Ella and Easton

These two I tell you are crazy! What fun it is to have cousins. I grew up with no cousins, I have one is is about 7 years younger than me but I didn't see him much at all. So I really didn't have a full appreciation for having a cousin close to you in age to play with. Ryan grew up with lots of cousins, and to this day is still close to many of them and looks forward to seeing them. Ella and Easton are a year apart and have always enjoyed each other but as of late they are just best little buddies and go crazy with each other and have a ton of fun! They hardly ever fight and laugh a lot, you know, those belly laughs that you just can't stop. They do have a tendancy to go wild at Grandmas and Grandpas! What a blessing to have a best friend as a cousin! This last year we had 3 baby girls born on my side of the family! Oh boy! What fun, I can just see it now in a couple of years... these girls will have a blast together and Ella is just going to be the ring leader! I am really excited to see my family grow and to be an auntie!

Americas Favorite Past Time

I LoVe BaSeBaLL! Really each year I look forward to this time of year and you can go to any ball park and hear the wonderful sound of the crack of a baseball bat and crouds cheering (or parents yelling), sound of cleats sliding through the dirt to touch home plate, seeing kids get so excited when they catch a fly ball, sitting in the sun at the ball park and letting the little one play, The smell of the leather gloves, and yes I don't even mind seeing the seeds come flying out of my husbands mouth (gross as it may seem), I have loved this all my life. I grew up with all my brothers playing baseball to the fullest extent up through high school and sometimes on multiple teams and thats where my love for the game grew. So much to my excitement Mason claims that Baseball is his favorite sport too. He is a great ball player and I was really excited for him to play this year and take his skills to the next level. Confession: Yes.. I am the ultra competetive mom who expects their kids to preform to their greatest ability.No I do not yell out obsenities at others or coaches but may think them sometimes (HAHA) In my defense though I don't think I would push Mason if I didn't think he could handle it and he does thrive on it so... I think I am alright. He is having a lot of fun this year, I am little disappointed with the coaching staff treating this like its recess at times and not a serious game. I wish there was more mechanics instruction and learning the ins and outs of the game a little more. But you know what they say, if you want something done right, do it yourself: Right? So maybe Ryan will coach next year. Anyways, Mason is growing and most importantly having great time... never complains about going to games or practice and has a smile on his face when he leaves. So I hope that he will always love this game and that we always have a game to look forward to. He really has great potential!
Another dream or wish I have that centers around baseball is to each summer go to a major league game. Just take off for a weekend and see different stadiums each summer and go to a MLB game. I think Ryan and I would have so much fun and something to look forward to each year. So far this year I think we will make it to an Angels game in late August when we go to California with Ryan's family. So lets keep our fingers crossed!
So, "Take me out to the ball game...take me out with the croud..."

