Memorial Day

This year for the Memorial weekend, we got together with my family for a big dutch oven cook-off. My sister made some BBQ chicken, my mom made her dutch oven enchiladas, and I made some onion corn bread. Darrell brought some ice cream and Dave brought chips. Darren wasn't able to join us for this event. Not to sound so proud, but I think my corn bread was the best dish there. Although I'm not sure the other competing chefs would agree.
Linda was kind enough to host the event in her back yard, and the weather turned out to be perfect. At one point Linda took me for a ride on her new 4-wheeler. She can drive down the street a short distance and jump on trails that take her up into some very beautiful hills. Many wildflowers are out and added so much color to the area. Anna also took her first ride on a 4-wheeler, and enjoyed it for a very short time.

Today we did something I've been meaning to do for quite some time. We visited Liz's grave for the first time since her funeral. I knew it would be difficult to go see her, but didn't realize how emotional I would feel. As we approached the area, I kept remembering things about her that made her so unique. I loved the way that she would take a genuine interest in everyone around her. She was so quick to pick up on even the smallest things. For instance, if I lost even a few pounds, Liz would notice. Or if I bought something new, she was quick to ask about it. I remembered times when I would just sit and chat with her for hours. Many years ago when I was still single, Liz set me up with a guy who turned out to be awful. I remembered how we would laugh at those date stories.

It seems so cruel that we all have to move forward with our lives. We are expected to mourn for our loved ones and be back to normal life in less than a week. It seems like time should stand still, at least for a while. This week marks 5 months since we lost Liz. It's shocking to realize how quickly the time has passed.

I'm so grateful that I have my husband and two beautiful kids to help me move forward, even when I want time to stand still. It feels wonderful to be loved and needed!

Here are some pictures of Anna playing baseball with the neighbors over the weekend.

Ian's First Solids

I was being pressured by many to start feeding Ian solids to help him sleep better through the night. It didn't work, he still wakes up 3 times through the night. On the bright side, he's sure adorable eating his cereal and carrots.

Like Mother, Like Daughter

I should be more flattered that Anna wants to be just like me. She repeats far too many of the things I say, she likes to wear my big shoes on her tiny feet, she even likes to dance when she sees me moving to music. Lately she's been wanting to be a mom too. Her doll is her "Baby", and goes all over with her. If I place Ian in his car seat, Anna feels that her doll should also go into that car seat. Where ever Ian is, her doll should be there as well. This isn't a problem unless she feels that Ian is hogging a certain toy. For instance, if Ian is in the exersaucer and Anna feels her doll should be there, it's war. Here are some pictures of Anna treating her baby doll as well has her baby brother gets treated. Everywhere you see her doll is where Ian is usually sitting.

Here Anna is feeding (nursing) her doll. She's even using my nursing pillow and sitting in my favorite spot.




Here Anna is letting her doll play in Ian's tent.



To get the kids around, I use a double stroller. One day I hear Anna yelling for me and discovered that she placed her doll in the back seat (where Ian usually sits) and she climbed into the front seat. She was begging for a stroller ride.



This sweet girl keeps me young.

Blessed Boy

On April 13th, 2008 we blessed Ian. We have been wanting to bless him for many months, but have been waiting for a time when Levi's parents could be in town for the event. We were so fortunate that the weather was in the 70's and could have a luncheon at our home after the blessing.

The blessing Levi gave Ian was so very beautiful. The Bishop later told me that he asked Levi before the blessing if he was a one or two hand baby (as in how many hands to help support Ian's weight). Levi replied "two hands". The Bishop later laughed at this, as Ian must be one of the heaviest babies blessed in my ward. He's rather older than many babies blessed as well (4 months old and near 15 pounds).





After the blessing we came back to our home for a luncheon of pinwheels, salads, fruit and tons of warm weather and sunshine. We rented several tables and chairs for the back yard, and had I thought things through better, I would have set out plenty of sunscreen for all our guests.





Those that came are Levi's parents, my parents, Linda, Brandie, Tilly, David, Emma, Tyler, Heidi, Alan and Logan.
Thank you all for sharing that special day with us.

Happy Birthday Anna

Anna turned 2 today. She spent the day playing with Ian, watching Boo, and playing with her new doll pack and play, and mailbox. When Levi got home from work, we too her to the nearest aquarium that's open late (Cabella's), and she had such fun watching the big fish feed on the goldfish. She also enjoyed running through the store and playing in the very large set up tents. When we got home, she enjoyed her very delicious chocolate cake and ice cream.

Happy Birthday my darling girl!

My Life Theme Music

Do you ever hear a song that totally describes your life as it currently runs from day to day? Here is a song by Weird Al that is my life exactly!

Click here for the song.

On that same note, there is another song that I often sing to myself whenever I'm overly nervous, usually moments before a job interview. It's the "I have Confidence in Me" song from the movie and musical "Sound of Music".

What are some of your theme songs?

Impromptu Musical

There is a group that goes around doing impromptu musicals. In this show, they chose to perform in a mall food court. It's hilarious to see the spectators watch the show, not realizing that they were seeing a planned performance. You can find the musical at the Food Court Musical link.