This is a picture of Spencer on his first day of Kindergarten.
Isn't he little and cute?

I decided the only reason he was smiling in this picture is because he had no idea what he was getting into with school when I took it. I remember being so proud when I dropped him off that first day- he went in without a fuss while all the other kids were crying and carrying on. I remember thinking, wow, I must be a great mom- my son is so well adjusted. (LOL) The next day and every other day of kindergarten while all the other kids went to class without a fuss Spencer was the one crying and carrying on. Oh my, lets hope my mothering skills had nothing to do with THAT kind of behavior.

Anyway, when I picked him up after school that first day his teacher said, "Spencer is SO funny. Around 10 am he asked when you were going to come a get him. When I told him 2 pm. He said, "oh no, there must be some mistake. My mom wouldn't leave me here that long." I can just hear him saying that- poor kid. I am afraid school has been a tough thing for him from the start but he has done great! We're so proud of you Spencer for working hard and getting good grades. We love you!

Last spring Robert and I spent the weekend together in Paris- it was awesome! This is a picture of us on the train- I think it is the only picture we got before our camera died.

Have you ever wondered what it is like to drive in Naples? Well, I decided it would be fun to take a video so you could experience it yourself. I was too nervous to record and drive during rush hour so I waited until ripposo (the middle of the day when most people go home to take a nap). Anyway, this is a pretty mild version of what can be expected daily on the streets of our little town. Enjoy!

I know, I know- it is supposed to be wordless Wednesday but I just couldn't help myself.

Spencer is celebrating his tenth birthday in just a few days and I really can't believe it! I am so grateful to have this little boy in my life. He is such a good kid- so loving and thoughtful and kind. Oh, he can't be a stinker, don't get me wrong but he really is a tenderhearted child... and I love that!

Shortly after Robert and I were married I was called to serve in the Young Women's organization in our Ward. It was a fun calling becasue I wasn't much oldder than the girls I was teaching. I remember one Mother's day I was asked to give the combined lesson in Young Women's on Motherhood. I thought that was strange since I was the only member of the Presidency who was NOT a mom. But I did it and I am here to tell you that that assignment changed everything.

At that point in my life I had a plan: finish school, work for a few years, buy a house, settle down, start a family. It was a nice, neat, totally organized plan. It was what I had always imagined would happen. BUT I gave the lesson and in preparing for it my heart was softened. I knew with out a doubt that God had something different in mind for me. Not that my plan was bad but that His plan was better. When I gave the lesson that Mother's Day I sobbed the whole way through- I don't think the girls got a thing from it but when I was done I knew that I needed prepare myself to be a mom a lot sooner than I had originally anticipated.

Exactly one year and one day later on May 11th 1999 Spencer was born! What a blessing!!

I have often wondered over the years, did it really matter that he was born when he was? Would it really have made a difference if I had followed my plan and waited a few more years to have children? Well, I guess time has answered that question for me- for variuous reasons over the the last 4 1/2 years we have not been able to have another baby. You see, if I had waited like I had planned I might not ever have known the joy of Motherhood. I might have missed the opperutnity to raise Spencer and Ross. I guess God knows what he is doing afterall.

Anyway, I am grateful for this little boy in my life. I know he is here in our family, right now for a reason. I know that he has something speical to give and something important to learn. I am grateful to be a part of helping him become who God needs him to be. Being his momis a great joy and a blessing!

Mandy recently posted about potty training Cohen. I came across this picture of Ross' potty training days. Momma Mia! I guess if it is not toys in the toilet- it is undies on the head!