Of Friends and Foes and Elves and Trolls

I can't believe how crazy this month has been! Loren pulled his first all-nighter last week preparing for a mini hearing. Every other night he's been up since midnight or 2 am. He's worked so incredibly hard for his client and truly wants the best for him. There's been so many ups and downs and calls and research. As he came home late again one night, I could tell he was emotionally and physically spent. He broke down and just cried. He told me he didn't think he had enough experience or charisma to pull off a win. He wasn't sure what he'd do if he didn't win. I could tell it was mainly exhaustion speaking, but at that moment I wished he could see himself through my eyes. I see his passion, his determination, his loyalty. Even though he's a young attorney, he's already grown so much. Sometimes growth hurts but we can see that it was for our good in the end. He's slowly making a name for himself and I'm so proud of who he's becoming. I hope he knows I'm his number one fan, and always will be.

I've also had to grow along with Loren. I've had to learn to let go of resentment. It's hard for me when I've been alone with the kids all day to feel positive and happy when Loren get's home. But as I've been studying the scriptures and truly trying to have the Spirit with me through the day, I'm learning to just let it go. When I don't have expectations, it's easier to just go with the flow. I've had to let the house go a little, which is hard for me, but I don't feel the guilt I used to. I have to remind myself to give myself some grace and if I'm helping my kids to make memories, or more often than not, just survive the day, I'm doing OK. It's a process but I hope I'm making progress.

Our little Hudson is three months old! He's so close to laughing and has the cutest little squeals. He loves his sisters and saves his biggest smiles and squeals for them, especially when Lydia sings the peanut butter song. He's sleeping like a champ (knock on all the wood) and is just a happy guy. We sure love him! I'm still trying to find my groove as a mom to three kids, some days are better than others. Last Sunday I was called to be a primary teacher to the four year old's. Loren had to teach the young men so that left me with Hudson, which would have been fine but Allie fell asleep during Sacrament meeting then refused to go to nursery. So I had a weepy Allie on one half of my lap and a squirmy Hudson on the other all while trying to keep five four year old's reverent. Whew! Hopefully next week I'll have a partner so I don't have to manage all that craziness by myself again.

We love when Lindy, Alise and Charlotte come to play!

One hot day the girls wanted to jump with the sprinkler under the tramp. Something is wrong with the water pressure in our house which makes the water barely trickle sometimes. So they ended up putting the sprinkler on the tramp and it seemed to work just as well.

Charlotte, Allie, Alise, Lydia, Lindy

For Fathers Day this year I got Loren some marble book ends for his office. I put them in this bag and didn't even realize what it said until I had it on the table.

I was able to slip away to see Aladdin with these ladies. It was so fun! We really need to do this more.

Mom Peck, Kim, Marie, Maddy, Kerri, Kristen

Lydia was thrilled to be a part of the Nibley City Children's Theatre production of "Of Friends and Foes and Elves and Trolls" this year. For the past two weeks she's been practicing her Luna Moth song and dance. They did such a great job! My cousin, Emily is over it and I'm amazed at how much work it takes to pull something like this off in just eight days.

I think Lydia's favorite part was putting on make-up before the performances. I couldn't believe how long her eyelashes were after I put mascara on.

The first night of the performance was freezing! It was such crazy weather for June. Even so, the kids did great and we warmed up on hot chocolate afterwards.

It was so nice of Grandpa and Grandma Peck, Maddy and Aaron to come. Lydia felt so supported and loved.

Here's Hudson and I during our 4:30 am party.

Lydia entered the Nibley City coloring contest and won first in her age group! She got an Arctic Circle and Megaplex gift card and also got to ride in the Heritage Days Parade. She had a blast squirting all the people with her squirt gun.

After the parade we celebrated my Grandpa's 90th birthday and he and Grandma's 64th wedding anniversary. What a life he's lived! I sure love him and it was so fun to watch a slideshow Aunt Jalyn put together of his life.

All of the family put their hand print on the sign.

It was so fun to have Em and Tyson here!

After the party we moved the tents over to Alan and Leslie's for my cousin, Brad's, reception that evening. It was a busy but fun day!

Loren worked half the day yesterday then took the girls to the Bounce N Slide. They had a blast with their dad and I was grateful for a little "me" time.