Today was one of those days. I kept repeating to myself, "the days are long, but the years are short". I always try to remember that, especially when a sippy cup (full of milk) is flinging through the air directly aimed at me, due to the fact that once again Noelle is unhappy with what is for dinner.
Aside from Noelle's food issues, Libby has been having school issues. We have struggled for the last couple of weeks. Every morning is a battle. There is serious weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth. I could write and write about the times I have sent her out the door, only to have her ringing the doorbell two minutes later, consequently missing the bus. I could also write and write about the theories I have speculated on as to why she is behaving this way. And don't forget the amount of solutions we have tried- bribery, prayers, mantras (i.e. "if Nephi can build a boat, Libby can ride the bus"), yelling, rides to school, etc. I decided yesterday that I could at least eliminate one source of complaints by taking Libby to the doctor. Every morning she tells me she is sick (along with a heap of other excuses). So, we went to the doctor. Bless his heart. He handled it just right. As it happens, I have worked with him in the past- a blessing from a job I worked for only 6 months, that up until this point I had thought was pointless- anyway, Dr. Brown was fabulous and he said all the right things. However, I still had my doubts as to how this morning would go...
It went pretty good. She made it on the bus. That says a lot. The true pay off came tonight. As she was getting ready to go to bed she said to me, "Mom, I know I can ride the bus now because I did it this morning. It was hard, but I did it". On top of that, and even better, when she said her prayers she thanked Heavenly Father for answering her prayer last night that she would be able to go to school without complaining. Whoa baby! Isn't that what a parent lives for? Maybe the last 3 weeks of suffering have been worth it. However, if that is what it takes to teach a child about prayer and persistance and faith, I better gird up my loins for the future.
And as a final happy note, my crazy Ellie came through for me too. No, she hasn't changed her eating habits. She just made me laugh. I told her that she could use the tokens she has earned to get ice cream tomorrow night after her dance recital. She said, "Yes! I want a pink one. I love slurbert!"
One more before I go... Last week she told me, "Mom, I am eck-za-sted" (exhausted). I've said it before and I'll say it again... Noelle, I'm eck-za-sted too!
Noelle and her good friend Max. They look like brother and sister! Bless his little heart for coming and watching her dance recital. 
Payson and Noelle. We only have little boys in the neighborhood for Noelle to play with, so we are so thankful for Paycee, who is pretty close by in Hyde Park. I'm bummed the picture didn't turn out a little better because they are such beautiful little girls.
I thought I would make it up to him by doing a whole post in his honor. I have to be a little sappy for a minute (I warned you). Daren is such a good Dad and husband. I am so grateful for all the hard work he does for our family. 
I think we may be rounding a corner with his business and I can't say that it has anything to do with me. Daren has never given up and I have to give him props (see photo below).
All the kids wanted to share their ring pop with Gracie. She didn' mind (hopefully her mom doesn't either!)
It was cold, but beautiful. I'll have to have my sister post the pictures of the real fun- the sledding photos.
