Planting flowers is fun to do...

The kids went over to their great grandma and grandpas house and planted flowers for Mothers Day.  It was really funny because we could see them in their front window and we were trying to be really quiet so they wouldn't catch us.  Sure enough they never noticed!!!

These two worked together for about 15 minutes and then they both said they were done:)

We had fun painting flower pots, shaving Hannah the dogs fur in the wind, and planting mothers day flowers with Alissa and Taylor...

I turned 40... and went to a funeral!

So for my 40th Birthday we headed down to St.George for my cousin Brian's funeral. He was fighting severe depression and couldn't handle this life any longer and chose to take his life.  It was a very sad situation.  He had served a mission and was trying to go to school and was living with my Aunt Colette at the time.  So I knew that I couldn't miss this and so we hurried and packed and went down for a quick trip.  My sweet Sister in law offered for us to stay with them and look what she had for me when we got there...  decorations and root beer floats:)  

Thank you Jac for making my birthday extra special!

Love you

This is Colettes children and their families.

My cousins: Amber and Jason

Driving home was a quiet trip:)

Shannon made me a cookie cake.  He was so thoughtful this whole month. 

I had a top 40 countdown with different titles of songs that were stories about me 

that he could remember.  Pretty impressive.

This was the best part of my entire birthday.  Shannon took the time to reach out to as many people as he could that he knew had influenced my life and asked them to send me a note for my birthday.  For those of you who read my blog and participated in this I sincerely say THANK YOU!  This was so neat to hear from my mission Presidents, old Bishops, converts, friends, and more friends...  Even Hillary Weeks!  This just goes to show what a lucky girl I am to have Shan as my Eternal Companion.

This was the sweetest thing ever!!!

Brynlee scores a GOAL... all for Orange Chicken!

Brynlee is crying in this picture because it was right after she scored her first goal of the season.  Soccer has not been a very fun sport for her.  She gets nervous about her positions. She spends many Saturday mornings trying to get out of going.  After talking to her coach and expressing that as a family we have made a deal that if she could score a goal we would get her her favorite food."Orange Chicken".  So he had the kids yell for their cheer Orange Chicken and put her on the front line.  When she actually scored the whole team went crazy.  It was a very sweet time!!!

Brynlee we are so proud of you for sticking out the season!!!

Great Job BOO...

Piano Recital 2013

Way to GO!!!

End of school year activities... and I am so TIRED!

I love this picture of Sofie.  It shows you just how excited

 she was for her end of year Preschool program.

This is her little crush named Grady

We can't begin to say enough about her teacher Ms. Sherrie...

AMAZING!!!

Sofies friend Taylor came to watch her and look at their matching outfits:)

Scotty Watty is always a big hit when he stays home from work and helps Ms.Sherrie!

Got to go with Syd on a field trip.

and Bryn on a field trip...

Field day with all the kids...

Morgan was honored for being in the top 10 for honor roll and citizenship...

Bryns field trip was fun especially when boys asked girls to skate 

and her little "crush" Boston asked her...

and the last field trip with Preston!

THE END...

Womens Conference 2013

This year we were missing some of our Sister in laws and we felt it:(  I look forward to this every year and I always feel it is at the time in my life when I am on empty and need a little shot in the arm to get me energized on those things that are of most importance to me.  My relationship with the Savior, my relationship with Shannon and my relationship with my children. I came home feeling encouraged with some of what I am already doing, but also ready to make some necessary changes. 

It is always fun to run into people that you haven't seen for years.  These cute ladies were our neighbors when we lived in Las Vegas.  We lived on Courtney Circle until I was 10 years old.  Their Father lost his wife while giving birth to their last son and he met my moms best friend who happened to be my moms neighbor, Suzie who had recently been through a tough divorce.  This sweet Suzie took on this large family and they became instant friends, babysitters, and like family. 

Mothers Day 2013

I love this picture of all my kids cuddled up with me in bed:) I reflect back to about 14 years ago when I was having miscarriages and wondering if I would ever be a Mother.  I remember kneeling in prayer and pleading with my Father in Heaven that I would do my part and strive daily to raise them in righteousness.  I didn't know how hard that would be until I watch life get busier and the demands get harder, but I strive daily to my best that day.  I carry a prayer in my pockets in hopes I can find the right moments to teach them without hurting them.  Which is very hard with girls...  I am so blessed.  They were all so sweet for Mothers Day and made me feel so much LOVE.   

I owe so much to this Momma of mine.  She is so wise and she truly inspires me to keep going and reminds me that it may not always be easy but it will be worth it.  She is such a blessing and gives me that confidence and reassurance that I need often.  I am so thankful to call her my MOTHER!  This picture was taken just a few days before Mothers Day at our traditional Women's Conference at BYU.