This Is Us

Xander created this sword out of duct tape, a toilet paper roll, and a paper towel roll.  He did an awesome job.  These are memories I hope they remember.

  Nick and I decided to take the kids to the aquarium today. We had so much fun.  They all enjoyed seeing all the different animals and being able to interact with some of them.  They have a couple of touch pools so you can feel some of the sea animals.  My favorite is the rays.  I love rays! Here are some pictures from our trip.

So I have been thinking lately how often people say "I'm not having kids, because I don't want them to have to grow up in this awful world." Or they say "I'm glad I don't have to raise kids now days." Well, I'm glad to. We are grateful for our children. We are grateful for the opportunity to be parents. Is it easy, no. There is so much hate, violence, and suffering right now and it's only going to get worse.  Our hope is that we can raise our children, with help from Heavenly Father, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost, so that in this troubling world, there can be some shining stars to light the way for others and give hope. We hope we can raise them to become good people rubbing off on others and spreading happiness, hope, and love! We hope that we can do our job teaching them the Gospel of Jesus Christ so that they know they have a Heavenly Father who loves them, that Jesus Christ suffered for our sins so we can repent and that He died for us so we ...

  I found a really fun post and decided to do it. It was a mom and dad giving their kids summer fun baskets/bags. So on the last day of school they give their kids a bag or basket full of summer things. We decided to put sidewalk chalk, an outfit, a character washcloth, new swim suit, candy, flip flops, and summer toys in an organization basket. 

Yes, Melissa is a Star Wars nerd! She would watch it over and over when she was 3, and couldn't get enough of it. She still loves it that much. So in honor of May 4th, she decided to make a fun dinner. She made Lightsaber Dogs, Vader Tots, and Yoda Ears. Then for dessert she made Death Star Brownies. After dinner we watched Star Wars IV - A New Hope. (Please excuse our messy house!) It was a fun night and hopefully the kids enjoyed it!

This was so much fun! The kids were so excited! THANK YOU so much to whom ever did this for our family! We are so blessed to have wonderful people in our lives! Here are all twelve days in order: Day 1: Day 2: Day 3: Day 4: Day 5: Day 6: Day 7: Day 8: Day 9: Day 10: Day 11: Day 12: Thank you again!

Day #12: On the twelfth day of Christmas someone gave to us: Drumsticks in a drum basket and a cute Christmas book! Yes, that is Lydia sleeping! :)

Day #11: On the eleventh day of Christmas someone gave to us: Shortbread cookies, hot chocolate, and a snowman book.

Day #10: On the tenth day of Christmas someone gave to us: Kermit's School of Leaping (special classes for lords) The box had these warnings: And had 10 frogs a leaping (inside)