What I have learned from my life as a mom!

Many times in my life I have dealt with so many crazy people. Those who think that I have lost a marble or two because I have seven children. I love my kids and am so thankful for the many opportunities for growth that they give me. As I watch my oldest daughter Alecia grow and make good choices it helps me to want to be the best example I can so that she will know what our Father in Heaven wants for her. She is such a wonderful young woman. She makes such awesome choices in her life. She is smart and creative. She loves to write and make jewelry. She also loves words. She can make a great study of a word so that she can use it correctly. She stands strong in her beliefs and doesn't care what other people think of her only what her Heavenly Father thinks about what she chooses. It is amazing to me to watch her mature and her testimony grow. I am truly a blessed woman. She has earned her YW medallion and is only 16. She is excited for the opportunity to continue her study and earn the honor bee. Her example is great for her younger 6 siblings.
As I watch my son Brandon I know that the Lord has given me another blessing. He is strong and loves the priesthood. He has always been close to the spirit. I remember when he was about six, if he sat away from the girls he would watch conference just as intently as he watched his favorite shows. He is on the downward slope to getting his eagle scout award and he loves his family. I know that when he turns 19 that he will gladly serve a mission because it is one of his goals and he will achieve all his goals. He is a strong young man who loves his family and the Lord. I learn to be a better mother and strive to be closer to the Lord as I watch my strong young man struggle through the life of a young man in a world that has so many pitfalls. He will make it because he has the spirit with him always.
As I watch my beautiful daughter Katie who is only 12 but looks a whole lot older, I learn the importance of fun and laughter in life. She is so vibrant, her eyes light up and she just glows. She is also struggling in a world of Satan's pitfalls but she will persevere because she has a desire to do good. I love her so much. She has a wonderful example in her big sister Alecia but that can be a hard thing to follow sometimes, especially when she is so different from her big sister. I have had to tell her over and over again that she is who she is and that is good. She can be a great example for good in this world and still be the happy excited person that she has always been. I have learned the importance of difference and fun from my darling Katie.
Krystal is my wonderful 10 year old. She is my little sunshine. When she smiles she can light up the life of the most depressed person. I am so blessed to have her as an example in my life. She has the tough road of being a middle child and I have watched her excel in many things. She has taught me to look out for those moments when I can brighten someone else's life with a smile.
Bethany is a shooting star. She can make you laugh and cry and want to laugh some more. Bethany is only 8 and I watch her looking up to her sisters and finding her own little niche in the family. She is her own little individual and I love to see her smiling face. She has taught me to laugh and enjoy myself. Life is fun and you can have a great time and still serve the Lord.
Jessica is our little princess. She is a calming influence on the family but is also the littlest. It is hard to pinpoint her exact personality just yet as she is only 6 but she is loved by all. She teaches me humility as she looks up to all her sisters.
Jared is the youngest son and has a spirit of energy. I wish I could bottle that energy and use it for myself. He teaches me to be more active and love it. He too is 6 and because he and Jessica are twins they have a love for one another that is amazing. When one is sick they want them to get better and they teach me the importance of unconditional love.
So as the mother of a large family I have learned that I am teaching them but if I watch closely I will learn so much more from them.

School Already!

Is it really time for a new year of school to start!!! Ugg I can't believe the summer went by so quickly. I love my kids and really enjoy having them at home. It also doesn't hurt that taxi momma's duties are less during the summer. LOL Anyway I'm off for a day of shopping. Have to get the kids stuff on less than half of what I need but I will try to persevere and get the best deals. Wish me luck.