My goal is by the end of summer to be able to make her and Hyrum so clothes. We shall see if that come to fruition. I do have say that Mackenzie is definitely a Cunningham, she loves going to the fabric store with me, which Eric is eternally grateful for. I can not believe that this fall she will be in preschool and possibly dance as well. Where has the time gone. I am just grateful for the loving relationship that her and I are developing. This summer is going to be a blast. Between our garden, sewing projects, Spanish and art and Gymboree with the Kids it is going to fast too! I hope you all are enjoy the beautiful spring weather with your families too.

Civic Duty

So, this week has been crazy. Monday, I went back to class and had a presentation in the evening about literacy and biliteracy. I also took Hyrum for his four month appointment. He only gained a few ounces but is 25 and half inches long! Tuesday I had a huge project due and Hyrum came to class with me, because Eric was way too tired to watch both children. After that I thought I would have a quiet end to my week. However, I was also on call for jury duty and I got called yesterday. There were close to sixty others so I thought there was a slight chance I would be selected and of course I was. I also was elected foreperson, so I had the full experience. I am grateful for the experience but it was one of the longest days of my life. It would have been more fun if I did not have a family that depends on me. I missed my children and my husband and was extremely tired when I finally got home yesterday. I am now trying desperately to catch up on laundry and dishes and get the house in order again. I know it is my duty to serve and I am grateful I was able to gain a greater understanding of the legal system but I am also grateful I don't have to worry about again for two years. I do feel that justice was served and I am grateful for my hand it. Well I am off to bed to catch up on all the sleep I have missed, especially since Eric is home. Oh, one more piece of good news, it looks like Eric will soon have a full time job. He will be switching from printing Book of Mormons to helping print the Ensign and Liahona. I am so excited for him!

Hyrum's little girlfriend

So I know Hyrum is only four months old but there is already another little woman in his life that can make him smile. Mackenzie and I can do a pretty good job but this little girl just make him the happiest little guy ever. It is our next door neighbor little Victoria Sheppard. She is really cute and just makes Hyrum so happy. I hope that they will always be friends. Here are some pictures of the two of them together.

She is a couple of months older than him, but I guess he is just taking after his popa ;)

Sibling

So, today i finally was able to download all the pictures we have taken from our camera onto my computer. As I was doing so I found so pictures of Mackenzie and Hyrum together and similar photos from when they were the same age. So I thought I would share them with you.

 Here is Mackenzie very upset

 And then there is Hyrum when he is angry. They are not sibling at all!

 Here is Mackenzie busy helping us clean the living room

 Here Hyrum is trying to help in his own way. This is a look that my brother Jeff always pulled.

 And of course they love to lay next to each other. It is funny how they are almost two years apart and yet they look so close in height and weight, for now.

Mackenzie loves to have her little brother right next to her. We are so lucky to have two kids who love being around each other. They are so similar and yet so different.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

So today is a holiday that we take very seriously. We all wear green including baby Hyrum. It is funny that Eric is more in to it than I am. You see I am Irish. Not that you could tell from my skin tone or anything and Eric is English. However, he loves the day. He made sure that Hyrum was wearing green and even made sure that the shade of green I was wearing met his standards. Mackenzie seemed to enjoy it except for the fact that her outfit was a little too big. Eric took pictures of all of us and we took a few of him. It has become harder to get Mackenzie to smile for pictures. I think it is really the fact that she has to sit still and all she wants to do is explore the house.

 Here is Eric is all is Green Glory

 Mackenzie is playing hard to get

 I forgot to smile. I was so focused on getting her to smile.

Here daddy snuck a picture. Can you believe she can still sit in the cradle without breaking it. Hyrum was the only one who got out of pictures due to nap time. Don't worry there will be more pictures of him soon. He is almost rolling over. It won't be long before he is completely mobile.

Mackenzie's budding musical talent

So, my amazing dad has been able to reclaim his living room, since all of my brothers have moved out. With this he was able to clean it up to where we can sit in there and chat. Also Mackenzie can play to her heart's content. One of our first Sundays there she discovered the piano. Needless to say she decided to give it a try. At the same time I had just been able to get a new Iphone 4. So I thought I would try out the video feature on it. So here is Mackenzie in her first concert. I think her Tinkerbell pajamas make it.

The was her own original love song. It was difficult to stop filming but when she reached for the headphones I knew she wanted her privacy. She amazes me everyday.

He is famous

So... for my educational technology class I was given a chance to do a little extra credit for my photoshop lab and decided to use one of photos of Hyrum for the class. Let's just say not only did I get full credit but my professor loved it. So here is what I learned.

Here is the original photo. Isn't he so cute and peaceful.

Here is what I did for my class. It was fun, and I love the fact I could use pictures of my kids for my class. I thought about using one of Mackenzie but the hat just made this one better. So what do you think of my photoshop skills? I know I still have a lot to learn but I enjoyed doing it! So maybe a will do some more and keep you posted. Here is the other photo I did for the lab itself. I think it turned out pretty well to.

This one was tougher to do just because of the subject matter but I think it brings the information across. What do you think?

