So, What Does An 11 Year Old Take Pictures Of With Her Digital Camera?

A camera that is nicer than her parents? A camera that Santa brought her, that she begged for? Take a little trip with me, if you dare, into what it so important that Brooklyn felt the need to photograph it.
Nice, huh? Yeah, if you are self-obsessed or creating umpteen different versions of "portrait of the artist as a young girl".

I did like this shot, so precious:
And this is sticky sweet (that was fresh from the oven chocolate chip cookie goo):
She was even so generous as to loan the camera to her brother for his field trip. My favorite shot is the one up some famous dead guy's nose.... I'm sure whoever it is, is very proud.

Seth's baptism part 2

I realized that I posted that slide show on the day of his baptism and never got around to posting pictures of the actual event. It went as smoothly as an event like that can go. Everyone was there on time, including us. We remembered towels and underwear (for after the baptism, I forgot that with Caleb). There were more people there than I had thought there would be, which was great. Brooklyn did a fantastic job on her talk and Craig Giffin finished off the day with his talk on the Holy Ghost. Seth beamed and Bobby gave him the most beautiful, thoughtful blessing. Ayden and Dillon were loud but not overly so and it was controllable. It was such a wonderful experience and very sweet. I wish I had posted about it sooner so I could relate more of what happened but life marched on and I just have not stopped. Whenever life is slow, I get restless and wish we had more going on. Then, we do get a lot going on and all I want to do is crawl in bed and sleep! Here are some shots from the day. We didn't get too many because Bobby was rushing me to start on time :D

Seth arrives at the church, suit on, hair only slightly messy.
All of the boys kept running over to watch the font fill up with water. The water started out very hot but the hot water ran out before the font was full and Bobby and Seth both agreed it was rather frigid.

We took the "Mormon Baptism Photo" once the boys get on their jumpsuits. (They were borrowed and Seth's was huge! It was pretty funny, this was the smaller of the two)
Seth, Brooklyn and Caleb in "I love my sibling" mode, don't worry it was short lived.
Seth, only slightly damp and definitely looking more mature.
I love this kid!
If you have been baptized, what do you remember most from your baptism?

Maybe there is a reason I don't stay home

I only ever wanted to be a stay at home mom. I have always loved children. I did get my degree because it seemed the wise, logical thing to do and my parents paid for it. Thank goodness they did because I have had to work outside of my home my entire adult life. I did not do it so I could afford a nice car or a better home. I did not do it because I did not feel satisfied being home with my children. I have worked out of necessity. I figure teaching is great because I get to be home with them on my vacations. It's kind of like my consolation prize. However, after days like today, maybe there is some bigger reason out there that I've never been able to stay home. Maybe my Heavenly Father knows something about me that I've never had to find out. I am just not equipped for it.

I was home today because of this little guy,
Ayden got sick Saturday night and just when we thought he was all better he got sick Sunday night. He slept most of Monday and wouldn't eat for Bobby so I kept him home today. He has been a handful. He still really won't eat. He sure does ask for food but, then, will not eat it. Nothing frustrates me more! He also broke the lid off of the toilet. He was standing on it, for the millionth time, and I was telling him to get off, for the millionth time. Well, the toilet lid took care of Ayden by itself and just slid right off and broke. I was thrilled. He told me it was, "just an accident it ok Mommy.'

Knowing that I was home was too much temptation for this one,
He went to the nurse's office twice. On the second visit the nurse pretty much insists that you pick them up, even without a fever. Shall I vent here about elementary schools? No, I'll save that for another time. He is not sick. Do not feel sorry for him. His temperature is normal. He ate all his lunch and snack. He is fine. But he is home. That frustrated me too. He asked if I was mad. How can I get mad? Everyone likes a mental health day I guess.

Since Ayden is home, this one is home too,
I have wiped his nose more times than I can count, snuggled his head, rocked him, kissed him and listened as he has tried out all his new words. He asked, 'where da da', he yelled, 'thank you' about ten times and said, 'hi' as he waved to all the children at Seth's school. Now, after three tries, I think he is down for a nap.

Am I cut out for this type of activity day after day? Actually, I really think I am. How do you moms that stay home do it? If you don't stay home with your kids, would you?