Car Show

On Saturday I took the boys to a local car show. They were in heaven around all those cars and trucks.

Hyrum thought it was cool being as tall as the tire of this monster truck.

"Wow, I don't know how that monster trucks does that!"

Old Santa Fe Firetruck

Fireman #1 in training

Fireman #2 in training

Sitting in the "real" firetruck

I LOVE having boys!!!

Williamina

While we were babysitting three little girls the other day I looked over and saw William wearing this Snow White headband. I guess this may just be the closest I get to having a girl! :)

Cousins + Popsicles = Bliss

The simple joy of eating popsicles with those you love.

Notice how the chairs are all lined up on the same side of the table....the kids put them like that because they all wanted to sit next to each other. Isn't that sweet?

4th of July Celebration

Since the 4th fell on a Sunday this year we had our annual celebration last night. At first the boys were dissappointed that there wouldn't be a bicycle parade at the church; however, their dissappointment didn't last too long once they found out we'd be having a BBQ and doing fireworks with their cousins, Addie and Violet. We had a great time enjoying a little fiddle music, eating delicious kabobs, playing a friendly game of baseball and, of course, putting on our own firework show. It was fun seeing such excitment in the kids' faces as they watched the fireworks. It was even more fun watching the excitment in Dave and Don's faces as they had tank wars against each other (a nastalgic childhood favorite). What fun it is to have family living so close to us now!

Motherhood: An Eternal Partnership with God

The last couple of days have been difficult for me- physically, spiritually and emotionally. Yet tonight, while sitting in my room ironing the endless pile of clothes on my bed I felt my burdens lifted as I listened to the words of Elder Holland regarding motherhood. I've posted the link below in hopes that this short video can also lighten the load of other mothers who feel weighed down by all that this sacred calling entails.

What a tremendous blessing it is to be a mother, raising our Heavenly Father's choice children. I feel honored to be part of such a remarkable work!

Motherhood: An Eternal Partnership with God

Catching Up

Wow, it seems like I blinked and several months passed by. So much has happened, but I don't have time to write about it all (and you don't have time to read about it all either), so here's a quick catch-up on just a few of the things we've been up to.



Trip to Utah

We took a quick trip up to Utah to celebrate Mother's Day with our famlies. Gunnison was our first stop. We had a great time jumping on the trampoline, going pot gut hunting, swimming at the local pool, touring the firestation and just visiting with family. Then we headed up to Provo where we stayed up late, ate way too much candy and played video games (well, at least Dave did). We also went to Jungle Jim's Playland with cousins and took a trip up to Logan to visit Grandma Chris' grave. We loved spending time with family.

Picking "flowers" for Grandma Chris.

Hyrum and William loved being with their cousins.

Eating pretzles with his toes...he's way too inventive.

"Arghhh"

Praying that the car ride will be over soon.

Enjoying Summer in the Backyard

After going to seed, our grass is finally green, thicker and soft enough to play on. We've spent many hours outside this summer enjoying the warm Albuquerque sun.

Thomas' first lizard...thanks Dad for catching him, thanks mom for not cooking him for dinner.

Staying cool.

Lovin' the new slip n' slide.




At first the boys couldn't quite figure out how to get themselves down the slip n' slide so daddy had to help them out a bit.

Watching Thomas Grow

Our little Thomas is growing up way too fast. He now crawls, is starting to cruise just a bit, and he no longer likes his pureed mush at mealtimes (he wants the real thing). He is such a delight to have in our home. He has certainly captured all of our hearts.

Just about time for his first haircut, don't you agree?

How can mommy resist a face like that?

Pulling up to standing for the first time. William was right there to cheer him on.

Crawling...time to re-babyproof the house.

Families Can Be Together Forever

I don't usually use this blog as a place to share personal thoughts and feelings; however, today I will make an exception. Maybe someone out there reading this blog needs to hear what I have to say.

Today marks the 8-year anniversary of my mother's passing. I've had many thoughts and feelings about this today, and though one would expect those to be feelings of pain and sorrow, I have felt great peace and joy. As I sat in the temple this morning I was reassured that I will see my mother again. I'm grateful that her passing took place so close to Easter/springtime, when my thoughts are generally more directed towards the Savior and his triumph over death. He was resurrected, breaking the bands of death and as a result we will all live again. Of this I am certain! How wonderful it is to have this knowledge, this peace, this hope. My family is the most important thing to me and I am grateful to know that we can be together forever. Maybe you can take a moment to think about that...together forever...because of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Because of this knowledge and these feelings I've had today, I've taken the time to squeeze my kids and husband a little tighter. I've said "I love you" a little more often. And I've taken the time to just enjoy my family more than I usually do. Life is uncertain and sometimes downright hard and painful, but despite it all we can find joy and happiness each day, knowing that there is greater plan and a Heavenly Father who loves us beyond comprehension.

Smile....life is good!