8 years

Mark sent me this awesome cookie bouquet for our 8th anniversary yesterday.
I think it pretty much sums up our marriage.

(we asked an employee to take our picture. meanwhile the kids climbed up on a display and shook it violently. yikes!)

Mark started the day with a 7am meeting and ended the day with a meeting that went until 6pm. He grabbed some Olive Garden to go on his way home from work. We threw the kids in the car and ran over to the dinosaur museum for an hour before it closed. We purchased the Thanksgiving Point family pass for the year so we can go anytime. We have already been to the museum four times are are anxious for the weather to warm up so we can play in the gardens and go to the animal farm.
PS Anyone who goes with us gets in for half off. Let us know when you want to come play.

(one of my hidden talents-I am very good at taking self portraits)

Here's to a more calm and less crazy 9th year!

Easter

What a blessing to be able to celebrate Easter and the
Resurrection of our Savior.
We approached this holiday with new perspective and a greater appreciation for his sacrifice for us. Thank goodness for our temple blessings, the gospel and our testimonies.

Easter Bunny

The Easter Bunny had fun this year with new backpacks and books for the kids.

Reading their new books

Claire gave Luke his basket when he woke up from his nap.
He is the happiest baby and is walking all over our house!

attempting the impossible

New Easter duds

Cousin Easter Egg Hunt

Mark and I hosted the Luke family for dinner in our new home.
This was our first time having a home large enough to have everyone over.
I was nervous about how everything would turn out but it was great.
I have the nicest family and they were very kind and patient with us.
I love having a home large enough for kids to run and play through.
We followed up dinner with an Easter Egg Hunt in the park.
Thanks for coming everyone!

11 months

happy baby, content baby, nice baby

walking baby

baby who loves his big brother and sister

"...mark it with a B..."

almost one year old baby

I'll take two please

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE MY BOYS

6 weeks ago

February 3, 2011

Mark and I left the three kids with Lyman and Kara so we could go house hunting. These pictures were recovered from Kara's camera and capture the last moments they spent together. I loved Kara in her role as a mother. I am happy that she was able to experience the special love that is unique between a mother and son.
People used to always ask me if our open adoption was awkward. It wasn't. It was the best. Every time we were together the spirit would confirm to me that it was good. Kara used to hold Luke tight and tell me that he was her reason for changing her life and her motivation to keep making good choices. I used to wonder why Luke needed to be in our family. I don't anymore.
Sometimes I wonder if she had loved him enough she wouldn't have left him. That is wrong. She did love him enough. She secured for him a life and a future.
These pictures remind me of the great love she had for my son.

That is what I want him to know about her.

happier times

Christmas Day 2010

Grandpa, Daughter, Grandson