Day of Fun

Today the kids and I went to the park with Aunt Pat. We also brought Rylan and Alana's cousin Jaxson. (I was watching him). They had a great time playing. Then we went to lunch with Tony's cousin Kayli and her kids. It was fun. Naps came next and then we went to the zoo. This time we started on the left hand side of the zoo and worked our way backwards. It was different from most times we go. The kids had fun and the highlight was the train for Rylan. Alana liked the Pelicans (even more than playing on the playground). When we got home it was off to the backyard for even more fun. Playhouse, sandbox, trampoline (or lean as Alana calls it) and friends. It was a great day! The kids had fun, I had fun and we were together. DAY OF FUN!

We all scream for ICE CREAM!

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM! Rylan and Alana are obsessed with the ice cream man. Today we heard the music of the icecream man playing in the neighborhood. Rylan was thrilled and wanted to go out right away and find him. It took awhile before he came to our street, but we all waited and eventually he came. The kids were dancing when they saw the truck approaching. Rylan got a big blue ice cream, and Alana got a big Yellow Tweety Bird ice cream. He and Alana were excited about the whole experience. Ice cream....YUM!

Rylan even used his own money to buy the ice cream. Too cute.

Rock, Paper, Scissors

Ya, you know that game....Rock, Paper, Scissors. Well today Rylan took a rock to my car. Guess what won??? ROCK! I was upset to say the least!!! It is just a small scratch, but....
Rylan was in BIG trouble!!!! I think that he got scared of me (because I almost lost it) I have told him soooo many times not to pick up rocks. Oh well. Good thing I love him to pieces! Hopefully he learned his lesson.

Beverage of Choice

We had a party at Nana and Grandpa's (Tony's Grandparents) house for Mother's Day. Nana always hosts a great party and everyone has a great time. Grandpa used to work for the Coca-Cola company and so he always has all the Coke products on hand. He has a few fridges full of them. My sister-in-law Kathy and I both got a diet coke (for me the beverage of choice most of the time) and we walked into the house where Grandpa was sitting and he said "I'm glad to see that you guys are drinking Coke!!!" It was totally funny, because he was SERIOUS! We laughed and then had to get our picture with him. Good times. Good company. Good Beverage.

Calling all Mother's

Happy Mother's Day!

I don't even know where to start. Today has been an unusual Mother's Day! It really hasn't been as difficult as I thought that it would be, although it hasn't been easy! I think that if I could discribe it in just a few words I would say bitter-sweet. I miss my mom, but I am so thankful for the wonderful woman and mother she was!!!! She gave her life in service of other people. She was always thinking of someone other than herself. The influence of my mom will bless me throught my life. I have a remarkable mother to strive to be like.

"One certain way we can demonstrate genuine love for mother is to live the truths mother so patiently taught" Thomas S. Monson

I hope that my mom knows this Mother's Day how much I do love and appreciate her. I want to be like her and have a great Christ-like example to follow. My mom really did do a lot, and I am not sure how she accomplished all she did. This poem is perfect to describe the way I feel.

Everything Mom
How did you find the energy, MomTo do all the things you did,To be teacher, nurse and counselorTo me, when I was a kid.
How did you do it all, Mom, Be a chauffeur, cook and friend ,Yet find time to be a playmate,I just can’t comprehend.
I see now it was love, MomThat made you come whenever I'd call,Your inexhaustible love, Mom
And I thank you for it all.
By Joanna Fuchs

My mom said that now that I am a Mother myself I can begin to comprehend how much she loves me, because I love my kids so much. As a tribute to her I want to be the best mom that I can and try to live up to her wonderful illustration and example.

President Benson has offered ten specific suggestions for mothers as they guide their precious children:
1. Take time to always be at the crossroads in the lives of your children, whether they be six or sixteen.
2. Take time to be a real friend to your children.
3. Take time to read to your children. Remember what the poet wrote:
You may have tangible wealth untold; Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold. Richer than I you can never be— I had a mother who read to me.
4. Take time to pray with your children.
5. Take time to have a meaningful weekly home evening. Make this one of your great family traditions.
6. Take time to be together at mealtimes as often as possible.
7. Take time daily to read the scriptures together as a family.
8. Take time to do things together as a family.
9. Take time to teach your children.
10. Take time to truly love your children. A mother’s unqualified love approaches Christlike love. 4
Though President Benson has addressed these suggestions primarily to mothers, I am confident he would expect those of us who are men and fathers bearing the holy priesthood to do our part, along with each son and daughter, to implement them and bring to fruition their divine objectives.
President Benson leaves us this counsel:
Brothers and sisters, “make it a family objective to all be together in the celestial kingdom. Strive to make your home a little bit of heaven on earth so that after this life is over, you may be able to say:
We are all here, Father, mother, sister, brother, All who hold each other dear. Each chair is filled— We’re all at home … We’re all—all here.
God bless you, President Benson, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

I though that was great council and wonderful ideas to do as a family and with your children. So calling all Mother's...Happy Mother's Day! Remember, we have a sacred and awesome responsibility!! I am so thankful to be a mother. I have two beautiful children and I love them so much!!! Thank you for being my children and thank you for making me a Mother!!!! I love you guys!!!

