If you think my hands are full, you should see my heart.--A
“Nothing is going to startle us more when we pass through the veil to the other side than to realize how well we know our Father and how familiar his face is to us.” President Benson

Wednesday

a LITTLE catch up

MICAH GRADUATED KINDERGARTEN!
Micah really loved her kindergarten class and teacher. She learned so much this year. We especially loved it when she would sing the songs she learned at school. That girl has just got music in her soul. She is excited for first grade, but doesn't like when people say it is ALL day. She says, "It isn't ALL day!"
Noah had little house on the prarie day, the same day Micah had her graduation program, so I went and snapped a picture of one handsome of "PA."
A Reunion and Goodbye!
These cuties are some of my friends from High School. We don't get together often enough, but we try to at least for breakfast once a month. Carly on the far right had stopped in Utah for a week or two while moving from Vegas to Kentucky. So we had to get together. I still love and appreciate these girls for all they did to get me through high school. Ya know, those so called best years of your life...the years you spend the rest of your life trying to get over! They are very strong women. I am in awe by all they are and that they accomplish while still being great moms! (Missed you Maryann!)
A little road trip!
I met John's Mom, sister, and sister-in-law in Lava Hot Springs for the day. My kids had a blast with their cousins. It makes me so grateful to be close enough for them to experience this. We then went to a really fun all-you-can-eat restaurant and had a sleep over at grandmas. So much fun!
Noah Plays Baseball
Noah played on his first baseball team this spring. He really enjoyed it, and had a great coach and team. They don't really keep score, so we don't have a win lose tally, but if you base it off Noah, it was definitely a success. We did have to work a bit on sportsmanship. He didn't like getting out very much. Luckily it didn't happen too often. One particular highlight of the season, was when he caught a pop fly. It was like the Lord just let it land right in his mit. He was looking around for the ball and didn't even realize he had caught it.
Noah's team adored Josie.
I hope supporting each family member in whatever they want to be involved in, stays a family thing. My parents came as often as possible, having to run between my nephew Porters games in Kaysville and Noah's in Layton. My kids attended every game for Noah. They didn't always sit and pay attention, but we tried.
John would help coach when he was there.
This is Noah's good friend Zach. They have a great time together, and I was so happy to see he was on the team. He is a great kid and Noah and him get along so great.

Micah's Ballet Recital

Micah was enrolled in Clytie Adams Ballet School this year. Although I never took from her, a lot of my good friends did and have always enjoyed it. Micah got to take with her good friend Avery, which was a fun blessing. Thanks KT, for driving car-pool with me, even though it was longer for you to drive down here then to just drive her there yourself.
A wonderful grandma drove all the way down from Idaho to see her, and Aunt Joanne is always very supportive. Micah held onto the small stuffed animal Joanne brought her for a long time.
Dad was able to slip out of work just long enough to come.
And my wonderful supportive parents as always, and Noah was a trooper. She supported him in baseball, so he was willing(reluctantly) to come support her.
The next day was Father's day, so slept over at grandpas house so we could bring him breakfast. John was at work finishing his last ICU shift...at least till next year.

Monday

New Memorial Day tradition

Meet the Kaysville Boxcar Children

That's what it reminded me of taking these pictures. It also reminded me of my childhood. These were my stomping grounds when I was young. We had fields upon fields that surrounded my parents home. I would play for hours out in them with my brother Brian. We had so much fun as kids with so much space to run and play. Most of the fields are now gone. They started disappearing around third grade. I forgot about the lack of fields and the fun I had there, until I was exploring with my kids this last one little piece of heaven. I was surprised at how well their imaginations came alive when given the space to work with. Even when we went back to my parents yard they seemed to be more content to play outside. I think something was sparked within them.

