Counting One More

A June Wrap Up

June was a very busy month for us. Here's a random post full of pictures from what we did. Stryder needed to go on a hike in order to complete his Arrow of Light badge, so we looked up hikes close by and found one in Sandy. It was pretty easy, just a little steep in places, that lead to a waterfall. It was gorgeous.

I always make Ben take selfies with me to prove that I was there too. Plus I want our kids to have a bunch of pictures of us together.

Shelby has seemed to all of a sudden grown even taller, if that's possible, and has become an awkward gangly thing. Ben was so sweet to help her cross the rocks so she could touch the moss on the other side.

The weekend after Stryder's birthday, Rachel and CD were in town and they decided that they were feeling brave enough to take Stryder and Carter with them for a week back up to Idaho. Things all just fell in to place and it seemed like the perfect time for these boys to make some seriously awesome memories with their aunt and uncle. So we said good-bye for a week. Soren took it really hard and wouldn't let go. He missed that brother something fierce. Shoot, I missed that boy something fierce. But I was so glad he got the chance to go.

They had an awesome time visiting the sights around Hailey, Idaho. The only bummer was Stryder getting the stomach flu one night. Luckily it was pretty mild and he was well taken care of. He came home telling us all about the elk they saw, the cool bridge, the awesome park, and all the xbox he got to play. I'd say it was a pretty successful trip.

Towards the end of the month, we went to a pack meeting where Stryder earned his Arrow of Light badge. It was a pretty cool ceremony and I was so proud of him standing up there reciting the boy scout motto and crossing the bridge into boy scouts. He's excited to start this next chapter in his scouting career and he's got a little brother who can't wait to start his after seeing his big brother do such cool things.

And finally, we wrapped up June with an amazing event. Ben's sister Jana went through the temple for the first time, taking out her endowments. It marked the first time in 17 years that Ben's entire family were in the temple together. It was pretty special to witness and be a part of. It made me really grateful that families are forever and it gave a small glimpse of what heaven may be like, crazy but oh so beautiful all together.

ELEVEN!

The week after we came home from Vegas, Stryder had a birthday. He turned eleven! Stryder is turning into a such an incredible young man. He has grown and changed so much over the last few months. I kind of really love this kid!

Eleven things about Stryder:
1. Favorite Movie- Bridge to Terabithia
2. Favorite TV Show- Phinneus and Ferb
3. Favorite Food- Pizza
4. Favorite Dessert- Apple Snicker Salad
5. Favorite Color- Orange and Blue
6. Favorite Thing to Do- Gaming
7. Favorite Game- Assassins Creed
8. Favorite Resturant- Maddox
9. Favorite Animal- Bengal Tiger
10. Favorite Toy- Legos
11. Favorite Subject- History

Our Trip to Vegas

My kids technically missed the very last half day of school because we headed for Vegas. At the kids' old elementary school, they put on a 5th grade Sock Hop. I went to the Sock Hop 20 years ago! Stryder was so excited to see his friends again and everyone was so excited to see him too. In fact all of my kids got to see their old classes and hang out with their friends for a couple hours. It was a really good day for them.

I was so excited to spend several days with my family. I didn't think however, that my little brother would grow taller than me in the 2 months I had been living in Utah.

Luckily, this trip was perfect timing for lots of events, like blessing this little beauty. It was so fun to hang out with my sisters and their kids.

And we managed to get all of the grandkids sat down in one place. They sure are a crazy bunch.

While I was down there, Lauren and I took a walk down memory lane and visited the high school. One of our most favorite teachers was having an open house for his retirement. Mr. Bennion was an incredible teacher and his classroom looked exactly the same after all these years.

And of course while we were down in the Vegas heat, we had to go swimming with our favorite friends. We love the pool!

This was such a great trip and we loved spending so much time with our family. We can't wait to see them all again.

Last Day of 1st,3rd, and 5th

Before July starts I figure I better blog about the last day of school. I think this is one of my favorite traditions that I've started. I love looking back and comparing how different they look. This year was such a crazy one full of growth and changes but I'm so proud of my kids for coming out on top. Everyone ended the year with good grades and lots of friends. And now, believe it or not, we are all counting down the days till school starts again. 

We Are Incredible!

When I get an idea in my head, it's hard to get it out and I just have to go with it. Well when we first moved up here I saw an advertisement for a 5K the elementary school's PTA was sponsoring. They were calling it the Masked Dash and they encouraged runners to dress as superheroes. I thought it sounds so fun so I signed us up and thought about all the superhero shirts we already have. Soren has multiple Spiderman shirts and a Batman one. Stryder has Superman and The Avengers. Ben and I both have a Captain America shirt and I have my Wonder Woman shirt. Shelby could borrow a shirt from a brother and we were all set...until I got my idea. Wouldn't it be awesome if we were The Incredibles instead?!?! I found us all red shirts in the closest matching shades possible, bought paint, and with a stencil, Ben and I painted each shirt. Then I found masquerade masks that we cut down and there you have it..."A whole family of Supers!" 

We headed to the race bright and early and got signed in. We received so many compliments from everyone around us. I took it easier on this race and stayed mostly with Ben and Shelby. My boys however took off and finished at least 20 mins before I did. We stuck around for the awards and I'll admit it, I was slightly bummed when we didn't win for best costume. But everyone at Costco loved them as we shopped there afterward. And just like that we made a great family memory that the kids will never forget. They have already been bugging me about doing laundry so they can wear their shirts again. It was an Incredible day and I love my family!

 

Mother's Day 2014

I couldn't get a single picture with their eyes open and I wanted to scream and yell but you know what? That's what Mother's Day is to me... Perfectly Imperfect!
Ben and Steve made Jess and I homemade cinnamon rolls which I'm making a Mother's Day tradition now because they are so dang good. We went to church together as a family where my kids gave me cute tiles they painted. I was showered with more homemade gifts and then I did the dishes. Yes I did the dishes, I actually asked if I could because it's a bit of a stress relief for me. Then Ben made dinner and I enjoyed a quiet night with him. Perfectly Imperfect!

It's so cliche and I feel like I say it every year but I'm so blessed to be a mom, more specifically their mom. The Lord gave them to me and no one else. He entrusted these special spirits in my care and I try every day to be the best mom for them. Some days I fail miserably, others I barely make it through, but some are amazing. I just know that I'm the mom I am today because of the mom I was sent to. She has always taught by example and I am forever indebted to her. I took for granted how awesome it is to have your mom right down the street and it's been hard to be 500 miles away from her but I can feel her love and support every day even when I don't talk to her. She's just that amazing! Thanks mom for being my mom, I love you!