Back in Business

We've been without a digital camera for I'm not sure how long, so the blogging has been nonexistent. Sorry. Unfortunately, it means that I've missed out on some great pictures of the kids along with a lot of funny stories. The first one that comes to mind is a couple of months ago I took the kids to Toys R Us and Allie stopped to tie her shoes. She took this moment in time to tell me that she loved me. I thought that was so sweet. She followed it up with, "Every time I see your face Mama, it makes me have to pee." I'm not sure about the connection between those two thoughts, but it was pretty funny. It totally caught me off guard, and with four children, I can honestly say that doesn't happen very often. Anyway, you can start checking the blog again for updates on the kids. Soon we'll have pictures of our little Sarah Kathryn. Brent is hoping she arrives the week after his exams, Dec. 12. I'm hoping that she arrives tomorrow! We'll keep you posted about whose prayer was answered.

Tornadoes and Service

John Enslen, a friend, was asked to organize a group of 40 men from the Montgomery Alabama Stake to clean up in Eclectic, Alabama (about 30 miles east of our home) after the tornadoes. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to be one of those 40 men. These photos are from one house on Lake Martin. Unsurprisingly, the ladies who lived there lost their lives. I've cleaned up after many storms, and it's always humbling. It really helps keep things in perspective. It's reassuring to know that as long as I and my family are righteous, we can live together forever.

Mount Joseph

An area of over two rooms near the Helms kitchen were evacuated on Tuesday after a massive explosion of emotions and bodily functions occured. A fight ensued between Allie and Haley, causing a megaquake that was felt throughout the house. Emily shattered her cereal bowl, sending glass, cereal, and milk over two miles in the air. A volcano, Mount Joseph, erupted, compounding the problems already associated with the disaster-ravaged breakfast time. The eruption continued to spew large amounts of boogers into the air and showed no signs of abating after three sneezes. The scene was horrific. An area of over two rooms near the Helms kitchen was evacuated on Tuesday. Meanwhile, in an effort to avoid catostrophic aftershocks, Laura sang church hymns and Brent hid.

WARNING!

THE PHOTOS YOU ARE ABOUT TO VIEW ARE VERY GRAPHIC!

THOSE SENSITIVE TO BOOGERS WILL BE OFFENDED.

Happy Birthday Joseph!

Happy Birthday to our big boy!

Joseph celebrated his 1st birthday February 28th.

Joseph is just about to start walking. He's already taken a few steps, so we bought him shoes for his birthday. The girls and I made a jell-o cake to celebrate and Joseph was quite intrigued with the burning candle. The girls screamed everytime his little fingers got too close to the flame while we sang, "Happy Birthday."

It's hard to believe his first year has already passed.

We love you Joseph!

If Only Life Were So Simple...

Allie was feeling down this morning because Haley said Allie doesn't know everything.

Allie told me, "She (meaning Haley) says I don't know everything, but I do. Cows say 'moo' and ducks say, 'quack' ".

I know the last couple of posts have been about Allie, but she says the funniest things lately. It's like she's finally able to verbalize what's inside her head and it's hilarious. I love getting a glimpse at how children view the world. My kids are constantly reminding me that life is not as complicated as it seems and that simplicity is good.

Allie Can Multi-task

I passed the girls' bathroom today and noticed Allie was brushing her teeth while she was using the bathroom. I guess she's learning to multi-task. I'm glad she took me seriously when I asked her to hurry, but this is overboard I think. Obviously we didn't need any pictures.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Joseph is enjoying a chocolate chip cookie.

Emily is excited about the frosting on her cookie. She's eating it with her spoon.

My little cupids.

Still working on the same cookie.

Brent almost gave up on taking this picture.

Emily loves Daddy.

Our hats!

Allie's blowing bubbles in her strawberry milk... I think letting my kids do things like this makes me a better parent.

There's a time and a place for everything, right?

Such a happy boy!

Our Valentine's Day party.

We had a party to celebrate Valentine's Day. I tried to serve as much pink food as possible, the girls made their own hats, we drank pink strawberry milk, used heart-shaped crazy straws, and frosted our sugar cookies with pink frosting. Later we'll play our Valentine's Day "bingo" game using "m&m's" as markers. What could be wrong with a day that is designated for saying "I Love You" and consuming more chocolate?