So When I realized the next day was memorial day, and remembered what I did last year for memorial day, I knew I wanted to capture some of that spark on film(?). Anyway, it was a gorgeous overcast day with the sun just barely peeking through the clouds. I wish I had had more time, but we had some other fun plans for the day too, now that we are back with family. We just might have to go back and indulge ourselves in imagination building activities. Can't wait.

I do love this picture. I love the grace of her beautiful hands.
I adore this picture too. Isn't she stunning?
I am so glad I got one of Micah's hands too. I didn't do it on purpose, but was so glad I got one of each of them.
Josie also turned 22 months old yesterday. Maybe that is why most of the pictures got focused on her. I just can't stand that time is slipping through my fingers and she is growing so fast. She is a feisty little thing. She makes her mind known through her actually very well developed vocabulary. She could give a lot of older two year olds a run for their money. We love her spunk, dramatic facial expressions, and love for her adoring siblings.

Saturday

One Year

It was one year ago today that we moved from Spokane. I can't believe how fast that year went for me. Compared to my actual year in Spokane. This has been a heavenly year. Minus a few choice friends from Spokane, I wouldn't mind forgetting the whole year ever happened. It was truly one of the hardest years of my life. So glad it is one year behind me now. However it does make me sad that that means it has been two years since I have been in Oregon. I could go back there in a heart beat. Miss it so much...but looking forward to two more years in Utah with many cousins, aunts, uncles, and especially grandparents.

Then, we shall see.....

Friday

Things I am learning while running

I can't believe that i have only been trying to become a runner for 5 months!!! Couldn't you just put in the time and then have your body be frozen in time? That would be so nice. I could put in 6 months total dedication to something like running it I knew it was going to last me forever!!! and I mean FOR--EV--ER!!! Continual torture is no small feat to overcome, but I am trying. Here are a few things I have learned, challenged myself, or am experiencing along this journey...

  • Running 4 or 5 times a week is not as bad as running 6
  • I like to run one way on a route, and then run back the same way, and on the same side of the road. I think my hips feel screwed up if I don't.
  • Running music is good, but I like to listen to conference talks too.
  • It is really mind over body. My body is pretty strong, but my mind is stronger. I can talk myself out of running another block very easy.
  • 3.4 miles was quite an accomplishment for me. 4 miles is better. I won't tell you how long it takes me...does it really matter?
  • I can go for a run with three kids. Double stroller and Bike, and still feel successful, maybe a little more tired and patience tried, but successful.
  • I like the way muscles feel under my skin. I don't ever remember them feeling this strong.
  • Some motorists couldn't care less about you. Almost got hit.
  • Although I don't like to run during it, I like the sense of accomplishment after.
  • I don't think I will ever get a runners high. It really is just enduring.

SICU

This handsome fella has started his SICU rotation. All I can say is that I can not wait until it is over and am so glad it is only 4 weeks. I am also thankful John chose anesthesia instead of so many other specialties he could have chosen. 102 hours in one week is just too much!!!

Before that he worked a research rotation which was like an unexpected breath of fresh air. He got to work a lot from home and be around so much more. We loved it and were so glad he was home. Here are some things he didn't miss out on because he was home.

  • Stitching up Deeken's chin
  • Micah's Birthday
  • Micah's Birthday Party
  • Micah's bad day
  • Noah's first day of baseball practice and game
  • Helping me get our car fixed ($1500 later!)
  • Getting a new drivers license
  • Getting the van registered in Utah(good bye Oregon license Plates)

    We already know he will miss a few things this month.

  • Noah's Baseball games
  • Micah's Kindergarten program
  • They graciousley ARE giving him a few hours to run to Micah's ballet recital
  • A trip to Rockland
  • Lava Hot Springs
  • Numerous trips to Cherry Hill

    Smile though your heart is Breaking! Just for a couple more years right?

Wednesday

The Workman's

She has been a great visiting teacher and friend. She will be missed greatly in our church, but before they move on they let me take some pics of their family. Thanks for the opportunity Mandi and all you other wonderful Workmans too!