Birthday Adam

I sat on the edge of the bed with DJ discussing his upcoming birthday that is happening tomorrow. We talked about what he would like to do, the presents he wants, and the things he wants to go see. We decided we may have to do some things the day after his birthday, you know, on his "birthday Adam". It works like this.  Today is his "birthday Eve" tomorrow is his birthday and then it's his "birthday Adam" because of Adam and Eve. That had me laughing. Such a cutie! Just when you think they are all grown up they slide in a wonderful little phrase that lets you know they still need their mom.

Little Helper

It may look like she's trying to climb in the washer but she's helping her mom take the clothes and helping her mom put clothes in the dryer. She always wants to help, laundry, cooking, dishes, she does it all! It's fun to have my little helper. With the original Cesar 4 there were too many little helpers and things got more chaotic than cleaned. But with the large space of time between the first crew and Stella, I am able to enjoy her "help" a little more. Plus her high pitched, cute voice saying, "I help mommy. Let me get my stool." And then running to the kitchen to carry her stool to wherever I need the help is irresistible. Sometimes our prayers aren't answered when we want them answered. But Heavenly Father knew what he was doing by spacing the next Cesar batch out just a little from the first so I could enjoy the beauty of toddlerhood all over again. 

Conference Wrap Up

What a wonderful conference weekend! The feeling in our home during these two glorious days is a feeling of peace and happiness that doesn't happen at any other time of the year. I know that the words that are being spoken are for us to help us in our eternal journey. I am so thankful to know our Savior, Jesus Christ and see his servants witness of him during conference. 

Papi made it home just in time to enjoy  this weekend with us. Between conference sessions we were hanging out with our oldest and youngest. I told Papi how everyday when the kids are at school Stella will tell me that she misses "Yaya". So Papi asked her if she missed Yay. She nodded then leaned forward from Alexandria's lap on the big pink chair to get closer to Papi and whispered, "I miss Papi too." She knows how to melt a father's heart. It does surprise me that she shows Papi all her personality from the minute he walks in the door. She is normally super shy and won't talk to most people that aren't around much. But she knows who her Papi is and she really does miss him when he's gone. 

View outside my window

I love this view in my window as I wash dishes. In her car, baby in the back, sunglasses, purse with my old credit cards and high heels that you can't see next to the gas pedal. She will play outside all day "going to the store".  This adorable scene makes doing the dishes enjoyable. 

Flaming Arrows

It was a big pack meeting for my boys.  They earned their Weblos and Arrow of Light.  They don't turn eleven for a few more months but their friend, Stephen, was earning his so they worked really hard to get done with him.  Plus it was my last pack meeting in the Presidency so I encouraged them to finish before I wouldn't be helping in the planning anymore.  I'm proud of them!  They are awesome boys and I am so thankful to be their mom.

And the Routine is Back

You know how I feel about school.  I am so thankful that my children have the opportunity to go to great schools and make wonderful friends who share their beliefs and values.  But I'll be honest.  I was online this morning trying to figure out which states have fewer mandated days of school so we could move there.  The school day is too long and 185 days are too many school days in a year. 

These beautiful kids were ready anyway even though their mom was dreading the upcoming day.  They had outfits picked out, backpacks ready to go and the excitement was all there.  

We got to talk about our theme for this year, COURAGE, by reading a lot of quotes from apostles, scriptures and admirable people.  Courage to persevere even when it gets hard, courage to be kind when others are not, courage to stand up for your beliefs.  It's going to be a good year!

Summer travels

There is only one place this beautiful where you can play outside in the summer, have non itchy grass fights, play in waterfalls, mountains and streams and see beautiful architecture and enjoy the spirit on Temple Square.  Utah!  Thank you so much Uncle Bill for letting us camp out in your camper in the back yard and letting my boys terrorize yours.  We had a blast!

Stella

I love having a two year old at home, always into everything, always making messes and always naked! But they always do it all with a smile that you just can't help but smile and laugh when you catch them in the act.

Juke this kid out

I love being a mom of twin boys. Seriously everyone should have the opportunity to have them. I love DJ's stories whe he gets home from school about what he did at recess and how he "jumped up and caught the ball then juked this guy out and rolled in for a touchdown". And I can't wait for Tuesday's when I get to go watch AJ perform in gymnastics.

On field day, talk about super stars! They both came home with all first place ribbons in long jump, 50 yard dash, overhand throw, hurdles and relay. They finished their regular season for basketball and their team was undefeated! My boys are that awesome! 

Sometimes I teach Art Masterpiece at the school. It's fun to see who they are with their friends. DJ is the cool jock that everyone thinks is funny. AJ is the quiet, silent hottie. 

I watch my boys growing up and wonder what Mikey would have been like. My heart longs for a baby boy. Would he have been the cool, funny jock like DJ or the silent hottie like AJ? Maybe he would have been the strong, friendly gentleman or the smart, brave hero. The good thing is that I know that because of the gospel I can look forward to finding out, to raising him and watching him grow too one day. I am blessed. 

Meanwhile, back on earth, I get to enjoy this journey as a mom of twin boys and it's fabulous! 

4th of July

Some times pictures need some explanation.  Some times they are worth more than words can explain.  All I have to say is we love the 4th of July, celebrating our country, our forefathers and our freedoms.  I'll let the pictures tell the rest.