Anniversary

April 17, 2008, I found myself on the way to the hospital to find out what happened to Shane. I had just been told of the plane crash but had very few details.

I have been taken back at times to the images of peoples faces upon hearing the news, of telling my kids what happened to their dad and the uncertainty of so much. I remember many of the sounds of the hospital, some I hope to never hear again. I think of the feelings I had of being truly overwhelmed at every front..... being a mom to our 4 kids, being there for my best friend who needed me and honestly the worst was having to take care of the bills. Who really likes to do that? But also trying to imagine how our lives were going to change from that day forward.

We have seen changes over the past year, but I can't say they have all been bad. I have learned the importance of letting things go, meaning that I spent way to much time worrying about things that honestly didn't matter. It feels as if we (immediate family) like each other better and really like hanging out with one another. Trust me this is not perfect but I have liked the marked improvements. Plus Shane gained a few more mother hens to watch over him and make sure that there is not to much risk taking by him. Which I am sure he doesn't totally appreciate.

I remember having incredible support at every single turn! So many people, so much food and so many prayers in Shane's (our) behalf. I felt every one. They carried me from that first day forward. So much service was given, I can't say thank you enough! Many blessings/miracles came our way for which I am eternally grateful to my Father in Heaven.


This also marks a year anniversary of blogging. I can't believe that I have kept this up for a year!!!! I just gave myself a pat on the back..... I am not a great writer, but I am trying to improve. It has been therapeutic to re-read all that has happened to us this past year. We spent our anniversary day celebrating life and it was a great day. Let's see what the second year brings us, shall we?

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Our March madness

I am amazed at how fast the past month has gone.  We hosted the dinner for Sadie's in our back yard.  We spent weeks getting ready for this two hour event.  I wish I wasn't such a procrastinator!  But the kids had a great time and we got some things done around the house.  So it was a win, win for all involved.

Jackson turned 14 on March 6th.  He shares his birthday with my mom.  We had the family over for treats.  So we started a new family tradition, cinnamon rolls instead of cake.  Thanks to Jessie!  But honestly, they are the best rolls on this earth and everyone loves them so they are a real treat.  I don't think there was one roll left.  It is amazing to me that my son will be leaving on his mission (for the church) in 5 years!  I can't believe how fast he has grown up.  He is a great young man. 

  We then got ready for Shane's parents to come and visit for a week.  They came to Mexico with us for spring break.  We had a great time and the beach is alway one of our favorite places to spend time together.  I will post pictures in a slideshow of our past adventures.  

Life is good, I am blessed.

                                                       

                           

family time

It is hard to believe that we have been back from vacation for almost a week.  I guess it is time for me to finish unpacking today.  But before I do take care of that task, I thought I would post a few pictures from our Disneyland get away.  I think we ruined Jake's idea of fun rides when we started off at Space Mountain.   As a family, we decided not to split up any more than we needed to, so Jake went on the ride, as he is tall enough.  He was a good sport, but after that ride he asked if every ride was super fast, super scary or super dark.   

But other fears were conquered this trip..... everyone (but Jake) did Screamin at California Adventure and we got Jake to go on Grizzly River even after he was terrified after Splash Mountain.  So our two days at Disney ended on a high note.  But the just of the hole trip was for each of us to remember that our family is awesome and that we can have fun together.  It was almost magical......

happiest place on earth, besides our home.

We are going here,

to do this,

this,

and this!

 

Don't be jealous, just wish us well.  A special thanks to all those who make this trip possible!  Thanks for keeping an eye on the girls (genna & scout).  xoxox

blessings

I guess that I really don't have much to post about family wise other than my mom is doing really good and has been super chatty the past couple of visits.  I have learned many things about her that I didn't know.  I feel so blessed to be able to visit with her sometimes late into the night.  I do miss her thought provoking visits around my kitchen table, the talks over folding clothes and some of my favorite conversations were as walked at the mall.  But I still enjoy listening to her voice as she talks about her youth.  I know that it sounds crazy, but I do miss my mom!

But I don't want to feel sorry for myself today so I thought I would just mention some of the blessings in my life......My husband, Haley, Jackson, Maddy,  Jake and Jessie.  My family.  The roof over my head, food to feed my family and clothes (to many for most) for one and all.  My friends...I have great friends!  My health and the health of my family.   Shane's job.  Living in a safe neighborhood.  My faith.  My Savior. Scout and Jenna.  Miracles.  Living in a free land and having a great life!

Another dance has come and gone.  We were able to pull this one off in just two weeks with very little stress for those who were involved.  I am not going to lie....Haley's dress was beautiful on her though the pictures don't quite do it justice.  She looked so grown up.  The old Hollywood glamour look worked for her.   She loved it.     She had a great time and of course they are already working on Sadie's (another girl ask boy) and Haley has decided that she really needs a job!

As for our house we were a house divided.  Half cheered or the Cardinals and the other half new the Cards would get beat.  I am sorry to report that half of us were right.  I know that some of you real Card fans will be dissapointed with this post, but we knew the inevitable was going to happen.  But it really was a good game and truly the Card's have nothing to be ashamed of, they played a good game.

I also have great news to announce....Scout is house broken!!!!   

Need I say more.