Saturday, February 14, 2015

Valentine's Day & Gymnastics

Valentine’s Day & Gymnastics

Valentine's Day was a busy day for us. Amber had a gymnastics meet in the morning, and by afternoon we were headed to Utah to celebrate Kalli's return from her mission. Although it was a bit of a rush, were still able to play a few Valentine's Day games, and enjoy Amber's success at the meet. Out of 61 girls, she placed 3rd, and she placed 2nd in her division. 





Gymnastics Meet


















Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Performances


I went to this little boy's drama performance. He was in the very back behind the entire 2nd grade of Christine Donnell. If Jacob were tall, this would be okay, but--he's not. After the performance, I asked him why he was placed in the very back. He said it was because he wanted to stand by a friend. I had to laugh. At least he knows what's important when it comes to performances! The support of good friends is always a bonus! 
I am grateful for this little guy in my life. His bright eyes demonstrates his extraordinary qualities. I hope he always believes in himself. I hope he knows his worth. I hope he never forgets that his mama loves him, and I will cheer him on forever--even when I can't see him, or he can't see me...I am always there!

Monday, February 9, 2015

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday, Bryan!

I wish I could write a post that could describe in words how grateful I am for this man in my life. I really think marrying the right person is the biggest decision we make. A great deal of my happiness comes from my marriage to Bryan. I truly feel that we are a team. We are team as husband and wife, as parents, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and every aspect of our lives. Being a team doesn't mean that we don't disagree at times--we do, but when we do, we respect each other enough to listen and to work it out.
I have a little tradition that I do for Bryan on his birthday. My children find it quite annoying that they do not get the same privilege for them on their birthdays; however, I reserve this tradition for my best friend, and my best friend only. Each year as his birthday draws near, I celebrate by doing the 12 Days of Bryan. It is similar to the 12 Days of Christmas tradition. Twelve days prior to Bryan's birthday, Bryan receives a small gift celebrating him, and our love for him.  Each year it is a little bit different form the year prior (just to keep him guessing), but obviously not too different (since this year he could guess some of what he was getting).
This year as I was delivering the 10th day to his work (10 Balloons with Messages of Why I Love Him), his coworkers were in shock over the 12 Days of Bryan. They teased and questioned me a bit as to why I do what I do. They were in so much shock that I took a moment to reflect on my reasoning for doing such a tradition. I actually questioned myself a bit. I thought things like: Am I being over the top? Is this too much? As I reflected I came to some conclusions: I know that Bryan would still feel absolutely loved and adored even if we didn't do the tradition. He doesn't expect us to shower him with gifts for 12 Days. And, although I know its not required, or even needed--I love expressing love to him. It is my way of expressing my gratitude for our marriage and for him in my life. I think as we show small acts of kindness towards one another, our love grows. This is just another way in which I am able to bind our hearts together for eternity. I have covenanted in a temple of God that I would keep this man for eternity. I think that eternity could be difficult if we didn't express love to one another, if we didn't take the time to build our relationship, if we didn't make our relationship a priority. Sure, doing 12 Days of Bryan takes time, and frankly--sometimes it is exhausting, but it is my way of taking time out of my busy schedule for the person who matters most to me. We are building a marriage one step at a time--nothing is over the top if it builds appreciation and love for each other, and that is exactly what I think it is doing!



We had a great day of celebration. Bryan and I went to lunch together, after work we went to dinner as a family, and then we had a Wii Tournament. We had so much fun playing together! I am so grateful to my husband. He is my best friend. He is my support. 

We scrimped and saved to get Bryan a new coat!


DINNER:

At Chick Fil-A for dinner, Hailey and I were having way too much fun...

Wii Tournament:





This is the first time I have ever placed 1st. Bryan laughed at me that I took this picture, but some things just need to be remembered...




On the FIRST DAY OF BRYAN, your fan club gave to you: 1 TEXAS HAT!

On the SECOND DAY OF BRYAN, your fan club gave to you: 2 CHICK-FIL-A FAVORITES!

On the THIRD DAY OF BRYAN, your fan club gave to you: 3 CANS OF PRINGLES!

