Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Missing Valerie

Another year has come and gone. Another year that Valerie is missed. Another year of my children not knowing their aunt.

Another year of strengthened testimonies that families are forever. Another year of teaching opportunities. Another year of treasured memories. Another year of counted blessings. Another year closer to reuniting.

Love you, Valerie!

Friday, December 2, 2011

This Guy

Eleven years ago, something told me that this guy was special. I listened then and know it is even more true today. Not only is this guy handsome, he is also smart, funny, a hard worker, honest, a fantastic father, a valiant Priesthood holder, and my best friend.

I love this guy, and I hope he feels it, not just today, but everyday!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

This is What I am Thankful For

This is what I am thankful for...

And the knowledge that we are a forever family.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Jr Jazz Basketball

Micah played Jr. Jazz basketball in October. To say he had a blast would be an understatement. He keeps asking when he can play again. The league was for 1st & 2nd graders and was still sort of an instructional league. The would practice for the first 30 minutes and then play another team the last 30 minutes.

Micah's coaches were very patient and extremely nice. The one on the left is John. The one on the right is Robbie.

One of Micah's favorite things to do was to throw the ball in. He would race to the sideline each time, hoping to be the one who got to throw it in.

Practice time. Taking turns shooting.
I'm open! I'm open!
Shoot it!
Micah got pretty good at dribbling and handling the ball.

He was pretty bummed that the season ended so quickly. They only had eight games. He was so excited to learn that he can play again in January.

Abby and I had fun watching Micah play. She would stand on the sidelines and cheer, "Go Micah!"

We can't wait to start another season of Jr. Jazz Basketball!

Friday, September 9, 2011

Dance

Dance is back in session and Abby couldn't be any happier!

New dance clothes- with "sparklies on it". :)

Showing off some of her moves.

Gettin' down!

Not sure what move this is. :)

This girl LOVES to dance!

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Abby's 1st Day of Preschool

Today was Abby's first day of preschool. To say that she was excited, would be an understatement.

Stylin, in her new school clothes. We painted her fingernails to match her outfit. :)

Abby socializing before class started. She loves kids and loves to talk!

The bulletin board inside Brilliant Beginnings.

The classroom. So bright, cheery, and perfect for learning.

Abby and I attended "Back to Preschool Night" last night. Here she is posing with the fun mural Miss Morgan painted for the kids.

Abby and her teachers.
L to R Miss Lindsay, Miss Morgan, Abby

Seriously, is she cute, or what?

She loves this pose!

Abby's new shoes.
She loves Hello Kitty. Little did she know, but there was a super cute Hello Kitty backpack waiting for her when she got home. :)

When I picked Abby up, she was all smiles, and talking a mile a minute about all the fun things she did at school. When I asked what her favorite part was, she replied, "Playing on the playground!"

I guess she is a typical kid. :)


Thursday, September 1, 2011

Ward Party

Our neighbor serves as the Ward Provident Living Specialist for our church. Last Saturday, she put on a water/Splash party for the ward, to highlight the importance of water in food storage and emergency preparedness. Micah and Abby had an absolute blast and keep asking when we can "do that again?"

Did I mention that my neighbor is also a fabulous photographer? She took every one of these photos...















Thank you, Wheatley's! We had a fantastic time!

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Abby

Anyone that knows Abby, knows that she is always happy, smiling, and that she loves to play with friends! So, in honor of Abby, here she is with three of her besties.

This is Emmy.
I can't believe this is the best pic I have of her. I will fix that ASAP. :)
She gets Abby and thinks like her. When Abby & Emmy are together, it's lot of running, jumping, dancing, and gymnastics. They spend a lot of time on the trampoline or dancing to music on the radio.

This is Abby & Isabelle.
These girls are hilarious! Both are very feisty, and want to be in charge. Neither of them is going to let the other one be the boss. They like to hug each other, play dress up, and play "house" in the Dora doll house.

This is Abby & Maylee.
They both love barbies and playing mommies. They also LOVE to watch "Tangled". Maylee lets Abby do her hair too. She usually leaves with a completely different look then when she came. :)

Here's to good friends and lots of fun!

Friday, August 26, 2011

Micah's First Day of School

Micah just completed his first week of 1st grade. And, he LOVED it!

Here are a few pics to document his first day...

Micah has become quite concerned about what he wears to school. The problem is, he isn't as fashion savvy as I would like him to be. He wants shirts with weird pictures, and I want him to look like a well-dressed little man. So, we had to compromise this year. I can handle pics on shirts, as long as they look nice. So, we bought every single one that the Gap or Children's Place had to offer. They have the vintage looking ones. Some have old school pics, which I love, and others have current pics, which Micah loves. So, it was a win win. :)

After much contemplation, he settled on this Spiderman tee, denim shorts, and his brand new Puma shoes. He looks adorable (if I do say so myself)!

Micah loves his new backpack!

I actually bought it at Hanna Andersen in Chicago. I had never heard of that store, but can I just say, I'm hooked? Fortunately, my brother lives in Chicago, so I'll be putting in requests every time he comes out to visit.

Getting ready to line up, with friends, Anthony, Levi, and Treddon.

Mrs. Jepsen's 1st Grade class!

Micah was really excited to give his teacher the gift he made for her. Here he is, waiting anxiously to give it to her.

Micah was so nervous to go to the front of the line, when his name was called. But, he did it! I'm a proud mama everyday, but especially when he does something that is so hard for him.

All lined up and ready to enter their new classroom!

See ya later, mom! I'm off to class now!

The week ended today. Now, we'll party it up this weekend because next week, two hours will be added onto the day.

Hope next week is as fabulous as this week!

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Micah

Micah starts 1st grade tomorrow. I always get so excited for him to enter a new stage in life, but I also get a bit sad about him growing out of a stage too. As I sit here tonight, and look at his back pack all packed up, his new clothes laid out, and his lunch money sitting on the counter, I can't help but mourn a bit for my baby.

Being Micah's mom is a blessing. A joy. A pleasure. An honor. The best thing that has ever happened to me. He has taught me more than I could ever teach him. He is loving. Kind. Sweet. Helpful. A good big brother. Smart. Active. A goof-ball. A tease. Hilarious. A good friend. A great playmate. Talented.

I know these qualities will take Micah far in life, but for his new adventure tomorrow, I hope they help him feel confidant. I hope they help him make new friends. I hope they make him feel smart. I hope they make him feel like he can accomplish anything.

Good luck tomorrow, Micah!

This is Micah on his last day of Kindergarten.

Micah made this for his 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Jepsen. He's really proud of it and excited to give it to her.

Every night before Micah goes to bed, I ask him, "Why do I love you so much?" To this he replies, "Because I made you a mom!"

Thank you, Micah, for the greatest gift of my life!

Friday, August 12, 2011

Sleep Over

While I was in Chicago (I'll post on that later), Heath took the kids to Rexburg for a few days. While they were there, Micah and his cousin, Ethan had a sleepover. These boys have been asking for a sleepover since they were three, so their wish was finally granted. To say they had fun would be and understatement. :)

Heath set up the tent in Gammy's living room. It was complete with bedding for each of them, and the opening was facing the tv, so they could watch movies.

Apparently, no movies were watched, as these two little guys, ages 6 (Micah) and 5 (Ethan) stayed up until 2:30 a.m. chasing each other around the house, and stopping in each room of the house to see if the other inhabitants were still awake.

Thank you to Gammy and daddy for being so patient and allowing them to have the time of their lives. Micah hasn't stopped talking about it since.