Health is being regained

So, I am on the mend and I have to say I have the best group of doctors ever. Eric was so sweet and made me stay in bed. He e-mailed my professor so I could rest and do my Spanish later. Also he tried very hard to help around the house. Mackenzie was my nurse. She would come in and check on me every so often and insisted on laying down next to me all the time. Finally Hyrum, sweet little Hyrum was the best medicine. He would smile and giggle at me all the time, which really helped. I am so thankful to have a family to help through illnesses. It is so great to be needed and wanted. When I was single I had my parents and my friends who cared about me but it just different when it is your own kids. Here is a little bit of the best medicine for all of you too. Hyrum is a little stingy with his smile and we have to say the magic word "Victoria" to get these wonderful smiles out of him. Enjoy!

 Who could not smile at this sweet little face! He is such a cutie and so is his big sister!

Mommy needs medical attention, finally!

So, we have sickness in and out of our house lately. So far I have been able to stay pretty healthy. I know this is the result of divine intervention. I have so much to do, I just don't have time to be sick. That is until now. You see Spring Break starts this week-end and I woke up this morning with an earache and sore throat. I am starting to feel better but I know that I will need to take it easy to get back to 100%. That is easier said than done, when your husband works graves and your kids need you and you really want to get laundry and dishes caught up. Hopefully if I take it easy this morning I can get more done this afternoon. I hope you all stay healthy and happy. Being sick is no fun, but at least have a really cute nurse (Mackenzie).

The Harsher Side of Life

So I needed to express some thoughts so that I may be able to sleep a little bit more peacefully. I am currently taking an education class in technology, where we have been required to come up with a final group project within our content area. Mine being history and being grouped with two guys, the decision was made to focus on the Holocaust. While I can handle it old feelings of disbelief and dismay have resurfaced. This time they are more personal because of where I am in life. I look at my two little children and wonder how the mothers who were victims dealt with the loss of their children and even spouses. Then I become even more thankful for the gospel for I know that someday they will all be together again. I can not understand anyone hurting a little child. They are innocent and pure. Even when Mackenzie writes on the wall with a tube of destine or Hyrum screams at the top of his lungs for food. I know that these precious little spirits are just that precious and to be treasured. They bring with them so much that they wish to share with all who are in their lives. With this need to research the dark side of the past, I truly appreciate the knowledge of the gospel even more.

We are currently working on a project called a web quest, where the students in small groups will be required to come to the conclusion of what kind of justice is needed in the aftermath of the atrocities of the Holocaust. While I know that man's justice can never fully heal the wounds that were created by the cruelty of man, I know that in the eternities our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ can and will heal the wounds of the past. It is hard to understand why these incredibly horrible things happen. However, we need to remember that we have been given agency to choose for ourselves between good and evil. With this agency, there needs to be opposition in all things, which means that not everyone will choose to follow the eternal truths of God. However, no matter what horror, depravity and evil are perpetrated on this earth, our father in heaven has given all of us a chance to be cleanses through his only begotten son, Jesus Christ. Christ has truly felt all of our pain, sorrow and sins; including what was done to many helpless and innocent, decent people during the dark days of World War 2. I know that these innocent people are now at rest and will have the chance to live again. I hope I can hold on to these truths as I delve further into this darkness and that I will be able to keep the hope and light of Christ within me at all times, and in all places. May you each feel his love and comfort too is my hope and prayer.

We have entered the princess phase

So, Mackenzie has been a pretty diverse child. She loves, dinosaurs, trains, princesses, bug including butterflies and the colors pink and purple. I love the fact that my little princess loves so many different things. It makes buying toys for rewards and holidays so much more fun. However, she has discovered the joy of dressing up as a princess. She loves to wear her princess crowns all day and rock her sullala babies (a.ka. Cinderella). Also she is the best big sister. She is not much bigger than Hyrum, only 26 lbs and 2 oz according to the doctor on Tuesday. However, she loves to try and hold her 13 or so pound brother. It is pretty cute but he definitely swallows her. As of Thursday she has started to run around the house looking for me whenever Hyrum starts to cry. Hyrum loves his sissy and how she makes him smile and laugh. I can not believe he will be four months tomorrow! He is already teething, trying to talk and trying so hard to roll over. He can get onto his side and almost all the way over but then gets stuck. This evening he figured out how to move his little body through wriggling and squirming in order to reach his sister's cardboard box to chew on. Of course we took the box away but were so proud of him for the movement. Where does the time go! I do have to say though I love it when he giggles and then Mackenzie laughs. It is so hard not to smile and laugh right along with them.

