Happy Birthday Jesus

Christmas was relaxing and enjoyable. We never felt the busy chaos this season... and there seemed to be more time to reflect on the birth of Jesus- who came to bring peace between us and God. What an amazing truth to begin to teach our children. We also had an amazing time with Josh's extended family enjoying our "Christmas" on New Year's. The season continues as my sister and David come next weekend and my Dad, Angi and Danielle a few weeks from now. We are looking forward to more time to embrace those we love.


JOY! Dax and his preschool buddies


Harper and Dax in the angel choir as part of the Christmas program. I wonder when they'll start fighting over that cutie in between them?


Christmas Day!



Happy Birthday dear Jesus....

Birthdays and such...

There are so many things that have filled our lives lately... Tayven turned 6 and Dax turned 4! At this stage of life, it seems more fulfilling to celebrate their birthdays then our own. I had a nice talk with each of them about how much I love them... and what I felt the day they were born. They were both very engaged in the conversation and enjoyed hearing about themselves. I know, I'll be a total goober mom if I do that every year, but for now, it was pretty cute to hear their questions. We are loving Tayven's life questions and creative energy as he makes up new games, trys out sarcasm on us, makes signs for our front door, writes books etc. Lately with Dax I've had some awesome conversations where he drills me with questions. Most recently, he dissected the praise song "Jesus Thank You" and wanted to know what each word meant. As I explained to Dax what the words "wrath, satisfied & enemy" meant... and what it meant to "sit at His table", I found myself sharing the gospel with him in a way that captivated him more than ever. I can get a little weepy now thinking of the glimpse of hope and interest in our Savior that Dax may have. Harper keeps busy following his brothers around being suuuper crazy cute one minute and a total punk the next... you know that stage? I can't imagine life without these boys.

We also had our friends, the Jensens, from Ecuador come visit us. We really miss them! We spent 11 New Years with them up in Lake Almanor, including our engagement... and now they're our missionary friends home from Ecuador. Crazy how life brings changes.


Tayven getting his birthday hat at Chevy's


Dax loving his cheddar cheese bagel from Flour Garden on his birthday


Harper next to Macoy, and Dax next to Hadley. They came to celebrate- such awesome friends!


Dax, Nick Jensen, Tayven and Harper

Kings Beach in Tahoe

This was a trip we took the last week before school started and it was sooo much fun! We relaxed, ate tons, and played on the sand all day long. I put a few pictures up that highlight the Deneui family since I know many people wish they had a blog. I still feel a little depressed about school being back in... but when I see these pictures I feel so thankful that I had this week with my family. Yep, there's my nice generic family vacation paragraph :)



Dax with a split lip and Harper in the bike trailer.


I think I took at least 20 pictures of Tayven with Taylor Deneui- they were cute buddies


Harper with Josh

First day of 1st Grade!

Oooh this picture makes me smile. I've had way too much fun with these little guys this summer... and can't believe my first born is now in first grade! I feel like the total goober mom for crying again this year about dropping him off at school. Last year I had a full blown whale/bawl session in the car on the way home... but at least this time I was able to stick with the more feminine style tear up. Life is happening so fast! As a mom it almost feels like you go through life a second time as you watch your child... and it's so weird to be on this side of it. I totally remember my first grade teacher and how excited I was. I loved watching Tayven wave to us with an anticipation and excitement about what was ahead. I will continue to pray and plead with the Lord to protect his little heart... and draw Tayven to Himself.

summer fun

This is been one busy summer for us with me teaching swim lessons again. We've managed to really enjoy family time and are sadly counting down the days until school starts. We got a hot tub from some friends who have a spa business... and that has provided some of the greatest families times and conversations. We also took a spontaneous camping trip to Tahoe where we hiked, biked, and I even taught Tayven 5 new card games. The last picture is a few days ago when the boys decided that helping me clean sounded fun... for a couple hours! It was a definitely a kiss from heaven... and so much fun. I love my little cuties!




Tahoe Trip!


Harper chomping on chips


Tayven loves cards


This picture is not posed. My boys are obsessed with clorox wipes :)
I know it wont last

In the summertime!

Tayven graduating from Kindergarten, friends coming over, and a week with cousins are some of the fun things we've done this summer...

Tagged (i gave in)

ok ok so I haven't been in love with the idea of promoting myself in this "tagged" thing... but in all honesty I've loved reading the quirks from everyone else. In fact, several of you people have made me laugh out loud. I'm pretty sure my quirks are much less interesting but to avoid being called a "party pooper" or "too cool" any longer, I'm gonna give it a shot... don't fall asleep.

Here are the rules:
Mention the rules on your blog.
Tell about six unspectacular quirks of yours.
Tag six bloggers by linking them.

1. Not sure how to word this one appropriately... but if someone "passes gas" anywhere near me when I am drinking water, I will immediately cover my water glass. I have this instant fear that the odor will seep into my drink and ruin the taste forever. Those who know me best have probably witnessed this... its definitely become a quirk for me.


2. I don't like having cold feet at night... and sometimes I can act a little O.C.D. about getting a pair of socks on my feet. One time when on a trip, I bugged everyone who was trying to sleep as I pilfered through my bag looking for some cozy socks. It's a mental thing, I'm sure.

3. I like hot drinks (coffees) extra hot. If I don't order it "extra hot" it wont last me more than 5 minutes before I pretty much wanna throw it away. Wow, I sound snobby. haha, its just the truth, I no longer enjoy it if it's not real hot. Julie pointed this out to me the other day... thanks.

4. When it comes to a job (teaching, coaching soccer, teaching swim lessons) I can be really organized and want things done a specific way. I spend a lot of time thoroughly preparing and can border on seeming like a perfectionist. At the same time, I am that girl that can be totally scatter brained and not know where her keys are for 10 minutes...

5. I have this issue with misspelled words. I notice them a lot when other people do it and I have a hard time not pointing it out. Is that a quirk? One time my friend wrote the word "tomorrow" wrong about 10 times before I finally said something. She wrote "tomarrow" and after a day of prayer, I got the courage to let her know her issue. Ok... maybe not prayer but we had a good laugh. Wow, I'm boring even myself with this post, sorry everyone. haha. The funny thing is, I'll probublee spellde sevrall wurds wrong on dis post, wright?

6. I can't think of anymore. I know have a million more. Feel free to tell me what you think my quirks are... and honestly... if you've made it this far I'll give you five bucks

I am gonna tag....

Jamie Hill
Wendy Penburthy
Nicole Pickard (she's been tagged tons like me and has avoided it)
Sara Molton (don't know if she'll see this?)
Christina Leaman (awesome blog writer)
Chrisy Myers (do you ever get online?)