Living the Unexpected Life

Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened. This sentence perfectly describes how I feel about my oldest child graduating from High School.  I did not shed one tear during the graduation week UNTIL I assembled a special picture collage to display at his party.  It hit me hard how quickly time passed and how much David and I love each other today. I knew when he was born that I should cherish every moment and work hard to develop a relationship with my boy.  It has been my number one priority to be a better listener than a disciplinarian. To lead by example rather than tell him what to do. And, to share my love for my religion with my child.  As I stared at 50 some pictures all at once that represented 17 years of David's life, I knew that I had done it.  I knew that Dave had accomplished his goals so far too and that just got me crying and crying! Our family has had a roller coaster of a year getting David where he needs to be but we did it! ...

My family has been on a super fast ride this year.  We are going here, and there, and everywhere it seems like.  So far, no one has been too sick this winter and our "to do" list for the house is getting done.  Here are a few pictures to catch you up on our lives. Evan's first JH Band Concert.  He is there, somewhere. My most difficult students on a Field Trip.  I survived December! Chamber Choir performance Dec 2016 Team Captain and  Senior Swimmer New lights and paint! Evan is helping me make decor decisions. David sang at the Voice of Eastmont.

When Evan was a little guy he did a lot of things that drove me crazy like running out the front door at 2 when I wasn't looking or biting my on the softest part of my neck unexpectedly.  He also was the funniest guy with words and spoke at a very early age in full sentences.  I miss that crazy little boy sometimes however, I'm very much enjoying the young man he has become.  He still holds my hand through the parking lot and while we sit on a pew at church.  He asks me to tuck him in and tells me every last detail about his day at school.  He dutifully does his homework, practices his instrument, and cleans his room the same day he is asked!  What a great son.  Handsome too, right? David has always been the kindest one in our family.  He is always in tune with how people are feeling and whether or not they feel left out.  When he was a toddler he use to pat my back while I cried because I was overwhelmed with motherhood.  He'd say,...

Thought you'd all enjoy the video I shot at David's first choir concert this past Wednesday. Just click HERE Here are a few Sr. pics too!

So much has happened since I blogged last.  The most difficult being Jason's experience with shingles.  He is doing much better now thanks to all of your kind thoughts and prayers.  I don't even know how to start explaining the last 6 weeks but it turns out that we learned to appreciate all that we have and I guess that's what I want you all to know. Enjoy the moment you are living in now, enjoy your kids, enjoy being alive! Here are some random photos: We celebrated a close friend's wedding this weekend. Me all dolled up for said wedding. Olivia and Micah with The Boys My newly tiled laundry room. Work is as crazy as home but I love it. Homecoming 2016 Swap Meet- our first! There were a lot of old guys and license plates at the swap meet. Leavenworth Half Marathon Yes, I park on a pad now.  Can't ruin the floor! Senior pics were taken- soon to be shared. My new oven is amazing. Love my new kitchen...

Currently I am living in a home that is far from tidy and clean. It's driving me crazy AND I start work tomorrow. I haven't had a meltdown but the boiling point is approaching. Here is a shot of our home's current state: Tomorrow everything is gonna change!  I will update soon. Btw, I haven't had kitchen sink for 2 weeks and no appliances for almost 2. What have I learned from this experience?  Well, that happiness is a mindset, that kids don't care what the house looks like as long as there is food, and my first world problems are really not problems at all.

Evan and I took off for our Utah trip two weeks ago and now I'm back home getting ready to start work on Monday.  Boo!  We had many great moments a few bad ones on the trip.  You just never know what to expect.  Evan and I had a great time on our trip- minus the car accident! I'm so exhausted from our house remodel that I can't write that well but here it goes: 1. It all started off well with a birthday bash for Aunt Linda. It had been a long time since I saw her and it felt so good to hear her voice and all of her stories. Aunt Linda's Birthday.  She loves cake btw! 2. Next came the WEDDING.  What an amazing evening getting to watch my brother marry the love of his life.  I cried during the whole ceremony thinking of how much I love Jason.  We are all so blessed to have found our other halves! I'm super sad I didn't get any photos of some of the kids.  I don't know why, but I'm sure someone out there can share a few with me. ...