Grateful for Eternal Families and Eternal Friends

 Today we took the opportunity to visit the Draper Temple. We love how easy & convenient it is to visit so many different temples near our home! I needed to enjoy this morning at the temple with my kids. Later this afternoon, I visited my sweet next door neighbor and dear friend in the hospital. It was a tender visit and I was reluctant to leave, but needed to get back to responsibilities at home. Thirty minutes later, I received the news that Carol Toone returned to our Heavenly Father. What a relief to know she is no longer feeling pain and anguish. But what a terrible pain in my heart knowing how much I will miss her! I am so grateful for eternity and for the Plan of Salvation and Happiness.

 They are my everything

Enjoying the last few days of SUMMER!!!

The kids love to look through the aisles of fun things when we go to the store. 

We are currently in a bit of a birthday gap in our family... it's our longest stretch between kids... from Kate's on August 16th to Jackson's on December 31st. 

Whenever they come to show me something they like or think they would enjoy,

I usually say: let's put that on your birthday or Christmas wish list.

The big kids are learning that I don't remember everything

(nor do they),

so oftentimes they will ask me to take a picture with my phone.

Much of the time, I don't have space. 

Today I did.

A relaxing afternoon watching School House Rock

Jackson has been working toward a lot of awards!

He received many of them tonight at Pack Meeting.

I am so grateful for his leaders and all they do to make his experience great!

(Parker presented Kadon with his Religious Knot tonight! So proud of this kid!)

First day of Martial Arts for our 3 Musketeers!!

Happy Anniversary #12

Sundays can be tricky because Parker & I both have responsibilities at church. In addition, he has meetings before AND after church. To preface this story, I need to share that we have not been eating bread... so I haven't made bread or rolls since at least February. However, since today was our anniversary, I thought it would be a nice treat. Mckay was the only child in the kitchen with me. I asked if he wanted to help and he enthusiastically responded that he did. I told him we needed flour first. As I began to pull out supplies and ingredients, he went out the front door. Pretty soon, he came back in and proudly announced: I got them, Mommy! I got them! Then he set these flowers on the mixer stand. I just love this little boy! He is SO busy, ALL the time. But he is the SWEETEST!! (And we all thoroughly enjoyed the rolls.)

I am so grateful for the life we are making together.

So many sweet memories.

I love him more every day!

Birthday Party for Kate (age 9) and Lucy (age 7 1/2)!!!