Take me out to the ball game!

Last Friday night, we took the whole family to the River Bandits baseball game. It was a gorgeous evening, perfect temperature and so much fun. The stadium is beautiful here, overlooking the Mississippi River. After the game, we stayed for the fireworks. It was a really fun night. I am still getting used to having 4 kids and even small ventures feel like great accomplishments, especially when everyone has a relatively good time! Cole wore his "uniform" for his first official baseball experience.

Today

To Mom:

I am thinking of you today. Could it really be possible that you left us 9 years ago? In some ways, it seems like only yesterday...in other ways, it feels like forever.

I am thinking of you today. Amidst the laundry, the fussy baby, the giggling girls, the cleaning, the errands...my thoughts keep drifting back to you.

I am thinking of you today. I am remembering all the good times. I am smiling about childhood memories and crying about the end that came to quickly.

I am thinking of you today. I am wishing that you were here to see your grand daughters and your grandson, to know your fabulous son-in-law.

I have a lump in my throat today as I think of you, but today I allow myself some extra time to remember...and I just might take a walk, chat with a stranger, tickle my kids, smell a lemon, call a friend, or listen to some jazz music, because these things remind me of you.

And even though it is painful, I never want to forget...you...amazing you. Thank goodness, we have eternity to look forward to.

(I wish I had some more recent photos of my mom in digital format, but I do not...this picture was taken in 1980- before Katy bug joined our fam in 1981. I'm the one in the boots!)

Three Years Old

Today we are celebrating another June Birthday! Our Regan-Roo is turning 3. What a girl she is. Even though she has is our 3rd girl...she is truly her own, unique person in every way. We love her so much and she adds so much to our family. I am thinking back to the June morning when she was born. The day before, I had been so miserable...it was the first time ever that I had actually gone to my due date. Also, we had already been to the hospital twice during the last month for false alarms. During that day before, I went scrapbooking at a friends house, then went with Tod to pick out new appliances for our house. When I look at our stove and fridge, I am always glad we got such nice ones because at that point, I so didn't care about all the fancy features! That night, we went to pick out new carpet for the house, and I felt so yucky. When I woke up in the middle of the night because my water broke, I was overjoyed knowing that this baby would actually have to be born! Regan was born at 9:24 the next morning on my parents anniversary. Her sisters were so excited to welcome her home, and I was thrilled to have another daughter.

Today, it's all about Regan. We made pancakes for breakfast (her favorite) and Tod is going to come home early so we can go to Chuck E. Cheese's. Then it's cupcakes and presents for our girl...I am so excited because we bought her very first bike. I can't wait to give it to her as she has been asking for one for months.

Regan has taught me so many things, and as a parent, I have grown in many ways. Who would think a tiny girl could be so powerful? I love you, Roo. Happy Birthday!!!

Missouri Pictures

We went down to Missouri over Memorial Day, and I wanted to share a few pictures from our trip. Although we found that travelling with 6 is indeed a lot of work, we had a really good time. We just loved being on the farm and spending time with Tod's family. Jordan loved relaxing, Regan spent her time swinging, Ashton climbed the hay tower in the barn, and Cole practiced sitting in a saddle for the first time.

Little Man

Having a boy is so much fun!!!!!

Bridge Ceremony

Ashton has been in girl scouts this year and has loved it! She has wonderful leaders and has enjoyed many fun activities. With the school year ending, it was time for the girls to officially become Brownie scouts instead of Daisy scouts. To make this transition, there is a special bridge ceremony where the girls walk over a bridge to show this important step. Ashton felt very proud and happy and seemed so excited for this event.

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!