Happy 60th Birthday Mom

Today, my sweet mom turned 60 years old!

We celebrated over the weekend by going to dinner and to see "The Scarlet Pimpernel". I have seen this show a couple of times in New York - and forgot how hilarious it was!

Such a fun night, but we missed Sharielle and Lee.

(The shoe picture is because Shaundee had to document my "fun" shoes for the night)



Then on Sunday we had dinner with all of the grandkids...and gave Mom her present...



Ta - Da.....a picture book of her life. I finally did it (thanks Sherine for the vote of confidence), and did a book on Blurb.com. It turned out beautifully. But, definitely took a lot of time! (Hence the reason I didn't blog for over a month). It was so fun - and I think I will do it again!

My Mom loved it (you always know if she likes a present by how many tears are shed. Many, many were shed for this present. So, SUCESS).

I love you Mom! Happy 60th! I hope I (I mean Shaundee and Sharielle) get to make you another book for your 90th Birthday!

Reasons We Love Bear Lake

We love Bear Lake. My kids love it, my husband has wonderful childhood memories there, and I adore the peaceful, beautiful, crystal blue waters! There is so much to love about Bear Lake....hear are a few things we love best:




1. Mowing the lawn/weeds that haven't been touched for an entire year!



2. Making an awesome 4-wheeler maze from that extremely long grass/weeds.




3. Taking a family bike ride to get lunch. 7 miles roundtrip....and even Braden and Halle made it without complaining. So much fun!



4. The reward for our long bike ride....Bear Lake Raspberry Shakes at La Beau's!



5. The refreshingly chilly waters of the lake, crystal blue color, and beautiful scenery!



6. Digging endlessly in the sand



7. Hiking to the breathtaking Bloomington Ponds (I love my husband...hiking with three kids in tow!)



8. Being brave enough to go off the rope swing into the freezing cold water. (notice the snow in the background...and it was a long drop!)



9. Eating delicious food at the cookout



10. Seeing the best play this side of the Rocky Mountains



11. Cleaning the theater afterwards



12. Roasting hot dogs and marshmellows until 1 am



13. Getting up early the next morning for a round of golf



14. Learning to ride a motorcycle for the first time



15. Playing in the treehouse Dad made



16. Loving every minute we get to spend together at this heavenly place

Let's Celebrate

Our Fourth of July weekend was full of fun.



Kason had a baseball tournament




We all had fun watching him




And, then we had fun celebrating our country's independance by parading, swimming, eating homemade ice cream, and watching fireworks.

I love the Fourth of July! It is the epitome of summertime.

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??