Those poppies gave me hope

Pretty much the first song a Mormon kid learns is "I am a Child of God". It eloquently teaches our beliefs--that we are all children of our Heavenly Father, that He loves us and that there is purpose to this life. We've been singing this song to Talmage since the day he was born, and it was the first song that he completely memorized (albeit with a few minor changes). There is one part of the song that talks about Heavenly Father "giving me an earthly home, with parents kind and dear." I especially love that part of the song, since I'm now the kind and dear parent and everything.

But that T-Man, he taught me a lesson the other day with his "I am a Child of God" remix. Instead of singing "parents kind and dear," Talmage sang, "He has given me an earthly home, with parents kind OF dear." Kind OF dear? Really T? I know for him it was just a slip of the tongue (you should hear the words he puts into some of his other favorite songs :) but it definitely got me thinking. Am I a parent that is kind and dear, or am I a parent that's just kind of dear. Am I loving, kind, nurturing, strong and faithful? Am I being a good role model for the boys? Do I love them the way their Heavenly Father does? Do I seek for His help in knowing their unique and amazing characteristics?

After way too much thought on this subject, I've realized that I have a long way to go before I'm the Mom that I really want to be...and that He knows that I can become.

But I do have hope.

Just yesterday we took a walk (and T took a scooter) to see Daddy at school and we passed by hundreds of beautiful wildflowers growing along the road. As we would pass each little patch of bright orange flowers, Talmage would stop his scooter and say, "Wow Mommy! Look at the beautiful poppies. Heavenly Father made them for us." He did it over and over again. He was so excited and enriched by the beauty of creation.

And in that moment, I felt like I must be doing something right. I might have even felt a little kind and dear.

Our Little Goggled Fish

If there is any question as to whether T-Bone likes swim lessons, please see the following picture:

Yes, my friends, that goggled boy is LOVING life in the water. 

From begging his teacher to "wet him swim deeper, deeper again" to smiling outrageously big under the water to doing a back flip after the official lessons are over (Jeff literally threw T in the air, he flipped, landed in the water and came up all by himself) he thinks Tuesday's are just about the best day ever!

Four Years

It was on a warm but rather windy April morning that James and I promised each other eternity. We did not know what life had in store for us, but on that day four years ago we knew that we would take on life together. I floated through April 24th wearing my red Chinese shoes and a love for my husband that was undeniable. He was the man I always knew was waiting for me--I knew it from the moment I met him--and he would be mine forever.

I danced around my parents house that morning much like I did when I got home from our first date. I was determined to soak in all the goodness of the day...and I did. The perfect dress. Beautiful flowers and sunshine. Our loving family and friends. My handsome husband wearing the kilt he had always wanted to wear. The temple and all the amazingness found within. The reception--oh, the fabulous reception. Even when I almost passed out from the weight of my gorgeous wedding dress (and maybe I forgot to eat breakfast too)  I entertained myself with the beauty and humor in perceived imperfection. (And not to worry...a quick juice box and granola bar and I was a-ok!) When I think of our wedding day I feel happiness, excitement and an insane amount of love.  

Four years has seen us through the happiest of moments and has seen us through heartache. We are learning the dance of life together--and are constantly adjusting our rhythm to be in sync. Life has not always been perfect, but we feel so blessed and have found joy and beauty all around us. It's been exciting and eventful, that's for sure!  When Everett was going in for his last surgery, James took me by the hand and told me that there was no one in the world he'd rather have by his side during a trial than me. There has never been a kinder or more romantic line uttered. We're a team, me and James, and with each year we are becoming stronger and better.   

Happy Anniversary James. I love you!

I was looking through thousands of wedding photos and was salivating over my dress. Vain, huh? I seriously love it! Even if it almost caused me to pass out :)

Take me out to the ball game...

Could there be a better way to spend a Friday night? I don't think so. Stanford Vs. Arizona State at the sunken diamond was amazing. These four little monkeys ran and danced and ate and laughed and got into a good amount of trouble! 

Comfort and I just realized today that we only have six weeks left together in Stanford and that thought literally makes me sick to my stomach. What am I going to do?

The cutest little fan ever. He is such a good sports baby and just sat and watched the whole game.

Elena was TOTALLY going for her Mama's treat :) And PS--Franklin sat and smiled for this picture which I consider a major victory!

Me and Cedar-girl.

Some of us (me) go to baseball games to sing the national anthem, dance with the music in between plays and to enjoy the 7th inning stretch. Others of us (Kit) actually know what's going on, follow every play and even catch a foul ball.

Our fam at the game. Don't our kids look so excited to be in a picture with us? And Cedar really wanted to be in our picture too so you can see the top of her head. Believe me, I'd count her as one of my own if I could!

Tea Party

Some friends had a tea party and our T was invited. All the girls were dressed in full princess attire and my boy loved the pink cupcakes!

These two are almost the same age...like days apart! Evie is catching up quick, but boy the rolls on that baby C are unbeatable!

Angie said the bubble machine was the best $15 she ever spent, and I agree. The kids chased bubbles around for the longest time and it was so much fun (for them and for the moms that got to relax while bubble-mania ensued).

Cupcake Party

Cedar turned 2 1/2 and Comfort let me make the cupcakes for her half-birthday party! Luckily this little lady wanted pink cupcakes because I was itching to use the pink sprinkles James gave me for Valentine's Day. All I've got to say is that is my kind of flower garden!

The birthday girl and her pretty Momma :) 

I had sparkle candles and we let all of the kids have candles on their cupcakes and they were SO excited. Talmage has become quite the pro at singing the birthday song...and birthday season is not even half over!

Talmage and Frankie with their cupcakes. I think both of them licked all of the frosting off and left the cake!

What do you do when Stanford drops off a ton (literally) of sand in your backyard?

You take off your shoes.
You roll up your pants.
You use shovels and buckets and your own ten digits.
And you play and play and play and play.

At least that's what we did.

And if it ever happens to you, we'd recommend it!