The big 8

How she got to 8 whole years so fast is beyond me!  This little girl is sweet, sassy, sensitive, loving, honest, silly, happy, devoted, caring, and everything in between.  I am so proud to be her mom!
I love you Elli!

Father's Day

I am so blessed to have many amazing men in my life.  A husband who makes me laugh everyday, supports me in everything I do, and offers encouragement, kind words, and love constantly is enough to make me feel like the luckiest girl in the world.  But on top of that, I have a wonderful dad who has always been there for me. He offers support, encouragement, and compassion.  I feel better just having him around. This year we can add Steve's dad to my list of Father's Day blessings.  He is so much like Steve, so need I say more?  Nothing not to like!  

I am so thankful for the "dad's" in my life, how they honor their Priesthood, and exemplify all the good things of family, faith, and fun.

Our daddy was lucky enough to get a scrumptious breakfast in bed from his little boy.

I couldn't resist letting Carter join. He was SO excited about making it for him and even more so joining in the feast!

The kids each picked Steve out a present and spent a good hour of their Sunday decorating them.

So you think you can dance?

Pure talent I tell you, pure talent.

They get it from me.

Preschool graduate

As you can tell by the plugged ears and his far proximity from the rest of the group- he wasn't about to participate.

Even with his cute empty chair waiting for him and all his little friends enjoying their performance, he found too much enjoyment on the picnic table.

He started at the fence, then gradually made his way from the fence to the picnic table.

This is as good as it got for the day.

Mom's Day

 

This year I had two great days in a row- birthday and mothers day back to back!  This cute little girl made me breakfast in bed. Complete with a flower! She looks forward to this part of Mother's day for months and woke Steve up bright and early to help her. 

I wish I could say the kids were angels for my special days, but they were on one.  They knew it too, and by Sunday night they felt really bad and tried to make it up to me with back scratches. Until they started fighting about who got a longer turn.  Thus, the day ended.  We will see what happens next year!

I also want to thank my own wonderful mother and mother in law (a week late), how thankful and blessed I am. They are wonderful mom's and examples. I love you!

#29 and counting...

This here cake has been the death of my diet.  The BEST carrot cake ever- and completely worth blowing my diet for!  Thanks Kate!

 

We had Dave, Kate, and Natalie over for dinner and they brought the cute, yummy cake.  Steve cooked a great bbq dinner and let me rest for the afternoon after having a garage sale that morning. The kids got me a penguin pillow pet and were thrilled. It was a fun birthday! I just wish the years would wind backwards from now on!

The last few days

The last few days have been many things-

• Spiritual- Steve and I went to the temple this week and it felt wonderful
• Relieved- Steve got a job and starts a week from tomorrow
• Sad- a sweet ward member of ours, a young pregnant mom to 3, passed away suddenly leaving everyone in shock. 
• Humbled- The funeral was almost 3 hours and was full of inspiring words that touched everyone
• Thankful- I have so much to be thankful for this Mothers day.  I love being a mom and having so many mom examples in my life
• Old- As of yesterday, one year from 30.  I prefer to delay that 30 mark for a bit longer.
• Healthier- I am trying to eat healthier and exercise more. Hopefully soon it will be healthy, without ier. 
• Organized- Had a successful yard sale and got rid of a lot of junk
• Snuggly- The kids gave me a penguin pillow pet for my birthday. 
• Grateful- A new niece joined our family on Friday.  Can't wait to meet little Makenna!
• Dreading- School starts tomorrow for summer block.  Having only two classes won't be bad but a week off has been great.
• Appreciative- Glad I had this week to spend with my husband before he starts work and I go to school. It was much needed. He is so good to me! I love our time together and appreciate he treats me like a queen.  
• Sweet- Just ate another slice of the amazing carrot cake my sister-in-law made for my birthday. It is heaven!  
• Encouraged- Everything happens for a reason and purpose under Heavens power
• Blessed- It all ads up to blessing after blessing!