Eternally Grateful

I know I can never fully express how eternally grateful I am for the family I've been blessed with. I have five BEAUTIFUL children that I get to raise here on earth. I will never take that for granted again. This week I've hugged each of them a little tighter, really looked at them and realized what a miracle each of them are.

I have a husband who is my best friend and my rock. He is my eternal companion, and I am so grateful to know that. I know that he loves me with all his heart, and I love him just as much (maybe even a little more . hehe--that is an ongoing joke).  But seriously, I know that I will have him forever and that means everything to me.

I've been blessed with wonderful parents who I know love me and pray for me---and their prayers have helped me through many trials in my life.

I'm so grateful for the power of prayer. This week, prayer has literally been tangible. I've felt every prayer that has been offered for our family and I'm so grateful for that remarkable power.
I'm grateful to know that this life is not the end. I know that our Father in Heaven has an eternal plan for us. I am grateful that I have the faith I need, to put my trust in Him.

Last day of school, Ella's 10th birthday and Memorial day!!!!

The 24th was our last day of school!!!! It was also Ella's birthday, so we had a double celebration that day.

Aaron on his last day of 1st grade!

Ashton on his last day of Kindergarten!

We started celebrating Ella's birthday the night before. She wanted a shopping spree at her favorite store, so Adam and I both took her shopping. It was so much fun! And of course she looked cute in everything she tried on. It's just not fair. haha

Trying on more clothes

And more clothes!

Ella wanted Lego's for her birthday too. She had fun putting it together.

And ice cream cake for dessert!! YUM!!! I made 2---we've been eating it all week. That's fine with me though!

Jewelry from Grandma and Grandpa!

And more jewelry from us-- and an iTunes gift card. She's growing up! AHH! I seriously can't believe she's 10! Where did the time go? We love you Ella!

For Memorial Day we mostly cleaned out the garage and the van---(it's for sale now if anyone wants a mini van).  But we took a few hours off to go ride the motorcycle, bikes, and wiggle carts. FUN!

That's Livia on the wiggle cart by our new rig. :)

Adam and Preston

Adam and Ella

Liv's turn

Aaron holding on tight!

Liv on the wiggle cart again

The boys on their muddy bikes. They had fun riding through mud puddles. Such boys.
We had a lot of fun together that afternoon. :)

Are we in Kansas anymore?

The boys got to go to Kansas with Adam last week and they had the time of their lives!!!! This is what they thought of the drive through Wyoming though.................................

They stopped in Colorado at my Aunt and Uncle's house and got to hold a bird that had flown into the window. Poor bird.

This was what they were up to while in Kansas.........They figured out how to catch bull frogs! They caught 16 total. And I have never seen such enormous frogs! GROSS! But......look at their faces (the boy's faces)---they are in HEAVEN!

 Their campsite

 And they caught a turtle too!

 The boys and Adam did some clean up work for my Grandma and put a screen on this picnic shelter. I can't wait to have a picnic out there this summer! With no bugs!

A view of the lake..... Such a beautiful place.

 Adam brought back some beautiful landscaping rocks from Kansas and we needed a place to put them--so our front yard got a make over.

 Preston had to help too.

 Our little island :)

 Doesn't that look nice?

I'm glad the boys got to go to Kansas- it's a trip they'll never forget. Adam had a great time camping, and spending some quality time with Aaron and Ashton.

An unwanted haircut for Livia----but a very wanted birthday for Ashton.

Livia got a hold of a pair of scissors and chopped off her "long princess hair" as she likes to call it. I didn't even dare try to fix it myself. It looked like a classic 80's style mullet. AHHH! So she got her first haircut. It made me sad to see her pretty, long hair go, but for now---she'll have a nice, SHORT haircut for summer.

 She was so somber for the whole haircut. And held on tight to her fruit snacks.

 Livia with short hair!

 She even got a sucker for holding so still.

 And our most looked forward to birthday of the year.....ASHTON turned 6!!!!! (He'd been counting down the days since Aaron's birthday!) He was sooooo excited to turn 6.

 He got a cool Star Wars card from Grandma.

 And Adam had hid one of his presents in his truck, so he had to go outside to find it. And do you notice the sun is still coming up? Yep--we started the festivities EARLY!

 He got LOTS of Legos. EVERYONE loves Legos in our house. Ella even told me that's what she wants for her birthday now.

 It was such a beautiful day! Preston and dad took a ride on the mower. (Preston's new favorite "vroom, vroom".)

 Livia in the swing sporting her new haircut.

 Ashton climbing on the swingset.

 They played Legos all day!

 And as requested---A Green Ninja Legos cake. :)

 Preston and Grandpa

 Make a wish!

We love Ashton so very much- he is an important part of our family. He has taught us so many things, and I love watching him turn into his Dad! hahaha. Happy Birthday buddy! LOVE YOU!!