What we've been up to

Wow, May has sure been a busy month for us! Here are a few things we've been up to:

We celebrated my mother-in-law's 60th birthday. There are always lots of helpers to blow out candles at any given birthday celebration! Happy Birthday Mom! Thanks for always being such an amazing example of Christ-like service to everyone.


Kendra and Alli had their semi-annual dance performance for The Dance Conservatory, this time performing in "Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters", an African story. I loved it! The music, the dancing, the drum beats--the girls did just beautifully.




And, once again, I wrapped and sold flowers at all four performances. Todd insisted on documenting it.


Memorial Day traditionally brings visits to the many Grandparents' graves.
On Sunday we headed out. First stop was to Grandma and Grandpa Hillam (Todd's Dad's parents) in Salt Lake:


Grandmother and Granddad Affeltranger (my Mom's parents) in south Salt Lake:


We picked up Grandma Moody and visited my Grandpa's (my Dad's Dad) grave at Camp Williams in Lehi. Though she wasn't able to walk down the hill and watched us from the car, it was nice to have her there. We got poured on just as we arrived, so only me and Todd braved the weather!


Then it was on to Provo where Grandpa Startup (Todd's Mom's father) was laid to rest last year. Though there is still no headstone, it was nice to be there as a family and remember this great man.


And at the end of the day, and the end of this busy month, I think this is how we all felt.

Sunday Rewind

I marvel at this picture because it could very well be my family on a 2009 Spring afternoon (in more updated clothing of course). My parents must have been about the age that Todd and I are now and we kids look to be about my kids' age. Full of awe and retrospect, I wonder on this cycle that laws of time insist on pushing ever-faster, as if there were some race to be won. As I watch my children grow, I wish I could slow the train; not brake completely, but apply enough to bask in the temporary moments a bit longer. Full of trials, triumphs and yes tranquility, this life is truly extraordinary, isn't it?

Peeps

I don't know where it came from, but Andrew uses this hilarious word when he needs to urinate. He says things like, "Mom, I need to go poops", but most of the time it's, "Mommy, I need to go peeps! Hurry! Peeps are coming out!" What's even funnier to me is that it has spread now to the DIAPERED 2-year old brother. In fact, just before getting the boys into the bath last week Andrew started with "the dance" and said, "Oh I need go peeps!" Of course it was followed by the ever-present Colby-echo. I glanced into the bathroom, and there stood both boys, buck naked, Andrew standing at the big toilet and Colby, trying so well to copy his big brother holding is little boy-part, standing in front of the baby potty chair, not quite knowing what he was supposed to do. Ah, boys. I love em!

Sunday Rewind--A Tribute to my Mom

I almost don't want to put a post up, afraid that no one will see Todd's nice post he surprised me with this morning, but I can't let this day go by without recognizing the woman who gave me life and so much more.

Thanks Mom for bringing my 8lb 12 oz massively chubby body into this world over 32 years ago.


Thanks for showing me how to give, how to love and how to appreciate my own children.


Thanks for teaching me how to lighten up, how to be completely uninhibited & goofy, and showing me how my day can turn around in seconds just by "kissing a tree".


Thanks for loving all my babies, being a wonderful grandma to them, and coming to all their fitti recitals & programs.


Thanks for Panama!


Thanks for having faith in me, in my successes, encouraging me through my trials and for being there unconditionally.


I love you.

The Best Mom

Happy Mother's Day Mel. Thank you for putting up with your stubborn husband and helping me become better. Thank you for bringing our four wonderful children into this world and giving them the best everyday. You sacrifice your time and go without so much to provide your children with experiences, opportunities and the things they need. We love you so much. Thanks for being the best MOM!

Sunday Rewind

This was taken at Old Town in San Diego I think. Sisters and bestest friends (for the moment!)


I just love this picture of Drewby and wish I could just kiss those cute, soft cheeks! So sad that my babies are not babies anymore.