Simple Family Moments

This is what I found the kids doing while I was cleaning up dinner.  I love how much they enjoying being with each other and that Heavenly Father gives us these sweet, tender moments in the busy events of every day life. It is the simple things that matter most!

Happy Birthday "Super" Caden!

Today was Caden's six birthday. It started of with eggs and bacon. According to him, "My appetite is for bacon." We then let him open gifts from the family. He was so excited about everything he got. After that he was able to take time to play with the gifts and enjoy them with his siblings. After lunch four of his friends came over for a Super Hero Party. We made each one of the kids a cape out of a black adult t-shirt with the first letter of their name on the back. They made super hero identity cards. Caden's Super name was Fire Caden. His super power was fire run and his evil enemy was the Lizard. They put together Super Hero Squad Puzzles, used super shields to cross the lava pit and then put their skills to the test at the Super obstacle course. Their goal for the day was to catch the evil Dr. H (Handsome). He would appear at random times. I am thrilled to say that they were able to freeze him with their silly string and then tie him up with Kryptonite toilet paper.

 This is the cake Trevor made him. He loved it!

 This is the cape I sewed Caden.  I was so excited that it actually turned out ok.

 

Six years ago today we were blessed with this sweet, energetic little boy.  He loves life, people and trying to do what is right.  He tries to put others first and loves his family.  He has a little fire in his belly and has an enthusiasm for learning. He looks up to his older brother and wants to be like him.  He enjoys Lego's, riding his bike, reading, learning, playing with his siblings, goodies and sharing with others.  His favorite color is red.  His favorite song is Nephi's Courage.  He wants to go on a mission, be a cowboy and find the love of his life on the open range.  He brings so much love and laughter into our lives.

Happy Birthday Caden bug!!!!

Happy Halloween!

This Halloween was so great.  We went to our friends, the Wilcox for dinner and Halloween fun.  Then we headed over to the church for the ward trunk or treat.  We ended the night by having the kids trick or treat in the Wilcox neighborhood.  The kids were thrilled to get a full size candy bar. 

Ryan was a Ninja, Caden was a Power Ranger, Matthew was a Transformer,  Chloe was Cindy Lou Who, Trevor was the Grinch and I was the one who loves the Grinch.   

 My good friend Christy Moss- The Pirate.

The Boys!!

Carving Pumpkins and Pizza!!

This year was a success! It was the first time all of our children made it through the pumpkin carving process without losing their cookies. Chloe was not sure about touching the pumpkin seeds or the inside of the pumpkin.  

  

The Pumpkin Pizza we bought with the money Nana and Great Grandad sent us.  It was a great way to end the day.  Four Little pumpkins and lots of love!!

Our first little Miracle turns 9!

Nine years ago today we were blessed with our first little miracle Ryan.  He is growing so fast.  It has been an honor to be a part of his life and to watch him grow.   He is full of life, loves to learn,  will explore anything he can get his hands on.  He is very academically inclined.  He loves being a big brother and does a great job helping his parents.  His favorite color is blue and his favorite song is Away in a Manger.   He loves to try to make people laugh.   He has blessed our lives in so many ways.   We love you Rhino!

 He wanted a cake with layers: white, chocolate, white, chocolate.  Then he wanted Harry Potter on the top because he just finished the 2nd Harry Potter Book.

Ryan was feeling a little under the weather this year so we tried to lay low and keep close to home. We were planning on going to Hallozooween at the zoo that night but he wasn't feeling up to it and it was bitter cold. Instead, we took a trip to Toys R Us, played with his new gifts, played some Super Mario Brothers, ate cake and ice cream and just enjoyed being around Ryan. It has been a thrill to watch him grow up to the boy he has become and we look forward to the young adult and adult that he will become. Happy Birthday!

A simple view of Joy!

I have started to try and take one picture a day of something that we are doing as a family.  This has helped me in so many ways face challenges and find joy in this journey.  It has helped me to refocus on what is really important in life, my family.  I will begin from here and go backwards. 
The two I took today I just love.The first pics are of Caden sharing his ice cream with Chloe. My boys are so great at taking care of their little sister. They have such a sweet bond.  The last two are of Chloe with her favorite toy, "SeSe", her seahorse. 

Time with Dad!

Dad surprised us with the fun idea to make smores out in the backyard.  The boys loved sitting around the hot coals with Dad, roasting marshmallows.   We love you and are so grateful for the time we get to spend with you.  We know how hard you work to provide for us and to give us the very best of life.  You are an amazing father and husband.   You are always there to help us through the good times and the bad.  You give up so many things to spend time with us.  We thank you for not giving up and throwing in the towel, even when you are taking all of the hits. Your ability to continue through life as a support to others when you seem to have no support of your own  is awe inspiring. Your average work week is 80 hours and then you try to do a little more so we can enjoy going to see family, see friends and make memories.  You work weekends, holidays, birthdays, through soccer games, school programs and whenever others need your help and yet you give everything you can to us when you are here.  You strive to live a life of character and love. Your children look up to you and want to be like you. One of my favorite things is when the children hear the garage door open and the kids run for is yelling, "Daddy, Daddy."  I found a picture in one of Ryan's books today that had Doctor Dad at the top as the title with today's date underneath. You are our Hero!!!