Blessings Realized (Birthday/Wedding Celebrations), June 2013

Krystal's Bridal Shower

It has been a while since I've been able to blog due to 3 things: 

1.  Technical difficulties due to my external hard drive having some serious issues making it difficult to upload photos

2.  Four amazingly fun children that have wanted my attention every minute of every fun summer day (why does a quote from my dad come to mind, "More fun than a body should be allowed to have!")

3.  My being overwhelmed with where to begin since I've gotten SO far behind!  

So, I'm going to take a deep breath and go for it!  Once I finalize my Fall schedule, I will designate a time once a week and write it in PERMANENT INK!  :)  Because, my memory is horrible and I want my children to have a record of all the fun and crazy things we did and learned while WE were growing up :)!

My most recent birthday was quite possibly my best birthday ever.  It began with celebrating my good friend (from the time we were toddlers) Krystal's upcoming wedding.  We spoiled her with gifts to make her blush and bombarded her with questions.  Andy and I met Patrick almost a year ago after they'd been dating a little while, when we went hiking and I knew :) they were meant to be together!  Watching her so happy and knowing what wonderful things await her in her journey of marriage and family brought tears to my eyes several times throughout the week.

 It was fun to get together with some of our home town friends, friends from college, and Krystal's family!

 Next, I was off to a birthday lunch with the fam.  Apparently we should have bought salads for the kids at Cafe Rio because they all wanted mine :)!  

 Especially this cute little guy.

 How could I resist sharing?  He even put his arm around me and said, "Tanks, Mom!"

 I had to steal a bite of my own salad every now and then, but I just had to laugh and think how just 12 1/2 years ago, Andy and I were starting out our new life together and we had no idea what kinds of blessings were in store for us and how our hearts would be expanded in very real and sometimes painful ways.  In the process, we would have these 4 sweet children and would come to know and love our Savior in a way that can only come as we learn to give our will to Him.  Most days I feel that we have done our best to try to love each other and teach our family what life is really about.  Being married to a wonderful selfless man and learning from these sweet kiddos has taught me in a way that I don't know that I personally could have learned otherwise, how love and sacrifice bring greater joy than any earthly possession possibly could.  I am anything but a perfect mother and sometimes wonder how the Lord could think to trust me to meet all the needs of these precious spirits but I have come to learn personally that as I try to do my best, which is a very sad attempt at times, the Savior makes up the difference when I put Him first in my life and seek His will and His strength.  I have had the wonderful opportunity this week to attend some classes at B.Y.U.'s Education Week with a good friend.  It has been so refreshing to be reminded that we are mortal and we have weaknesses and that we aren't here to be perfect parents to our children, but to do a little better each day and show them who to rely on.  I am so thankful for a loving Father in Heaven who is perfect and for His perfect plan for His children.  I love and trust Him and am so grateful for the blessings in my life.  I love how my children recognize truth so easily and how they teach me with their simple faith and their unconditional love.  They have taught me more than I could ever teach them and I will be grateful for that every day of my life.

I love how my youngest kiddos love sour things as much as I did as a child.  They always want my lemons or limes!  Even if it does do this to their cute little faces!

Since it was my birthday, we splurged and bought chips and some kind of yummy queso dip :)!

Who would want to eat a birthday dessert all by themselves when you could share with these cute kiddos?

Later in the week, a couple nights before the big day, we threw a mini bachelorette party for Krystal at my house.  We were so happy Christen could make it in time!  We had a little potluck dinner and some yummy treats and got to visit.  So fun.  Sadly, the above picture is the only evidence I have of our little party.

The ceremony was as beautiful as the bride.  We were all so happy for these two love birds!

It was so good to see all of Krystal's family as well.  Krystal's dad and my dad were best friends all throughout my growing up.  When I see Garth, I feel like my dad should be right there with him - kind of like how I felt when I was with my mom and siblings for years after my dad passed away unexpectedly.  It is a bitter-sweet feeling.  Garth and Katrina were like my second parents at times growing up.  I remember calling Katrina on accident one day in Junior High from the office and after a big long explanation about something, she said, "Heidi, I think you think that you called home?"  Sure enough, I'd called the wrong number.  But, Krystal's home always felt like a second home to me!  16 years later, I still have Krystal's home number memorized from when we were kids.  So, I can call her parents anytime I want to this day :)!  Come to think of it, I should probably do that!  I wish I'd been able to stay and take more pictures, but we had to run home and switch babysitters so we could hit another reception really quick and come back for the dinner!  Then we were back to partying with Krystal and Patrick!

