Sunflowers and a Lesson on Service

I have a friend who is going through some tough trials right now. I have been out of town for a few weeks, so when I got back I decided to go visit her to see how she was doing. I thought I'd take her flowers that day, but then I got a text from her that morning telling me she had, had seizures the night before and was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor that morning. it was devastating. She was with doctors all day that day, so I decided to go see her the next day. It was raining, and before we left I told the kids what was going on and that we were going to visit my friend who was sick and take her some flowers. We read a story from the 'Friend' that just so happened to talk about the same thing we were about to do, and the boys recognized it. Zander said, "Hey! That's what we're going to do!" We're going to serve your friend who is sick and we get to play with her kids." Smart boy.

I loaded up the kids to pick up a few groceries that we needed and get the flowers. But as I looked at the flowers as we walked through the door I thought to myself,  "I wish I could do more than take flowers." I thought about this as I was taking things off the shelf and placing them in my cart then a light bulb went off in my head: buy her groceries! I got all excited and told the kids what the plan was so they helped put things in the cart for my friend and her family. The last item we pick up were the flowers; a bouquet of big, bright sunflowers. We payed, loaded up the car, and headed to her house.

I wasn't planning on staying too long; we ended up staying for an hour and half, but it was good to chat with her and see what else she needed in way of help around her house. She was surprised to see us along with all the kids with an armful of groceries. As we left her house the boys asked if we could go back and visit her again soon.

We went along with the rest of our day. In the late afternoon despite the rain the kids wanted to play outside, so I obliged. They rode their bikes and climbed the tree then asked if I'd play soccer with them. We got soaking wet but had a good time playing; the boys didn't want to stop, but I needed to get dinner going.

Every night as I tuck the boys into bed I ask them what their favorite part of their day was. Tonight I was sure the answer was going to be "Playing soccer outside with you", but instead they both told me "Going to visit your friend." What a tender moment that was for me. I hope I can be a good example of service for my kids. Service is something that is very important to me and something that our savior taught us to do most of all.

10 Years

Every anniversary is special and should be celebrated especially in today's world, but we celebrated a milestone year of 10 years together this month. Stephen and I have built a wonderful life for ourselves. We still love each other and speaking for myself, I love Stephen even more now; my love for him grows each day and through each trial and triumph. We have three beautiful children, our dream home, our health, Stephen is successful in his work, we are literally living the American dream. I feel so blessed to have Stephen by my side to navigate through life with. He has an awesome family that I love and get along with really well, and he has a strong testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Stephen is my rock. There isn't anything he wouldn't do for me and I know it. He cooks, cleans, mows the lawn, plays with our kids, takes me out on dates, sings and plays guitar, works hard at his job, and loves me for who I am. He is kind, honest, witty, and funny. I am so grateful to have gotten to know and fall in love with him when I did the night he kissed me when I got locked out of my apartment. I love you Stephen. Lets continue to celebrate our love and life together every day. 

Anniversary Week

Last week Stephen and I were able to celebrate our 10 year anniversary all week without kids due to a work trip he couldn't miss. I didn't want us to miss this important anniversary so I told him I was going with him, and it just so happened that I would be in Twin the week before so I asked mom and dad if they'd watch the kids for a week for us, and they happily obliged.

Our hotel was right in the middle of downtown Los Angeles so there was a lot to do within walking distance. Stephen really worked all day and didn't get back to the hotel until 7:00 every night so everything I did was on my own. Except on our anniversary I met him and his coworkers at the Santa Monica Pier for a nice, cold, windy stroll down the pier and then to dinner. Stephen got me a pearl necklace for our anniversary; I love it.

The two days I was there on my own I went to some shopping centers and to the Walt Disney Concert Hall. That place was amazing! I did an audio tour by myself and learned a little bit about the architecture of the building. You can see that the outside of the building is made up of over 6,000 steel panels and they are all different sizes and shapes so they had number each one to make sure they got put in the right place. The building also has an automatic cleaning system built into it on the top of the building. The inside is just as beautiful as the outside.

I also went to the Broad museum, the Grand Market, and Angel's Landing. I didn't know what to expect with this train ride. I rode up and down on the train, and the ride is only 315 feet to the bottom of Bunker Hill. It was built in 1901 and is the smallest working train track in the world. It is estimated that these tracks have carried more passengers per mile than any other railway in the world.

I had fun despite doing everything by myself. It was nice to get to sleep in and not wake up to kids yelling at each other or coming and jumping on me or on my bed. This trip was exactly what I needed to reset.

When we got home I took Stephen to iFly for his gift this year. I thought doing something we normally wouldn't do would be a nice surprise and get us out of the house and out of our comfort zone. So we did indoor skydiving for an hour, had dinner, and picked up dessert on our way home; it was the perfect date. Skydiving is no joke. My legs and back were sore. You have to be physically fit to do this; it is a workout without it looking like it.

Spring Break

A few weeks ago Becky and I met in Twin for a week for spring break to get the kids together and to spend some much needed time with mom. Here are some highlights of the trip:

Bowling with cousins. This is the boys' second time bowling. Can you tell their balls were heavy?

 Sunday was church with grandma and grandpa. Hannah looked too cute not to take a picture.

Snacks and a trip to Shoshone Falls

Swimming at 1000 Springs. I will admit, this was a little stressful for me to try and handle three kids who can't swim by myself especially when one has to constantly be held even though she didn't want to, and two boys who wanted my attention and help swimming too. I felt bad I couldn't help everyone, but I think they all had a good time.

While grandma and grandpa were camping over the weekend we ate out and went on some visits to see cousins during conference.

These kids bring me so much joy. They had a blast playing with and helping grandma and grandpa while Stephen and I were in L.A. for a week.