Benji's Special Day

This past Saturday was a special day for our family. Benji was baptized at 10:40 am. This was a choice he made. I asked him if he believed that what our church taught was true. He said yes. I told him he couldn't get baptized because he thinks Mom and Dad wants him to that it had to be his choice and he had to know for himself. He said I do Mom. He planned his whole program down to the songs that were sung. We had both sides of the family there and a few friends (we aren't the best at inviting people). Benji said it was the day he wanted which I was glad of. He allowed Alyssa to be a part of it by saying the opening prayer which Alyssa was so excited for. I am so thankful for a husband that is a worthy priesthood holder and could partake in these sacred ordinances with our kids. We are truly blessed. We are proud of the choices you are making Benji and the young man you are becoming!

Has It Really Been 4 Months?

Has it really been 4 months since I have been on here? Time flies by whether you're having fun or not. Just a few little blips to get caught up.

Alyssa turned 6 in August! I took off work early to surprise her and took her, Benji, James, and her friend Hallie to go see Shrek at the Dollar Theater for her birthday. We came home and opened presents and did cake and she had a great day. That weekend we had her family party and, like always, she was spoiled rotten. We are so thankful to have her in our family and love her dearly. Happy Birthday Alyssa!!! She also started school this year and is in the 1st grade. She didn't like going all day at first but now doesn't seem to mind it. On Monday, she is starting dance which she has been begging me for the last 3 years to do. I'm hoping she loves it as much as she has been begging.

Benji has started soccer and he is really good at it. We have people ask who he played for last year and they are surprised when we tell them it's his first year playing. I have to admit, I love watching him play. Soccer is definitely mom's favorite and I love when we play as a family after the game. The kids get such a kick out of kicking the ball in the goal, especially if mom or dad are playing goalie. Benji is in the 2nd grade this year and is doing pretty well so far. He's a great speller and does good in reading. He's going to be turning 8 in a couple months so is getting ready to be baptized.

James is so excited that he gets to go to preschool this year. He started this week and is absolutely loving it. I told him before he started that he gets to go to Benji and Alyssa's preschool. He told me "no mom, it's my preschool now". He is getting so big and loves to play. Now if we can just teach him when enough is enough. But we love his playfulness and hope that this trait will help him get through the rough times in life. He is looking forward to next month when he turns 4 and every night he asks me when it's going to be Christmas. Kid after my own heart.

Taylor is 16 months and keeps us hopping. She has found the sharpie markers twice and decided to add some color to my laundry room by coloring on the washer, drier, and tile floor. Just today she decided she was still hungry after breakfast and, while Ryan was in the shower, decided to get 3 boxes of cereal and dump them on the living room floor so she could eat them. It is fun to watch her discover things. She definitely holds her own in our family and can take down each of her brothers and sister. She makes her wants known. Our family would definitely be missing something if she hadn't come along.

Ryan and I are doing well. We celebrate our 11th anniversary this month. Now time really flies. I don't feel old enough to be married that long but I wouldn't want to be with anyone else. He really is my best friend and the love of my life.

Mom got through school, sometimes with me dragging her along kicking and screaming. We are so proud of her accomplishment, especially because we know how easy it would have been for her to quit after Ben passed away. She has done amazing and we are proud of the strength she has had over the last year. We hope to see a lot of you at her graduation party on October 9th.

So those are the few blips to get you updated. Maybe I will do better at keeping this updated. Don't hold your breath but I'll try.

Happy Birthday Taylor!

Can you believe my baby is 1? She is an amazing little girl and definitely a blessing to have in our family. We were able to celebrate her birthday with Grandma, Dave, Kim, Easton, Mollie, and Sylvia. We went to Jumping Jacks and went down the slides. She loved them after the first couple of times. Mom was exhausted climbing to the top with her and sliding down but it was a blast. We came back and did barbecued hamburgers and cake. It was a great day. She is such a sweet spirit and I could not imagine our life without her. I am so glad we have been blessed with her.

Happy Birthday Taylor! We love you!

In Loving Memory

It has been a year since Ben has passed away. It has left a void in our lives that only he can fill but at the same time we have made it through. He was an amazing man and I am so thankful to know that families are forever. I think Heavenly Father would be amazingly cruel if we only had this life to spend as a family. My mom is an example with the strength she has had to carry on. Don't get me wrong, she has had some bad days but she is still going.

We miss you Ben and can't wait until we can be a family again.

Life Flies By!

Why does it seem the older the kids get, the faster life flies by? Could it be that we are so busy doing things for all of the kids all of the time that we forget to take the moment to stop and really appreciate what they add into our life? We are so blessed by their sweet spirits (even though we forget that sometimes) and how much fun and adventure they add into our lives. Why does time have to go by so fast? Before we know it this life is over and the only things we have to take with us are the memories. This is a reminder for me not to take as many worries and to always make the memories with my special blessings (even when I don't think there are things to remember).

Amazing Dad!

Ok so Ryan would kill me if he knew I was posting this but I just wanted to say what an amazing dad he is. How many dad's do you know that would stay home with their kids whether they had to or not? Work is going pretty well for me even though I really miss being home with my kids. Ryan has had a harder adjustment as it is hard to fill the constant demands of 4 kids. He has gotten into the routine of daily life at home and the absolute worst part for him is having to make dinner. But my house is picked up more than I could do when I was home and I can see a deeper bond forming with our kids. I just want him to know what an absolutely amazing man and dad he is and we are all so lucky to have him as part of our lives.

Topsy Turvy World

Our life has been shaken up and we are in for a major adjustment. Ryan will now be a stay home dad. He gets the opportunity to know his kids better and get the opportunity to continue his education. I will be returning to work at AMP. This is a major adjustment for both of us and has us a little uncomfortable as any new change does but we know this is the right move for our family. The main concern was that one of us still be with the kids so they aren't affected as much. This is a blessing and we'll see how it plays out. To be continued....