Crazy May!

May was so busy....and crazy...and fun. The only way to document it is in collages. So, here goes......



It started with a great mothers' day! I love being a mother - and am so grateful for 5 unique and crazy kids. The kids and Brandon gave me a watch that I have been wanting....love it! (it was obviously sunny - check out my eyes and ava cowering in my shoulder from the brightness)



Lots of school programs, graduations, and saying goodbye to fabulous teachers. Kason graduated from sixth grade - now onto the big JR HIGH! He even played the graduation commencement song on the piano for their graduation. All of the kids did excellent in school - and had a wonderful year.



Dance competitions/recitals galore! Jaicee and Halle both had a few each.



Plenty of soccer, basketball, and baseball to last for a year. But we decided to do it in one month. Kason was playing soccer, baseball, and basketball; Braden played tball and soccer; Jaicee and Halle both played soccer.



We had 19 seven year olds over for a birthday party. It was lots of fun, but I don't think I will do quite that many again!



I happily attended Jaicee's fieldtrip to antelope island. Let's just say when the sign at the entrace flashes: "Bugs, Bugs, Bugs, and Biting Gnats" they are not kidding! My head was covered in gnats and I came home with bites all over my neck and head. At least it was memorable! The kids also went with Dad on a hiking/hunting/rhino adventure one night. Oh, and Halle graduated from "RAD Kids" at her school. If you don't know much about RAD Kids - look it up; I was extremely impressed on the curriculum! It teaches the kids all about strangers, bullies, how to get away from danger, and empowering kids to talk if they are ever threatened.

Whew....we survived May! It was questionable for a while....I think May is busier than December!

Craziness!!

I have not posted the past couple of weeks, not because I haven't desparately wanted to, but because of pure craziness! It seems like we have had more things/projects to do the past couple of weeks than normal. And my large belly in front of me is stopping me from going as fast as I am usually able to. So, here is a little recap....

First a weekend with 10 of my closest friends!

We started doing this three years ago, and it has become a yearly tradition. We were all great friends in high school, and still see each other regularly. I have had many people tell me how rare this is - and I believe it. What is even more rare is that all of these women are remarkable, and I learn so much from them about being a mother, friend, wife, and person from them. I feel so blessed to have them in my life. This was the first time that we were all together - many flying in from very far away - and it was wonderful!

We laughed, cried, ate, stayed up way to late talking, and shopped until we were exhausted. It was pure joy! We also gave each other our "favorite things". This is always a highlight of the trip. We each bring/make our favorite thing for the year - and give one to each person. We decided that it is better than Christmas, because we will genuinely use everything we receive.

It was such a fun weekend, and I am so grateful for wonderful friends.

Next was preparing for my Dad's 60th Birthday Party. It was a surprise - and that is no easy feat to pull off with my Dad! I decided to make a DVD of his life, which turned out great - but was a lot of time. I had to scan most of the pictures (because they were older), and of course my scanner didn't work which meant I had to go to my mother-in-laws house. This makes it so much more difficult. Not to mention that I really didn't start until the week of, (I always work better under pressure). Needless to say, it turned out great, and I had fun doing it!

He really was happy - just didn't smile for the camera

We actually did surprise my Dad, and the party was a success! Many friends and family were there and it was a night to remember.

Looking pretty good at 60!

There was actually another surprise to add to the party, that even my mom did not know about. My sister Sharielle flew into town to surprise my parents. She arrived after the party started, rang the doorbell, and my Dad answered. Lets just say it was the best surprise....tears were flowing from both parents. That is always the way we know if we pulled off a good surprise! Shaundee and I definitely had to do some creative lying to pull this one off - but it was worth it.

Best of all, we got to take a picture of all of our pregnant bellies together. Something that will not happen again, seeing as Shaundee is ready to have a baby any day now!

Shar - 20 wks, Me- 34 wks, Shaundee - 38 wks


Oh yea, and on Saturday was my dance group's spring show! Halle and Jaicee did so great, and it is nice to have it finished. My body couldn't take another week of jumping up and down with 3 year olds! So, between the dress rehearsal the day before, and the show, it was a busy weekend to say the least!

Best of all, however, was being with my sisters! We don't get to all be together very often, so it is definitely time I cherish. We laugh until we cry - literally, and it is so much fun. Thanks Shar for flying out and spending time with us!