Happy Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary

Our anniversary seemed to take me by surprise. Without a lot of notice, it had arrived. With one day to plan and prepare a special "I love you" for Bryan, I had to think fast. I decided to wrap four presents, which Bryan would open throughout the day on the 16th minute of an hour to represent our 16th anniversary.

Something that Represents Us: Open at 10:16
(A Picture for his Office)

Something Fun: Meet your wife outside at 12:16
(Picnic in the Park)
Life is a picnic with you. When you are by my side, everything else seems easier. As long as I have you, I can conquer anything and be anything--you give me strength.

Something Just For You
(Gift Card to Lowe's)

Something to Celebrate
(Cheesecake)
Happy “Birth” of our Family Day

Something Fun: Meet your wife outside at 12:16
I brought Nerf guns to our picnic, and created a surprise attack. I had so much fun chasing Bryan around the park. By the time I took him back to work, my sides hurt from laughing so much.

Something to Celebrate

Bryan and I went to the temple to celebrate. When we got home, our children had made us a masterpiece.

It's tradition to celebrate with birthday candles representing the "birth" of our family.

Love You To Eternity!

Happy 16th Anniversary

 16        Reasons I am Grateful You were “Willing” to get Married:

I am grateful that our love continues to grow.

I am grateful that you have a testimony of Jesus Christ, you honor your priesthood, and you lead our family in righteousness.

I am grateful that you genuinely care for me and my feelings.

I am grateful that you help me with the laundry.

I am grateful that you teach me about being a better disciple of Christ while we study scriptures together.

I am grateful that you keep me laughing—even if it means that we are laughing at the long running list you have in your phone of the funny things I say and do. Along with that list, you are always able to lighten any mood, and allow us all to see the brighter, lighter things to life.

I am grateful that you coach our daughter’s soccer team.

I am grateful that you love going to the temple.

I am grateful that when I feel something is important, you do your best to understand why something is so important to me—you truly hear me and listen to me.

I am grateful that you’re my best friend and that if I could choose anyone to spend time with—I’d choose you.

I am grateful that you can give me a priesthood blessing when I am struggling or sick.

I am grateful that you allow me to be quirky, and instead of being bugged, you help me in my quirkiness. For example, when it’s time to leave town, instead of being frustrated that I have to finish the laundry, vacuum the floor, or whatever it is—you hurry and help me accomplish what I feel I need to accomplish without me feeling bad that I really want to do those things.

I am grateful that you don’t get upset with me when I lose money, which I seem to do a lot…

I am grateful that when I am hurting and upset, you listen to me, and you love me. You don’t try to change my feelings, nor do you try to fix my problems. You allow me to mend in my way while staying by my side strengthening me. You have been a rock for me while I have struggled with Brandon’s passing. Thank you.

I am grateful that you believe in me, and that you are my biggest cheerleader!

I am grateful that you love our children with all your heart!

We were babies back then...

Pine Wood Derby

Pinewood Derby

Jake's first Pinewood Derby was a success! He and his dad built a pretty slick car. He didn't win first place, but he had a great time! I'm beginning to like scouts more and more. It's tons of work, but I love how accomplished my son feels when he completes a project. The Pinewood Derby was a perfect example of feeling accomplished. And even though Jake's car did not come in first place, I was proud of Jake's attitude.

Welcome Home

Welcome Home Grandma & Grandpa!

Grandma and Grandpa have been in Australia for the last year and half. We have loved hearing about their adventures in a far off land; however, we love it even more that they are now home. Both of them gave powerful talks. They have set an example for my children to serve missions and to reap the blessings of the gospel.

  

Uncle Robert bought a truck, and the kids took a ride.

 Grandma and Grandpa in Australia

Goodbye Tobler's

Goodbye Tobler Family

 Spencer Tobler has been Jake's best friend since before Jake understood what it meant to have a best friend. The Tobler's have been our neighbors since Jake was just a baby. They have been a part of our "Boise" family. We truly love the Tobler family.

When Jen told me they were moving, it upset me so much that I asked Bryan for a priesthood blessing. I struggled to find peace with this change. I've always known that change bothered me, but this was definitely a change I didn't want to face. When it came time for them to move, I began seeing blessings in which I could find gratitude:

*I am grateful for their friendship.
*The Tobler's will be a family that will always be a part of our lives. Our friendship will not end despite the thousands of miles between us.
*I am grateful that Jacob had a true friend at such a young age.
*I am grateful for the example the Tobler family set while they were here--they definitely made an impact on my family.
*I am grateful for FaceTime. Jacob and Spencer have already done this once, and they loved it!
*I am grateful for airplanes.
*I am grateful that Jen is my dear friend.
*I definitely miss the Tobler family, but I am grateful for the time they were a part of our lives, and for the opportunity that is ours to continue that friendship despite the thousands of miles.

It's funny how different challenges seem harder than other challenges. A friend moving may not be a struggle for one person while it is a struggle for another. I'm starting to understand that we are each unique--we all have different perspectives. When my brother passed away, I had several people tell me that I shouldn't be sad, that if I had faith, then I should just be okay. One person told me that they felt that because they had faith--they wouldn't struggle with the passing of a loved one. I don't begrudge people who feel differently than me. I am learning however, that we all have special opportunities to grow and develop. What helps one person stretch and grow, may not be what helps another person. Everything we experience along our pathway refines us into becoming what Heavenly Father would have us become. When the Tobler's moved, it was right after my brother's funeral. Amber sat on my lap with tears running down her cheeks and asked, "Why does it always have to be so hard?" I cried a little too. I then told her that it was all going to be okay--that all the struggles we endured would mold us into better people. We definitely miss the Tobler family, and it has been sad to not have them around; however, we are so blessed, so very blessed. And all these challenges are for our good.

The night before Spencer moved, Jacob came home to a big surprise in his room... Even now a month later--Jacob will not remove the signs on his walls or the crepe paper on his ceiling. 

Saying Good-bye

Day Off From School...

Aquarium

Eighth Grade Pace=No School for Amber and Jake, and half-day for Hailey

Hailey did great on Pace. It was a research project that has continued throughout the year. She was ecstatic when she was finally finished presenting. To celebrate her accomplishments, we enjoyed our afternoon at the Aquarium with Hailey's friend, Raigan!

We love Chick Fil A, or at least--I love Chick Fil A. I love Chick Fil A even more when I can eat it with my family.