End of an Era

The last day of school marked the end of another great year at Siena K-8. Since moving here in 2008 and its opening that fall, we have loved Siena and have had a great experience with the teachers and programs. This was Jackson's last year at Siena as he will be moving on to Lake Hazel Middle School next year (tears from his mom). He was privileged to have Mrs. Lenon for the fifth grade and I was so impressed with the wide range of interesting and fun projects and topics their class covered. Jackson was always bringing home a new project to work on. We had an earth model made out of fruit, various book reports ranging from cereal boxes and commercial to paper sandwiches; he had to memorize all the states and their capitols (a personal favorite of mine), and study U.S. History. She was a fabulous teacher for Jackson. Jackson also received the Presidential Award for Academics. Way to go Jackson!

Ellie had the party class this year. For the 3rd Grade Ellie had Mrs. Logsdon. She is a very fun teacher and their class earned many parties this year. They were seriously having pizza almost once a month! They also worked hard to earn those parties. Their class walked over 900 miles collectively to win the Mileage Club award! They also earned several awards for the most donations, participation, etc. Ellie had a blast with Mrs. Logsdon and did great in her school work. Ellie earned an award in the elite 25 miler club--those students who walked 25 miles or more during the year. Way to go, Elle Belle!


This was Thomas' first year in elementary school--Kindergarten! He has Mrs. Bott and we were a little nervous at first because it was her first year teaching Kindergarten (she has taught 7 years of Special Ed. before this). My worries were completely unfounded because she was fabulous! She had high expectations for the little kindergartners, but Thomas quickly found out what he needed to do and made sure he did it! He is now my most responsible child about homework and other items that need to be returned to his teacher. He had such a fun year, making lots of new friends since he only knew a few kids in the class when the year began. Thomas also made it into the 25 mile club! Way to go, Tommy!


Right after we had our annual last day of school picnic lunch at Siena, we ran home to load up the car and leave on a trip to Utah to visit family and go to Lagoon. See next post for details of the big trip and Jacob's first birthday!!

Memorial Day

We had such a fun Memorial Day! Despite forecasts of somewhat questionable weather, we planned a hike and it turned out to be absolutely gorgeous. The kids had a great time roaming the hills around Boise and playing in the water and mud they discovered. There were lots of rocks collected, flowers picked for Mom, a few scrapes, but mostly a lot of fun and laughter. Here are a few pics from our adventure.







That evening we went to the Field of Honor in Eagle. They had over 600 flags representing servicemen/women from Idaho. It was a good way to end the day and focus on what a blessed nation we live in. I am so grateful for those who serve our country and protect the freedoms we are blessed with.

Spring Break and Conference Weekend

My heart is full of gratitude today for the spiritual feast of general conference. There is so much to ponder and study, but mostly I just felt encouraged to be more loving and to constantly find ways to serve. As I was thinking about serving, and wondering who and how I could serve, I realized that every interaction with another person is an opportunity to serve. I am going to try to be like Elder Scott's sweet wife, as he described her constantly praying for and finding ways to serve, even when she was very sick. What an amazing couple!

Spring break also came to an end this weekend. Our family didn't go anywhere fun or exciting, but I tried my best to fill the days with fun for the kids. Besides starting our Avatar marathon (still not finished with that one) we went to several fun places, played in the sunshine with friends and family (we even got sun burnt!!!) and I even got to read a good book. Such a great week and now the final push 'til to the end of the year.

Tired Baby

This morning I had just gotten Jacob ready for the day and left him playing with some toys in his room. I was off in other parts of the house doing other things and I noticed that it was unusually quiet. I ran up to Jacob's room and found this


What a little sweetheart! He's never been one to just fall asleep like that so I was pretty surprised. Sweet baby boy.

Ellie's Birthday Party

After throwing annual parties for every kid, I started feeling the time and money spent on these parties was just too much. So I told them all last year that we would only have birthdays on certain "special" years. Well, Ellie wanted a party so badly this year she begged and even offered her birthday money from her grandparents to help pay for it. Well, if it really means having a good birthday or not, David and I relented and she had ANOTHER party--but, it was actually one of the easier parties we've thrown and the kids had a great time. I'm starting to understand what was stressing me out so much in the past--the darn goody bags. I decided not to worry about goody bags this year and what a relief. So, here are some pics of Ellie's crazy party! Also, David and I told Ellie that if she wanted a party, that would be her gift--no other presents. Well, that was just too mean, of course. So, David and I re-painted Ellie's bedroom furniture from white to her new favorite "black", and then we surprised her with some other stuff for her room. So, also included are some pictures of her new "grown-up" bedroom. I have to admit, I sort of miss the pink and white...but it turned out very cute!


They had a competition of making the cutest out-fit from aluminum foil. They got pretty creative!

One of the games was called "blind make-over". The girls took turns trying to put make-up on each other while blind folded. It was making me laugh so hard--mostly at how hard all of them were laughing!

Ellie Turns 9!!!!

Wow, my little Elle Belle is nine years old today! I can't believe that nine years ago we were in Lansing, Michigan, in the worst hospital I've ever had to stay in, enjoying our new, tiny little pink baby girl. She has always been a sweet, fun and crazy girl. She brings life to our home and family in so many ways. She is quick to laugh and see the good in others. She is competitive and loves to win, but also cheers for others. Ellie spent the first seven years of her life as a princess. Now she claims to hate anything "princess" and instead loves black, neon yellow and rock 'n roll. I can't imagine my life or our family without Ellie. I am so grateful for a daughter and Ellie is a light to everyone around her. Happy Birthday sweet Ellie!!!!

A Weekend Away

So my older brother, Brayden, came to Utah last weekend. Since we hadn't seen him in quite a while and may not seem him this summer, Karma and I drove down to Utah with our babies to see him. It was such a fun break from the normal stresses of life and so fun to talk and talk and talk and talk and talk and then talk some more. It made me realize how lucky I am to genuinely love and like my brothers and sisters and parents to much. They are my best friends (after David) and I love having them in my life. We covered everything from politics to missionaries and of course did a lot of laughing. I don't think I'll ever think of elbows in the same way. Of course it was absolutely wonderful to get home yesterday and see my adorable children and sexy husband. David had taken great care of the kids and the house was nice and clean. I am a very lucky woman!