More of our friends were able to come to the wedding, dinner, and reception!  

Left to Right:  Jacky, Heather, Heidi, Krystal, Carrie, Christen & Cami

They were pretty nice to each other with the cake, I must say.  And, I LOVE the colors Krystal chose.  Everything was beautiful!

Of course three of my kiddos found me right away and wanted in the picture!  At the dinner, Garth specifically asked me to come up and share some thoughts/memories with everyone.  It was a pretty good crowd, so when Christen offered to go up for our table/group of friends I was thinking I might be off the hook.  But, it was so good to reminisce and think about what this amazing friend of mine has taught me through the years.  I always looked up to Krystal and I explained that I was probably like the annoying little sister that is always wanting to be like/copy her older sister.  But, it is such a compliment because it means that you respect and admire and want to be like the other person.  That was Krystal to me.  Someone I loved and respected and admired all growing up and I loved doing everything with her, often following in her footsteps because she was braver than I was most of the time.  When we weren't in the same classes or sports or activities, we were often on the phone making plans!  She talked me into all kinds of crazy things like talking to boys :), joining the swim team, being involved in junior miss, etc. etc. etc.  So, it was a very strange thing for me to get engaged, married, and start my family first.  And, to my amazement, each of our children has had some red in their hair!!!  I always thought of Krystal as being Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables and me as her friend, Diane.  I have also always mourned that my middle name Ann doesn't have an 'e' :).  I have been hoping and praying for this day for a long time and couldn't be happier with the result.  Patrick is such a kind, fun, loving person and I know they will be able to bless each other's lives in so many ways.

Marriage to the right person at the right time in the right place really is such a blessing.  I am so happy that that blessing has come to my dear friend and wish her and Patrick every JOY in this life and the life to come.

And, is it okay for me to wish them a couple or more of these while I'm at it:  :)

My oldest daughter matched the decor so perfectly.  Turquoise and pink are two of her favorite colors.  I couldn't help realize that we could be celebrating her wedding in not too many years.  (Very possibly in about as many years as it has been since I graduated from High School, which seems crazy to me!!!)  I loved watching her dance with her Daddy and then with her little brother.

I was so amazed when I walked in to the dinner and saw these centerpieces!  I had literally picked up these same planter pots at Tai Pan a few days before and taken them to the register when I realized I should find some flowers or plants to put in them if I was going to give them to Krstal as a wedding gift.  So, since I picked out something else, thankfully, I found it so funny that these were the pots she chose for her dinner/reception centerpieces!  I also chose a glass water pitcher as part of her wedding gift before I looked up her registry and was so surprised that she had registered for the exact pitcher at Target!  Ha ha.  We were obviously meant to be friends!

I love how Katrina is smiling at them kissing in this picture.  One of my favorite wedding pictures is the one of my Dad looking at Andy and I and smiling at us after our wedding.  I hope my children choose good spouses and are happily married so that I will be this happy for them on their wedding day!

Our kids were troopers and lasted all through the happy couple's departure.  I am so thankful for this great blessing that has come into Krystal's life (namely Patrick :) and I'm extra happy for the fact that they will be living close and we can continue to be blessed by our friendship with them!   Talking to Krystal before she took this big step in her life brought back so many memories and helped me reflect on how I am so grateful for the amazing blessing of marriage and families and know that they serve a wonderful purpose.  I am so grateful for eternal families and grateful that my good friend Krystal has started her own!  I couldn't have asked for a better birthday week!  Best Wishes to my dear friend & her eternal companion!

A True Valentine Sacrifice :)!

This Valentine's Day was a little more exciting than usual.  We decided last minute to take the whole family to "Classic Skating" for some fun.  I have always loved roller skating, roller blading, & ice skating.  When we were dating, Andy was a good sport and went roller blading with me.  He got a little nervous when we were going downhill and he couldn't stop, so I attempted to stop us both.  As we got close to a stop sign, he was sure we were going to die and he took us both down.  I have scars to this day from that accident and I don't think I should have been driving or working the next couple days because I was in so much pain and a couple of times I got dizzy and lightheaded and about fainted.  But, we survived and I've always looked at those scars as a sign of true love - that he was willing to do something I loved to make me happy :).  