Paging Doctor Winslow

So, I know my last post was a downer so I thought I would share a little fun with all of you. This past couple of weeks we have had sickness in our family. Mostly just little colds, nothing too bad. However, since Hyrum was born Mackenzie has been fascinated with all thing medical and health related. So, in our infinite wisdom as parents we got her a medical kit for Christmas. She has been wonderful with it. Checking everyone's heart rate, breathing, that our eyes are healthy and our reflexes still work. The only thing missing from the kit was a thermometer. We did not think anything of it since most her patients were of the stuffed variety. That is until last week. She decided it was time to started checking more on the living members of the family both two-legged and four-legged. So last Thursday she decided to take Charlie's temperature. Of course that meant using our nice thermometer, which she can now obtain from the linen closet with no problem. She also fingered out how to open and shut doors all on her own. Well we had no idea what was going on until Eric went to feed Charlie and take him out, and he found the broken thermometer. You see in trying to give Charlie dignity, Mackenzie out it into his mouth, where he began to chew on and took the metal tip off. Eric found the tip luckily. However when he showed me the thermometer all I saw were the wires billowing out of the top of the thermometer like a bouquet of flowers. Well with that I took it in stride and told Eric we would just have to get another one. Of course, then Mackenzie got an ear infection on Tuesday and I was unable to take her temperature. All I could tell the daughter was that her entire body to was hot to the touch. When he asked why I couldn't take her temperature I had to tell him the truth. And he gave Mackenzie props for her budding medical talents. All I can say is it is never a dull moment with a 2 year old in the house. She sure does keep us guessing and gives us smile. It is just also heartbreaking when she is ill. Thankfully though she is on the mend and being her normal curious self again. I am actually looking forward to going through this stage again with Hyrum. While it is challenging it is also rewarding. Parenthood is truly an amazing blessing worth waiting for. For I know I cherish it so much more. I hope you are all well and got a little chuckle with our budding medical drama and comedy here in the Winslow house.

What a couple of weeks-

So, I know it has been a little while but here I am finally. The past couple of weeks have been full of ups and downs.

 First, Eric and I have had some very serious talks with tears and finally feel like we are getting things figured out. We have started to get the family prayer and family scripture study both morning and night. We have only missed a day or so due to Eric working graves but I am even figuring it out when it is just me and the kids. 

Secondly, We have had some major sickness here which has been challenging. Last Sunday Eric was so worn out from working five 12 hour days and also catching a col that I told him to stay home and that I would take both kids to church by myself. Now these is a major feat for me since I have never done it and mother nature decided to deliver some much needed snow the night before. It went pretty well but was also disheartening when it seemed as though I just couldn't do it all. Mackenzie was restless, Hyrum was fussy and all I wanted to was cry. I can truly say I missed my husband, but I was grateful that he was able to get a few hours of uninterrupted sleep. 

Third, I am really struggling with associated with the women in my neighborhood. I have always been a little shy. Partly because I have been on the receiving end of some pretty harsh criticism. This wouldn't bother me except for the fact that it was unfounded or quick judgements against me that are false. Sometimes I wonder if anyone is willing to see me for me. However, I am not going to have amity party. I have decided that my family comes first no matter what.

Fourth, I had a major answer to prayers this week. As you all know I am in school. What you may not know is that it is the most painful thing in the world for me to be doing right now. It is really hard when I am at school and see other mothers there with their children and mine are at home with their daddy or their nana. All I want is to stay home, clean and organize my house, read and play with my kids. However, I know that I need to finish this degree so that I can truly be the helpmeet I desire to be to my husband. 

Finally, I have lost some more weight! I don't keep a scale in the house, due to the fact I would be on it about twenty times in a day but I have found that some of my pre-pregancy close are starting to fit again! This is great because if any of you know me, I really dislike clothes shopping for myself. I love doing it for the kids and Eric but it is pulling teeth for me. I am really trying to watch what I eat and exercise more. Now if I could just get the sleep that I need. There always seems to be something i need to do. I really don't realize how tired I am until I stop for a minute. Maybe that is the key not stopping. Well that is all for now. I will post cute stuff about the kids soon (Eric borrowed my phone). Have wonderful rest of you day!

Some Reflection

So, I just need to write this all down. A dear friend of mine that I had lost contact with has comeback into my life. I am so grateful for this opportunity to see and spend time with her again. I have never forgotten her. However, while I am overjoyed to have her back it breaks my heart for it to be under the circumstances it is. She has been through so much. I admire her for her will to keep moving forward and for her pure heart. The last few months I have been struggling in some ways. She is a major answer to prayers. I just hope and pray that I may be able to be a great benefit in her life just as she is in mine. I hope that all of you know that once you are in my life I never forget you. You are all continually in my heart and prayers. And I hope one day to see all you again. For I miss each of you.

The much awaited photos of Hyrum

So here are some photos of our little boy when he was first born. He was nice and healthy at 9 lbs. He was also very mellow when he was born. He wanted to look at the world around him and did not want to cry for the nurses. Of course that changed after he was manhandled. Of course these are the only pictures from the hospital because we had lost our camera and my phone died shortly after this. We were so grateful he was born healthy and happy. Here are some more recent photos of him.

So he was blessed on his first month birthday and shortly there after began to smile at mommy. He is a little sweetie who loves his big sister and bring a new dimension to our growing family. We are so grateful for you Hyrum and love having you here.
I hope you all will forgive me for the lack of photos this past year. We lost our camera and the cord. We have found the camera and have replaced the cord so I will post more photos soon. Including Mackenzie's first official hair cut. Also Eric has a camcorder now so we might be able to post video too. Like Mackenzie singing her favorite songs to her brother. Happy 2012 everyone!