Happy 14th Anniversary to Us!

The expressions on our faces couldn't have captured the feelings of the day better. We were SO happy and madly in love we made everyone around us so frustrated because we seriously had no clue anything else in the world was happening. We were in our own little world, completely spaced out and drunk on love. I didn't know mortals could experience such bliss. It really happened for us. And even though the rigors of life brought us down to where our feet touch the ground, I am still so in love with my Honey.

I always have loved this picture above. There even is a story "behind" it. Literally. Russ and I didn't have wandering hands during our courtship. So when we walked out of the temple, the first thing I did was grab his buns. He had coat tales on so I knew no one would notice. I'm sure that is TMI, but it's the truth.

For our anniversary today Russ made it very clear that he wanted to spend the WHOLE day with me. Not just dinner, not just an activity. The entire day. I was so very flattered! I couldn't help but think, "Awww, shucks. You really adore me to pieces." The feeling was mutual.
We love being active/exercising together. So we headed to the beautiful trail by the river and biked and biked. It was SO freezing we wore face masks and had the whole trail to ourselves.
I had a friend that once said, "There is no such thing as bad weather, just poor clothing choices." So wind and snow and sleet weren't going to stop us!
He always looks so attractive on a bike and can ride with no hands for miles and even hold perfectly still and balance.

It was time to turn around to pick up some kids when Russ said, "No, wait. We've got to get to mile marker 14 to commemorate our 14th." Awww. So sweet. I didn't know he was so sentimental.
It was a GREAT day, tons of fun, and I am so grateful I have a man that has made all of my dreams come true and more. Russ makes me laugh, feel beautiful, important, talented, supported, adored, safe, and loved unconditionally. If the first 14 are this great, I'm really looking forward to the next! I'm so proud you are my man.

The Latest...

Ava is now officially potty trained as of this week!!! She wears panties all day. Yes, she still has a couple of accidents here and there, but I am thinking this is awesome as my last will leave the diaper realm. Alleluia! I am SO ready to have older children. I feel so ready to have all of my kids get on their own seat belts. I want to play WITH them, right along side them rather than help them every second. Bike rides, swimming, tennis, roller blading, hiking, etc. Hard to do with toddler/preschooler aged children.

I am really having fun on my one on one dates with the big kids because we can do these things and I never have to worry that someone is going to run away and get lost or get in major danger any second. Sometimes I feel that Chad and Sarah are missing out because it's like I'm a working mom and can't be there for them because I have to tend to the little ones. No one tells you this stuff when you are planning to have a large family. Of course the joys outweigh the challenges as always. But how I wish there were 4 of me!

Sarah stunned me this week. She did ballet at the ward talent show. We didn't choreograph anything, I just told her to feel the music and dance. Her grace and beauty were breathtaking. Ballet is an art form that brings tears to my eyes like seeing the beauty of the ocean or grandeur of the mountains or serenity of the most beautiful music in the world. It is a gift from Heaven.

Celebrate Easter Every Day

My sister, Terri, died at age 25. I was young. And this is why Easter is such a great and joyous time of celebration for our family. Because Jesus conquered death, we know we will see her again.

The reason I had so many children is because of the infinite love I have for my siblings. I wanted that same opportunity for my children. I seriously think my heart is going to explode at the very thought of their names. Jesus made it possible for me to be with them and my parents forever even though on earth we live so far apart.

Back when Chad was more in the depths of autism, Easter and the resurrection was what I clinged to so desperately knowing that one day his mind would be whole. So when I said HAPPY Easter I couldn't have been HAPPIER about it!

Mom and Dad generously invited us for a GINORMOUS feast. Love was the main course.

I affectionately call myself "The Program Lady." I ALWAYS whip up a program at every holiday get together.

Mom and Dad enjoying the kids' program. All smiles!

Chad, Alyssa, and Ava told Easter jokes. Chad played I Know That My Redeemer Lives on guitar, Sarah wrote a very sweet Easter poem.
Somehow we spontaneously erupted into a Bunny Hop!

Dad finished the evening with us singing hymns acapella. I LOVE singing parts with my parents. Reminds me of my childhood sitting next to them at church. It was one of the best Easters ever.

Spring Breakers

So this is what I was up to on Spring Break. Have you ever seen a more beautiful group of peeps?! I'm the one on the far right. I'll explain later.

My mom, brother, kids and I drove almost 19 hours to Sacramento to see my sister and her 6 children for Spring Break. We had the time of our lives! So completely exhausted at all times from having so much fun. And to think I came so close to staying home to do projects around the house?! I think I made the right choice! We will have these memories forever but a clean garage would just get messy again.
We stopped half way for a free night at a Marriott. I am so grateful to my traveling husband! It was an oasis after a long day on the road.This picture cracks me up because everyone has a banana in one hand and a lollipop in the other?????

It had been 7 years since I last took my kids to Sacramento. I love and adore my sister's fam. Thank goodness families are forever because we already miss them so!Me and my angel sister.Jordan MADE this hovercraft and we had fun riding it. What talent!

Day One: Visit to IKEA and other stores I don't have here. Shopping with my sister and free babysitters? I felt royally spoiled. I bought the jars I've always wanted for my beach sand collection.

Day Two: SAN FRANCISCO!!! I grew up there and yet I couldn't wait to visit the city, the beaches, etc. It's been a long time. We walked the Golden Gate Bridge. Spitting off the bridge was a trip! Next stop, Ocean Beach. The highlight was catching 4 LIVE jellyfish and bringing them home. They lived for several days and were absolutely beautiful to watch.Alyssa was IN THE ZONE. I was in complete delight watching her lost in all consuming bliss.

Day Three: Fish Hatchery and resting up from the big beach party the day before.

Day Four: Jelly Belly Factory tour. These portraits made COMPLETELY from Jelly Bellies were my fave.

Day Five: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. It just so happened to be that if we dressed up like Mr. Six (the Six Flags mascot that's a dancing bald guy), we got in for SIX BUCKS! Regular price: 45 bucks. I bought bald caps for everyone, we made pipe cleaner glasses, and we were totally game. I don't think the teenagers were too excited, but the rest of us had no pride! And of course once we got into the park, I had to have a dance off with Mr. Six. That was fun! My favorite ride: the park bench in kiddieland. I felt pretty beat up after just two big roller coasters.
The 15 hour drive home was long and our DVD player broke a couple days before. I took it as a challenge to see if we could make it without it. We did it! My brother wore ear plugs the whole way home however. ;)

The day we got back our cousins from Seattle visited for a few days. One party after the next.
And Ava turned 3, April 6th!

Russ thought this picture showcases Ava's occasional attitudes. I recently busted her and said, "Ava, you be NICE!" She says back, "I NOT NICE! I A BUM BUM SHAKER!!"