Happy Mothers Day!!!

Happy Mothers day Mommy! I had a picture of me too, but it disappeared somehow? Anyhow, I love you SO much! You are the best mommy ever. I am so proud of you and all that you are doing. You are setting an example for all of your children to follow. I have always been amazed at you and your strength. You are one of the toughest cookies I know. I can feel your strength flow through me as I "progress" as a mother. I am grateful that I have you as an example to lean on and to think of when things may seem hard. You never complained, you did what had to be done and you did it singing and joyfully! Thank you for that! I love you so, so much. I sure hope you know that. Have a great Mothers day!

The letter at the bottom was what Sammi made for me at school - hope you can read it. It made my day. I love being a Mommy! A lady came up to me today and said she just wanted to tell me how she loves it when I share my testimony. I bore my testimony last week about being a mother and the atonement. She told me that she can tell that I love my role as a mother and that she is so grateful that I share that. She made me cry as she expressed her feelings to me. I try so hard to be a good mom, and to be an example to others who may not love being a mother. I try to help others find and feel the joy that can exist in motherhood. It is one of my major goals in life, to be a force for good as a mother. When others recognize that it makes my heart full. : )

I love you all! I hope that all the mothers, and those who act like mothers - by loving the children of others, have a lovely mothers day!

Love, ME

We tried to get some pictures today but William was hungry and when he wants to eat - he cries! It is so funny he sounds like a lamb and his little lip quivers. So some of the pictures of him are pretty silly-looking. It is hard to photograph the little tiny ones. He is cute but pictures hardly capture that.

William Turner

So William was blessed today. It was really nice. Charles did the traditional Lion King hold at the end and everything. In the blessing he used the meaning of his name in a very nice way. William means "Protective Guardian" and Turner means "one who works with wood". He talked about him being a protective guardian in his home and with the gospel. Also, to remember that the Savior was a carpentar who molded the lives of men and that William should do the same. Of course, I do not remember everything, but it was lovely and in unique Charles style - which I adore. I love Charles. He gave a beautiful blessing. William Turner is his official name now. : )

William loves being on his tummy. I try and let him sleep on his tummy during the day. I know you are not "suppose" to let them sleep on their tummies at night. He prefers being on his tummy though - I think it helps with gas! : ) What is also funny is he rolls over from front to back. He lifts his little legs straight up in the air and there he goes!

William is doing well. He is a good boy. He likes to eat - every 2 hours! Phew! That sure makes my nights fun. I have forgotten how tired not getting REM sleep can make you. I am trying to get him on a better schedule. It helps that we go to bed at a reasonable time. We will get it all worked out.

It is so weird having number 3. It seems so normal, so natural. I am glad of that. I also feel really good. After the first week I feel SO much better. I am going to start walking tomorrow. I am excited about that. I feel great. I have recovered so much faster this time it is amazing what the exercising during pregnancy did. I plan to be even better next time. My doctor has a 4 week recovery rule not 6 weeks - I am so excited for that! That means I have less than 2 weeks and I am allowed to go for it again. Hooray!

I remember with Sammi I was able to rest, relax and enjoy the new baby time. With number three I was not expecting that. Good thing. A few days after giving birth I had to take Sammi to and from school hauling all the kids up and down three flights of stairs. I am glad I stayed in shape so I could carry the carseat! Fun stuff. I was quickly back into the routine of things. Cleaning, cooking, rearranging furniture : ). I was tired in the beginning but I knew, and know, this time goes quickly and I will be at full strength again soon - I plan to be even better!

Charles took the kids for a run. William is with me. It is so quiet when they all go. I have been so grateful for the help that Charles has given me. He has been in finals but he has still been so helpful. Also, he is done! Today was his very last day of Law school - Hooray! It has gone by so quickly I can harldy believe it! 3 years gone and done just like that!

Well, I better go now. I hope you are all well. We will be blessing Will on Sunday - Mothers day. Also, we are going on a trip to Boise on Monday to find a place to live there - FUN! I am so excited to move. It is a great family place. I love moving and new places.

Lots of love!

Mari

2 weeks old