Mason and Cade

My Favorite Week

So we got to celebrate a lot this weekend... and while I was thinking about it I realized that this week is one that I look forward to each year, it really is one of my favorite weeks of the year! On May 12th it will be Ryan's and mine 8 year anniversary!!! We were married on my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary on a really sunny and hot day! It was up in the 90's and we were so hot while taking pics. It really was a beautiful and magical day... everything was perfect (except that I wanted to have pics at the temple with all the wonderful tulips and it so happened to be that they were pulling them up that same day, bummer!) But if that's the worst thing that could happen I guess we are ok HAHAHA. It was a incredible celebration of a long friendship turned into a perfect love! And I married my best friend, my prince, and the one person who I can count on for everything! I knew he would make an incredible husband, father, and partner! And he hasn't let me down at all. So this last weekend we went out on a perfect date that I got to plan, (I plan evens and he plans odds and he usually out plans me, he is a better party planner, but this year I did pretty good). We went to Luganos for dinner... had the best Ravioli and creme brule! And then we went to a day spa and I had a facial and he had a massage! We were both giddy about them! They were wonderful! and just what we needed! A little TLC and pampering. So happy 8th anniversary babe! And thanks for making this marriage so fun! No one makes me laugh like you do!
So also this weekend we celebrated mothers day! And although it was a lot of work it was great. I am so lucky to be Mason's Ella's and Claire's mom! They are my great blessings! How did I get to have such chosen and sweet and wonderful and fun etc.. kids? My heart is so full that I am allowed the privilege to raise them and be called mom. We started the afternoon my going to my parents house to see my family and then to Ryan's. So it was a full day of cooking and family. I really enjoy being around my family. It is so fun to watch is grow and see my kids play with cousins and my brothers and I hang out! And I really do have the greatest mom out there! Never has there been a more selfless person than her or one who loves my unconditionally or perfect. She looks at people with Christ like eyes and is my best friend. So yes I am almost 32 and still have to talk to my mom almost everyday, just to check in. She is absolutely wonderful! Thanks mom!
So back to explaining why this is my favorite week... I get to celebrate all that is most important to me... my marriage and being a mom and my family! These are the things that bring me the greatest joy and I am grateful to have been so richly blessed! I pray that I can give back to those whom have taught me so much and given me so much! It will be my life's journey and quest. The Lord and My Heavenly Father knew I would need to be surrounded by those who I love and those who love me and I am grateful for that rich abundance!
In addition to all that great stuff going on, this time of year also has other things that bring me happiness... BaSeBaLL, PlAntiNG FloWer and VeGetAblE gardens, BbQ'S, and kids riding their BiKes, PlAyInG OuTsIde, and going to the CaBin!
QUOTES: Mason was the star behind both of these...When working outside with his dad he turns to Ryan and says, "Yeah a bugs life would be a hard life." "Whys that Mas?" "Well when people see them they either are scared of them or they squish them, yeah, a bugs life would be a hard life." Isn't he so insightful?!
Driving to church on Sunday he was asking me who he would marry and if he has already met her? I told him probably not but not to worry and he would meet her, and then he asked me, "Mom, but how will I know that she is the one?" I tell ya that kid can have some deep thoughts!


This was the best pic of all the grandkids and my mom they were all in tears soon after. (Easton, Ella, Kallie, Mom, Makaylee, Mason, and Claire)

Me and my brothas.
PS...
Pics soon to come of Ryans mom, we had to cut the evening short due to a Mason emergency...(its a secret, sorry. Lets just say he had an embarrassing moment. Poor kid)

The simplest things

It's always the most simple and pure things that do the most for me. Today as Mason came home from the bus stop he handed me a little white flower that he said he saw on a tree on the way home and wanted to tell me that he loves me. I mean really, really there is nothing else in the world worth more to me than my sweet son thinking of me and wanting to express his love! What an angel! Heavenly Father sure knows how to use children to calm us, teach us and help us. Just barely going into a frantic moment, for who knows what, here comes my almost 7 year old boy to calm my nearly frazzled nerves! Thanks Mason! I LOVE YOU... It's so beautiful to look at this flower in a mug and feel of his pure innocence and love.
Speaking of Mason, I thought I would share one of my favorite "parts" of him... I can't get enough of his freckles on his nose! They are so dang cute... I also love the shape of the bend in his nose right where his freckles are... I kiss him right there so many times a day that I am sure he is tired of it... But it is so darling! Can't get enough.

Better late than never

So because the past two weekends have been so crazy the kids weren't able to wear their Easter outfits until yesterday...So here they are! Pretty dang cute!

Ryan turns 32!

