Our Life Currently...

We are a busy little bunch of people these days. We are either just running crazily back and forth around the house (Liam), crawling after the person running (Afton), tackling the the running/crawling people (Dad) or just standing there watching it all happen; hoping they might collapse from exhaustion and choose to take a nap (Mom). And that would usually be a resounding NO. But even with all the crazy days we have great days with growing healthy kids and a Christmas Tree that is still standing (that really is a miracle, believe me!)

So, basically in the last little bit summer was fun, Fall was fun, and winter is on it's way. And not counting the ice and wind it will probably be fun too. Our little kiddos have gotten so big in the last few months.
  Liam has started to finally talk enough to really get what he is saying and it is so much fun!! He is becoming such a person; with opinions, thoughts, and serious requests. He knows what he wants and something must be done about it according to him. His imagination is beginning to show up and he actually likes to snuggle now. Good for Mom and Dad.
  Afton is crawling and pulling herself up on everything. She loves to play with her brother's toys but he's not quite so in love with that idea. She just learned to wave and clap and she is so funny! She laughs at Liam for all the goofy things that drive us crazy, and I think he gets a charge out of that. She has jack-o-lantern teeth coming in. She currently has her bottom two and her two top side (lateral incisor, I believe, for the dentists out there. I know there are a few of you.) So we think she looks like a pumpkin--yes, it is cute!
  Tanner is in his last week of classes forever for dental school. In a week or so, he'll have only ONE semester left of dental school!! We are so excited for him. He has worked hard and we are super proud of all he has done. He is now in the process of applying to a Pediatric Dental Residency. He has a few schools he has been interviewing at and really excited at the prospects. He is going to be a great dentist for all those kiddos out there.
  As for me, I survived a week without Tanner while he went on three interviews in a row, not to mention getting a chance to visit  my family without me. But that was ok because it made me feel good that there was someone to take care of him for a day or two. I have to say I learned a lot about myself and motherhood in those 6 days. And more than anything I learned how grateful we are for a wonderful husband and father to lift and support us. I've been excited the last couple weeks and days preparing for Christmas. I love picking out fun things and activities for us to do. And we get to visit our family; which I cannot tell you enough how excited I am to have a little trip out of town. Even when a 15 hr. drive is not little--it's worth it!

We are just overflowing with stuff somedays, but overall we are happy. After everyday is done I take a second to breath and think about what has even happened. And when I do I always come to the same conclusion. I am blessed. I am blessed because I have a beautiful happy, healthy family, a great responsibility as a mother which brings joy in the most unexpected ways, and Father in Heaven who is aware of me, loves me and has sent His Son to live and die for me. I know our Savior lives and has atoned for our sins and misgivings so we may one day we all we were meant to be. He is the source of our joy and the foundation of our lives. Giving us the direction to happiness. Days are crazy and hard sometimes, but because of Him, like my favorite Christmas movie says, it really is A Wonderful Life!

Merry Christmas!

April

May: Nauvoo

May: This boy loves his trains

May: Liam loved the puddles
in Nauvoo

May: Sweet girl

May: Liam sharing his toys

June: Daddy and Afton

June: Dairy Days

June: Makeshift pool. It was
100+ degrees everyday this
summer in Nebraska.
 (don't forget humidity!)

June: Afton 4 months

June: At the zoo Liam LOVED
feeding the goats

June: Zoo

July: Family pics

July: 4th of July Breakfast

July: We love Grandma Jones

August: Affy and Mom

August: Bennion Family Reunion,
mine is the crying one

July: Afton and Lucy best cousins

July: Pioneer day parade

August: First face painting

August: Grandma Bennion
and Affy girl

August: awesome photo boot

August: Feeding ducks with
Gpa and Gma Bennion

August: Afton getting bigger!

August: 3 two yr olds entertained
 by the sprinklers

August: Liam got the stomach
flu at Gma's house

August: Liam sporting his
 Bandaid all summer

August: Liam loves the pool

September: playing with our
big boy tools

September

September: Boxed Lunch

September: Trying green beans

September: Train festival

September: 6 months

September: Applejack Festival

September: Walks

September: FHE at
Barnes and Noble

September: Affy loves to help

September

September: Birthdays

October: Fall fun

October: Fall is here!

October

September: Brother Loves

October: Fun at the park

October: Tub Baby

October: My Sunshine

October Halloween

October: 7 months

October: Fun in the Tub

November: Liam in his own parade

November: jumping in the leaves

November: 4th Anniversary!

November: A Walk with friends

November: Suprise!
Putting up the tree

Christmas is coming!