It is GREAT to be 8!

Today my handsome little Keaton turned 8 and I am so excited for him!  Of course this means that he will be baptized in a couple months, but he is also now the cutest little cub scout.  A couple of days ago we were invited to the annual Blue and Gold Banquet and get a taste of what is in store.  He doesn't say much about it, but I think that he is very excited. 

I have been an Activity Days leader in my ward for almost 2 years now, and I cannot believe that he is now as old as some of my girls!  Lately I have noticed how tall and lean he looks.  

He really is growing up.

I wasn't going to let him open up his presents until after dinner when Chad got home from work, but he got all ready for school and did his chores and I couldn't say no.  So sorry, Chad.:)  I wish I had the video camera going, because him and Sam were both jumping up and down like crazy when he opened up his Mario Galaxy 2 that he had asked for.  He is more than ever all about the Wii and would play all day and night if we would allow it.  He also got some clothes, and some Lincoln logs that he was excited about as well.

We are so proud of Keaton.  Every year in school his teachers say how hard and quietly he works, that he works well with everybody and they love him in their class.  Every night when I help him with his homework he never ceases to amaze me with his smarts too.  This kid is AWESOME with math! 

He is a terrific big brother and a joy in our home.

Happy Birthday Keek.  We love you!

Angel Day

It was just a year ago today that my little nephew Henry passed away.  And to be honest, when I sat down to do a post today, I tried to be positive, but all I could think about was how sad it still makes me to think about him.  I remember me and Erin's excitement over Henry and Jack, since they would only be 3 months apart, the buddies that they were going to be, and all the fun we would undoubtedly have with our boys, and it makes me sad.

This past year has been anything but easy; knowing that when we get together there should be two babies, not one, and having to watch Erin and Rob try to find peace at such a hard time.  I think I have said it before, but there isn't anything I wouldn't give to go back and have Henry live.  To have his birthday come and realize that we should be having a big party giving him presents and watching him eat cake was so hard.  I did not loose a son, but I still lost a nephew, and my son's playmate.  And when details of me and Erin's past conversations about our boys' future sneak into my head, it feels as if I am punched in the stomach and my heart aches.  It aches for what I was so sure was going to be, but wasn't.

I don't know why Henry's life was cut so short, but I do know that our Heavenly Father is over all.  And I am trusting in him, that even though this still hurts right now, one day he will make it be okay.  For now, Happy Birthday sweet Henry.  May you look down on us and see how much we love you and look forward to seeing you again.

Happiness Is... Part 2

A very clever friend of mine recently did a post that consisted of a list of things that made her happy.  (Thanks for sharing Michelle).  It was so enjoying to read and I went away thinking of what I would put on my list.  Then I realized that I did make a similar list 2 years ago.  (You can read it by clicking here.)  While those things do indeed make me happy, they are not what I would put on my list today.  It's funny how just a couple years can change your perspective. So here's my new list in no particular order:

1.  Sleeping in past 7:30 a.m.

2.  A clean house.

3.  Alice Springs Chicken from The Outback Steakhouse.

4.  Going to BYU football games.

5.  Oldies music (the 60s and 70s).

6.  Shopping for plants and flowers for my garden.

7.  Peanut butter M&Ms.

8.  Getting into my car on a cold day to find my seat nice and warm.

9.  Laughing so hard with my family that I end up crying.

10.  The Bachelor.

11.  Being taken out to eat so I don't have to cook dinner.

12.  Reading books with the kids.

13.  Soft tickles all over my back.

14.  My king-sized Sleep Number Bed. (It is just pure heaven).

15.  An ice-cold Dr. Pepper when I haven't had one in a few months. 

16.  Rearranging the furniture in a room just because.

17.  Babies sleeping all through the night.

18.  My own checking account and money.

19.  Chad helping me clean the house and my boys doing their chores.

20.  Shark Week on the Discovery Channel, or any shark movie for that matter.

21.  Free 2-day shipping on Amazon.

22.  A nice hot bath.

23.  Hugs and kisses from the kids before they leave for school.

24.  Temple date nights with Chad and Joe Bandidos afterward.

25.  Anytime BYU beats the U:).