Happy Graduation Maile!

May Enrichment Night

We had a group of people with Down-syndrome that came and put on a show for us. They did such an amazing job! It was really good and fun to watch them. They have no fear! No restrain. They love being up there dancing and showing off for the world to see! They had one that was an amazing singer. Another played the piano beautifully! I love Audrey! She gave a few little talks and said..it shouldn’t be called “Down-syndrome”, ‘cause nothing gets them “Down”..it should be called “Up-syndrome!” Isn’t that the truth! Also said “sometimes people don’t invite us into their groups with them, so we are inviting you in to ours!” I love that!

Happy Birthday G!

Last week was SUCH a BUSY BUSY week for me..so I didn’t get to blog much. With G’s birthday, and our anniversary, Enrichment, J’s school late nights,  VT and everything else to do..I am just getting to it!

2007

2008

2009

2010

My little boy turned 3! A BIG 3. I can’t believe it! I’ve been a mom for 3 fabulous years to this little guy. He is amazing in every way. What a joy and blessing he is/has been to us! A sweet little guy. Polite and caring, loving, outgoing and busy busy busy..with a little bit of sass..but mostly just a big heart.

We celebrated …almost a whole week. My parents were here the weekend before and gave him presents then, we went to dinner on Wed for his b-day and gave him our presents. Then Friday had cake and ice cream with J’s parents (and got presents from them) who were on  their way through..then again he got another happy birthday song and cake and presents on Sunday. Wow..I hope he realizes birthdays are only 1 day!..and not 8 :). But it was a fun week.

He LOVES Toy Story right now. I really can’t believe it took us 3 years to get the movie..but..he got it.. #1 and #2 for his birthday. As well as a buzz hat, game, birthday cake, some glow stars for his room (To Infinity and Beyond!) and..hmm..what else! He got some wooden block from Papa, a Buzz Lightyear Potato Head, and a scooter that he has LOVED riding up and down the sidewalk from Yaya. He got some “Cars” dominoes. Anyway..he had a fun week!  (This pic was taken right after breakfast and he was begging me to watch ‘Toy Story’.. I couldn’t get him to look at me and smile!) (The other are the robot magnets from Aunt H!)

When I woke him and said HAPPY BIRTHDAY! he said he needed a cake. I said, what kind of cake? “A Buzz Lightyear Cake!” I said oh! Okay. then ..what do you want to do today for your birthday? (it was raining or we would have gone to the farm) so  he said he wanted to go to the Library instead! I can do that!! We didn’t end up getting there till about 7pm..but he had a blast! :)

Sister even enjoyed a little piece of cake!

 

Happy Anniversary Sweetheart

It was a busy busy week, J has a few night classes right now so we didn’t get to celebrate on our anniversary. I was not sure what time he would be home, so I took the kids and we went to the RS Enrichment (I’m on the board and am loving it!).

Friday night we went to his cousin’s High School graduation ..1/2 way between home and the Temple. So Saturday we got to leave the kids with J’s parents who were also there..and he and I got to go to the Temple. It was amazing. I REALLY enjoyed and needed it. We hadn’t been able to go for a while..since last fall and winter (but for Sealings, not a Session), and it was so enriching and filling to be reminded and to feel the spirit so strong. It was wonderful for us both. Afterward we went to Red Lobster which was crazy expensive but good! We hadn’t been there before..me..never, him..not since he was younger I guess. He decided he likes his meat grilled over a wood fire grill rather than charcoal now..and CERTAINLY over gas! Anyway. It was great! Happy Anniversary Babe. I love you tons!

“Behind Every Good Man” –by John Bytheway

I have made it my new job to start reading more books! I have read a few really good ones recently and my friend said I need to write down my ..Clift Notes so I can look back later and remember what I liked/learned from them! I need to start that but thought I’d write a little here!

I recently read a book by John Bytheway called “Behind Every Good Man”. It was a great book. It has many quotable moments for me to write, but one of the quotes that I liked in it (quoting a landscaper)said:

“The grass isn’t greener on the other side,  the grass is greener where you water it!”

Just a little food for thought about building relationships! I love my husband very much! With most every new marriage we have to learn how to work together. I think that is why I liked it.. I can’t just think..well in 5 years from now, or 10 years or 30..we have to work on these things now! Love now, help and serve more now! Make each other’s lives more enjoyable and happy now!

Jared and I really enjoy spending time together, so I know one day when the kids are eventually gone from home, we will still be close. I am really trying to make a more conscious effort to spend more one on one time now though and have a few goals for that. He needs me just as much..(sometimes more) than my kids do! I have been learning that. He is my best friend.

paint table – check!

E is growing up! 7 1/2 - 8mo

Crawling!


Pulling Up!

Paint Balling w/the Guys

We have some friends that have family with land not too far from where we live. Ever month or two J enjoys going out for a day to paint ball. This trip I think there were 6 friends for J’s team..and T’s family had 5 or 6 to make up the other team. This was a couple weeks ago. Looks like they had fun!!

Getting ready

 

Let’s go!

   

Ouch!

Happy Mother’s Day!!

Happy Mother’s Day to our Moms! Grandmas, Sisters, Aunts, Cousins, and Friends! We love you all!

Divine Roles

“To be a righteous woman is a glorious thing in any age. To be a righteous woman during the winding up scenes on this earth, before the second coming of our Savior, is an especially noble calling. The righteous woman’s strength and influence today can be tenfold what it might be in more tranquil times. She has been placed here to help, to enrich, to protect, and to guard the home—which is society’s basic and most noble institution.”        –President Spencer W. Kimball

Beautiful