Ryan had a great birthday! He really loves his birthday, in fact he considers April to be his "birthday month". I felt bad a little bit because this month has had so much going on that we weren't able to plan a big huge celebration but I really enjoyed what we did do for it. Thursday he had his buddies, Jeff and Derek, take him golfing, which he always loves! Friday (the actual day) the weather was rainy so no golfing then, but we went to lunch with his family, of which I won the mother of the year award. When we go home from lunch I picked up Mason from the bus stop and he asked where we went and I told him that we went to lunch for his dads birthday and he was mad! "You went to my dads birthday lunch without me! All you have to do is go to the office and get me, MOM! How could you all go with out me! This is unforgivable! Nobody loves birthdays like me!" (which is totally true) And then he asks me where Ella was, "Well... she went with Nana to go see the new baby horse after lunch." "You have got to be kidding me! I want to see the baby horse too. Why do you forget about me?" I felt so bad, I really just should have checked him out for a couple of hours. I still don't think I have been forgiven. Friday night Ry and I were able to head up to the condos for an overnighter! It was a lot of fun, and full of laughs. We started by getting a Red Mango for the drive up Ogden Canyon. Ryan was too tired to drive so I did for him. In the middle of the Canyon he looks at me really funny and motions me to roll down the window just in time for him to spray the side of the truck... nasty nasty red mango throw up! I pulled over and for some reason could not stop laughing! And what was even funnier to me, not him of course, we couldn't find a car wash. I don't know why that was so funny to me but it brought me to tears from laughing so hard. Once we got to the condo we ordered some really bad pizza and some yummy treats and settled in for a night of movies and snuggling! We had a great time, it was really nice to spend some time together. Ry was really tired all night and would dose off which is always a good laugh because he spouts off funny things out of no where and tries to had me M&Ms that are not really in his hands, or walks in his sleep. He is crazy with his old age. But it was a blast! Saturday him and Mason and his dad and brother braved the nasty weather to try and golf, didn't quite work but it was worth a shot. How grateful I am for Ryan, his passion, hard work, caring, and devoted husband and father and love! He makes me laugh everyday! and his hugs are the best! HAPPY BIRTHDAY RY!
UPDATE: Mac is going in the right direction, things are all healing. He has a long ways to go but he is up and walking, showering, he can see and hear better. Still in a lot of pain but he really is mending well. We have all tried to pitch in and wither keep him company or babysit the kids. Mason and Ella love to play with Easton, they play great. So that has been a plus watching them get closer. We are all just so grateful that worse did not happen.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: I threw a baby shower for Ally last weekend with Ryan's family and for some reason Mason could not get the name of it right. He kept asking everyone , "Why is my mom giving Ally a baby wash?"
Isabella keeps mixing up two words no matter how many times I tell her the right way to say it, but from now on I think I am just going to let her, its much cuter this way..."Mom,I need some paper toilet!"
CLAIRE: One word to describe this girl is INTENSE. she is every where and so busy, Crawling all over and yes she is pulling her self up on everything, trying to climb stairs, and walk around things. Would some one remind her is isn't even 8 months yet! This girl is keeping me on my toes. But there isn't a bigger smile than hers! It lights up a room.

Not so Easterish

Well this Easter did not go according to plan at all! No pretty new Easter dresses to show off, handsome new ties, or big family Easter dinner. But we did come together as a family and count our blessings! On Saturday night my brother, Mackay and his cute family were headed for St George to spend spring break with my parents and about 20 outside of Beaver hydroplaned out of control and rolled the car 4-5 times. My brother was hurt the worst out of everybody but will be alright eventually, it just might be a long road ahead of him. He broke his left arm in 3 places, bones sticking out, a skull fracture, neck fractures, lungs bruised, loss of hearing and sight (temporarily) and his poor head was almost unrecognisable from all the swelling and bruising. His eyes were swollen shut for 2 days and yesterday he was finally able to open them some but because of all the cuts from glass and pressure behind them his vision is still not very good. Karen is home and dealing with bruised lungs and scratches and a lot of stiffness and soreness, and the babies are more than fine. They must have had little angel bubbles around them because not even a bruise or scratch bigger than the size of my fingernail. This car was totally smashed, it was a miracle that they are alive let alone seeing these kids having no sign of any injury! My brother and his wife were ambulanced up here that night and the kids were released to my mom to bring home that night. So the past couple of days have been crazy busy either being at the hospital or helping Karen with the kids. We are so blessed to have them all here still and are going to be fine. No long term side effects! These things have a way of humbling you quickly and helping you put your priorities back in focus and help you reaffirm how much your family means to you! I am so grateful the spirit has been with them. When my mom brought the kids home I met her at the house to help her put them back to bed and these kids had the calmest sweetest spirit about them, they were peaceful and really OK. I just know it was the Lord helping them in their time of need when their parents couldn't be there to give them their comfort. I am grateful for all the people who stopped and helped them before the ambulance came, they held their heads upright, calmed the kids, and attended to them medically in any way they could. I love my brother so much and am so grateful that he and his family are going to be alight. I pray for his speedy recovery and mental ability to be heightened so that he can get through all that he has to face!