The next crazy incident on roller blades was when we had just been married a couple of years and we went roller blading around the neighborhood.  We had heard some people during 4th of July Fireworks talk about how rubbing dryer sheets over your skin works like insect repellent   Andy decided to try it out.  As we were going around the block from our house, he was attacked by swarms of mosquitoes!  Andy is already pretty entertaining to watch roller blading, but this was fall-on-the-ground funny to see him trying to swat all the mosquitoes on his legs while attempting to roller blade!  It still makes me laugh out loud just thinking about it!  Thankfully he did have the stroller to hold onto for some support or we surely would have had some broken bones!  We discovered early on that if Andy could push the stroller, we were both happy - although looking back we probably should have had the kids in helmets :)!!!  He had so many mosquito bites that he had a hard time sleeping for days and lets just say we never tried dryer sheets again as a form of insect repellent   I sometimes wonder if those people were just trying to get us to listen in on their conversation like the girls on parent trap did to their father's fiance!  But, my guess is that one of the name brand dryer sheets actually works?!?  

Anyway, Andy was a good sport as usual when the kids and I decided to go skating on the Thursday $1 night for Valentine's Day!  And, as he took a turn going around without any kids to hang onto (thankfully), he had a little too much fun and slammed down on his wrist.  Our neighbor was a saint and took him to the ER on Valentine's night and this is what he had put on the next day.  I personally thought he should have a pink cast with hearts all over it in memory of Valentine's Day.  We decided however, to write love notes on it the day he had it removed :)!

Andy's note to me:

Drew's note to Dad:

Kassi's note to Daddy:

Jesi's note:

My note to Andy:

Artwork by Jesi & Kassi:

Another sweet note by Kassi:

Apparently I should have turned these next two (BYU's Y & Timpview's T by Jesi):

Unfortunately Nate's note didn't appear hear, but I just helped him sign an 'N' if I remember right.

To me, this cast represents "True Love" :)!  Poor Andy's wrist is still not turning enough and we are hoping it continues to get better.  But, if not, we will hopefully be a cute old couple with scars and battle wounds to show how we sacrificed for each other - or at least how Andy sacrificed his pride and agreed to tag along on roller blades with me - a few too many times :)!!!  I love you, Valentine - today and FOREVER no matter what comes our way!  Happy Belated Valentine's Day!

Drew's 11th B-day & December Festivities!

Drew, you finally got your pet this year.  When our neighbors moved out of their home and needed someone to take their sweet Rufus (black lab/blue healer mix), I don't think they had any idea how perfect a match she would be for you!  You love this dog so much and since she is about 11 years old, it will be really sad someday when we have to say goodbye, but for now she is in heaven whenever you are around!!!  You are happy to play with Rufus rain or shine, hot or cold, dressed in your Sunday best or any time of the day.  And, boy does she love you!  I never thought I could love a big dog, but how can you  not love a dog that drops the ball at your feet and waits patiently for you to throw it and then, if she needs some loves, waits for you to pet her and shake her hand. She really is your dream pet come true!!!  And we are so happy for you.  I love to watch you interact with her out the kitchen window.  It warms my soul to see you smile and laugh and play with her and although that grass you are standing on in this picture has mostly been dug up by her, it is worth it to see the joy she brings into those beautiful blue eyes of yours!

 You are one of the most forgiving people I know.  You asked me to play a duet with you a couple years ago and I didn't do so hot.  I think I played a whole octave too low!  You let me take a break the last couple recitals and I was just fine with that!  But, somehow you had faith in me again and asked me to play another duet with you.  I felt privileged to play by your side.  We make a pretty good team, if you ask me - mostly because you are pretty patient with your imperfect Mom!  Thank you for always giving me another chance and the courage to try again!

 All of your teachers you have ever had have loved you so much.  It is impossible not to love your kind heart and genuine friendship.  You can see in this picture as your piano teacher is emotional, that she is one who has been touched by your friendship.  We appreciate your good teachers so much and love to see you treat them with love and respect as well.

 You did awesome as usual.  You never cease to amaze me at your confidence performing your piano pieces in front of a large group!  You have done amazing the last few years at both the Spring and December recitals, playing prelude at church on special occasions like Mother's Day, Father's Day, and Christmas and you even played in your school talent show and have plans to do the same this Spring!  We are so proud of you for being willing to share your talent with others and the hard work you put in to have this talent to share!

