Lucky 13

13 Years ago I became the luckiest girl....

Lucky that I married the most wonderful man in the world!

Lucky that he is an incredible person inside

Lucky that he taught me the importance of being selfless and serving others

Lucky that he shows me through his example how to be patient

Lucky that he has an innate sense of right and wrong

Lucky that he is the most amazing father

Lucky that he loves to get down on the floor and play hard with our kids

Lucky that he is good at everything he does and anything he tries

Lucky that he knows how to fix anything

Lucky that he has an uncanny work ethic

Lucky that he wanted to marry me

LUCKY THAT HE IS MINE!

How Can It Be?

It has come so quickly.

My baby's first year of life is complete.

And I am sad :(



No more newborn cry or smell; no more "yellow popcorn poop"; no more sitting in one place - unable to move - and happy as can be; no more first tooth; no more first babble; no more first smile and laugh.......(sigh).

I really am mourning the fact that she is already one. Why am I having such a hard time with this?

But, I am looking forward to her first steps, first word, first tantrum (maybe not), her little personality developing. Oh, how I love babies!

Just sad that mine is growing up and will soon not be a baby anymore.

On a happier note - we had lots of fun celebrating her 1st birthday. She thought it was great being able to dig into her very own cake....and open presents....and have everyone sing to just her.






Oh Ava - you will always be my "baby". I love you so much and am so grateful to call you MINE! You bring complete happiness to our family.

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY!!

All things Girlie

I haven't mentioned about Mothers' Day or my great "Girlie Weekend" with my dear friends.



First off....my weekend with my friends was absolutely delightful! I always learn so much from our coversations; they motivate me to be a better mother; we have discussions until wee hours of the morning; we exchange our annual "favorite things"; and I just love these girls so much! I look forward to this weekend all year - and it never dissappoints.

This year we spent time in sunny St. George shopping, eating, spaing, eating, talking, and eating. (Did I mention eating?) I feel so blessed to have these amazing women in my life.



Mothers Day was fabulous. I love the homemade cards and gifts from the kids...they are by far my favorite gift.



It is crazy to think that I am the mother of 5 kids! FIVE.....that is a lot of responsibility. I am grateful that I have been entrusted with these amazing children.

There is nothing harder or more rewarding than being a mother....and I love it!

Being a mother has definitely made me appreciate my own mom....who is amazing. Thanks Mom for raising me the way you did. You always wanted the best for me, and taught me what true determination and dedication is. I love you!

And thanks to Brandon's mom...who raised him to be an honorable, wonderful, caring, and motivated dad and husband. You are an incredible woman with so many talents and gifts. You bless our lives!

Happy Mom's Day!

Happy Birthday Sis!

Shaundee, me, Sharielle (central park '07)

My littlest sister (even though she is 5 inches taller than I am) Sharielle had a birthday....and I couldn't let it pass without mentioning how wonderful I think she is! She has put up with a lot, being the youngest of the family...(even being told she was adopted when she was little, because Shaundee wanted her to think that she wasn't as loved by our mom and dad!).

She is easy to tease, lovable, HILARIOUS, very loyal, a great listener, witty, can quote movie lines like no one else I know, a fashionista, and a wonderful mom!

Oh, how I love her and am so grateful to call her my sister!!

Happy Birthday Sis......wish you were here to celebrate with! How about we meet in NY and celebrate??

She's 6

Phew....I have so much to catch up on! Why is life always like this, why can't I stay on top of things?? Oh well, I better start catching up.....



Halle turned 6 years old a couple of weeks ago. She has been anticipating this day for about 4 months. She started counting down when there was 64 days until her birthday. That is a long countdown.

We celebrated with presents, pancakes, balloons, and dinner at Training Table (her choice...and who doesn't want cheese fries for their birthday?)



Her favorite present was the 3 pound bag of bubble gum that her dad got her! (Why do dad's always come through with the favorite present?)

She also celebrated a few days later with 20 of her friends at a local gymnastics place. They had a blast!



I think she would agree that it was a great birthday!

We love you Halle...and have since the moment you entered this world as our little peanut (7 lbs 13 oz is tiny for us). We didn't know if you were a boy or a girl....and were definitely shocked when you were a girl! You haven't stopped surprising us since that moment. We love your spunk, personality, convinction, smiling eyes, beautiful hair, sweet voice, and every little inch of you! Happy Birthday Lou Lou!

NASCAR Time

I know there are many people that love NASCAR races.....but Brandon and I are not some of them. So, imagine my shock when Brandon came home one day and said he wanted to go see a NASCAR race in Phoenix!

"What? Please don't tell me this is going to be added to your hobby list....you already have a few too many of those." I said

He assured me it was just a "once in a lifetime" opportunity. (Hmm....where have I heard that before..)

So, off he went to meet his cousins in Phoenix, AZ for a weekend of racing.



They had VIP passes on pit road, were supposed to meet Kyle Bush (he had to go to the bathroom - so they settled for his girlfriend instead....I am sure they were so disappointed :)), and even had a strict dress code of pants and a shirt with sleeves! Yes, you heard me right...you cannot go on pit road in cut off shorts and a white tank top. Oh, how disappointed Brandon was (yeah right)!



He claims they had a great time, got to see some very interesting people, were amazed at all the RV's in the middle of the race track, and even saw a couple of girls riding motorized coolers! (only at NASCAR).

Easter Bliss

I love Easter. Mainly because it means it is finally spring (or supposed to be)! I love tulips, the crisp warming air, the warm sun (which we have so missed) beating down on our face. All of the pink and white blossoms on the trees. The kids wanting to constantly play outside......

I LOVE SPRING!








Luckily we did have some semi-warm weather for Easter Sunday.....so the kids could find eggs outside for once!

And what is Easter without a good old air soft gun fight???? (WHAT?) There were even casualties this time!

I also love Easter because it is a time that I can reflect on the sacrifice of my Savior, and that He was resurrected. I hope that although Easter is a lot of "fun", my kids will remember the real reason we celebrate this Easter holiday.