A MARVELous Birthday

The only thing Dave-o wanted to do for his sixth birthday was to play with Owen. So that's what he did. Owen came over yesterday to spend the night. This morning the two boys came downstairs with one request: open presents. I told Dave-o he'd have to wait until everyone woke up. However, I let him open one present; which was a Lego Marvel video game. This kept the two distracted for a bit. Then Dave-o couldn't wait any longer, so he woke his sleepy-headed teenage siblings. 

After presents, we drove to the "city of the dead" to visit and decorate my grandparent's grave. The weather was dismal; very wet and cold. I gave the kids some flowers and told them to search for war veteran tombstones to decorate as well. Owen and Dave-o loved this part. It made them forget about the cold.

Then we headed back to the sun for a swim party.

And of course cake.

Happy Birthday six-year-old Dave-o!

A Peek Inside a Box

Can I peek inside your world?

Sibling Time

Quality time between siblings.

Our Graduate

Eight grade graduation finally came for Kirsten. She's been counting down to the 20th for some time now. The Charter School did a great job making each of the graduates feel unique. Weeks before the ceremony, the parents were able to write three sentences that comment on their child's strengths. This was read at the podium as the graduate received their diploma. I am so proud of Kirsten. She has a couple of learning disabilities that make school more difficult, however, she always has a positive attitude.  

Proud Mom and Dad

The graduation was held near David's work, so afterwards we had dinner at Red Robbins in the Great Mall.

I Want to be a Missionary Now

The missionary preparation process has begun for James. As soon as those braces come off (June 1st), he can send in the papers. During the summer, James will be taking his last two classes to meet the requirements for getting his AA degree. Getting this degree now is important as it will allow him to transfer everything over to a university, plus he won't be required to take the SAT or ACT tests. 

Watching James grow into such a responsible and sweet young man is a joy. 

When I Grow Up

Dave-o has been working on a short film with Justin's friend Noah Todd. After 2 months of hard work it's finally finished. Noah is using this film to get into a university.

Motherhood

To me, motherhood is removing those rose colored glasses. Let's be honest. Children will never be perfect. Mother's will never be perfect. Our living situation will never be perfect. If we expect perfection, than motherhood will feel like Hell.

However, God is perfect. The gospel is perfect.

Our children know exactly where they stand on our importance list. They know what things we put above them. Motherhood is making sacrifices for my children without resentment. Motherhood is living the gospel; not just teaching them it. Motherhood is loving freely without expectations. In all honesty, I fall short in all that I just listed. But I am trying to improve my imperfect self. I love being a mother; not only to my children, but any child that enters my life. I am also thankful for all the women who are mothers to my children, like grandmothers, aunts, neighbors, and friends.

"There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children." Elder M. Russell Ballard