Ethan's Birthday Recap...

It was ALOT of boys, fun and work. In the end, there was one boy who felt really special and so it was all worth it!

This is one of our neighbors that serves more as a grandma to us than anything. Ethan just loves his MaryLou.

The awesome threesome...these boys are going to be friends for a very long time.

Making a wish...that look in my eye says everything about how much I adore this guy!

I'm grateful for a husband who embraces my insanity!

Too bad no one had a good time :)

What goes best after hots dog, chips, cake and ice cream you ask? Oh, more sugar and junk food for sure!

We had a few boys hanging around...

Another family favorite, Miss Aubrey even stopped in!

We enjoyed a movie outdoors in our sleeping bags

Played night games and hid in the tents...

I think a good time was had by all..even the big kids!

And then the birthday boy fell asleep during his own party. I think that means AWESOME!

We even got to wake up with cousins.
I want to make a special shout out to these boys who slept over and kept all the boys quiet (NOT)
in their tents...sorry neighbors, no one SLEPT at the SLEEPOVER!

Family

It seems the stars aligned this past weekend and all of Justin's siblings were able to come together for an awesome visit at Mom and Dad Hill's in Ogden! It's been nearly three years ago since that had happened! We were missing a few spouses and cousins, but it was a great time to get together!

Happy Father's Day!

You Rock, You're RAD and we're so glad we get to call you our dad!
Love you so much!

Flashback Friday

Summer 2005...

One of my last trips home to see my grandma before she "graduated".
This was the first time my boys had met her. Such joy filled the room that day.
You can see how happy she makes me, it's just written all over my face!
Oh, how I loved spending summer's at her house.
I remember waking up with the breeze blowing through the sheer curtains with the smell of the garden gliding though the cracked window mixed with the smell of fresh toast and bacon awaiting me at the table.
I miss summer at my grandmas.
I miss her soft skin and angelic smile.
Her memory is sweet.

Happy Birthday YOU!

YOU....really make me think about things, challenge me and yes it's true sometimes ultra-frustrate the heck out of me almost on purpose just because you can. I want you to know you are so worth it. I'm starting to understand the wonderful complexity that makes you tick. I want you to know that because of you, I am a better me. To the best foot-rubber in the whole universe I want to wish a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Summerfest

Thursday's Thought.....Or Two

It's true, I've neglected my Thursday's Thought for some time now. I came across THIS today and I was just what I needed. It's got to be the thought of a lifetime! I think it's crucial for all of us to realize at some point in our lives that if we will stop being a victim and know that the power comes from within, we can overcome any situation. It reminds me of a quote that I love, one that I have to frequently resort to when I feel I've had more than I can stand:

"No pain that we suffer is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up or character, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called children of God. And it is thorough sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we came here to acquire and which will make us more like God. ~Elder Orson F. Whitney

This Book Changed My Life.....

SERIOUSLY.

End of School "Recap"

It was a BUSY week full of graduations, dance festivals, water parties, field days and so much more! The kids had such a great year and love all of their friends and teachers. I'm grateful for the ability to spend most of my lunch breaks helping in their classrooms and throwing all the parties. I know we will all miss it but will enjoy the late nights of summer, camping, hiking, and swimming!

OOPS We Did It Again...

Thanks to our awesome staff and the great people that live in our community, Courtyard at Jamestown once again took home Best of State Honors!
We had a great time last night....
and LOOK! I even got to meet American Idol Winner David Archuleta!!!!
Go HERE to see my favorite Archie song!

It's The Weekend...And The LAST Day of School!

Hillcrest Flag Retirement Ceremony

I feel so proud to be an American...so proud of our two handsome cub scouts and their participation in the retirement of the Hillcrest Flag. Thank you to Brother Clegg for putting all this together and making it an extra special day for the boys! It was a beautiful ceremony.