Yeah Daddy...have a nice summer!

Only a week late getting these pictures up. But hey, we were in Utah visiting family. So yes, Chris' graduation was last Saturday. It was actually a little chilly, and we were expecting to melt in the heat! He has worked so hard balancing school, full-time work, and taking care of our family. We are so proud of him. He deserves a nice relaxing summer...since his MBA program starts in the fall.



We love you Chris! Congratulations!
(am I really THAT short?!)

Five Whole Years!

Side by side, year by year. 5 short years. So much has happened to us in such a small amount of time. Two children. Two Bachelor's degrees. Our first home. And yet, our relationship is still so very young! We are still learning and growing together all the time. I, of course, still have a long way to grow. But having someone there to love, cherish, and oft times endure patiently along side me, has been amazing. I could not have asked for a better husband and best friend. Chris always seem to know exactly what to say or do. He is patient with me when I don't deserve it. He's affectionate and always concerned for my welfare. He works so hard at his job and schooling, all for the needs of our family. He takes good care of us. He is Dillan's hero and Leah's Prince Charming. They are smitten with their Daddy. As am I. I can't say enough about him and how much I love him. He always puts a smile on my face, no matter what. I have learned how easy it is to take for granted all that he does for me, but I am so grateful that we have this, our special day. This is at least the one day out of the year where everything that's unimportant and unnecessary can just fade away and all that's left is the two of us and our love for eachother. Chris, I love you so much and I am so thankful for you and all that you do for me. I love how you can make me feel special every single day. I love how you love our family and take care of us without ever complaining. I love that we can grow together everyday for eternity and I look forward to it. I know we'll be laughing and holding hands the whole way.
Happy Anniversary babe!

a little plea for help...

Hey all you fabulous mommies out there, I am looking for a little bit of help. My in-laws are coming into town this week for Chris' graduation Saturday. My mother-in-law is a woman of many many talents. Cooking being her forte. Chris loves everything his mother ever prepares. I know and have accepted the fact that I will NEVER be as good of a cook as she. Granted, the food I cook is edible, and he thanks me for it, but I know I'm not exactly a gourmet. Anyway, I'm trying to figure out a couple meals to cook for them while they are here. Some issues I have are #1, I've been on this low-carb fix for the past couple months so whatever we eat has to have protein and veggies included. #2, hopefully kid-friendly; and #3, it's been over 100 degrees out here since last week and I am NOT turning on the oven! Anyway, I didn't have much else to blog about, so if you're reading this and have some suggestions for me, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

Birthday Fun

Dillan's birthday party was on Wednesday at the park. It made for some confusion as to the actual date of his birthday, but I think he's over it. We had an Elmo cupcake cake that I "embellished" to look like a pirate. The frosting was thick and red. Really red. Stain your fingers red. I was able to get it out of Dillan and Leah's clothes, hopefully our party guests had the same results. He got a lot of great presents and everyone had a lot of fun.



Then Thursday, on his actual birthday, we did a bunch of activities. We went to Bounce-U with grandma which just opened closeby. It was during "preschool open bounce" time and he had the place to himself! After that we ate hamburgers and grandma and papa gave him their presents. We then set out to pick up his birthday present-a big boy bike. Later we were all melting in the 98 degree heat and so took a dip in the pool. We finished the day with waffles for dinner (Dillan's choice) and watching "The Incredibles." What a great day!

Happy Birthday Dillan!

Yeah! It's finally here! I can't believe it's been 3 years since this little guy was born. He has been such a special kid in our family. He's got the most tender heart and is full of charisma. No no, I can't take credit for how great he is. All I can say is how blessed we are to have him in our lives and look forward to many more laughs and wonders as he grows.

Mommy and Daddy love you DeeDoo!

We're Back!

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that the first of our two Utah trips was this past weekend. No, it was NOT to follow the Jazz. I love the competition people, I'm not obsessed with the team. It was actually for my cousin's wedding. It was also an experiment to see how the kids would do in the car for that long. Chris wasn't with us, so I was glad to have a full car of helpers. We rode with my parents, brother, cousin and uncle in my mom's Suburban. My cousin Emily (who was in the car with us) loves to babysit my kids and was a big help. They actually did pretty good traveling. My biggest worry was Dillan and the potty breaks. Turns out he can hold it like a champion! It took some convincing to get me to go, but I'm glad I did. Chris and I celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary next weekend (the same day as graduation). I was reminded of the day we were sealed and how much our relationship has changed. We've definantly grown and matured, but I hope we have that same happiness that I saw on my cousin's face.

Us vs. Them

I guess I always knew I would marry a guy who was athletic and competitive. Hey, that's how I was raised! Along with that, I love to see Chris' loyalty to his team...the Utah Jazz. See, in my extended family, we occasionally watch sporting events, or at least discuss them in great length. Normally, everyone is on the same side, bagging on the opposing team, and sharing convincing arguments about why a certain team is the best. Everyone usually agrees and it's settled. Well, not so anymore. The Jazz will face the Lakers in the playoffs starting Sunday. Oh no! Many of my family members have been Laker fans for a while. Whenever Chris is around, there is always a discussion about who's better and why. In fact, even if it's not the Lakers playing the Jazz, no one wants to see Chris' team have a victory! They'll cheer for their opponent every time! How easy it would be for him to either jump aboard their bandwagon or remain silent, somewhat defeated, and not stand up for his team. But he doesn't! He stands behind them 100%, always has, always will. What a guy! You can't buy loyalty like that! Basketball has always been the one sport that I've really never excelled at. (Although in our stake women's game last week I did score a whopping 6 points, watch out!) But, thanks to the outstanding example of love and loyalty by my husband...I too am now a Jazz fan and so are my children.


Our year of sports goes something like this:

NCAA Football: Chris and I (plus my immediate family)- BYU
Some of my family- USC - yuck! I can't explain that one!
NFL: Chris - Dallas Cowboys
Family- Whoever is playing the Cowboys
NBA: Chris- Utah Jazz
Family- LA Lakers or whoever is playing the Jazz
MLB: My family (we converted Chris)- LA Angels of Anaheim - woohoo!
Rest of family - "Baseball's too boring to watch!"

Don't misinterpret, we are the tightest family full of love and support for one another that you'll ever find. My family fits Chris like a glove. He can't believe how close we are. Maybe a little My Big Fat Greek Wedding-ish, but that's how we like it!
So...after all that what I really meant to say is GO JAZZ!