Welcome to our World

  Another milestone met for the last time. Our youngest child chose to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Natalie wanted to be baptized as soon as she could after turning 8 years old but had to work around dance competitions, volleyball tournaments and baseball games. Luckily, with the children not being in school on Fridays, we were able to find a day on the calendar that was completely empty. The two grandmothers said the prayers. My dad gave the talk on baptism. Hubby baptized Natalie. With the rather recent rule change, Danny and Michelle were able to be official witnesses for their little sister. So special!     My favorite part was watching from the side with a towel at the ready and getting to give my girl a hug and ask her how she felt. Natalie felt “good.”     She’s not someone to overstate things. Her smile was huge, though! I gave the talk on the Holy Ghost and Hubby’s dad confirmed her.  Brother C. saved the...

I am so grateful for this wonderful girl and happy we got to celebrate her turning 8 years old.  The one and only thing she asked for (other than a party with her friends) was PEZ refills.  Luckily we were able to find some more things that made her smile but it definitely was her favorite gift.  Natalie didn't want to wait until summer to have her birthday party this year so we planned an entirely outdoor softball themed party and hoped the weather would be nice enough to enjoy.  Luckily these Colorado kids don't mind 50*s and breezy at all.  Natalie had a great time with her delightful friends and I'm so glad she didn't have to wait.  I have loved being Natalie's mom and look forward to seeing what the next year brings for her. As luck would have it, Michelle's dance performance time in Denver ended up being at the same time as Natalie's birthday party.  Luckily Hubby could come home early from work and take her to her competition in Denver.  Hi...

You’ll have to trust me that we’ve been playing volleyball and baseball, finished basketball, been dancing, and even started softball practice since coming back from Virginia because I don’t have pictures of most of it.  Here’s from Danny’s first few scrimmages, all in perfect weather.  What a joy it was to be there to watch these boys play again! Most importantly, we were able to celebrate the Resurrection of our Savior. It wasn’t quite as I pictured it due to a volleyball tournament and General Conference but we were still able to eat hot cross buns, wake up to Easter baskets, and have an egg hunt complete with Golden egg in our front and backyard, a feast made by Hubby (I just made the deviled eggs), and hear wonderful messages about Jesus the Christ.   The next time I get the idea to paint the pantry, stop me! Okay, it really needed it and I am thrilled with the result but it took more time than I thought it would emptying it, sanding it, and priming it. Luckily we hi...

With our Disney Cruise being canceled once again, it was time for Plan B. Long story short, I decided to take us all on a super relaxing field trip to Colonial America by staying in Williamsburg, VA and visiting the Jamestown Settlement, Historic Williamsburg, and Yorktown.  I knew it wouldn’t be 100% due to Covid restrictions but it looked safe enough and a place we could learn something while having a good time. First sign it wasn’t going to be the best trip ever: a phone call saying all evening programs (I had signed up for a ghost tour) were canceled until April. Bummer. Ok. Nothing to do at night. We could handle that. We didn’t do anything beside watch tv together in the Florida Keys and it was restful. Then I got a call saying the hotel with neat pool and splash pad and included continental breakfast wouldn’t be opening and they would upgrade us to the Williamsburg Lodge. Upgrade sounds good until you get there and realize not only is the outdoor pool across the street but i...

I really wasn’t feeling St. Patrick’s Day this year but decorated and prepared for our annual scavenger hunt to find gold (aka Rolos). Natalie was delighted to find notes from a leprechaun and green milk in the fridge. Turns out Danny and Michelle woke up early and noticed I hadn’t done usual tricks and did them for their little sister. I was delighted to see them be so thoughtful and relieved there was no disappointments to be had at our house that morning. What fun it is to see these children growing up. Bittersweet too, since sometimes I feel like I’m working my way out of my job a little ahead of schedule. The middle schoolers had online learning that day so it was no big deal to them but it was also crazy hair day at the elementary school. Michelle knew exactly what she wanted to do and barely needed any help while Natalie chose to have me make two braided buns and then use the red hair spray paint on them. At school pick up you could tell the school had a fun day by the energy th...

There has been a lot in the news about being one year since our part of the world shut down.  Bad things, good things and many differing opinions.  I think it is a great opportunity to be reminded of what is most important and be grateful for what we get to enjoy.  For example, while watching the Netflix show "Marriage or Mortgage" with Michelle and Natalie one episode touched on adoption while another touched on infertility.  I am so very grateful for the children that are in my home.  Much like the pandemic, they each have their different view about having me as their mom but I am so very grateful for them.  While on the topic of shows, we have been loving WandaVision, Secrets of the Zoo: Tampa, Nadyia Bakes, and The Repair Shop while watching movies such as the original 101 Dalmatians.  Somehow I also got sucked into Dawson's Creek while I clean the house because I knew friends who watched it 20 years ago.  Is it sad that it's so fun for me to ...