Wow, A Very Happy Birthday!

I turned 38 this month! I had an amazing Birthday this year surrounded by people who love me! It all started a week early when a dear friend was going to take me to lunch to celebrate. I invited my sister Megan along and at the last minute it turned out to be just she and I. She took me to Chipotle and even picked up the bill! Wow, what a sister! We had fun visiting and the food was great! Then on my birthday Megan brought her cute little family over and we had burrito bowls(inspired by Chipotle). Melia also came and it was fun to have a house full of happiness to celebrate surviving yet another year of life!

I did not have a car on my birthday and the little kids had an activity to go to. Adrienne kindly took them! On their way home Joseph panicked and asked Adrienne if she could help him get me a gift. For mother's day I was given his prized tambourine, inscribed with a personal message from Joseph telling me that he loves my heart! But he wanted to get me something for my birthday and I was touched by that! Adrienne gave me a gift card to Panera Bread, a favorite place for lunch! And she helped little a&j get me a gift card to Jamba Juice! Yum! I had a very nice birthday and am so grateful to my little family and my sister for making it such a special day!

New Sleeping Arrangements

While clearing out the kitchen so we could bomb for bugs, we discovered that we don't really need all these bedrooms! The kids are perfectly happy to move in to the pantry. They especially like the idea of putting food on the other shelves so its right there if they get feeling a bit snackish!

Of course, there ARE four shelves, I wonder if we could cram Adrienne and Jacob in there too.....

I like to ride my bicycle....

We love to ride bikes! Last year Richard got me a wonderful new bike and not only does it carry me around the neighborhood, it helped me complete two triathlons! Well the kids both love to ride bikes too, but they outgrew their bikes long ago! We were so happy to have the chance to get them each a new bike that actually fits them! We are taking the bikes with us on a camping trip next week to Stubb Stewart State Park. It is near the Banks Vernonia Bike trail which we have tried before, but never got more than 5 miles due to tired little legs! We hope that the kids will be able to ride farther now!

Happy Anniversary!

Today Richard and I celebrated our eleventh year of marriage! We have had many ups and downs, we have suffered loss and found great joy. It has not been easy and there have been times when I questioned whether we could go forward. But I can honestly say there is no one else I'd rather be on this journey with. He is my best friend and biggest supporter. I am more in love with him today than I was eleven years ago when we married. And I am so very grateful to be able to say that! I love you Richard! May the next eleven years bring peace and happiness to our family!!

In April the Elders Quorum hosted a Saturday of learning to cook. A real trained chef ran the class and my dear husband was one of seven men who attended in order to be able to make a nice mother's day meal. Well I was spoiled on Mothers day. Not only did he make an amazing five course meal for dinner, he prepared mushroom fettucini alfredo right after church for lunch. Dinner was fabulous steaks, garlic mashed potatos, delicious BBQ'd bread, a yummy tomato and cheese salad. It was great and I felt like a queen! For our anniversary, he once again pulled out all the stops and made terriyaki salmon that was so very good! I may have to turn over the Sunday cooking to him! It is obvious he payed close attention in his cooking class!

I told Joseph, our six year old, that we were married eleven years ago today and he said, "so you were married in two thousand and zero?" He has a very analytical mind, thinks hard about everything and asks lots of questions. It is fun to watch his mind ticking away at something!

Still running

Jacob is still running. Track season for his Junior year has just ended. He PR'd in the 3000 at 9:40 and for the 1500 his best time is 4:29. I enjoyed going to his home track meets and cheering him on, rain or shine! I am so proud of Jacob for his determination and hard work!

Bundle of Energy

This video was taken at one of Jacob's track meets. They started to play the music and Joseph started to dance!!! This little boy makes me laugh so often! He is a bundle of energy and I adore him!! Below is another one, the song is rather appropriate as Joseph is a little firework!!

Mormon Prom

Jacob went on his first date in April to the Priest / Laurel Prom at the Beaverton West Stake Center. His lovely date was Tiernan Hoffman! She looked beautiful and Jacob looked very happy! They had a great time! She came over for dinner before the dance and ended up playing Monkey in the Middle with the little kids! Joseph spent a lot of time in the middle. Both kids adored Tiernan! We enjoyed having her over and hope to see her again sometime!!