Happy Birthday SARAH!

This was supposed to be a "family party" year for Sarah, but nostalgia took precedence. Mom couldn't resist recreating her magical 8th birthday for Sarah. Our family pedigree includes a direct relation to Brigham Young through his wife Clarissa followed by too many Mary Elizas to keep straight. There are even a few family heirlooms that remain to remember our special genealogy. Even as a young child I had a fascination with this past and this is something I have seen grow within Sarah. So, you can imagine the special significance a celebration at Grandpa's (x5) house would have. The smell of taffy waiting to be pulled, a tiara waiting to be worn and pioneer stories waiting to be heard overwhelmed my memory as I walked into the party room. It was surreal to see Sarah have such a similar reaction and experience that is so special to my memory. You could just see the "princess-ness" emanating from Sarah's smile and eyes. I really think she loved it and enjoyed it as much as I did. Now, she too, knows the stories behind our family history and heirlooms and shares that love with others. Sarah relished every moment, from the special necklace she wore to the taffy pull and gifts in garden. I'm sure this will be a special memory that she will someday share with her daughter.

When "taking it one day at a time" is NOT a good thing....

....when you forget your child's preschool graduation.

I don't even know why I am posting this because if you know me, this really is no surprise. I guess I'm just posting this to document my senility. I've gotten in the (bad) habit of checking Jenna's preschool calendar right before school each day. This has caused us to miss a few field trips and now her little graduation. Basically anything that is outside the normal day and time of preschool I have missed. I do stuff like this far too often. What's the deal??

Chad and I had the opportunity for a quick getaway to Southern California last weekend. Chad's sister Tammi owns a condo in Aliso Viejo near Laguna Beach and we decided to take her up on her offer to use her place. We went with our good friends, April and Wade. We had a wonderful time...lots of sun, beautiful landscapes, and of course food. I'm not sure which was a the priority, sun or food. Okay, it was food. I think we ate our way up the PCH. Pizza (BJ's Pizza), Mexican (Avilia's), sushi, sea food (crab legs and fish and chips), hamburgers (In & Out of course), gelato (holy delicious creamy lemon!!) and cupcakes (Babycakes and Sprinkles lemon and red velvet mmmmm). Yes, I love food. :) Another priority was to do a session at the Newport Temple. What a beautiful temple. It was wonderful to experience the peace and beauty of the temple in a new location. The weather was warm and sunny inland, but the fog never seemed to burn off along the coast. It didn't stop us from enjoying the ocean air, scenery and people watching on the beach. We loved visiting Balboa...I wouldn't mind living there someday (ha!!). As you can see I found a home I would be happy to live in. Talk about a charming neighborhood (and expensive I'm sure). We had a wonderful time with the Morden's...who are always good sports to put up with my silly stories and dancing. THANK YOU Tammi for letting us use your beautiful place!

PS...thank you to my mom and dad who once again helped with the kids. They are quickly getting a reputation in my neighborhood as "Super G'ma and G'pa." I have already been asked if my mom will hire out.
PSS...before I hear it from the William's....YES, I totally thought of all of you while I was there. It was a quick trip and we weren't on our own...we WILL see next time. (hopefully it will be very soon...June or August??)

Celebrating with the G'parents

We officially celebrated Jenna's birthday with the g'parents on the 8th. A little BBQ, some cake, some presents and we called it good! Jenna was so excited for her turn in the limelight. Each g'parent gave her gifts perfect for her right now. To mention a few...
- a pink soccer ball (she is loving soccer right now)
- a set of gardening tools (she loves working outside w/me)
- an "I Spy" game (loves "I Spy")
Thank you to the G'parents for celebrating with us and making Jenna feel so special!

Happy Birthday Punkin'

I can't believe my baby is FOUR years old! Really? I swore I'd never be one of "those parents" that babied their baby. Never say never. She is my baby. I find myself still nibbling her cheeks and squeezing her little bottom all while gritting my teeth saying, "Ohhh you're so cute!"
Okay, so this is not about me and how I hate seeing my baby grow....this is about JENNA and how much she adds to our family. As much as I hate seeing her get bigger, I equally love seeing her play and interact with her brothers and sister. It's been wonderful seeing the age gap close. She can hold her own...all the while using her "baby" status to her advantage. She loves her "waffles plain" for breakfast and noodles (Ramen and Alfredo are her favs) for lunch. Would you believe she also loves salad...with hard boiled eggs, feta cheese and basalmic dressing? She is mommy's little shadow especially when it comes to baking and gardening. After working in the yard with me tonight, she said, "I need a freshie!" Uh oh. lol Puzzles, I Spy, coloring/painting, movies and games are some of her favorite things to keep her busy. She loves to sing and is often caught singing along to tv and movie themes. We cannot drive by the temple without singing "I Love to See the Temple" and I really love that. She also loves singing her address and phone number. I love that she gives me tight hugs...really, she knows how to give good squeezes back. I also love that she understands our secret three-hand-squeezes for I love you. I especially love it when she tells me, "we best friends" and "I need to hug you." I've almost reached my quota for the use of the word love, but not before I say how much we LOVE Jenna!!!

Spring sports in full swing....

Spending lots of time running from one grassy spot to the next...mostly in the wet and wind. Spring in Utah. The kids are having a great time (mostly). Jenna has taken to soccer more than I thought (look out Aunt Megan). Josh is having a great baseball season...still being a lefty short stop and doing some pitching. Andrew is working hard on defense, working on the aggression...he's had some great blocks!

PS...The "diet coke thing" is having some success. While I have decided not to turn my back completely on it, I have cut back dramatically. Better yet, I have increased my water intake...I try to get over 60 oz a day. I've been saving diet coke for weekends or special treats.