These are the days...: January 2009

Friday, January 23, 2009

Happy 41st Birthday!

I am so thankful for this opportunity to honor you. I want you to know that I love my life and my life is great because YOU are my co-star. There are sooooo many things to love about you so I thought I would take this opportunity to list a few. 41 to be exact. I LOVE...

1. your enthusiasm

2. your sense of humor

3. your sarcasm

4. your laugh

5. the importance you put on relationships

6. your love of the water

7. your love of Lake Powell

8. the way you spend the whole year planning your next Lake Powell trip

9. your wakeboarding skills

10. how comfortable you are in the water

11. how comfortable our kids are in the water because of you

12. your happy energy in the mornings

13. the way you dance when you are happy

14. the way you dance with our kids

15. when something moves you you are not afraid to cry

16. your common sense

17. your testimony of Christ

18. the way you provide for our family

19. your money smarts

20. your love for your country

21. the way you express yourself when you write

22. your strong work ethic

23. that when you hold me I feel so safe

24. that when you are with me you make me feel like there is no where else you would rather be

25. your desire to serve others

26. your willingness to help me finish my crazy projects (even if we have to risk our lives)

27. the energy with which you talk politics

28. your love of nature

29. your love of camping

30. that you can identify any bird in the sky

31. that you research EVERYTHING before you buy it

32. that after all these years you still love to go on dates

33. that you like to spoil me

34. how you see the best in your kids

35. how you play with Brook's hair when she lays her head on your lap

36. how you wrestle with the boys

37. that you are the safest driver I know

38. how you don't like me to drive if your in the car

39. the expression in your eyes

40. your intuition

41. how you are IMPOSSIBLE to surprise

The list could go on and on. Happy Birthday!

Friday, January 16, 2009

Why am I so busy?

I often wonder: Why am I so busy? Most days I feel like I don't get nearly enough crossed off my list of things to do and yet I don't rest until my head hits the pillow. Why can't I get more done?; I'm a stay at home mom, my husband is home in the afternoon, 3 of my 4 kids are in school all day...today it hit me and I will wonder no longer!

Thursday, January 15, 2009

This Weeks Project

After 6 days of climbing up and down a 15-17 foot ladder, the project is finally done! The first step was to finish painting the stairwell and then of course the pictures had to be hung. Ohhh no not new pictures, the pictures that were taken over a year ago, you know, the ones that are out dated because my 6 month old is now 18 months old and doesn't look at all like she did a year ago. But I love the pictures and I love how it turned out. It was worth risking my life, Right?

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Ode to Brooklyn

Normally, when one of my children is sick and has to miss a day of school, first, I feel empathy (and I'm really glad its not me whose sick), but second, I feel slightly (or severely) frustrated because my plans for the day are inevitably changed. Today was soooooooo different. Brooklyn stayed home sick today and it was such a joy to have her with me all day...she rested, watched tv, listened to her ipod, played happily with her baby sister, chatted with me and even helped me in the kitchen. Brookie, today, on a day you didn't feel your best, I saw the best in you. I love you!

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Our baby turns 11!

Happy Birthday Bucko!!. On January 6th 1998 at 2:36 am you came into the world and your Mom and I knew our lives would never be the same. You were scrawny and had a funny little nose but you could not have been more beautiful to us and I think we both cried for a week. Since then we have watched you grow into a handsome, expressive, spiritual and kind young man. You are a blessing from God and the means by which he has taught us countless lessons. We hope you have a great day and know how much you are loved.

Love,
Mom and Dad

Clayton Nicknames: Buttless Peanut, Bucko, Handsome Jack, The Gentle Giant

Favorite Clayton memories:

Reading the book “Owl Moon” to him every night before bed at 1-2 years old. One of Clayton's many favorites was reading: he would point up in his closet and say "Wanna wead a book?"

His perfect lion and dinosaur imitations. 3 to 4 years old.

Clayton was 3 years old and his Mom was trying on bras in a dressing room in Victoria Secret and he was parked in a stroller just outside. He asked her loud enough for the entire store to hear “Mom, are you going poo poo in there!”

Clayton’s loved looking through wildlife books since he was little. When his Jr primary teacher was teaching the class a new song she brought out a picture of what she thought was a blue bird to use as a visual aid. Looking at the picture confused he raised his hand and said, “ that is not a blue bird, it is a Belted Kingfisher”. He was right!