Congratulations Dad & Pam

Welcome to the family Pam!

This is why We LOVE HIM

We have loved hiking lately and at times Christian will carry both of our children up the hill! Notice Kate's smile!
Benton loves time with his Dad and wants to be just like him. Here Christian is waiting to hop on a train with Benton, notice how they are both balancing on the rails.
Kate has always been a mommy's girl but she taking a liking to her dad lately. She thinks he is so funny and she loves being on his back!

And we can't forget "Mr. Pajama Head Man." (Created by Christian) Both the kids love it when he puts those PJ's on his head and turns into someone else.
We hope you have a great Father's Day!

4 Years and Feeling Different

It has been 4 years today that my mom has been gone. Finally this year I don't really feel like she is too far away. For some reason I am able to remember her and am thankful for her instead of having the aching and empty feeling. A few of the things I have been remembering about her are:
Her testimony. We would go to the temple every Friday together to see my dad's session at the SL Temple.

Service, service, service. As she was in the hospital and we knew the end was coming people came in her room and told story after story of how she helped them. Stories like: She was first one in the neighborhood that came over to meet us and she came to help unload the boxes, She was the one that stayed the longest when we were moving and cleaned all the toilets in the house, She read with the kids at the elementary (after we had all moved past that point), she came and helped clean my yard.

She always encouraged us to do our best and she told me more than once to "buck up." I am laughing just thinking about her saying that and how I use the term now.

She walked probably every day of her life. She would be out there no matter what the weather was like. She never complained if she didn't have a car either because she was sharing with one of us kids or it needed repair or something, she would just walk to wherever she needed to go.

When I got home from my mission she knew I was having a hard time and encouraged me to go to California to visit some friends and then called every day I was there and told me about the great things going on at home so I wouldn't want to stay forever in California.

Before I got married I had my tonsils removed and she stayed home with me every day while I was recovering and went daily (and sometimes more) to Blockbuster and would rent us a movie to watch.

She was completely selfless.

She loved Neilson's Frozen Custard and even ate a whole cup of it even after she was diagnosed with diabetes.

I am thankful she is my mom!

Little B

One thing I LOVE about a 2 year old is the funny conversations they have. Here are a few:

(I was getting ready to go to the temple with Christian and walked out in a long purple skirt)
B: "Mommy are you a princess?"
(then he turns to his Aunt Alisa who was coming to watch him, who happened to be wearing green pants)
B: "and Alisa are you a frog?"

Me: Hey Benton do you want _____ (anything from strawberries, to a story, to going to the park)
B: "Yes please, of course." (I think he says that like 18 times a day, and it never gets old)

Me: "Oh no Benton I can't find my wallet."
B: "Don't worry Mommy we will find it." ( and sure enough he walks into the back room and comes back with my wallet.)

He is also figuring out emotions right now and can tell when I am mad or frustrated. If I am not talking to him for a little while and then I will ask him a question he always says "You aren't mad any more Mommy?" (but in his cute little voice that makes me want to give him anything his little heart desires.

I just love that little boy!





(Pics taken at the Great Salt Lake)
Stinky, rocky, beautiful sunset

7 Months

I have LOVED having this little girl for the last 7 months. She is currently:
Sitting
Rolling around the room
Trying to crawl
Uses her voice to visit
Loves her brother
Loves to eat whatever we are having
Can swing in the baby swings at the park and loves it
Called "Baby Kate" or "Baby Girl"
In the 100% for height and 87% for weight (18 pounds)
Waves to us
Is mad when a toy is taken from her
and makes us happy

A couple of days ago I was getting both kids loaded in the car. I put Kate in her car seat and went back to get Benton. As we were walking to the car Benton slipped and split his lip open. There was blood and he was quite sad about it. As I finally got him loaded in the car he turns to tell Kate the story.
K: using her sounds
B: Yeah Kate that is right I hurt my lip
K: still using her sounds
B: Yeah see right here (and shows her his swollen lip)
we keep driving towards the museum
K: still talking away
B: No Kate that is the Library not the museum
K: loving that he is paying attention to her
B: See Kate right here this is the museum where we play balls and ride the horse

I was loving this interaction. I can't wait for them to grow up together.

Thank You

I am sure most people know that when you go through something difficult there are always people supporting and comforting you along the way. I have truly felt this. Thank you to all those that have thought about, prayed for, called to see how things are, watched my children, and have supported me and my family, we have felt loved!

Simply Tragic

I awoke this morning to the sort of news you never want to hear. My dear sweet nephew Wyatt has passed away. I know life is so fragile but when an accident like this happens it truly makes you put your thoughts in persepective and desire to love those you do have. My heart is aching for my sister Danielle and Beau.
As we were driving home I noticed how green and alive our world is becoming. My thoughts were turned to Easter and my Savior and the joy that came after three days. The resurection gives us hope and comfort especially during these times. I am thankful for the plan of happiness and the love our Savior has for each of us.