To my BFF!

So, today is my mom's birthday (#39 in case you are wondering, wink, wink!) I am a slacker/totally forgetful, and failed to get something in the mail for her, so I thought to myself, "Self, why not post a blog for her, telling her how much she means to you?" So here we are. My mom truly is one of my very bestest friends. She is who I call when I am having a rough day, or have good news to share, or just anything really. She would do anything for any body. She has always been one of my greatest examples of service, and sacrifice. Growing up, we weren't "rolling in it," but she always made sure we had things. She cleaned people's houses, stayed up all night sewing things, pretty much what ever it took she did. For us. I love her for that. I love her because I KNOW she has always done the very best she could with what she had, and I hope to do the same. Thank you mom for always being there for me, and for even letting me return the favor every now and then. Thank you for coming to help me after each of my kids were born, even for laughing at Mike and I trying to figure out how to dress Tyler when he was all "frogged" and didn't want to stretch out. Wish we lived closer and I'd have baked a cake!

America the Beautiful!

Can I just say how proud I am to be an American. This last week as we drove home from my sisters in Arizona, it hit me how beautiful our country is. Truly beautful! And today as we celebrated Independence Day, I have been thinking a lot about how blessed we are to enjoy the freedoms and comforts we do. Mike and I watched the movie Blood Diamond on TV the other night, and got talking about how we really have no real idea of how fourtunate we are to live here in America. I cannot imagine living in a place where I was afraid to walk down the street with my children, or fear someone attacking us in our home! I am greatful to live in this great nation, no matter our flaws. I am grateful to those who fight to preserve our freedoms, despite the fact that some people protest their brave actions. Happy Day! :0)

Sugar Mama!

Happy Birthday Courtnie Jean!!! I cannot believe you are 8 already. What a fantastic girl you are. We cannot wait to come and see you get baptized next week. Hope you have a great birthday!

K.W. ....

Happy Birthday Kyle! What a sweet addition to our family Kyle is. He is a good mixture of both Tyler and Bailey--in looks and personality. He is a go-er from the moment he wakes up, but loves to stop and SNUG with mommy too. Tonight while we were eating dinner, I said "Raise your hand if you are happy Kyle is in our family." And everyone raised TWO hands! His favorite thing right now is cars--and Tyler wonders out loud all the time why he likes cars so much. Hmmm....have you seen Tyler?!

This screams--"Put me back!"

Still the same little smirk.

Awww...Miss you Cobabies!

Abbie loved Kyle so much when they first came to see us after he was born. She didn't want to put him down, and he loved being held by her. So fun!

Now this is my Kyle! Raaaar!!

Shout Out!

OK--so I am lame. I'll admit that up front. But I REALLY want to go see Kelly Clarkson when she is here in Orem THIS Thursday! I have been to ONE, that's right one concert my entire life. (Aside from siblings band concerts, and the Symphony) My sisters, and my brother and his wife went to see Dixie Chicks when I was 7 months pregnant with Tyler. I was swollen beyond belief, and we were on the TOP row of the Delta Center. It was still awesome, mostly because I love the Dixie Chicks. But come on--I love Kelly Clarkson, and she is going to be here, in Orem, not Salt Lake, at some massive arena where at this point I'd be top row and so far away I'd just watch her on the Jumbotron. She is going to be at the UVU Baseball field--so any seat is not THAT far away. So--who wants to go with me?! There has to be someone out there that wants to go to--secretly or whatever. We'll have lot's of fun, come on--you know you want to!

Little May tidbits.

I thought I'd get a little more May in--while it's still here. We have a "tradition" of getting together with Mike's sister Andrea and her husband for Cinco de Mayo and eating enchiladas, and killing a pinata. The kids love the pinata, which usually ends up getting that final whack from Daddy or Uncle Elden.

I walked downstairs one morning, and this is what I found. Bailey and Kyle "sleeping" on the stairs. Bailey even got Kyle a pillow and blanket. And Kyle had a Pony tucked in with him--awww.

We also had our first lost tooth! (Now 2 at Grandmas house this weekend) It took him forever to work that thing out, I finally convinced him to let me help a little before the ice cream store closed! Unfourtunately it looks like my kids are getting daddy's teeth--the Orthodontists will love us! I keeping hoping maybe his teeth will work out the space issues on their own!



He smiles this way all the time now--gotta show off that awesome space! The tooth fairy may have forgotten to come get his tooth and leave him some money this last time. We got home from Idaho really late, and I was SOO tired, I forgot all about it after getting them all to bed and everything. He came in the morning, and as soon as I heard his door open I realized and felt SO bad! He was so disappointed, and after he went downstairs Mike hurried in and put in under Bailey's pillow, and we said the tooth fairy must have just gotten mixed up, because last time she came he was in that bed. He lit right up--thank goodness! The tooth fairy will not do THAT again. :)

To the our little graduate!

Wow--what a crazy month this has been. I am just realzing how much has gone on this month--and I have mixed emotions about it coming to an end. Tyler had his Preschool graduation last week--I couldn't have been prouder! Last year he really struggled with it, and this year he was awesome! Boy are we going to miss Ms. Diane next year. Sad for us that she is only going to teach kindergarten. She has done amazing things for my children, and I am sad that Kyle will never get to enjoy her too. I just keep reminding myself to be happy with what we did get of her! Here's to hoping next year goes this well.

Tyler and one of his "best friends" Cody--cheesers!

Starting his walk.

Holding the flag for the pledge--so proud!