Backwards Day!

Everyday I hear screams of frustration coming from Liam's room as he is trying to change his clothes for the hundredth time. Today, however, he came out one proud little boy as he got dressed all by himself. I just think he looks so grown up here!

Go Cougs!

We went with our friends, Amma and James Brown, to the Rugby finals at Rio Tinto Stadium last night. BYU took 2nd in a really close game against Cal. (14-21) It was a seriously intense game and I had never seen my husband behave like such a crazy fan. (he played Rugby for BYU) Bishop Garlick was sitting behind us and also was extremely excited about the game. In fact when he conducted Sacrament today, his voice sounded a bit hammered.
Just a side note about Rugby, I do not pretend to actually understand all the rules but I can tell you it is by far the most exciting sport to watch. The players have no safety gear, it is rough, intense, fast, and a rush to watch. I especially like watching BYU play because at the beginning of most games they do the "Haka" which is a traditional dance form of the Maori of New Zealand, where you hit your chest and stomp your feet. What I would do to have seen my husband do that!

Good news, Bad news!

Maya playing "Can You Feel the Love Tonight?"


Ellie playing, "Cruella De Vil"


Ellie with her piano teacher, Patricia Ockey


Maya with her trophy!




If you can tell from the above pics there is one very happy little girl and one well is not so much. Piano recitals have become something that is dreaded in our family because of the extreme drama that usually plays out afterwards. The girls have always worked so hard for the coveted trophies that are given at the Spring Recital and up until this point neither has taken one. I personally think it is silly. All the kids work hard and deserve recognition, but I guess for some this is a great motivator. Needless to say, I was very very proud of Maya for accumulating the most points in her level. She took home this grand trophy that now sits on our piano front and center so it is the first thing you see when you enter the house. Ellie, on the other hand was absolutely devastated. She works very hard to fit practicing into her busy schedule and really works to make her pieces sound beautiful, but it just wasn't in the cards. They both played beautifully and I am so proud of each of them for working hard to develop their talents. Mostly, I'm proud they are sweet girls, that are kind to others (most of the time) and try to do the right thing.

I'm so proud of my little man!

Lex receiving his Kindergarten graduation diploma.




The whole class!




Lex with his incredible teacher, Mrs. Williams.



Lex and Daddy.



Lex and Mommy.



It has been amazing to see how much Lex has grown this year. My favorite Lex quote he said to his teacher was, "My brain is just going all the time and I just can't shut it off." I have loved to watch him realize what a smart big boy he is! When I would ask him what I did at school he would usually say, "nothing," "played," or "worked." But then he would throw random facts at me out of the blue like, "Mom did you know all living things grow, and I'm a living thing so I grow." Seriously, it just melts my heart. At the graduation the kids recited a poem by A.A. Milne:

When I was One,
I had just begun.

When I was Two,
I was nearly new.

When I was three,
I was hardly me.

When I was Four,
I was not much more.

When I was Five,
I was just alive.

But now I am Six, I'm clever as clever.
So I think I'll be six now for ever and ever.

--A.A. Milne

I cried just thinking about the almost six years we have had with our little man. Where does the time go? I can't believe how fast Lex has grown up and I'm so proud of the sweet little boy he is. My favorite time with him is in the morning when he comes in with his sleepy eyes and says good-morning mommy. I will treasure those words forever. Congratulations buddy, We love you!

I got some serious Spoil'in!

Mother's Day started with these sweet smiling faces and the best low carb breakfast ever. (prepared by Ryan at 6:30 A.M.) Thanks honey!


After church the kids and Ry gave me some fun gifts!





I decided that for me, Mother's Day isn't so much about saying what a fabulous mom I am, but to remind me of the great blessing it is to raise these sweet children. Don't get me wrong there are plenty of days that I feel like I am headed straight to the psych ward, but as I reflect on the last 10 years I know that my life has been transformed because of my babies! So this was a day where my heart was full of gratitude and a resolve to try a little harder to give Ellie, Maya, Lex and Liam the mom they deserve. I love you guys!



After a wonderful dinner (pork chops, spaghetti squash, salad and shrimp cocktail) we headed to my parents to spend time with my mom.

Uncle Heath heaven!

Heath, Ryan's brother, used to come visit quite often. His life has gotten much busier and he also got married a year and a half ago so we don't see him as much as we used to. However, for the last two weekends we had him staying with us. The kids were in Uncle Heath heaven. He is so great with them from playing with Liam and Lex to having one on one conversations with Ellie and Maya. In the picture above he is creating a story with kids by having them fill in all the details, they were mesmerized.

I just love this girl!

Maya gave a talk in primary today on her favorite scripture story, she chose Noah and the Ark. Last night she colored pictures and practiced her talk while the others watched a movie. She did a great job, I was so proud of her!




Then when we came home from church Li-Monkey wanted to take a bath so Maya bathed him,got him out and then dressed him. Li loves her so much, in fact when she is at school he cries for her constantly and as soon as she comes home they are outside playing together. What a sweet daughter and sister!

Sew What?

Miracles never cease, I finished this skirt I started months ago. If any of you know me, sewing isn't something I do often, but I enjoy it (sort of) when I do. I found this semi-easy tutorial on line @ http://houseonhillroad.typepad.com/photos/twirly_skirt/ on how to make a twirl skirt. Ellie, (yes, my 10 year old) helped me out when I got stuck. The fabric is from an adorable shop in Highland, UT owned by my friend, Alice Childs called "Just Sew." I have material to make a skirt for Maya, hopefully it will get finished a little quicker!

Mommy and Daughters Activity Day Slumber Party!!!

Maya loving her pizza and desserts (skipped out on the salad)




Ellie is also enjoying her fourth piece of pizza!



Maya making bath salts after learning about the importance of keeping her "temple" clean and pure.



Nothing makes my girls' happier than being pampered with a manicure!



Maya and Ellie absolutely loving their facials! Yes they did eat their cucumbers when it finished.



What a fun night the girls and I had Friday at their mother/daughter activity day slumber party. We were pampered with a wonderful dinner and mini-classes on how to care for our spiritual and physical bodies. They have such incredible leaders that plan fun and educational activities. I really enjoyed being able to spend an evening just hanging out with them doing what they love best......being pampered. If the truth be known, Ellie and Maya would opt for facials, manicures, pedicures and hanging out in their pj's any day over say.....going to Disneyland!