Thinking of Omi

Landon and Kayleigh by Omi's casket.

Samantha and Wyatt trying to stay entertained while waiting for the funeral to start.

Kayleigh Erika, Michael, Wyatt and Landon by the graveside.

Wyatt quite happy to be outside.

Erika at the graveside service.

  This Christmas as I sat down to address my Christmas cards to send to family and friends my heart sank as I came across Omi's name and realized I wouldn't be sending her a card this year.  Since I hadn't written about her funeral yet I thought now would be a great time. 
  Although I am so sad that she is gone, I really enjoyed the day of her funeral.  I loved the weather that day, it was beautiful. I think she maybe had something to do with that.  I thoroughly enjoyed being able to take part in a musical number with Marie and Chris. I don't often play the piano too much any more because I've let life get in the way of practicing but when I do prepare to play for something I get great enjoyment out of it.  Hearing all of her children talk, especially my dad, was really cool.  I loved hearing the stories about her, good and bad.  Tony read a few sentences that each grandchild had written about Omi and I loved hearing those memories as well.  This might sound funny but I liked that John and Katerina were able to take part in the funeral via Skype.  Technology is amazing these days.  It was neat to think we were all "there" together that day.
  My kids were fairly well behaved that day which was nice, it made it that much more enjoyable for me.  I'm thankful for Omi and that she's my grandmother.  I have so many fond memories from growing up around her, staying at her house and visiting often.  I'm grateful for her love for me, my husband and each of my children as they've joined my little family.  Until we meet again...

Landon: 1st day of his 2nd year of pre-school

  Landon was really excited for pre-school this year!  He was a big helper and got ready quickly, ate his breakfast and off we went.  I was so proud of him that he went right into his teacher's house all by himself.  No crying, no big production.  This was so different from last year when I had to pry him from the car and then sit with him on my lap the entire first day.  Good job, buddy!  I'm so glad you had a good day.

My grocery budget

  Last night Landon had 5 pieces of French toast, 4 sausage links, 3 peaches, some raspberries and chocolate milk for dinner.  Holy cow, can you say growth spurt?  What am I going to do when he's a teenager?

School begins again

  Our sweet baby girl started 2nd grade today!  She's at a new school with a new teacher and she loved every minute of her day there today. Her teacher is Mrs. Eschler at Bluff Ridge Elementary.  

  I've been so nervous for her since we moved to start a new year here.  She loved her old school and 1st grade teacher so much.  I knew the transition would be most hard for her out of all our kiddos.  

  Michael gave her a blessing last night and I know it helped her today.  I got to walk in with her and help her find her class and then stay for a few minutes to talk with her teacher.  I think this helped so she wasn't so nervous either.  

  I'm just not sure how miss Kay Bug grew up so fast, but she has.  We love you more than words can say!

  Here's to hoping the rest of the year goes as well as today!

Huge accomplishment

  I unpacked the last of our boxes today from the move.  Only took over 2 months but hey, we are settled now and loving it!! We have such great people in our ward and neighborhood.  We feel blessed to have bought this home and be enjoying it so much!  

Happy Easter Sunday

Today was kind of a rough Easter for us.  Over the weekend both Landon and Wyatt have come down with colds, AGAIN, and weren't able to go to church today.  Michael stayed home with them while Kay and I went.  Church was really good!  I loved being able to listen to some great talks in Sacrament and then to be uplifted in Relief Society.  I am so grateful that because of Him I can be with my family forever, that I can repent and be forgiven and that I have Him to turn to when things get rough.

Tonight Michael and my dad participated in our Stake's Easter Cantata.  It was written by a lady, Amy Webb, in our stake and she did just an amazing job!  I really wanted to go and listen to it and hear Michael perform his solo that he had tried out for and got, but with the boys hacking and Wyatt with a fever I decided not to go. 

Even though myself and the kids couldn't go, we still tried to enjoy the day. It was gorgeous weather outside which was nice!  I went on a walk with the kids around the block and they seemed to enjoy that.  For lunch/dinner we had ham, potatoes and green bean casserole, it was so good!  We also watched a movie together called "The Nut Job" and enjoyed our Easter candy. 

I'm just glad I could be home with my kids and enjoy the day with my family. 

Kaili's birthday party

Hudson, Landon, Kayleigh and Kaili.

 

  In March we were able to travel down to Herriman and go to Kaili Fankhauser's birthday party.  After eating some yummy food and watching her open presents the kids had a blast playing outside on the playground. 

  We have sure loved being able to spend time with my cousin, BreeAnn, and her family.  We all get along great and our kids each have someone to play with that's close in age so that is nice.  Our two Kayleigh's love being together and even get to share clothes, thanks to BreeAnn giving us hand-me-downs.  I love that I'm close with my cousins and still take the time and make the effort to keep those relationships strong.  I hope my kids know how important families are and how much they mean to us.

Grace's baptism

 

 

  On March 1st we were able to go and see Grace be baptized.  It was such a good day to be with her and celebrate her big day.  Unfortunately, Michael had to stay home with our 2 sick boys.  Landon was coughing so bad and Wyatt had thrown up earlier that morning.  This winter has just been horrible for us in the health and wellness area.  I wish that we could have attended as a family, but it didn't work out that way. 

  Kayleigh had a hard time for a little while at the baptism because she is jealous that both Grace and Anna are now baptized and she isn't.  She also really, really liked Grace's dress (Marie made it) and she was jealous of it too.  Sometimes it's so hard to be a parent and watch your child be sad or jealous of someone else when you know it's not even over something that matters.  In the end she snapped out of it and ended up having fun playing with Grace, Phoebe and Sami and didn't want to leave when it was time to go. 

  We are proud of you, Grace!  And in about 10 months it will be Kayleigh's turn to be baptized.  I think she is very excited for that day.

Wyatt's 2 year check up

                                                

  Wyatt had his annual check up with Dr. Hoagland.  It went great!  Wyatt is growing well and is now in the 90th percentile for height and weight.  He is 37.5 inches tall and weighed in at 33.8 lbs.  He's finally caught up to his brother and sister who always seem to be in the 90th percentile or off the charts. 

   Wyatt is my pickiest eater so sometimes I wonder if he's gaining weight and doing ok but he is so that's a relief.  We love Wyatt in our home.  He has the cutest smile ever and he is starting to talk a lot now.  We still call him our baby even though we know he's not a baby anymore.  As long as he'll let us call him that though, we will!  Love you buddy, so much!  

    He has struggled a little with our move to my parent's house.  He was so confused for about the first week of why were were calling Nana's house our house.  He has settled in now though.  When we move again to our new place I hope he transitions ok.  I know he will love having more space to play and run and I'm excited for him and to see him grow and develop in his next year of life.  

Spring break

   Marie brought up her girls for a few nights during their spring break last week.  We love having our cousins visit and it was a lot of fun!  We had a camp fire, went swimming, went for a walk, played a ton outside and even fit in a little shopping trip to Old Navy.  We wish so badly that Pleasant Grove wasn't an hour from us but we are making due and just grateful when they can come to visit. 

Kayleigh and Grace with their new "hair dos".