Babies 3rd Birthday 2.24.08 SGM

Following is a note that I wrote to Sophie the evening of her third birthday:

My Dear Sophie, Today is your 3rd birthday. My little darling girl - I love you so very very very much. You bring so many smiles to my life. There are tons of things I love about you. You love others with all your heart and soul. You have such a giving and kind spirit about you. What a beautiful example you are to me of one who gives so freely and lovingly of yourself. Tonight we had Tianne, Carsyn, Matt T. and his roommates, Aunt Jackie & Uncle Barr, Josh, Kaleb, Golden Bair, Verna and Cody. They all love and adore you so much. We had lots of fun seeing you dressed up like a princess in your yellow dress with a hoop. You even wore a terra! You looked marvelous! It was a big day. It was your day. Your brothers were so excited for you to be opening your presents. They love you so very much. And will always be there for you to care for and watch after you. They want you to be happy and will do whatever they can to make that happen. Tonight as I held you in my arms I told you of 3 years ago this night when you were born. Your Daddy and I couldn't have been more excited to have you join our family. You were such a perfect little baby girl. So beautiful and sweet. How blessed and lucky we feel that Heavenly Father gave you to us and entrusted us to be your parents, to care and teach and love you. We hope we can teach through example and love so that you will always know that you are a loving daughter of our Heavenly Father. Remember this Sophie. You are a daughter of God who loves you beyond measure. As do I. your mommy XO...

me & my babies

Matt and I have certainly been blessed or should I say just plain lucky to be the parents of 5 amazing children. Hunter 15 - Wyatt 10 - Porter & Connor 8 - Sophie 4. They are our gifts to treasure and teach to care for and love. We LOVE them more then they realize and are just excited to be their mom and dad. Today I hiked up to the Timpanogos caves with the 5 of them. What a thrilling event that was. As we were going down the mountain I was holding Porter's hand and we were admiring the absolutely gorgeous view on this perfect weather day. I made the comment to Porter "This is such a beautiful view." And he quickly replied "Not as beautiful as you are mom." Thank you Porter. You made my day brighter with you loving words....

will miss him

Yesterday morning I received an email from a neighbor informing me that my dear friend Sheldon Nicholason had past away earlier that morning. I really loved this man. I met Sheldon about 9 years ago when we moved into the area and we became good friends right from the start. He had a remarkable memory like no other, even remembering my childrens names and birthdays. Weve grown to love him and will miss his kind words and love that he freely gave. Sheldon was one of those extra special people you meet in life that you'll forever remember. I learned so much from him and his example. It just felt good to be around him. As much as I'll miss him I'm equally happy for him as he was in so much pain from cancer. And I'm sure he is happy to be with his sweet wife again. Until we meet again. . . . .

gratitude

What a wonderful thanksgiving we've had. The day began with Matt & I going to breakfast just the two of us. It was so nice to just be together. We then came home and began fixing what turned out to be a very delicious meal. Matt smoked the turkey first then completed baking it in the oven to perfection! Seriously it was the best turkey we've had. So moist, flavorful and yummy. Everything was ready to eat right at the same time which is always hard to get the timing right on with such a big meal. Matt and I have always enjoyed working together in the kitchen. He had everything mapped out so it all went so smoothly. After eating till we couldn't breath we went around the table and each of us shared what we are grateful for. Some of the things that were mentioned: mom and dad, friends, education, grandparents, neighbors, family, food, clothes, and our home. I am so grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and for Prayer. I can't imagine where I would be without my Saviors love in my life. So very much to be grateful for this holiday season, especially just being together. . . . .

Parent Teacher Conferences

Today Matt & I went to Westridge Elementary to meet with Wyatt, Porter and Connor's teachers. It was so wonderful to hear such kind things being said about them. You can tell they are loved by their teachers. We are so proud of their great attitudes towards school and doing their best everyday. Now if only they could get along with each other. :) We are so blessed with such good boys and a sweet little girl. I took Connor to the doctor since his been coughing for a week and now his on an antibiotic. Poor guy. We watched Carsyn for Tianne who went to Matt's concert at the Y with other family members and also watched the movie Wall-E. I liked the message of the movie but I won't be watching it again tomorrow if you know what I mean. I finally put together a music playlist on this blog site which was fun to do. So now the kids and I can shake it here in the dining room while listening to my picks. Matt even moves it somewhat which is very intertaining to watch. Been a full good day.