I Feel Inspired.

I had no idea when I got in the car to drive to the funeral today, that I would leave there feeling so inspired and grateful for the chance to really work and make something magnificent of my life. I never imagined that the words spoken during the service would give me a renewed desire to strengthen the bond and relationship I have with my Savior. I really thought I was going to feel somber and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of my friend, Travis Alexander. The circumstances were not cheerful. This was never something we would have expected or wished to have happened but the event of his passing has given me strength. Strength and resolve to accomplish more. To do the things that matter most, without excuse, and without hesitation. This is how he lived his life. So many wonderful things were said and I could picture so vividly the memories I have of time spent with this great human being. Chris Hughes stated during his talk that whenever there is a tragedy, God works miracles. He said that God was working a miracle in our hearts right then...that we were feeling something, our hearts were softening, and a change would come. I felt it. It was powerful. And now I hope to keep that feeling and that desire with me...so that I to can do something great with my life. So that I to can learn to serve and love my fellowman and give a little back to this life that has given me so much. Thank you, Travis, for being such a great example of how to live and how to love. I hope to accomplish just a portion of what you have achieved. Your Grandpa Vic was right, you are special!

The Fearless(?) Pest Controller

Around my house I am known as the insect killer and am called upon to perform my duty whenever it arises. Should the kids (or my husband) see a spider, pincher bug, fly, or anything else for that matter, I am called upon to take care of business. I was a professional at one time so it makes sense. I spent one whole summer killing bugs for a living as a pest control technician. Yes, it was technical! I don't fear bugs, I don't like them, but they are not the source of my nightmares. That said, I am not fearless of all pests. In fact, I am unnecessarily terrified of rodents. I'm not sure how this came to be. The only thing I can figure is that way back in the 4th grade my family was living in a house with a few open fields around the development. We tended to get a few stray field mice roaming through the garage from time to time. On one occasion I stepped on one as he scurried underfoot. I screamed and ran. It squealed but didn't move anywhere fast - I think I broke it's back. Since then, I am like the elephant portrayed in the cartoons jumping on the tiny stools or whatever is nearby whenever a rodent is in the area. There is nothing worse to me. I have felt so blessed living in a home without a rodent problem - not that this is common everywhere - but I can count my blessings right? When I clean out cupboards and tucked away areas, I am always grateful not to find droppings of any sort. It has given me much peace. Thursday that peace was shattered. As I cruised barefoot through the beautiful and lush grass in my backyard, I was stopped suddenly by the sight of a small ball of gray fur. Upon closer and timid inspection, I found it was a dead rat....yes, a rat! Now, if Todd would not have been home, I would've been able to suck it up, get the shovel myself, and take care of business...but really, it makes my stomach turn and I fear being anywhere near that thing dead or alive. So I was ever so grateful he was around to take care of this incident. I went to bed, shaken that I had found one in my yard. I'm not fooling myself - I know they are out there but I like to pretend they can't penetrate through the fence. But I was still grateful I didn't find it in the house.

So, today, I was once again cruising around my backyard, still barefoot, but a bit timid so I was walking along the cement border that separates the grass from the planter around the perimeter of the yard and what do I spy? Of course, my worst nightmare...yet again. This one dead too and laying in the dirt. Ok, I have to ask. What is killing these rats and why in my yard? Now, I don't prefer them alive...really I prefer they be nowhere near here. Is it just a matter of time until I find one in my garage? What about my house? The day this happens...you will most definitely hear the frantic scream from your house. Oh how I loathe rodents!

Ah yes! Just a little image nuggett for your enjoyment! I'm cringing just looking at it right now and Todd looks a bit too happy. I think he was truly enjoying himself watching me break out into a cold sweat taking the picture.

Sickness is a friend of mine...

We've been toying with the notion that there might be some sickness around here for the last week but it's been only a notion. We haven't stopped, slowed down, or postponed any activities but today I've decided were not going anywhere. I suppose that happens when mom finally feels the symptoms. Andrew has had the nasty eyes (see picture-it was worse last week), the runny nose, and slight stuffiness but he gets this every time he breaks a new tooth - this week there are two. But, it's not much better and it's been a week so maybe he needs a day off too. For now, it's just Andrew and me...we have the yuckies and everyone else is on the verge of rioting. What? No friends can come over? What? No pool? No beach? What are we supposed to do all day? I hope this only lasts a day and I get some good rest and "blogging time" in. So for today, sleep, write, and be lazy, for tomorrow is busy!

The Graduate!

First Day of School Last Day of School

Last week Ethan was a kindergartner. This week he is a 1st grader! To celebrate his teacher held a "Just One More Day" swim party and BBQ at her house. It was so much fun to see the kids all playing together - I don't think they get to do much playing in school so this was a great way to end the school year. His teacher had nothing but good things to say about him. There's nothing like hearing how wonderful and smart your child is...I mean, you know it, but when others see it too, well, it's a great feeling! I was terribly concerned about starting him too early since he was only 4 when the school year began, but his love for learning and his ability to catch on quickly was more than enough to pull him through the year. He had a perfect report card and we really couldn't ask for better results from him. What a great kid! Now for the real challenge...can I possibly keep him entertained all summer?

Random Captured Moments

Here are just a few pictures taken recently for various events...

Memorial Day weekend with Grandma & GrandpaEthan turned out to be a decent driver on the ATV (with me on right behind him of course!)

Fathers and Sons Outing

Their first fishing excursion...

Dressed up for Captain Jacks Pirate Parrrrty

Andrew is 11 months old!

So here it is. My second to last entry regarding Andrew's first year. Can he really be that old already?

This month, Andrew has pretty much mastered going down the stairs, though I still get nervous.

He stands alone all the time...and though he can walk, still prefers just standing still or simply crawling. It's safer, you know. He lives for playing with his brother and sister... riding/pushing bikes, swinging, and even climbing all the way up the slide.
He has finally decided that drinking out of sippy cups is ok... but only in small doses. Strangely enough, he's not getting much from me either. I guess he's just not all that thirsty! He's got 5 teeth, 3 on top and 2 on the bottom. The top teeth have a decent sized gap which Todd finds so irresistibly cute (ha ha - he really hates it!). But even with a gap you can drive a truck through - he still has the cutest smile of any I know!
We really love this kid! You can't beat his personality. He's determined, stubborn, screams for all occasions, but overall you will rarely hear a cry escape his lips. He is always happy and has the cutest little shy/flirty smile when others are cooing at him. Really, I think he hams it up for the attention and I suppose it works!

Hooray for the Sippy!

Friday night he drank 4oz. of formula from a sippy cup! Why would this excite anyone you say? Well because, he is almost 11 months old and this is an absolute first. A first that he drank anything that came from something other than the "mommy bottle"! I am jubilant! I am thrilled! I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Maybe now we really can go away for a weekend without kids!