First Day of School !!!

Yesterday was our boys first day back at school. They were craaaazy excited, waking up at o'dark thirty. They got dressed quick, ate breakfast and were in the car before 7:20 am. That will probably NEVER happen again, but I love that they are still at an age that they like school. Jarom had a great first day. The best part for him was recess. Playing with all his friends from last school year, a.k.a 2 months ago, was fun for him. No homework also was on his list of favorites. Michael was a little tougher customer. He got in the car and when asked how his day was said, "kindergarten was NOT what I expected." Upon further investigation I learned that he was bummed they didn't "learn" anything and only went over rules and classroom procedures. He also didn't get to play on certain playground equipment since its reserved for 1st graders. Oh the injustices suffered by the kindergartners. On a funny side note, Michael told me that a kid got lost IN the bathroom for 10 minutes. How does that happen? Please comment your most likely reasons below.

Overall, the day went well. I am glad that they love learning and like their new teachers. Everyone was happy to go the second day, but honestly it was a little more work getting them out the door.

Happy 4th!!!

We hope that everyone has a great family day planned. The boys are super excited to shoot fireworks, and Jason is pretty amp'd to grill. All of this after we do a few house projects. I love the 4th, it's a day that helps me take a second to remember all the freedoms that I enjoy. I know that sometimes as Americans we fail to see the many opportunities that we have here. It wasn't until I went to college and started making friends with people from other countries that I really saw all the many opportunities that we have. I am grateful for that. Not saying this is a perfect country, there are none, but I am glad that I live in the USA. I am thankful for are military servicemen, like my brother, who risk their lives to protect freedoms that I hold dear. I think we all have alot to be grateful for on this Independence Day. I love the quote from the Gettysburg address that says,
"That we here highly resolve, that these dead shall not have died in vain. That this nation shall have a new birth of freedom."

We hope that everyone has a happy and safe fourth !!

p.s. If you like the subway art in the pic you can download it here for free. Courtesy of the AWESOME blog eighteen25. Enjoy!!!

Happy Birthday SAM ! ! !

Happy Birthday to our sweet Samuel!!!! He has excited to go to Cars2 and open presents, of course the boys are more excited for him to open presents than he is but once the presents are out fo the box that will change, lol.

We are so happy that Sam joined our family 3 years ago. It was a super scary delivery, but we now see the way he entered the world as indicitive of his personality. He is always high energy, and has zero fear. He tumbles with the big boys and cuddles Luke like a second mom. He has a smile that lights up a room and reminds us that nothing is really that bad. We love you Sam and are so glad that you share your light with us. Happy Birthday Love!!!!

Best. Dad. Ever.

We had a wonderful day yesterday remembering all the great men in our lives. The boys were really excited to make, and give Jason presents this year. We bought him his very own crown. We wanted him to feel like a real king in his castle. He got a "top pop" bucket filled with things he loves that have the word "pop" in them. Popcorn, soda pop, poptarts, pop rocks, tootsie pops, and lastly ring pops. That last items was really something that the kids could have so they wouldn't bug him for everything in the bucket, lol. Trust me they tried. Jason also got a hammock, which is something that he has wanted for some time now but we never had trees for it to attach too. I made him that beautiful green shirt that he is wearing that says, "Best.Dad.Ever". In my opinion Jason is the best dad ever. I know that EVERYONE says that about their spouse, or father, and I want to clarify that what I mean is that he is the best dad for OUR children. He is so loving and patient. I know that they test limits daily and sometimes just for fun, but Jason always does his best to show them that he is still there for them even when the battle lines are being crossed. He is a great teacher to our boys as well. With devotion I see him tend to their tiny spirits the seeds of testimony that they will need as they grow.

Jason was taught how to be a good father by his father who was great in many ways. On Sunday the boys asked Jason question after question about his dad. It was nice to see their eyes widen as Jason told them about the things that Dave liked to do. You could see them recognizing similar interests and passions that they have with things that he liked. My boys have quickly forgotten the man that loved to hold them as infants and read them stories while wrapping them in his large arms. The grandfather that wanted nothing more than to watch them grow. Dave was a good grandfather and we know that he watches them from another vantage point with the same intensity and love.

The boys were also excited to talk to Grandpa Train, my dad. They love to tell him what they are doing and listen excitedly as he responds to them with his trademark positive tones. A cherished book is one that my dad recorded himself reading. They love to listen to his voice as he reads them that story. Its like he's right there with them. Sometimes they will ask to listen to the same page over and over just to hear how he says certain words. I know that sounds weird but they like it, so hey, we oblige them :)

As we finished out the day we all felt lucky to have so many great men in our lives. We love you dads :)

Jarom's Baptism

So a good friend, lovingly reminded me that I needed to update ye ole blog. Thanks Tisha! It has been a super crazy six months and I swear I was just putting up the Halloween decorations. Since then some exciting things have happened but our most favorite thing that happened was Jarom's baptism. On February 12, 2011 Jason and I watched as our oldest son chose to be baptized. Of course, Jason got a much better seat than I did since he was the one baptizing Jarom. Jarom has been looking forward to baptism since he was two. Literally. He came up to me one afternoon while we were living in Wymount and said, "Mommy I want to get batman-tized". I chuckled, but felt of his sincerity. He loves to learn about our religion, sing Primary songs and be a super example. I am so glad that he made this choice. I know it was his to make alone, but I am glad that he made it. I love this gospel with all my heart. It literally saved my life. I hope that Jarom grows in his love for his Savior. I hope that he always walks a live centered in Him. Jarom we love you and know that you are loved by more than just your earthly family but by our dear ones on the other side.

Mr. Luke

Just posting these because he's growing so fast!

Happy Birthday JAROM!!

Happy Birthday to our favorite groundhog!! Jarom turned 8 today and is pretty excited about everything that comes with turning 8. He has decided that he wants to be baptized, and chose Tremonton as the place that he would like that to happen. He asked to have his ward family around him as he takes this step. Of course, we are happy to oblige him since we have loved all that Tremonton, as small and silly as this town can be, has given our family.
For his birthday dinner, which is the picture above, he wanted to go to Chili's which surprised me since he wanted Cafe Rio just before we left for Logan. Anyway, he got Madden 11 for the Wii, Ben 10 Legos, Star Wars Walkie Talkies, and a chain reaction kit. Best gift of the day was by far the walkie talkies. As he opened them his face just lit up and he was so excited it made me think of my first walkie talkies, they were Care Bear, thanks for asking ;). Jarom and Michael played with those all afternoon. Some of their conversations were priceless.
We love having Jarom as a son he is thoughtful, kind, generous, and a great helper. He is such a great person to be around loving and accepting of others. We know that as he gets older that every great quality will just evolve even more. We love you Jarom and hope that you felt as special as you are!!!

Merry Christmas-time :)