Ashton's Special Weekend

Last Saturday, Ashton was baptized and became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was such a memorable, wonderful weekend- one of those moments when you wish time would stand still and you could just stop and soak in everything that is happening.

One of the things that made this weekend so neat was being able to share it with so many people that we love. My dad and Pat flew in from Utah, Tod's parents drove up from Missouri and my step-sister and her family came from Ohio. Being surrounded by family was such a treat for all of us.

At Ashton's actual baptism service, I could literally feel the room brimming with love. Many of our closest friends attended which we appreciated so much. They have been like family to us. Jordan said the prayer, the girls and I sang a song and Grandma Patsy and Grandma Cindy gave amazing talks. Ashton was lucky to have her dad be able to baptize her and confirm her. The spirit was incredibly strong and Tod and I both felt so full of love for Ashton and so glad that she made this choice. And although we did encourage her to be baptized, it was her choice. One that I know will bless her forever.

Of course, we bought Ashton a beautiful white dress for the occasion. For her special day, I let her wear my mom's pearl necklace. It is the same one that I wore on my wedding day and I hope each of my daughter's will wear it when they are baptized and married. I told Ashton that now she could have a piece of Grandma Kim with her today, and I could really feel my mom's love and presence througout the day. Throughout Ashton's life, on several occasions, I have felt my mom very near and I do believe that these two have a connection.

This is a time that I look back on with special memories and I hope that Ashton will do the same. Thanks to everyone who supported and helped us.

(Thanks to my friends for taking the pics! Absolutely beautiful.)

Last Day of School

We had excellent teachers this year and learned a lot...but no matter what, the last day of school is still so exciting and fun! Can't wait for all of our summer adventures.

She is 8!

Today is Ashton's 8th birthday!!!! That seems impossible to me, that I have an eight year old. I remember her birth with so much happiness and excitement to become a mother. Today is cloudy and a bit rainy, just like it was 8 years ago. I am especially proud of Ashton this year. She has overcome challenges and is working on hard things. She is a great person who always expects a lot from herself. I also expect a lot from her and don't always thank her for doing all that she does. She is very smart, is an excellent reader and does so well in school. She makes friends easily and is concerned about others. She tries new things and is sensitive and loving. And this kid can play harder than anyone I know. Whether it's swimming, biking, being outside or make-believe, no one can outlast her when it comes to playing.

These pictures are of Ashton this morning before school. I just returned from having lunch with her and tonight, Tod and I are going to take her out to dinner, just the 3 of us which is a real treat. Then we will have cake and ice cream and presents. This weekend is Ashton's baptism and she is ready and excited. We are all looking forward to this event!

The Last Few Weeks

May is always such a busy month and this year has been no exception! We are enjoying the great weather and many fun activities. Here's what has been keeping us busy:

I held my spring piano recital on May 11, and it went really well. This year I have had 13 students, and everyone of them made me so proud at the recital! They are all so unique and special to me. Teaching piano this year has been a sacrifice for my family in some ways, but the recital made it worthwhile. It was so rewarding to see the progress that my students made.

I also finished up another semester of work on my Masters Degree. This semester I was able to carpool to Iowa City with 2 of my class mates. These girls are so different from me and on the surface we really didn't have much in common...but we really managed to become good friends through our semester together. This experience really reminded me that "different is good." My final project was a case study that I conducted on Jordan's literacy. It was so neat to do a project on something that I care so much about.

Ashton has been playing soccer again this year. I didn't get to as many of the games as I would have liked, but I was tickled to see the improvement she has made and all that she has learned. I am glad that she enjoys team sports.

Regan had her last day of preschool. She had a great year and it was so fun for her to go to the same school that Ashton attended. The teachers are just so nice, caring and down to earth.

Some of my very favorite people came to visit last week- my sister Katy, her husband Nick, and my nephew Sutton. We had a great time going to the museum, swimming, and going on walks. It was so fun to get to know Sutton better- he is adorable and funny and he eats a ton! Nick did some yard work for us which was so nice. He likes to talk as much as I do, so we always have a great time visiting. What can I say about my Katy? I love that girl and no matter how long it's been, we always have the same close bond. She is an amazing mom and career woman, and also such a loving aunt. I was sad when the George family left. Thank goodness we will see them again in just a few weeks!

Mom's Day

I had a great Mother's Day...complete with handmade gifts/cards, items from my "wish list", special songs sung by my girls at church, and a yummy meal with some of my favorite friends. It was a good day.

Of course, my thoughts are never far from my own mom. But instead of feeling sadness for her not being here, I tried to focus on what she gave me....a love of motherhood. From an early age, I can remember really knowing that my mom loved being a mom! It always seemed to be her highest priority. And I can truly say that I, as well, love motherhood. It is extremely hard and a lot of work, and I have much improving to do...but I do love it. I think I value it even more because my time with my mom was far to short.

I have been blessed with an amazing mother-in-law and a special step mother. We probably don't recognize them enough on Mother's Day, because it is a little bit of a tough day for me. I'm glad that they understand. I am thankful to both of these women for being there for me and for my kids as wonderful grandmas. I am thankful to my mother-in-law for raising a righteous, patient son. She did a good job!

I am also thankful for my grandmas, especially my Grandma Betty. She is such an incredible person who has played such a big role in my life. She has spent her life taking care of others, including my mom. Now, Gram's own health is declining and she is suffering. It is hard to accept, but now it is our turn to take care of her. I feel so helpless being so far away from her. Even with her pain and discomfort, she tries to be upbeat and positive on the phone and always wants to know about my family. And she still sends cards for every birthday, event and holiday. I love her.

Happy Mother's Day Everyone!

What a difference a day makes....

Today, Cole got a haircut from Dad. Another great friend snapped a picture of him at Ashton's soccer game this morning (good thing I have friends with nice cameras, right?) I can't believe how grown up my baby boy looks.

This Guy...

This guy is really something. Yes, he needs a hair cut and yes, I am having a hard accepting the fact that he is no longer a little baby! My friend took this amazing picture of Cole today...love him so much. Also, love the one of me and my "littles" as I call my 2 youngest. This is my life...