Grateful to be a Mom

Wow, where has July gone?  I could swear that the 4th was just last weekend and yet here we are at the end of the month already.  So, I'm one of the Relief Society teachers in our ward and it was my turn to teach this last Sunday.  The lesson was on Mother's teaching their children which is a topic I've had some experience with (I was so happy about that!)  I've only been a teacher since last December.  This was my 5th time teaching and I'm still trying to get used to it.  I'm fine with teaching children and even the youth but for some reason, teaching adults is very intimidating to me. 

Anyway, in preparing for this lesson, I was able to think back through all my experiences as a mother and all that being a mother has taught me over the years.  I think I've probably learned more from my children than I've taught them.  How wise Heavenly Father is to let us learn through our experiences.  I've always been better with hands on teaching rather than lectures anyway.  I guess in my ramblings here what I'm trying to say is that I'm so grateful to be a mom and for all the trials and joys involved with being a parent. 

I have to give kudo's to Brad as well - he's so loving and supportive.  He's been great over the last 7 months - offering me words of encouragement when I felt overwhelmed with this calling and helping me with my lesson preparations.  He has such great insight.  He'll read through the lessons and ask me a few questions or make a few comments about the topic and I'm off and running with ideas - things I never would have thought of on my own.  Thank you Brad for all you do to help me and enrich my life.  I don't know what I'd do without you and our wonderful boys.  You guys are my treasures and I'll be eternally grateful to Heavenly Father for guiding us to meet when we did and blessing us with three amazing boys who inspire me to try and be my best.

Rock Shapes

Last week we went to Lake Powell for our 2nd trip this summer. Winston made a game of looking for shapes in the rocks and on the 2nd day of our trip while we were boating up the Escalante arm, he suddenly called out, "Hey, there's a finger!"  At first, I couldn't see what he was looking at, but then I saw it - a shape on the rock that looked like someone holding up their pointer finger.  So we pulled over and took a picture while Winston happily posed in front of what he'd found.  

What a clever little guy he is - not to mention observant!

First Primary Talk

Yesterday, Winston gave his first talk in Primary. He loves to get up in front of people - our little man is not shy, in fact he loves the attention.  He's already given the prayer and a scripture and thoroughly loved it.  Needles to say, he was so excited to give his first talk.   I helped him put together some things to say about Zack and Bo - his missionary brothers and how they're teaching the gospel and helping the people where they are.  For his props, I made a German flag and a Japanese flag to hold up.  On Sunday morning while we were getting ready for church, Winston found one of Bo's old ties in his closet and just had to wear it for his talk.  He did such a good job and was so proud to talk about his brothers and their missions.  Here are some pictures of Winston holding the flags and wearing Bo's old tie.  Way to go Winston.  We're so proud of you!

A 4th of July to Celebrate

We had our annual 4th of July picnic party at my Mom's yesterday.  It was complete with a water fight for the kids and Winston had a ball.  He loved squirting his cousins and was a good sport about getting squirted.  We enjoyed lots of great food and time with my family.    Winston loved the water so much he stayed in the wadding pool until his teeth were chattering but he kept insisting that he wasn't cold.  He's such a boy!  Here's a link to make a cake like the one shown above.  Time to enjoy some fireworks with the neighbors.  Have a happy 4th of July!

New Pet

Yesterday morning, Winston came running into our room and told me that he'd found some ants in our house by the back door.  He then informed me that he had fed them some breakfast (Doritos) and that they were his new pets.  I have no idea where he came up with this idea.  I had to explain to him that you can't feed ants because that makes more ants come and pretty soon you'll end up with ants everywhere.  I don't think that helped though because he seemed to like that idea.   I cleaned up the ants and their breakfast (courtesy of Winston).  He insisted that he keep one of the ants as his pet.  He ran over and got out a plastic bowl and asked me to put an ant in there for him.  We selected one lucky ant to be his pet and the rest were summarily smashed.  He then informed me that he had named his ant.  I asked him what it's name was and he proudly told me, "Ant Killer."  What a funny kid!  I sure love him.  He makes life very interesting - not to mention entertaining.

The Best Daddy

My boys have the best Daddy.  Brad really loves his sons and has always wanted the best for them.  He's worked so hard for them over the years and while he may not be perfect, he's always done what he thought was best for them and for our family.  Thank you Brad for all that you do and for who you are.  Our lives are tremendously blessed by you and all that you do for us.  My boys really do have the best daddy and I have the best husband!  Happy Father's Day Brad.  We Love you!

Brad with Zack and Bo on the day Zack went into the MTC.

 Brad splashing in Lake Powell water with Winston.

Brad and Winston hunting for lizards down at Lake Powell.

My Man and I sharing a moment together at Lake Powell.  All the good times in my life involve this wonderful man.  He is my best friend and the love of my life.  I couldn't ask for more.  Brad, thank you for our boys, for our family and for your love.  You will always have all my love.

New Favorite Movie

Winston loves the movie Angels in The Outfield and we've watched it almost every day for the last three weeks.  Having seen this show so many times, I've realized there are a lot of good lessons in this movie and thought I would share a few.

• Prayers are answered in unexpected ways.  
• Our guardian angels are always watching and even though we can't see them, they're always there to help us.  
• You gotta have faith.  
• No on likes a meanie.  
• Good guys do win.  
• You should always tell the truth.  
• We need to live in such a way that we can receive the help Heaven has to offer us.  
• Where love exists, miracles happen.
• If you expect the worst out of someone, that's what you'll get; but if you expect the best out of someone, they'll try their hardest to give their best to you. 
• With the support of our friends, we can accomplish great things. 
• The footprints of an Angel are love and where love is, miraculous things can happen.
• If you focus on helping others, you'll find happiness.  
• You don't have to be related to be a family - all you need is love.
• You  gotta believe - in yourself, the goodness of others and in God.  
• Maintain a positive attitude - it could happen. 

Such great messages.  It's funny how much you pick up from watching something over and over.  I guess I love this movie too.

Slideshow of our Lake Powell Trip

We went on our first trip to Lake Powell last Thursday and had a great time.  It was just the three of us this time around.  We were happy to find out that our great friends, the Whitings, were down there as well.  We were able to go on a few outings with them and had dinner together one night.  Winston loves their kids not to mention Todd who also happens to be his pediatrician. (the best one in the whole world in my opinion!)  A wonderful time in a beautiful place with great friends - what more could I ask for.