Frustration!

Here is the scenario . . . .

Jack, Molly and I are walking out of the gym. We are parked along the sidewalk, so we head towards the van. Jack wants an animal cracker and I said he had to wait until we got in the van. He stops, sits down and won't budge. I continue to walk to the van, within site of him, just down the sidewalk a few cars. I put Molly in and buckle her up. I walk back to the top of the van and tell him to come. He won't, he is just sitting on the ground. MANY people are walking by wondering whose kid this is until they look down the sidewalk to see me staring at him. I think to myself, "I dare you to judge!".

Older lady walks by after Molly is situated. She doesn't know I have more than one kid. I call for Jack to come again. He stares at me. The lady walks by Jack and then yells back at me. "I don't know why you are putting up with his behavior. You should watch the dog whisper." She glares and walks into the gym.

Really????

Do NOT Alert Children Services!

Cute Baby Molly!



Neglected Baby Molly while we worked in the yard!


Yes that is snot, chocolate icing, and dirt!

Catch Up

Merry Christmas!








Sadly I didn't get any good shots of the boys playing with their loot. Jeff loved his Knex Roller Coaster!! Jack loved it all: firetruck, train, cars, tongs, helicopter. It wore him out!



First (maybe only) Snowfall!





Happy New Year!









Molly's Birthday!



Aunt Jenny, Lexi, Lucy (and I'm SURE Uncle Trav helped)gave Molly the most adorable tea pot. It sings "I'm a Little Teapot". She loves it!! So do all the neighbors, babysitters, Hannah's friends, etc. It's a hit!


She received some great stuff!! Thank you!! An adorable piggy bank from Beth and fam, remote control puppy from Grandma & Grandpa Wolfe, cutest purse and dolly from Grandma Joyce & Grandpa Jim, a really soft dolly from Aunt Juli and family.


Grandma Wolfe made the adorable cupcakes. Hannah helped after school. I love cupcakes!! So easy to serve and clean up. Love em!!



Bon Fire!!


Beth's first official bon fire! She threw everything she could get her hands on into that flaming beast. I think she liked it! It was a VERY hot fire. I think we all got sunburns (what would you call them . . . not "sun" burns, but "flame" burns) from the heat. Hot!!




Molly was hilarious during the burn. She ate!! She ate the whole time! Hours!! We just kept handing her food and she contently sat and ate it. Crackers, Pirate Booty, hot dogs, ketchup, icing, graham crackers, marshmellows, peanuts, cliff bars, water, you name it. She was so low maintanence. She was happy, content, easy!! I love those days! She was very entertained with the newt too. It was her burn buddy.

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas from our house to yours! We hope you find peace and happiness, love and joy!

RUN!!

This is a comment from my babysitter to her mom today after watching the kids . . .

"If 60 seconds go by and you don't hear anything, you have to run and find them".


This is her response to an email I sent my family about her first comment . . .

"LOL! I read that to Megan and she said "It's true you should see the messes I've cleaned up when I give them 3 min"

Stacey is a saint!!!"

I'm insane!!

God Knows Us

"God knows us and know our needs, but it is generally through another person that He meets those needs." Spencer W. Kimball

I read this for the first time right before my mission and it has become my life quote. One of those quotes that you never forget and means so much to you. I recall being the person Heavenly Father used to help someone. I recall seeing other's being instruments in His hands for my family, friends and acquaintences. I recall and cherish all of you who have been my needed "person" to help me through my life.

I have a horrible memory of my childhood (at least compared to my sisters), but I do remember those who served me, taught me, impressed me, lead me, influenced me, showed me and laughed with me. I wish I could list you all. But I want you to know that your impact on my life is appreciated, felt, loved and cherished.

I have been given wonderful parents, grandparents, sisters, husband, children, teachers, friends, co-workers, (no bosses: eek!), roommates, mission companions, neighbors, those I serve with and have served with in callings, visiting teachers (I almost hate to admit this, but what would I've done without Lois Pinster in my life.), leaders, teammates, parents of friends, and many teachers (my own and my children's).

Whether it was a lesson that changed my perspective, an example that set me straight, an experience that altered by life pattern (my in-vitro buddy), an unconditional love that never waived, an expectation that I either was hell bent on breaking (I was NOT the first of my Laurel class to get married, I was the last!) or would rather die than not fulfill. I have been molded by the hand of my Heavenly Father by you. I always wonder with every new calling, new friend, new neighbor, or visit with my family and friends what I'll learn, what I'll experience, what need will be fulfilled by those around me. There is so much to learn. I'm so grateful for His loving hand in my life and for all of you.

So on my birthday, I am grateful for my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, my temple sealing to my wonderful parents and sisters, my temple sealing to my amazing husband and children, my life, my "people". You are appreciated by little ole' me.

Happy Thanksgiving Denver Style

Luker's train was a hit with Jack and Molly! Luke and Jack spent hours playing trains. Two boys in heaven!!




Denver has some awesome parks. The kids hit up a few over the weekend.


In Dunlop tradition, we had to go to a movie. Jess and I took the kids to see "Planet 51" while the dads took the little girls home to sleep. Yea! The moms and dads went to see "Blind Side" that night and we all LOVED it!! Great flick!


Those who know me, know I LOVE my Ergo. We put it to the test . . . check out who's in the pack . . . Rylee???? Wasn't to bad and a great workout for the legs.


We tried a few recipes for cupcakes and cookies. Delicious!


Matchy matchy girly girls. Adorable!


The boys loved their time together. Whether it be computer games, basketball, the park, Wii, Foosball, or just chillin'!! They had a blast!



Mom's and their baby girls!



Dad's and their couch!

Great weather, fun family, fabulous food, wacky adventures, it was a great weekend! Thank you sooooo much Morties!