T-ball...

So Laura is now an official t-ball player. Her first practice was last Friday and she had so much fun. We bought her a mitt a couple weeks ago (of course it's pink and black) and we also found a brand new mitt at Deseret Industries that we got Kaitlyn so she could practice with her big sister.  Kaitlyn and I took Laura to practice and her coaches are really nice.  There are 13 kids on her team, two happen to be great friends of hers from school.

Laura's coaches allowed Kaitlyn to practice with them.  She had a great time.

Can you tell that Laura has a small head?  She practically swims in the batting helmets.

All ready to go.

Kaitlyn did a great job batting.

Laura hit the ball on her first try.

Her helmet flew off as she ran to first base.  She's the fastest girl on the team, at least from what we could tell.  I think it's because she has little wind resistance due to being such a tiny girl.

I am so pleased that Laura is trying her best at something new.  She hasn't gotten frustrated (yet) and she really is trying.  And I'm so glad that she doesn't mind that Kaitlyn is participating in her own little way.  Those two are so competitive sometimes.  I'm already beginning to dread teenagehood.

Laura Lou...

On April 14, 2004, my life forever changed.  I became a mother. 

We were blessed with the gift of our beautiful daughter, Laura Mackenzie.  She seemed like such a tiny thing, naturally newborns seem tiny, but she was so small and her features so perfect.

Motherhood wasn't easy at first (is it ever?)... in fact the first two weeks I cried myself to sleep each night because I was afraid that Heavenly Father would decide to take back my perfect little girl.  I think Aaron thought I was going crazy.  It did get better.

When Laura began to smile and laugh we discovered her dimples.  How I love her dimples!

We lived in Durham (Chico area) at the time and loved going to Bidwell Park.  It was fun to see Laura discover the world around her.

Laura is now six years old.  Where has the time gone?

What I love about Laura...

*her sweet smile (she still has the dimples!)

*her creative imagination

*her artistic abilities

*the way she plays patiently with Avery

*listening to her tell Kaitlyn bedtime stories after we've turned out the light

*her love of nature

*her curiosity

*she is so smart

*she loves school (like her mom)

*she cares about the people around her

*she gives great hugs and kisses.

Of course there are many more things I love about Laura.  It's impossible to narrow everything down or even to put it all into words.  I love being a mother.  Other than the blessing of a wonderful eternal companion it has been by far the greatest blessing in my life.  I pray that my children learn as much from me as I do from them.