"I am a Child of God"

Tonight our family home evening lesson was about being children of our Heavenly Father.  At the beginning of the lesson I gave everyone a "test" to see if they could identify each member of our family by their baby picture.  Can you tell who is who?

Baby #1

 

Baby #2

 Baby #3

Baby #4

 

 

Baby#5

Baby#6 

Hyrum's 7th Birthday Video

It's a month late, but I was finally able to finish Hyrum's birthday video.  I love watching these birthday videos, they remind me of the goodness that each of my children have.  This video truly captures our (not so little anymore) Hyrum.  Enjoy!

Half Marathon

Today I ran the Albuquerque half marathon.  I haven't been able to put in the training that I would normally do, so I approached the race with the attitude that I was going to run an even paced race and just enjoy myself.  As I was running I enjoyed the times when I was running alone, it was just me against myself.  I didn't care who passed me or who I passed.  All I cared about was getting a time of 1:45 or better.  I was thrilled to cross the finish line in 1:41:33 (beating my time from when I raced it 2 years ago).  I had met my goal of running an even paced race (7:47/mile) and I was able to finish strong.  I was even surprised to find that I had finished 3rd in my age group.  My only regret is that I was so focused and in my zone as I approached the finish line trying to catch the girl in front of me that I didn't see or hear my family cheering for me.  Last night William had asked me to look over at them as I ran by today and it breaks my heart to know that I didn't fulfill my promise.  I guess I'll have to run another race sometime soon!  I'm grateful to have a family who loves and supports me in whatever endeavor I undertake. 

Singing Solo

During singing time in primary a couple of weeks ago they were talking about courageous people.  There was a list of courageous acts on the board and kids were called to come up one at a time to pick from the list. When William's name was called he went  up and picked to "sing a solo".  The chorister asked if he was feeling courageous and he said he was. She then asked if he knew the song "Called to Serve". He said that he did. He then got really serious and sang the whole song in his lowest voice.  The chorister said she was trying her hardest not to laugh, despite it being so funny.  When I questioned William about it he responded by saying that the paper said to sing "so low."  What a cute and brave boy William is.

Hyrum's 7th Birthday

Hyrum turned 7 a couple of weeks ago.  Since he had a friend party last year, this year we celebrated with just our family.  I let Hyrum decide what he wanted to do and he picked to have a Star Wars Party.  After reading lots of blogs and getting some great ideas we got to work getting everything ready.  When all was said and done here is what we came up with.  We did a Jedi training in which the young (and old) patawans had to complete 5 tasks in order to be granted Jedi status.  

Task #1:  Demonstrate athleticism by completing the obstacle course.  At the end of this task each patawan was awarded a Jedi robe.

  

Task #2:  Demonstrate creativity by constructing a light saber out of pipe insulation and duct tape.

 Task #3:  Demonstrate team work by working with fellow patawans to keep the asteroid (balloon) from hitting the earth.

 

Task #4:  Demonstrate accuracy by shooting the Storm Troopers.  The boys drew storm troopers all over the cement with chalk and then shot them with water guns.  They were so eager to complete this task that by the time I made it outside all the storm troppers had been washed away.

Task #5:  Demonstrate great strength by defeating the dark side.  The boys and I spent all week constructing this death star pinata which was quickly defeated with great enthusiasm.

After being awarded medals and receiving Jedi status, we celebrated with Vader Juice, Yoda Soda and Galactic Grilled Pizza.  We then ate light saber cupcakes and ice cream and opened presents.

 

  

It was such a fun day for everyone.  We love Hyrum and have enjoyed watching him develop into his own person.

Here are some things about him:

-          Within the past month or two he has really taken a liking to Emily.  He loves to play with her and has become very helpful in taking care of her.

-          He still loves to read, though, it is hard to find books he enjoys (he loved the Magic Treehouse series).  His favorites now are A-Z Mysteries and Jigsaw Jones Mysteries.

-          He started playing flag football as an afterschool club.  So far he loves it and has learned a few new skills.

-          He has lost two teeth.

-          His new favorite topic of writing is anything to do with Sonic the Hedgehog.  He often brings home Sonic comic books that he has written during literacy time at school.

-          He says his best friends at school are Sam and Noah, though his brother William continues to be his "best buddy."

-          He loves working with Dad in his shop on Saturday mornings and hitting balls on the golf range with Dad on Daddy dates.

-          He continues to love the freedom of eating “real” treats cooked with milk and eggs.

-     Pizza is his favorite food.  He can out eat Dave, eating 4-5 slices.

Stay tuned for his birthday video (I'm currently experiencing techinical difficulties)  :) 

Reasons to Rejoice

Today is the 11 year anniversary of my mother's passing.  Each year as I reflect on my feelings I find the sorrow lessening and my joy becoming more full.  I find joy in the knowledge that families can be together forever.  Joy in the knowledge that because of Jesus Christ's resurrection my husband and children will be able to meet her one day.  Joy that through the Atonement of my Savior I can feel peace and comfort during times of sadness when I wish more than anything that she was here with me.  Joy in the memories of the wonderful woman my mother was.  Her love was constant.  She comforted me when I was down and celebrated with me when I found success.  She loved to serve others and taught me by example how small and simple things can make a big difference to someone in need.  I am grateful for all the small and simple things she did for me and hope to honor her by living my life as she did hers. 

Emily is One Year Old

Our sweet little Emily is not a baby anymore. As much as I wish she could stay little forever, it just won't happen. She has grown so fast. The past year has been full of indescribable joy and happiness as we've watched her go through each stage of development. Emily has such a calm and sweet spirit about her. She brings great peace to our home. The boys still love her (thank goodness the newness hasn't worn off yet) and have eagerly helped her learn to crawl. We feel so blessed to have Emily in our family.

Here are some things about her:

• She is learning to enjoy table foods
• She can finally pull up to standing, but is far from walking
• She can crawl much faster now
• She says "mama" and "dada" 
• She enjoys transfering things in and out of buckets
• She loves to whistle for our bird Bella
• She has 6 teeth, all of which came in quite close to one another (she handled it like a champ)
• She still loves her blanket and binki, in fact, her whole face lights up and she squeals in delight whenever she sees them
• She continues to act shy around people she doesn't know
• Whenever music is turned on she starts bouncing
• We call her "Emily," "Emmie," "Em," "Little Em," and sometimes I even call her my little "Em and Em" (M&M) cause she's so so sweet :)
• 17 pounds, 28 inches long (1/12/2013)

We celebrated Emily's special day with rainbow cupcakes that the boys helped make. Emily wasn't sure what to think at first, but after a few licks of frosting, she dug right in and devoured her whole cupcake.

Here are some pictures and a video of Emily enjoying her cake, followed by her 1 year birthday video:

Oh how we love our little angel, Emily!