six people in september

It's been busy around here. A good busy filled with much anticipated events, house guests, and lots of friend & family time. I love having a full house but with that comes the departures that leave me standing at the door way in tears. This is part of our life that I'm still not used to. Even though we've been through it over and over again, it still stings every time we have to say goodbye.

September came and left and I find myself struggling to remember what happened. I think there have been so many things on my mind lately that I can only concentrate on a few days at a time. Anything too far in the past or future is blurry. I'm glad I started doing this project because it forces me to reflect on things that I otherwise might forget. And I don't want to forget.

Our picture was a quick one during a trip to the temple the last Sunday in September. I love the peace I feel there. And I love going as a family and seeing how excited the kids are to be at the temple. I am looking forward to having one a little closer to home.

We had a birthday this month. It was a big one. Number 8. Dallin has been anticipating it for a long time. Somehow I always end up staying up to the wee hours to decorate or do something special. I don't mind though. I never want them to feel like their birthday is just another day. This one was definitely a success. He is still basking in his 8-ness. Which he should. It's a great age to be. Awkward teeth and all.

I feel like we've gotten into the swing of school. I have been so worried about how Ella would do in Kindergarten. I worried about what school would be like for her period. I think all my worries were in vain. She loves it. And I am so grateful. Granted, she's only there half day. But we're off to a good start. Only one thing she doesn't like, her teacher said they couldn't hum while they worked. I had a good laugh at that.

Lincoln is still Lincoln. We still have tantrums and screaming daily but I also get squeeze hugs and that sweet, sweet dimpled smile. He loves to sit on the couch with his sippy cup of milk, blanket in hand, and watch his favorite buddies, The Wonder Pets. I love the time we have each day when the older ones are at school and the little one is asleep. Just us.

Christian started walking. He also threw a phone in the toilet. Oh man, I'm not ready for this stage of constant trouble. How do you keep a bathroom locked down when you have a 3-year old that is still trying to figure out the potty training thing? Needless to say, I've found Christian toilet fishing on more than 10 occasions. Other than that not-so-fun thing, I love this age of Frankenstein toddling. I also love to smother his cheeks with kisses. He usually doesn't mind until the 20th time and then he starts to whine a little. I just can't help myself.

Jeff spent lots of time scouting and I spent lots of time primary-ing. I was recently called to be the Primary chorister just in time for the Primary program at the end of September. I stepped in right after they had already learned all the songs. Phew! 😉 I am completely exhausted when I come home from church each Sunday, but truly it is one of the most fulfilling places to be. There is nothing sweeter than hearing children sing and feeling the truthfulness of the simple messages in those words.

While I can't quite remember every detail of September, I do know that we spent time as a family loving each other. Dinner around the table is still my favorite time of day. Even if someone is usually crying or whining that they don't like what I've made. Even so, I love that we love each other. Now I need to take counsel from Pres. Uchtdorf in General Conference and focus on loving myself more. I've spent way too many years struggling with this one thing. September was a low point for me in that regard. I'm grateful for his words that spoke to my soul and I'm determined to put them into practice.

September is gone. October is here. I'm ready for it.