Seven Years Old

Today is Ashton's 7th birthday. I really can't believe it. This morning I got out her scrapbook and looked at pictures of this day seven years ago. It was the exact same weather as it is today- rainy and gray, but a feel of summer in the air. We were living in Logan, Utah at the time and arrived at the hospital at 6 AM even though she wasn't born until late afternoon. There is something so special about the birth of your first- life changing in every way. We were so in love with her from the moment she came into our lives. Ashton is such a great girl. She is a good friend and excellent playmate. She is a social butterfly. She is a good helper and amazing big sister. Ashton has done great at school this year and has made the best of a hard classroom situation. She is very smart and fun to talk with. She likes to try new things. She has good ideas about everything. She already has a testimony of the Gospel and knows the right things to do. She tries hard to please others. She makes my life full and happy and dramatic and wonderful.

Happy Birthday to our girl!

This morning when Ashton got up, we came downstairs together (alone, which rarely happens!). Her dad had left his girl a vase of flowers with a note and Hannah Montana CD on the table. The day was off to a great start. She was so happy! After opening her "birthday outfit", it was off to school for her. I am going to meet her for lunch and bring treats for the class. Then we will celebrate by either going bowling or golfing (depending on the weather) and enjoying a waffle dinner (her choice!) and pink cupcakes. It is going to be an excellent day!

Two Months

Last week, Cole hit the two month mark! He is such a good baby, a very "roll with the punches" kind of guy. He has to be that way to survive all the running around we do and the three sisters. Anyway, he weighs 12 pounds 2 ounces, still wakes up 2 times a night to eat and is starting to smile a lot. We love him so much!

A Mother of Four!

It seems like only yesterday, I had Ashton and celebrated Mother's Day as a real mother for the very first time. When I look at these pictures from this Mother's Day, I am completely shocked to realize that I now have four children. Even though I am often overwhelmed lately, I feel so lucky and blessed.

Mother's Day Picnic

I wanted to share these pictures from our picnic...our tradition has been that on the Saturday before Mother's Day, we go on a picnic. I was worried this year that it wasn't going to happen- the day was incredibly busy and the weather was chilly, plus our van was in the shop. But that's the thing about traditions, you have to find a way to do them, even if you have to adjust and adapt! So, we all piled into our car and went to West Lake. This year, we just played and then actually ate at KFC because it was so windy. It was a great afternoon...the perfect gift for me.

First Smiles

We caught some of Cole's smiles on camera...love it! Hate waking up 4 times a night (yes, four times last night!) to feed this boy! Thank goodness for these smiles during the day.

Cole's Blessing Day

We had Cole's blessing last Sunday. It was such a special day. We were lucky enough to have both sets of grandparents with it, and it was so great to all be together. Cole is very blessed to have so many people in his life who love him so much. Grandma Patsy bought this special little outfit for Cole. He looked so cute. We are so thankful to have him in our family.

Grandpa Kirk and Grandma Patsy

The flower beds are groomed...the fridge is stocked to overflowing...the girls have new spring dresses and sandals...you guessed it, Grandma and Grandpa have been in town!!! They arrived last Wednesday, and we had such a wonderful visit with them. We enjoyed beautiful weather, took a trip to the zoo, ate at TGI Friday's overlooking the Mississippi River and cooked lots of yummy food. Tod loved going golfing with my dad. The girls loved swimming at the hotel, and reading books with Grandma. I loved learning to bake 1 hour bread and having extra help. We all had a great time. My Dad and Pat have 8 kids between them, and they are expecting their 22nd grandchild next month. Their children are spread all over the world from Utah to Texas to Iowa to Ohio to Japan. They make it a point to come to all baptisms and when babies are born. It keeps them busy. I think they are both incredible people, and everytime I am around them, I learn so much from them. It is always hard to say good-bye...