father's day 2013

My dad has always been someone that I admire a lot. He is the most forgiving and optimistic person I know. "Kill them with kindness" and "Look for the good" are two things I heard a lot from him growing up. He was always asking us questions that required us to think growing up. My knowledge of the Gospel and desire to learn more came from him. He has helped me to become the person 'i am today and I'm so grateful for that.

And then there is Cort. He takes his job as a dad very seriously. He is always willing to coach the boys sports teams, take some time off to go watch a preschool program or to volunteer for a school field trip. He makes dinners more than I would like to admit. He reads the kids stories and makes sure their teeth are brushed every night. Before he leaves in the morning, he reads scriptures with the kids and when school is in he makes their lunches almost every day. And he has taken all 5 kids many times, out for a few hours so I can have some me time. Members of my family are constantly reminding me what a great guy he is and how lucky I am that he's mine. My grandparents pretty much think he walks on water. Cort helps me more than I give him credit for and he makes my job as a mom a lot easier. He is a good guy and I'm so grateful that he is mine and that I get to spend forever with him. He reminds me of my dad in a lot of ways.

We all love them both....a lot. Happy Father's Day to two of the best guys I know.

moving on

Another year has come and gone.

 Taylor on her first day August 2012 and on her last day of 4th grade May 2013

 

Chase's 1st day of first grade and his last 

 

 Talan's first day of preschool and his very last. Kindergarten here we come!

Easton's first day of play school. 2 years old almost 3. And Easton on his last day at 3 and a half.

And just for fun one of Avery on the kids first day of school and one of her today. I don't know call me crazy but I definitely think she has changed the most!
 August 2012
Look at the dark hair she had! Now it couldn't be anymore blond.

Avery today May 2013. At 11 months. Almost one year old! I keep thinking about what I was doing on the last day of the school last year. Anxiously awaiting for her to come. Can't believe that was a year ago.

Mother's Day 2013

I know I've said it a thousands times before, but I love being a mom. There is nothing else I would rather do or anyone else that I would spend my days with. It's not always easy and there are times when I feel like my heart is going to burst when I watch one of kids hurt, or when I have feelings that I'm not measuring up and I doubt myself, but regardless I am living my dream! I have always wanted to be a mom. The kids were super excited for the "big" day. Taylor and Chase each made very thoughtful gifts at their school and Talan on his own, made me several pictures as well. And of course Cort never disappoints he always makes sure to make me feel very special.

 Chase gave me this flower pot that he decorated, love it! And then some seeds to plant in it. He was so excited to give to me. He hide it under Taylor's bed til the big day.

Taylor's cute book that she made me at school. 

 I think this is my favorite part of the whole book

 Apparently Cort jokes around a lot

 Love this part too!

She also wrote me a poem! I heart this girl big time

On Mother's Day morning poor Chase woke me up around 3am to inform me that he had just thrown up. And it was everywhere. On the way to the bathroom, everywhere in the bathroom. Poor little guy. The next morning with a very pale face and his bed head hair everywhere I found him getting his church clothes on. I said to him "bud, you can't go to church today." To which he replied "But mom I have too! I'm singing today." And then 15 minutes later he threw up again.

And kind of on a side note Avery decided to stand up on her own about a week ago without holding on to anything. Way to go Baby girl! Love you and your sister and brothers so much!

My brother is married!

Last week, On April 19th 2013, on my mom's 61st birthday, my brother Bryce FINALLY got married. It was a beautiful day and celebration. They were sealed for time and eternity in the St. George Temple. I wouldn't have missed it for anything. These two are so perfect for one another. Welcome to the family April! Although it seems like you have been family for a very long time.

Waiting outside the temple for Bry and April to come out

Twinners! Totally can't tell they are related.

 Gang ham Style! I love this boy. Easton and Talan were dancing fools that night at the reception.

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Me and my nephew Tannon the next day after the wedding. We decided to go for a run up a nasty hill by the condo, when we got to the top we decided to keep going. 5 miles later we made it back. Tannon you are the man! So glad we got to hang out for a bit. Can't believe he will be 14 next month! 

Snuck in a little swimming while we were there too.

Easton loved spending time with Tannon and Austin and vice a versa. I don't think they left each others sides the majority of the weekend. 

Our last day there these two slept in. That never happens! We really wore them out.

There was one little mishap while we were there. Taylor broke her pinkie toe while doing a handstand, she wacked it on something coming down. Poor thing. We didn't get it checked out until we got home. I honestly didn't think it was broken. Mother of the Year right here! She is one tough girl, that's for sure. 

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