Crazy

That is what life is like right now. And I love it! lol!

Dexter just turned 1 last week. WHAT? 1 already? Not fair!

He walks, says da-da and yesssh, sign for milk and eats just about anything we give him. Yes, I'm still BFing him. I'm going to let him wean himself whenever that is. I love those cuddle times! But he is just a cuddly baby anyway. And I love it!

Jake and Zoe are just about done with this school year. I am blown away at how awesome Zoe is doing now that she has been in going to an all day kindergarten class. Her teacher is amazing and Zoe has just blossomed!

Jake is just amazing. His teacher told me last week that the state issued math test they took a month or so ago, he was the only kid to score 100%! Jake is sooooo not like me when it comes to school and math. And for that, I am thankful!

Leo is getting so big. He's 4 and half now. He is in Sunbeams and loves everything Star Wars! He is growing so much. His talking is improving and he knows so much. I know he'll be ready for kindergarten next year. (Not this upcoming school year, but the year after).

Teage is just about 3. And I am not happy about that. He's not even 3 yet, and I'm already not a fan. Yes, there are moments of loves, hugs and sunshine. But then, the dark side comes out and he is evil. He has now taken it upon himself to push, pull, yank and hurt Dexter. But he's super smart. And amazes me the stuff he says and does. And I love him. So much! I can forgive him when he does the bad stuff.

He got into his sister's closet and put on her dress. Diabolical super genies I tell ya!

As for me? Well, as you can tell, I haven't been updating my weight loss. Cuz, it's stopped. I'm back on soda, I've stopped running and I have a half-marathon on the 4th of July. I'm screwed! I've also gone more crunchy and switched to using a menstrual cup (the Lunette Cup) and mama cloth (Lunapads) now that I finally have a period! It's been almost two years since I've had one. Thank you BFing child! But so far, I'm loving it.

I also have a new calling in church. I'm the 2nd Counselor in the Primary. So far, I'm loving my calling. It's been a learning experience and a learning curve, but it's all good. I can feel myself growing in ways I didn't think I could. I'm also learning to have patients with my kids. Not that they are bad all the time, but with the small things that would usually set me off. I'm learning to let that go. I love being able to serve in a way that I feel like I can making a difference.

Let me just say that our new ward is the BEST ward I have ever been in. Ever!

Steve is doing great! He's kicking butt and taking names. lol! He finally applied for his CPA license, so hopefully get that soon. Steve is loving having a yard and doing manly stuff in the new house. We just wish we weren't renting and be able to do whatever we want. We might have pulled up flowers yesterday. But they were dead and look like weeds. Plus, most were tangled up with weeds and just came up with them. But all in all, he is doing great!

We've had so many changes happen to us this year. We sold Penny (our van) for a 15 passenger van and a commuter car for Steve. I've had one nephew get married and another leave for his mission today. We've made one big trip in Big Bertha and gone to Logan just before we sold Penny.

And we are on the eve of our 9 year anniversary. I can't believe it's been 9 years already. Crazy!

But most of all, I'm just thankful for the knowledge that I have in the true Gospel. I've recently come across women that I knew as a new convert, looked up to and envied them in their testimony, that have left the church. It saddens me and that projects as anger. I'm sorry for those hard feelings I have felt because of their choices. But it's hard to see your role model, fall. I know that God still loves them and wants them to be happy in whatever way that they feel will do that. But I'm just thankful that when I had my many chances to leave the church, that I asked Him what to do, and with great help from those that love me and from the Spirit and the gift of discernment, I've been able to really HEAR what He wants me to do and to let Him guide me back into HIS TRUE CHURCH! That doesn't mean that I haven't had doubts, or that I still don't. But I see that that usually happens when I stray to websites that are filled with hate, anti-Mormon talk or just anti-God. When I read comments that are filled with hate and distrust those people spew when they leave any church. That's when I have my doubts. But then I think back to those moments that I've had, when I've been the most vulnerable and have felt His arms around me and the truth and knowledge that has been given to me in those moments, then I remember why I am Mormon and why I am happy. And I am happy. Oh so very happy. And I feel at peace with that. I just have to remember to love everyone and know that Heavenly Father loves them too. Just like when our children make poor choices, we still love them. And we just want them to be happy.

Ok, off my soapbox now. Sorry for that. I just love everyone. I really do. Even if their choices sadden me. I still love ya! I can only think that that comes from being a mother and drawing nearer to God. To love God is to love our neighbor as ourself.

The Richins are doing well and rockin it and having a blast! I love my family!!! I love where we are! And I can't wait to see what the next half of 2012 will bring us!

Cheers!