My Little Man...

Trying to blow out his own candles

Licking the cake at Riley's request

The gang

Obviously not a fan of having his picture taken..he wanted to play in the cake!

He's two! I know, not very old in comparison to life expectancy, but old when you consider that he's my baby. I love watching Jake grow up and seeing his face when he has finally figured out how to do something without my help. It honestly seems like yesterday when I went in to have him. He was a perfect baby and continues to be the highlight of the evening when we're all hanging out. The older kids love to watch him and laugh at everything he does. He definitely knows how to put on a show! He's a very sweet boy and tends to remind me that patience is a virtue...one quality I am still working on. I love my "little man" and things wouldn't be the same without him. Happy Birthday Jake, WE LOVE YOU !

This ride has come to a complete stop...

I'm finished with Breaking Dawn. I must confess, I honestly didn't know what to think of these novels that everyone kept telling me I should read. I know how I am when I read...I knew I couldn't find the time to pick up a book, for fear of getting too consumed. My life was busy and overwhelming, so I waited. My sister has been convincing me to read these books since last year!

After the summer came to an end and school was back in, I knew I could find that window of time to read again. So I picked it up...little did I know that it was never a matter of finding time, but making time. It has been some ride since I turned that first page. Her attention to detail is incredible. I could honestly see and smell, even taste all of the things she described! Some have mentioned the authors tendency to go on and on, but I appreciated the specifics. It brought it to life. The characters are endearing, because, even if only in some small way, you can relate to what they are feeling. No matter who you are or where you come from, what your physical preferences are, or social standing...everyone can relate to love and being in love and the pain and joy that comes with it. We naturally want to be happy and if we really love someone, we want them to be happy too.

Though I know Edward was described as one of the most beautiful things Bella had ever seen, I believe most of what we admire in Edward's beauty is his love for Bella and his willingness to sacrifice for her happiness. Who wouldn't want that?

So even though Edward may not truly exist, anything is possible when it comes to love.

Now that this ride has come to a complete stop, I'll wait in line for the movie. Hope it satisfies!

Back 2 School

Out of the three that I have in school now, only one was actually excited to go. Riley. He has been excited for a while now and got upset when I told him that I was taking him the first day. He would have rather rode the bus. So much for apron strings! But all of them have great teachers and I'm glad that so far things have gone smoothly...a good start for us usually means a fairly uneventful year! Their first day was the 21st and kindergarten started a week later. Yeah!!! It's nice to have a little more peace and quiet during the day. I am so grateful for good teachers and schools. It makes sending them off a lot easier.

Vampires...

I am ready to begin the fourth book of the Twilight series. Through the first three, I came to many realizations...but only one conclusion. I am more readily able to believe that vampires exist, than a man like Edward Cullen. The pain of reality...guess that makes me human.

Just thinkin'...

Gracie

Emilee

Haydn

Riley

Jake

I have been anticipating the day my kids return to school. My mind gets reeling after I sit and think about the extra time I will have to cross another thing off my list...or just relax! Maybe I'll even attempt to start reading the books I have sitting by my bedside. Either way, I'm sure I will enjoy the peace and quiet...or will I? Two nights ago, my youngest Jake came and crawled into bed with us. All I could think about, was how there was no way I would get any sleep now and that I'd probably wake up with another headache. After he climbed up and settled in, I just sat there and stared at him (there was a full moon that night, plenty of extra light). Shouldn't I be enjoying these moments and taking it all in before they grow up and leave? I decided that night I wouldn't be so quick to shoo them away, or say "hold on" or even get frustrated because they need my help to get another drink. Sure I will have my bad days and my selfish days, but I'm hoping I will be more conscious of these little people that are just trying to make their way through life...with a little help and a lot of love from me.

Roommate Reunion

I had the privilege to see my roommate Misty, from Ricks, this last Sunday. She had been over in Bear Lake for a family reunion. I got a phone call and she said they wanted to stop by on their way home and asked if that would be okay with me...dumb question. I always have time for friends, especially good friends that I haven't seen in 6 or 7 years! The funny thing is , once she was here and settled, it was as if we had never spent those years out of touch. I am so grateful for the experiences I had in college...the best part is the people I met and the friendships I've made.

Sisters

Emilee and Gracie are almost 6 yrs apart and different as night and day. I find it pretty amazing how they still enjoy hanging out with each other despite those differences. Emilee's favorite thing to do lately is take pictures, without my knowledge of course. I grabbed my camera the other day and found a few surprises. If these photos don't show how much Gracie wants to be like her big sister, I don't know what does!