Thanks Tyson and Tanner!

I got out of the shower the other morning and this is what I saw! A face off right in my family room.

Memorial Weekend

Why is blogging so hard for me?

We were so excited for to go on our first camping trip of the year on Memorial weekend. Grandpa Hallows got a little tent trailor last year and he let us use it which was so fun and perfect for our little family. We met Grandpa and Grandma and Tim and Anita's family at Maple Grove. It was so beautiful and we had a blast despite the NON-STOP rain.

Chad couldn't wait for the kids to go fishing for the first time. They we ALL gung-ho, including Brooklyn but only the boys came home with fish. Brooklyn came back to camp dry heaving and crying, totally sick to her stomach. She was so sad for the fish and kept saying, they took them away from their family and friends. I don't know where she got her animal loving ways from, but she was heart broken.

The boys on the other hand were so excited and Chad couldn't believe they actually caught fish. Colin's was the biggest, which he was sure to tell everyone. Anita cooked them up and Mason loved it. Colin, not so much.

Then on saturday, we went to the Aurora Cemetary with Tim and Shyla and Grandpa and Grandma. The kids were facinated and Mason and Colin couldn't quit running all around (on top of people). It's good to be reminded of the family that has gone before us and the struggles and trials they had and what we come from. Hopefully, it helps us want to be better.

Easter

I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me, Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me. I tremble to know that for me he was crucified, that for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died. Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me Enough to die for me! Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me! (“I Stand All Amazed,” Hymns, no. 193)

I am so blessed and have so much that it overwhelms my heart sometimes.

Spring Break

I am so behind...

That's life huh. But better late than never so here is my post from spring break. We went to Moab one day and Goblin Valley one day. We had such a great time hiking, four wheeling, swimming and exploring. I couldn't believe I had never been to Goblin Valley before, I highly recommend it. We played sardines and explored all over rock formations, tunnels and then found a canyon called little wild horse and did a hike there. That hike was probably the coolest hike I have ever done. It started out wide and then went down to slot canyons that were so beautiful and I forgot my camera-duh!

If you have been to Moab before I am sure you have seen the big sand mountain just off the road before you turn off for Arches. We have always wanted to stop there and let the kids play so we finally did it this year. It is this crazy steep hill that is just pure sand. The kids love to climb to the top and run, roll, sled, oh what ever, down the hill.

I couldn't even watch the kids when they were climbing up because I was sure one of them would lose their balance and then tumble backward FOREVER. They just played and played and burried each other and had a great time until it was time to go and they were covered in sand and I mean, every nook and cranny was filled with sand.

The Hair Cut

"Before"

"After"

I know it's silly but I have been having a hard time parting with Colin's hair. I guess it's like letting a part of my baby go. But I know he is growing up and I can't do anything about that. He eats like Tyson (my 18 year old nephew) and when I try to carry him to bed, his legs stick out so far I end up banging them on the wall...oops!

So, he got a little hair cut (bangs...a lot) and I didn't cry so I am guess that is a good sign. Still, he will always be my baby.

10 Years

Love is the very essence of life. It is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Yet is is not found only at the end of the rainbow. Love is at the beginning also, and it springs the beauty that arches across the sky on a stormy day. Love is the security for which children weep, the yearning of youth, the adhesive that binds marriage, and the lubricant that prevents devastating friction in the home. It is the peace of old age, the sunlight of hope shining through death. How rich are those who enjoy it in their associations with family, friends, and neighbors! Love, like faith, is a gift of God. It is also the most enduring and most powerful virtue. -Gordon B. Hinckley

I can't believe we have been married for ten years. I know people say it all the time and I never really understood but time really does fly. It has been such a fantastic ten year and I always tell Chad, he is my lucky charm because my life has been so blessed since he came into it. The joy of being a wife and a mother is the greatest joy of my life. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Happy Birthday Chad

Yesterday was Chad's birthday and if you don't know what a great guy he is, I am going to tell you.

First of all he has a wicked sense of humor. I mean wicked because if you don't know he is kidding, you might be a little upset. It has taken me years to figure out that he is kidding about 98 percent of the time. He has quick wit and comes up with stuff so quickly and seriously that I still fall for his antics sometimes.

He's about the handiest guy I have ever met and still am amazed at the thing he can do. I am always wondering, "where did he learn to do that?" There is nothing he can't do.

He is earnest and full of integrity. If he says he is going to do something, he is going to do it and do it right and then some.

He is always helping people. Seriously, I should charge rent. He is always happy to help anyone and NEVER complains...and I mean about anything.

He is the best dad in the whole world. The kids love it when Dad is home. They wrestle, play the Wii and of course they play every sport. He even plays Boogie Super Star with Brooklyn which includes a lot of singing and dancing (very hilarious).
It isn't uncommon for Chad to be in the yard playing football, basketball or some made up game called attack with the entire neighborhood. Neighbor kids knock on the door to see if Chad can play.

He takes very good care of us all and in his quiet way, is the most unselfish person. In fact, I often wish he was a little more selfish of his time with me ;).

I could go on and on about how strong, handsome....but I will spare anyone reading this. I know it's going to be hard not to be jealous but in addition to all these thing, he is very adorable. Flannel and all.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHAD! WE LOVE YOU!