Plus I got beautiful flowers, nice cards (from friends and neighbors), a running stroller (thanks Dad, Tony and kids) scrapbookstuff (thanks Creighton) and the best thing ever, being with my family!

The Race

Today we woke up early and went downtown to the Gateway for Race for the Cure. It was an incredible experience. I never realized how many people are affected in some way by cancer, either themselves or loved ones. I didn't fully comprehend how emotional the race would be. (Not just because of my mom, but I have heard so many other people express the same thought.) It was great to get out and have some fresh air. It couldn't have been a more beautiful day! The weather was perfect, we were all together as a family (except my brother Garrett who lives in Phoenix and was there in spirit), and we were part of something bigger. Tony decided to walk with my Dad and the kids, while Creighton and I ran. We got off to a good start and at the half way mark we decided to stop and wait for Tony, the kids and my father to catch up. Little did we know that they decided to do the shorted part of the race. We waited and waited and then decided that we had better just finish the race. We finally finished and ended at 1.16 hours. (It wouldn't have taken us this long if we didn't wait for about 40ish minutes). It was fun and I was excited to have the exercise and enjoy the outdoors. After the race we walked around for a bit and then decided to go get some icecream (ya I know, but I burned enough calories to have some.) We ended up at Leatherby's and had lunch there and ate icecream. It was a great day. Tony, the kids and myself went for a drive (We love going for drives). The kids napped and it gave the adults a little time to catch up. We ended the day by going to my cousins house. We had a BBQ (YUM!) and then played a litte volleyball and talked. The kids all played in the sandbox and played toys. It was a fun evening. I do need to work on my volleyball skills. I haven't played in a while and I am a bit rusty. We all laughed and had a great time!

Girly Girl

Alana has been so darling lately. She entertains herself by pushing her baby-doll stroller around the house. She pats her baby, hugs, kisses and puts her baby to bed. She is very protective of her and doesn't like it when Rylan tries to take her baby for a walk with out her permission. It is really cute! I can't believe how girly she is already. She loves to wear her bows and shoes. (Can't say I blame her on the shoe thing), carry her purse and even talk on the phone. She will say "heyo". Darling! She is into playing house already and loves the playhouse outside. It amazes me how young kids develop their imagination. It is so fun to have a girl and I am thankful that I have a daughter. I want to be her best friend. Alana you are such a good mommy!!! I love you!!!!

Mayzie Bird

I felt like a Mayzie Bird today...so the popular Dr. Seuss story goes...

"I'm tired and I'm bored
And I've kinks in my leg
from sitting, just sitting here day after day.
It's work! How I hate it!
I'd much rather play!
I'd take a vacation, fly off for a rest
If I could find someone to stay on my nest!
If I could find someone, I'd fly away-free..."

I had a day away from the house and the kids. I got a massage, ate lunch out, and did some shopping. I can't believe how much extra time I have when I am not loading and unloading kids and their gear. I felt totally free and a little younger. Don't worry it gets better...when I got home Tony had been working hard getting things done around the house and the kids were happy AND happy to see me. Then we piled into the van and went to Tony's parents house. The kids got to play with their cousins in the back yard which is one of their favorite things to do. All of the adults helped out in the yard, and then we ate dinner together. Tony then got a little guy time and went to the movies, while I put the kids to bed. What a great way to spend a Saturday.

We're TRAINED!

Tonight we decided that it would be fun to ride the new commuter train-The Frontrunner. The kids loved looking out the trains windows and crossing by the big train yard. It was entertaining to see the delight that such a simple activity was for the kids, and it was relaxing for Tony and I. We all had a nice time. We ended the evening with a family drive around the valley. It's the best when were together as a family no matter what we do!

Party Animals

Today was a great day! The weather was nice (finally) and we got out and had a day at the zoo. We went with our neigbors the Finks. We had a fantastic time being out in the sunshine, getting exercise, and seeing the zoo sites. We saw the elephants first (since they are Rylan's favorite) and then worked are way through all the other animals. Alana was extatic!!! She love animals and wanted to get as close as she could to see the animals. I think that the best thing we saw today was the cheetah. It was walking right by the glass and would come up to it and look at the kids. Alana was saying "Teeta" it was totally cute. It was wonderful to spend the day doing something fun with the kids-we felt like total party animals!