 I think we need to get an enormous vacuum like this to get you excited about vacuuming at our house!  You love these big machines!

 And these guys were happy to help you with the cord!

 Afterwards, we enjoyed driving around listening to Christmas music and looking at Christmas lights . . .

 It was Dad's idea if you can't tell :).

 And, this picture just makes me think about how it seems like yesterday that you were as little as your baby brother!  He wears your old clothes and I call him "Drew" on accident sometimes.  Pretty soon I know I will look back and he will be as big as you and you will be all grown up!!!  I get emotional just thinking about it.  But, no matter what, you will always be my baby and I will always love you!  I heard a quote recently that puts my thoughts into words, "Making the decision to have a child - it's momentous.  It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body." This is so true.  Maybe that is why I started crying so much after you were born - or actually I believe it started when you were in my tummy!!!

 You are so good to share your birthday month with all the fun Christmas activities including your sisters' new musical events this year.  Jesi had her first Christmas recital and you were so good to cheer her on.  She did a wonderful job just like her big brother!

 She loves her teacher too.

 Jesi had to learn several new, complicated songs for the Christmas recital with very little time to practice and did an amazing job playing with the other kids! 

 She is on the 2nd to last song in Suzuki Violin book 1.

 Kassi also had her Christmas Recital for "Let's Play Music" and loved sharing some of her new songs on the bells and actions to some songs with us.

 I think your playing the piano and performing through the years has given your little sisters the courage to do the same!  You are such a good example to them and so good to support them in their efforts as well!

 Your birthday week is always crazy and I always have a hard time getting you to tell me what you want for your birthday cake.  Last year you decided you just wanted a big Costco pumpkin pie.  This year you decided you didn't want a cake either.  You wanted Krispie Kreme Doughnuts instead!  So, to be festive and somewhat birthday themed, we put the remaining doughnuts on this candle and sang Happy Birthday to you!  You thought it was pretty cool!  That was all that mattered!

 Sometime during the week of your birthday we also took you out to Village Inn for some lunch, since we had 4 free kids' meals.  Although we did find out that the drinks and the dessert on the kids' menu weren't part of the free meal.  So, we splurged at Village Inn all for your big b-day meal :)!  Big Spenders!

 I love the above picture as you were trying to find out what Jesi needed so that you could serve her.  I hope you always have a desire to serve others.  I know it will continue to make you happy throughout your life as you choose to serve.

 These pictures are of you sharing your new remote control truck that you got for your birthday from Grandma and Grandpa with Nathan, who wanted a turn driving it.  I was so happy watching you teach him how to play with your new toy.  You loved sharing and it was such a sweet moment to me!

 And, just to illustrate what a good sport you are with all of life's craziness - we were so looking forward to this pack night where you would be receiving your Webelos badge and your Arrow of Light.  You have worked so hard in Cub Scouts to receive all of your awards and it has been so fun helping you learn and grow through these last few years in the program.  So, it was crazy that we somehow got going on chores and life and completely spaced the most important Pack Night of your Cub Scout career!  Thankfully my friend is the cub-master in our ward and she texted me before it was over.  So, we quickly got the kids out of the tub and into their pajamas :) and put on your unironed new Boy Scout shirt (because we couldn't find your decorated Cub Scout shirt at the time) and ran over as fast as we could.  Not so presentable, but we were there and we just barely made it in time!  We couldn't have been more proud of you and the hard work you put into the last few years of cub scouts.  We hope you always remember that hard work pays off - maybe not always in money, but always in character!  Way to go, Drew!

 And this last picture is of you with your sisters and your best school friend having some hot chocolate after school.  I think they all feel lucky to be your friends as we all do!  You are such a huge blessing in all of our lives - all of us who have had the opportunity to know you.  Thank you for putting up with the craziness of December and never complaining.  Thank you for being born that December 11 years ago.  Thank you for coming to our family and brightening it with your smile and your fun personality.  We have loved you SO much, we love you SO much, and we ALWAYS will!!!  Happy VERY belated birthday, Drew.  I hope that this coming year I can talk you into celebrating a half birthday for your sake :)!  And, then I'm pretty sure I won't be 3 months late blogging about it which would save me from a lot of guilt!  We LOVE YOU, DREW!!!!!