Karate Kid

We signed Brykn up for karate and, wow, he looks so big and so small all at the same time! He did such a good job! The cute little "Haya!" is hysterical. His jumping jacks and push ups were pretty darn cute too! Watch out--karate kid is in the house!

Run, Gramps, Run!

This year was the second year we have all ran the Springville Art City Day's 5k. We had a great time. Brykn kept telling me this year that he was going to run and that Gramps didn't need to pull him in the wagon. Funny thing was that Brykn ran from the car to the start line, thought that was the race, and then sat in the wagon while Gramps pulled him through the entire race. Great job Gramps and Brykn!

Happy 4th Birthday Brykn!

This free picture slideshow made with Smilebox

Brykn's birthday was lots of fun. I can hardly believe that he is already 4 years old! It seems like just yesterday we were 2 scared parents bringing him home from the hospital. Time flies.

Pink Piggies!

We painted Harlee's toes! Look how cute! I gotta say, though, trying to paint toenails that are SOOOO tiny was difficult to say the least. And, wow, she was wiggly!

Cuz Jamie's Teaching Me...

Brykn is getting so smart! And, don't think for a minute that he doesn't know it. His vocabulary has developed so much and he can now write his name with very little help. I asked him how come he was getting so smart and he said, "Cuz Jamie's teaching me to be smart." I just laughed--so funny! At Jamie's preschool the kids sing a song to start the morning off. I don't know the whole song, but listen to the video and you can hear, "Mother Goose Time, Mother Goose Time, Splore Everthing, the Brain Game with a Book worm, Learning Every Day, Learning Every Day!" There's also a couple little ditties about rainy days too. This video totally makes me smile!

Everything I've Ever Wanted

This Mother's Day was really special for me. The kids gave me a really cute T-Shirt they made at Jamie's house that has their picture on it. Then, Brandon and the kids got me some nice cards and gift cards to the mall--hooray!

As I finished opening my T-Shirt (of which Brykn didn't want me to wear because he was afraid I would get grass stains on it), I glaced at my kids sitting next to me and I was overcome with emotion. My eyes instantly filled with tears. At that very moment I realized that I have everything I've ever wanted. I have a husband who loves me, 2 beautiful kids, a place to call home, and a large extended family. As we go through life it's so easy to feel like what you have isn't enough--like you need more "stuff," more possessions, more, more, more. But, what I don't think we realize often enough is that the secret to having it all is recognizing that you already do. And, I do.

I am so humbled by the blessings in my life. Every morning when I look at my kids (who are often next to me in the bed) and Brandon kisses me goodbye, I feel so lucky. I certainly don't deserve everything I have been blessed with.

On this Mother's Day I realized that the ONE thing that REALLY matters in my life is what I write on the slates of my children's future. I just hope and pray I do them justice.

Happy Girl!

Harlee is such a happy lil' girl first thing in the morning. Good thing somebody in our house is! She hasn't quite started to laugh yet, but I'm sure that milestone isn't far away.