Five Awesome Years (sung like "Five Golden Rings")

Five years ago today, this little guy came into my life. He is our Washington baby. I can't imagine our family without him. He is completely devoted to his favorite color- orange. He loves Halloween. If there is a library book about it, we have to get it. He loves superheroes especially Spiderman and he has loved them since he was tiny. He comes up to me about 5 times a day to tell me he loves me, but is already anti-kisses. He loves science and always asked his preschool teacher to bring home extra supplies so he could show me how it worked. He is always asking to help me cook, especially if we are assembling pizzas.

He always seems to have a twinkle in his eye. Usually because he has something up his sleeve, like a way to hassle someone, or a button to push. He always likes to ask what is coming up next. Last night, he asked me what was for dinner today. I had to tell him that I didn't know yet. I can't look at a picture of him without breaking into a smile.

He is our roughest, toughest boy. (Of course his little brother is his disciple, so isn't far behind.) He loves to wrestle, even when other people don't really sign up for it...

G. Have a super birthday! We are so glad that you came to our family. You are definitely an original and you bring our family a lot of joy. Enjoy being 5. You are definitely not a little boy anymore. We love you and can't wait to see what the next year will bring.

Some Sappy Public Appreciation

I'm not sure how to start this post... It comes with tender feelings, happy feelings, but "ending" feelings. Not sure I am wild about those "ending" feelings.




You know how sometimes you have things that are your responsibility and you have no clue how you will do it... And how sometimes, you just need the right people in your life to help you... Like God sends you those people...

These ladies were those people.

When I was called to be the primary president, I was more overwhelmed than I had ever been. But God sent Shannan, Kim, and Karin to help me. And truly, there is NO way I could have done it without them. They were so reliable, willing, helpful, creative, and positive. And they always knew when to jump in and take a load from me, sometimes when I was hesitant to give it.

We were responsible for an average of 150 children, ages 3-11 and between 20 and 30 toddlers at church. I told people that it was like being the principal of a small school. I never realized how much goes on behind the scenes. How much there was to do on Sunday and during the week. How much there was to plan and just ponder. There were things to actually do and things to coordinate, and things to be sure someone else was doing.

During the almost 2 years, we had 3 pregnancies, lots of vacations, one deployment, lots of husbands working late nights, several running/swimming races, and 12 hours of college credit. And there were many moments where we were in survival mode. But looking back, I think we not only survived, we really meant something to those kids. We did what we wanted to do. I feel that we pleased Heavenly Father. I think the children and our teachers learned from us and knew we loved them.

We also learned a lot together. And I think until recently, we under-appreciated how well-oiled our "machine" was. How lucky we were to get along so well. How easily we were able to do it all and accomplish so much. There is no way I could ever thank them for all they did and all the support they were. But I hope they know.

It was truly a pleasure. And a chapter in my life that I will cherish. I am truly blessed to call them friends. Hugs, girls...