Taco Bell

I think that last night I got a taste of what feeding three boys (and Jeremy) will be like as they get older.  The boys had a fun time completing a quest Jeremy had created for them and part of the treasure was to get some dinner. They wanted to stay and play in the cave -  I will post some pictures later - so I went and drove through Taco Bell. This is one of the few places we go out to eat. Sad, I know. But, I ordered their usual, a cheese roll up.  We had dinner and Andrew asked if he could have another one. Then two minutes later, Jacob asked where the rest of his dinner was. Jokingly, I asked if I needed to go back to Taco Bell. Jeremy sheepishly told me that he could eat more. So, I made a second trip. And the woman working the drive through, asked if I had been there earlier. What will it be like when they are 18, 16, 14?

I like this quote by Sister Tanner. I hope I can live up to it and shout for joy about my role as a mother instead of all the times I just shout. :)

I take great delight in my role as a nurturer, which allows me to express my deepest identity as a woman. I never fail to be struck by the way that women, young women, and even little girls seem to have an instinctive interest and ability in nurturing. It is not only a mother's primary responsibility but also part of our 'individual premortal, mortal and eternal identity and purpose' ("The Family: A Proclamation to the World," Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102). To nurture is to teach, to foster development, to promote growth, to feed, and to nourish. Who would not shout for joy at being given such a blessed role? "The scriptures use the word nurture only twice and in both cases speak of the responsibility of parents to raise their children 'in the nurture and admonition of the Lord' (Ephesians 6:4; Enos 1:1).

Susan W. Tanner

Little Boys

On Sunday, we had a bit of a transition. Jacob is now officially a sunbeam. He is in Primary, the children's sunday school - like portion of our church. He was a little thrown off, but once they made into their classes, he had a great time. And Michael went into Nursery. He is 18 months old. I went in with him, which I will most likely do for a while. But, he had a fun time. I just can't believe it happened. I have two children in primary and one in nursery. How does this happen?
Today, four members of the Selim family left our house dressed and breakfasted at 7:38. We did it. Andrew made it to school on time and he didn't even have to run to make it in line on time. Then Jacob, Michael and I preceded to Michael's therapy and were even there before the therapist. It is a rare thing to be so ready to go in the morning. I am proud of us. Before Michael's therapy changed times, usually Andrew was the only one out of pajamas when we took him to school. So, here we go 2009 - we can do it. I can be a little more on top of things. I think. :)

Home again!

Jacob had a crazy accident in the snow and this was the result. Only pink skin remains now. :)

Making a gingerbread train

I love this picture of Eva

Lots of Texas spirit

He was so excited about his dinosaur :)

Michael and Joy

Jacob couldn't believe his luck

Our little wise men

Four babies in one year

Joy, Michael, Aurora and Victoria

We are glad to be home and for real life to resume. We got back into Tucson late Sunday night due to an extended stay of the stomach flu keeping us in Phoenix. But, we had a great Christmas break. We drove to Texas and had a wonderful Christmas with my family. I realized how much I miss Texas.  All of my family was there, except for Bob and his family. The boys loved playing with their cousins ( and their aunt and uncle :), depending on how you look at it ) and we were sad to go.  We then drove to Phoenix and spent time with the other side of the family. We had fun having sleep overs with Lynne and  Taylor and Justina's family - the boys loved sleeping in their own little tents. :) We spent a crazy day in the snow in Flagstaff and enjoyed our time at Grandma's house until we got sick.  I  feel blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives. And for our Savior, Jesus Christ, whose birth gave us a reason to rejoice together.