Preschool Graduation

Maylie graduated from Growing Tree Preschool on Friday, May 22nd. It wasn't quite the graduation we had expected to have earlier in the year, but we did our best with this Corona-style celebration. She had a great year with her teachers Mrs. Custer and Mrs. Bream and she is all ready to start Kindergarten in the fall!

Jason's Birthday

Jason's birthday was on May 21st. He worked all day at the office (boo!) but brought home some yummy Texas Roadhouse for his birthday dinner that night (yea!) Then our ward surprised him by doing a drive-by birthday greeting complete with birthday songs, cards and, candy. He was completely embarrassed by it all, but felt the love of his ward family for their Bishop!

After opening presents, we enjoyed some yummy strawberry shortcake to end his special day!

42 is looking good on you Jason!!

Corona Style

This kid was looking awfully shaggy with all that hair...

After a nice haircut, he was looking much better!

Mother's Day

Oh how I love being a mother to these five little ones of mine. Motherhood is so very hard but so sweet and special too.

They made me feel very loved with some nice gifts and cards!

I know that Mother's Day is a holiday that can be filled with so much love but also heartache for so many. I vividly remember a Mother's Day spent crying in the church bathroom right after suffering my second miscarriage, feeling so broken and alone. I remember many Mother's Days after becoming a mother crying because I felt so imperfect and inadequate in this role. Then four and a half years ago my own beloved mother passed away and Mother's Day has never since been quite the same. So whether you're feeling extra loved or extra heavy this holiday, I see you. I cannot begin to imagine all the pains and heartaches felt today, but I do know that Jesus Christ understands and that through Him we can be strengthened, healed, comforted, and blessed. On this Mother's Day, I am so grateful for the many wonderful women who have blessed and strengthened me throughout my life. And while I still feel so inadequate at times, I am grateful that these five kids pictured with me today call me "mom"...well, at least most of the time. Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing women out there!

Sweet Care Package

In the midst of our crazy world during quarantine and online schooling, I received this sweet care package from a dear friend. It was so thoughtful and made me feel so loved. I loved the idea of this so much that I immediately sent one to all three of my sisters too!

Resilience

This was supposed to be a big weekend for our family. Tonight should have been opening night for WHMS's production of "Moana" where Landon would be singing and dancing in the ensemble and Abby was to be playing the lead role. It is something that Abby had worked long and hard for and was she was so excited for her final middle school musical. It was supposed to be a weekend full of family who were planning on flying and driving in for this occasion and we were all so excited to watch these talented kids performing to a sold-out crowd. Just like so many other things these last few months however, Covid-19 has changed those plans. Several people have reached out to Abby with cards and little gifts and as we opened them this morning, we cried together and mourned those things that should be happening for her and so many others during this crazy time. While we are all a little sad today, we won't wallow in our disappointment for long. Just like the necklace from her Aunt Tasha says, this experience is teaching Abby about resilience and will leave her with the knowledge that even when things don't work out how they should, there is still much to be hopeful about. This talented girl has a bright future in front of her and I can't wait to see all that she will accomplish! Covid-19 might be taking a lot of things away from us, but the love and pride that I have for this girl will never be shaken. She will always be my Moana!

Domino Dude

During quarantine and the hours of being at home all day every day, Landon renewed his love affair with making domino creations. Here are a few examples of his recent creations...