Self Worth

I've been contemplating quite a bit lately the lessons I've learned from having my children.  One of those has come slowly over a span of years.  It's something that when I really stop and think about it makes perfect sense, though I don't really see it in my day to day.  I am a people pleaser, I've known this for my whole life, but there's an aspect that I don't recognize as much.  I want people to like me, to validate me, to praise my work.  I catch myself doing this in small ways:  Looking at my stained carpet and wondering what the previous owner would think of her spotless carpet now and how I'm doing as a homemaker.  Or feeling rejected at night when Jacob doesn't comment on the seemingly small acts I'd accomplish throughout the day.  It all made sense the other morning when I was running.  I was looking to others and the world to receive my self worth, when all I really need to do is look to my Father in Heaven.  The world would have me think I'm only of value if my children are well groomed and behaved, have a perfect home, a perfect body, and a gazillion friends.  This is a hard task for me to live up to in one area let alone all of them.  My Father has a much better option.

"Be Cassanda.  Try your best to live your life to the fullest.  Give your children lots of hugs; take care of their temporal needs yes, but really just make sure they feel loved, respected, and validated.  If you can do that, you're amazing.  Try your best to keep your house clean and tidy, because when it is My Spirit can dwell more abundantly.  You'll feel it more and so will your family.  But don't worry if it isn't always that way, I understand it's hard.  Try to love your body.  I know it's hard when you see others who may have a more desirable body type, but remember yours looks the way it does because it brought 6 beautiful boys to this world.  Try to keep it strong and healthy and then appreciate what has happened to it.  Try your best to be nice to everyone.  Some people will only be a part of your life for a short period, and others will be with you much longer.  Learn what you can from each relationship, and don't feel bad when they don't always stay as close as you'd like.  But most of all, remember your worth to Me is not determined by your success of any of these areas.  I love you for just being you.  But because I know you, I know you'll do your best."

Talents

William can get to amazing places when there's a chance to brush his teeth.  (It doesn't matter whose toothbrush!)

 Steven has learned how to get on top of the fridge to get the good treats while I'm asleep (and then reenacts it for me later) Why don't we just stop hiding treats?  Then what is Steven going to do while I sleep, and plus he's learning how to get quite resourceful!

 Ryan has learned if he comes up after all the other boys are in bed he gets to eat treats and watch a show while snuggling with us.  (We secretly love it!)

 Jacob can put everyone's blanket on the ceiling fan.  He's done it multiple times now.

 William gets to play with the dirty laundry while Ryan pushes him around.

 Christopher can get his blanket out of the dryer when mom is too busy to help.

 Max can such on his brother's foot (don't worry later Spencer got him back by pulling his hair.  I didn't stop to take a picture of that one, it was too sad)

 Spencer can wiggle himself out of the bouncer

 The triplets (William, Ryan, and Christopher) can cover their brother with dirt while mom and dad are busy doing yard work.

Poor baby!)

 William can pull his two older brothers and his twin in the wagon.

or at least he tried...

 These boys are still able to steal my heart with a simple smile!

The boys exercise with me in the morning and are really cute, though sometimes in the way.  Steven can be found downstairs just doing it by himself.  "Mom, I can do mountain climbers.  And double jump rope, and push-ups!"

 Spencer can look adorable with his daddy's hat

 Christopher can calm the babies by reading them a story

 William can make himself so frustrated to tears trying to put on Steven's pants.  I just pulled them up and he seemed satisfied with that.

And William can find my hair elastics almost any where and wears them on his arm.  As well as look adorable sleeping.

Family Pictures 2014

We decided to go to Camera Shy this year, which is the same idea as FotoFly, which we loved.  I'm convinced that we will be taking our family photos in a studio until these boys are MUCH older.  We were so happy with the outcome!  We booked a double session to try and make sure we got enough good shots, we got a lot of possess that we probably wouldn't have had we not gone with the double session (twin shots, and just mom and dad with the boys).  We'll see if we do that again, because it was just too long for these boys to be good and smile on command.  Our photographer we awesome and was able to get a lot of genuine smiles.  Without further ado, here is my favorite; yes I know there are 40+ pictures, but they are so cute!  

 Max 5 1/2 months

 Max and Spencer

I love this picture!

 Spencer 5 1/2 months

 William 2 years

Such a typical William face

 Ryan 2 years

When did he grow up!?

 Ryan and William

These two make my heart SO happy

 Christopher 3 1/2 years 

He kept laughing so hard to the side, it was hard to get as many good shots

Steven 5 years 

"you can't make me smile!"

There's a real smile

If you think my hands are full, you should see my heart.
(cheesy I know, but so true)

The only way I can make it through, is with this handsome guy by my side

 This was at the end and these boys had had it!  Especially Max

 This is on our fridge so I can remember that our life is suppose to be fun, not just crazy.