On the  FOURTH DAY OF BRYAN, your fan club gave to you: FoUr APpLEs DiPPing!

On the FIFTH DAY OF BRYAN, your fan club gave to you: DATE NIGHT!
(1 Dinner Coupon+1Night of Ice Cream+2 Movie Tickets+1 Box of Candy=5)

On the SIXTH DAY OF BRYAN, your fan club gave to you: 6 Yummy Rootbeers!

On the SEVENTH DAY OF BRYAN, your fan club gave to you: 7 Future Fortunes!

On the EIGTH DAY OF BRYAN, your fan club gave to you: 8 “You’ve Got Mails”!

On the NINTH DAY OF BRYAN, your fan club gave to you: 9 PISTACHIO’S (+) A FEW MORE…!

On the TENTH DAY OF BRYAN, your fan club gave to you: 10 LOVING BALLOONS!

On the ELEVENTH DAY OF BRYAN, your fan club gave to you: 11 Peanut Butter Blossoms

On the TWELFTH DAY OF BRYAN, your fan club gave to you: TWELVE NUTTER BUTTERS…There’s Nuttin’ Better Than YOU!!!!

Saturday, February 7, 2015

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday, AMBER!

We celebrated Amber's birthday at the cabin. We don't really love sleepovers, but we allowed an exception to go to the cabin. (Amber invited Ava Merritt and Brooklyn Lowry.) When we first arrived, the power was out at the cabin. It was late, so there wasn't anything we could do about it. Bryan and I considered going back home as the cabin was freezing cold. However, we also wanted to stay, so that we could make sure the food in the freezers and the refrigerators was disposed of properly. It was decided that we would stay, so that we could take care of the cabin. To keep the kids warm, we piled blankets on them and had them snuggle together. At first we had them on the couch, but the blankets kept falling off, so we carried mattresses to the living room, and arranged a bed by the fire (thankfully, we were able to get the fireplace working despite the power being out...it wasn't pumping heat like it would have been had there been power, but there was warmth, which was needed). The power being out was an adventure that all of the kids seemed to enjoy. To them--it was fun. I remember feeling the same way as a kid. I am sure Amber will never forget her 11th birthday. Memories were definitely made as we cuddled together to stay warm. 


COVER YOUR ASSETS

We played "Cover Your Assets" for hours and hours. It's a new favorite game at our house, and it is quite addicting once you've started.



PRESENTS

Ava Merritt and Amber

Brooklyn Lowry and Amber



Valentine's Scavengar Hunt

Playing in the Snow











Happy Birthday, Amber!

Sometimes I wish I could freeze time. I wish there was a pause and replay button on life. I would pause on all the moments I absolutely love, and then I would go back and replay them over and over again. I know it isn't wise to live in the past, and truly--it's not that I want to live in the past... I just want to enjoy every second of every day. Life goes by so quickly, and sometimes it is easy to forget to cherish the moments. Amber is becoming a young lady. How did this happen? Where is the little girl that use to run into my arms with enormous bear hugs? Where has the time gone? It's in moments like these that I wish I had that pause and replay button. And if I really think about it, I can make myself sad with the little bit of time I have left with this little girl of mine, but rather than be sad for all the time gone, I am choosing to embrace the moments left. Each and every moment will be ours. And even when she grows up, and moves away--I can and will love her from afar. When she came into my life, I couldn't have ever imagined how much love I would have for her. My heart is full to bursting.

I love that Amber loves her friends and watches out for them through times of need.
I love that Amber has a strong testimony and chooses to bear it monthly.
I love that Amber desires to do the right thing, and has courage to follow her desires.
I love that Amber reads from The Friend and her scriptures daily.
I love that Amber is thoughtful and kind to those around her.
I love that Amber is teachable. She is able to take correction, and learn from her mistakes.
I love that Amber is determined to succeed.
I love that Amber's smile lights up a room.
I love that Amber has an adventurous spirit. She loves trying new things.
I love that Amber understand the meaning of "working hard".
I love that Amber shines with the spirit of God. She is like a light on a hill.



This is my favorite picture of all time! I absolutely love it!