It's been a good year

It really has been a great year.

Since my last birthday, this little girl joined our family. She brings me such joy each day. Her spontaneous smiles, giggles and kisses make my day brighter. Her easy going temperament teaches me to relax, take it easy and remember what is most important.

Since my last birthday, he started kindergarten. He continues to teach me how to be the best mother for him. I am learning to focus on his excitement for life, sensitive spirit and desire to please. I am thrilled when I see him run off the bus with a huge smile and an excited story about the day. He's helped me bring a focus in my life on more spiritual things and to see how that blesses our entire family.

Since my last birthday, she started preschool. With her brother at school all day, we've had time to spend together. I am learning to make crafts with kids again. She entertains me with her stories, dramatic reenactments, and make believe characters. She's teaching me how to pretend again and use my imagination every day. She reminds me that I am not always the boss and that I need to remember to prioritize. Sometimes playing fetch with Addy the puppy is really the best way to use my time.

Since my last birthday, Ryan has done a lot to carry the family at home. People often ask me how I do everything that I do. The simple answer is that I have Ryan who supports me. He never complains when I have to dash off to a meeting just as he gets home or if I take longer visiting with someone. He steps right in where I left off at home. He teaches me to set limits. He reminds me of my strengths and that I can do hard things.

This has been a year where I have grown in so many ways. I would not change the experiences of this past year. I feel stronger in so many more ways now than I did on my last birthday. I am open to the experiences that I am having in my life and allowing them to shape me into a better person. It's been a good year.

Here's to hoping that next year is just as good or even better.

Addy's First Day of Preschool

Addy's been waiting for her turn to "go to school with teachers" since we dropped Jack off at Preschool 2 years ago.

Her teacher came to meet her a week before the first day and Addy was in love.

All set for her first day.

She loves Teacher Tom and the "Biggest, Purple Castle in the Whole Wide World."

"I'm the king of the castle!"

She is going to love this year!

2nd Day

The second day of school could not come fast enough for Jack. He asked every day of the 3 day weekend when he could go to school again. He popped out of bed today and quickly got dressed and eagerly waited for the bus.

He again tried to give his bus driver his emergency contact information. I guess we need to tell him that he only gives it to her when she asks for it. At least she and I both got a good chuckle this morning.

Addy's reaction when Jack rode away waving, "Where is Jack going? He wants to stay with me." She is not so thrilled with the bus whisking her favorite playmate away each morning but soon she will start school herself and ballet and gymnastics. She is already planning what she will wear to her first day of school when she gets to ride the mommy bus and meet Mr. Tom. (Addy was so excited when I told her Tom's name that she said, "Tom is my favorite name." She will love school too.)

1st Day of Kindergarten

Comfortable clothes and favorite shoes: check

Favorite back pack with lunchbox inside: check

Nice bus driver: check

(funny story: I made an emergency card to put in Jack's backpack so that his driver could contact us in an emergency. I trained Jack to give it to the bus driver if he needed to. First thing he did when he got on the bus was take it out and hand it to her. She had a good laugh and promised to give it back to him. I think he may have thought it was his ticket to get on the bus.)

Safely on way to school: check
Sister who wishes she could go with him: check


So excited for Jack this year. He has a great teacher and great school to attend. We are thrilled that some of our friends from preschool are in his class. And Jack is excited that Mr. Padron has a railroad crossing sign in his classroom. Can life get much better for Jack?

Today is one of those days . . .

when I wish I did not live a 3 days drive from my family. I wish I could load my kids in the car and head on over to hear this boy

speak as he gets ready to leave for his mission on Wednesday.

This boy means the world to me. I was just a freshman in high school when he was born. I remember meeting him in the hospital for the first time. I remember how he learned to walk holding one arm straight in the air for balance. I can still hear his dad ask teasingly, "Question?".

I spent vacation time and holidays with his family before I had a family of my own. Ryan and I took him snowboarding when we were dating. Now that I have my own kids, I love watching this cousin of theirs playing with them. He and his brother are the big brother Jack does not have.
I will forever cherish the memory of being with him in the Salt Lake Temple this summer.Riley, you are one wonderful young man and we cannot wait to hear of your adventures and life changing experiences in Chile. We love you!