Pictures

These pictures were taken after our last huge snowstorm. Notice in the picture of Andraia and her friend that the snow basically reaches the bottoms of the swings!

"Just Because" flowers from my honey!

Student of the Week!!

Spencer is such a great kid, but he usually isn't the 'squeaky wheel' who gets recognized for the things he does. He's usually on the honor roll at school because he's smart as a whip and works hard to make sure all of his homework is done on time. He takes real pride in doing a good job. And he is such a kind boy. So, today when he came home and casually said 'I'm student of the week, and when they announced it, they said my name wrong.' I didn't hear the last part of the sentence because I was so excited to hear the 'student of the week' part!

I'm super proud of him!!

Here's his handsome picture.

For Those Really Tough Days

A friend of mine posted this on her blog about our sweet, little Brayden....

Over the last few weeks I have completely fallen in love with this kid. He will sit beside me, his legs crossed Indian style on his chair, with his little hand in mine. Or he will sit on my lap, usually with a hand in my hair. Every once in a while he'll briefly look at me, I don't know if he is seeing me but I see him and I can't help but kiss his little cheeks.

....I can't tell you how much it means to hear that Brayden is melting hearts and making people happy. Over the last several years I have come to realize that he is a gift from Heavenly Father. Not just our gift. Everyone's gift. And we need to share him with other people.

Thanks to my wonderful friend for reminding me! I need to remember this for the days when life gets really hard.

16 Years

Earl and I celebrated our 16 wedding anniversary tonight. The actual date was yesterday, but when you have to be at a class in SLC from 6-8 on Thursdays, it makes it hard to do much celebrating.

We had some wonderful babysitters tonight who really love our kids like they were their own. Thanks you guys for making us a part of your family! It makes it so much easier to go have fun and know they are all having fun, too!

We had a pretty 'basic' date-night, but since that doesn't happen very often, we really enjoyed it! Dinner at Mimi's, good conversation (still mostly about the kids, but less interruptions!)

It was very nice! Love you sweetie!

New Background?

I decided it was time to change my blog background because it has been a week since Spencer's birthday.....but The Cutest Blog on the Block is having problems with their server. So, until they're back up or I get time to find another background source, this is it. Exciting, huh? If anyone knows of a great, easy source for backgrounds, let me know!!

Spencer

Tomorrow is Spencer's birthday!!! The big 1-2! I can't believe he's 12 already. I'm really not that old, I promise. Enjoy the Birthday Background!

Reflections of 2008

What a year:

We're all a year older.
We had some major trips to the hospital.
We took a wonderful, much needed, family vacation.
We enjoyed some really great art exhibits, thanks to Spencer.
We spent lots of time in our pool this summer.
We took lots of trips to the Zoo and Aquarium.

I have been caught off guard by my emotions several times over the past few days. I'm sure it has something to do with it being the start of a new year.

One of my dear friends is also experiencing some heartache right now. Seeing her go through this and wanting to find a way to help her has made me remember all of the blessings we have experienced through other people this year.

My heart is full with love for everyone who helped us through this year. We experienced some really hard times, some really wonderful times, and lots of just everyday times. I'm glad some of those specific hard times are over, but I wouldn't give them up because they taught me so much. I am closer to my friends, family and ward members because of them. We've had people with us every step of the way to help us, celebrate with us, hold our hands, listen to our fears, and just be there. I can't express how thankful I am for each and every one of them. I know I don't show it enough, but I really do love them!!