Date Night!

Tonight Jeff and I went out for a date night which is very rare. We went down to the temple to do a sealing session with a few couples in our ward but, us and the couple we drove down to St. George were the only couples that showed up. But, that's okay it has been a while since Jeff and I have been to the temple, so it was definitely time. I have never done a sealing session so it was really fun. It was really nice to actually hear the ceremony, I was so full of emotion when I got married that I was lucky I heared when I was suppose to say yes. It was just a wonderful time we were doing sealings for couples from the 1700's, these were couples that had been waiting quite awhile, I felt honored to finally do their work. Plus a great date night is even better with a great couple to enjoy it with. Thanks Amy and Tyler!

Remembering our Veterans!

On Monday we had our family home evening on being thankful and showing our appreciation to others. So with veterans day being on Wednesday I felt it appropriate to remember my Grandpa and his service in World War II. I took my kids over to the Veterans Memorial here in Cedar and showed my kids were my Grandpa' name was on the wall. I guess I just wanted my kids to have an appreciation of the sacrifice that all these soldiers have made for all of us and the solders that are continuing to make sacrifices for us, to ensure our freedom as well as others.

With doing this activity with my kids it really brought back a lot of memories of my wonderful Grandpa Pete. My Grandpa was one of the greatest men I knew. He as well as my Grandma were some of my biggest supporters all you need to do is ask. We were all asked to help with his needs. I started out just helping with meals, and just going to visit him. But, one Summer he needed help planting and watering his garden. So every Wednesday I would go down to his house and spent most of the day with him. That time with my grandpa was hard work but, I really am truly grateful that I got that opportunity. My grandpa would talk about tell stories I had never heard him tell before especially about the war. When my grandpa left to fight in World War II, he left my grandma with a child and another on the way. So that was not only hard for him but, my Grandma as well. I guess he had promised to try and write her every week, but it was hard finding time to write with all the things they wanted the solders to do so one night after everyone was suppose to be in bed he snuck off the the latrine to write my grandma but of course he was caught and then was forced to spend the rest of the night scrubbing the floor with a tooth brush, but he didn't care he still finished the letter and got it to my grandma. "She needed to know I was okay," and that is all that mattered to him. I was so impressed with his love and dedication to my grandma.

As a little girl I would spend the afternoons at my grandparent's house when I was done with kindergarten. I remember washing up for lunch and listening to him sing and then when he would come home from work I would help him in the garden. One things my grandpa was notorious for was his beautiful gladiola flowers, they were so beautiful and he had a huge garden filled with them. He would cut some and put them in bouquets and a lot of times he would ask my sisters and I if we would help deliver them to some of the widows around town. Those flowers would bring such joy to those ladies and they truly looked forward to his visit. I treasure the time I had with him, the stories he would share, and the many lessons he taught. He was a tremendous man and an outstanding example to me. My grandpa had a strong testimony of the church and had a deep love for the savior. He threw him self into all his calling and always was willing to do service for others. He also had a deep love of this country and was so proud of the service he gave this country. I am so grateful for his service and the sacrifices he and others made for us as well of those that continue to service this country. THANK YOU!!!

Being a Mom

So today I was driving Kaylee to school just her and I when she asked me if it was hard being a mom. I told her that being a mom was the hardest thing I have ever done but, it was also the most wonderful, and rewarding thing I had ever done. She got quite and we sat there listening to the radio when finally she said, "I think I would rather get a job!"

Happy Halloween

We had such a great Halloween this year, great weather, fun costumes, and free candy does it get any better? I got a kick out of Dalton this year, the kids knew what they wanted to be but, of course Dalton wanting to do whatever Cooper is doing wanted to be the same but only blue. I don't even think the knows who Commander Rex even is. The kids had a blast at the the wards trunk or treat, the activities committee put on a great carnival but, of course for us parents we just love visiting with the other grown ups. I was stressing over fighting the kids over the all that candy but, I got up Sunday morning and Kaylee knew it was fast Sunday so she didn't eat anything. Cooper had a couple of candy bars. Dalton on the other hand I found him in his bed with his bag and a huge pile of candy wrappers I think he had just a handful of candy left. Something tells me I have a dental bill in my future.

Silly Dalton

Dalton is a character he is always coming up the the funniest stuff. I was gathering the laundry from the bedrooms when I hear "mom where is you?" I said I'm in my room and he walked in with this beat up cowboy hat on and I said, hi cowboy and Dalton said, "I not a cowboy I a horse."

Happy Birthday Cooper!!!

Cooper wanted to have a pirate birthday party and having a birthday in October means that you don't always get the best weather, so Jeff and I decided to have his birthday earlier so the kids could run and play outside. Which worked out great the weather was beautiful and the kids had a blast. Because we were having a pirate theme we made pirate hats and the kids made their own swords. We had a treasure hunt, a bean bag toss, and we played pin the patch on the pirate. When he delivered his invitations he kept telling people to come to his buccaneer bash. I really think he had a great day, he came and put his arms around me and said thanks mom this rocks! That made my day, for me it is worth every ounce of hard work it takes to throw a party for my kids, when they appreciate what I did and when I can make them feel special on their special day! The best part of the party was when Cooper opened up a bag from my sister Jill, he had left his bear (which is his special friend that he has to have to sleep with) at her house in West Jordan the weekend before. So Jill wrapped it up and he opened it up, he was so excited I think that might have been his favorite present.

Cooper has always been a great kid! I would do anything for him, he is my little snuggle bug! Cooper tries to be helpful and kind and sensitive to those around him. But for me he always is looking out for me. He always asks me if I have eaten or if I need to sit down. He just loves to be everyone's friend and be a good friend. He is a good kid. I love you Cooper! Happy birthday!

Happy Anniversary

Jeff and I celebrated our 11th anniversary, he suprised me by taking me away for the night, I stuggled a little being away from my kids but, I really had a good time just being with Jeff. Plus it was really nice having a night the didn't include having to change a diaper, or putting a kid in a timeout, or braking up a fight
(it was strange). Getting away reminded me of all the reasons I fell for Jeff in the first place. I know having kids is amazing and I wouldn't know what to do without them but, it is strange how kids change you and you forget the people you use to be. I did enjoy a weekend alone with my hubby and just being Laura and Jeff and not mom and dad but, it was also nice to return home to those sweet little arms.

I have truely loved the amazing journey Jeff and I have started on together and I am grateful everyday that I was the lucky girl he choose to spend his life with and I am even more grateful that because of the choices we have made together that I even get to spend eternty with this amazing man. I have to admit that when my friend wanted to set me up on a blind date with her husbands friend I didn't want to go but, after some heavy persistance from my friend I gave in. I never thought in a million years that, this one date would be the best desicion I ever made. When I look back at how my life was when I began dating Jeff it was a mess and I thought that I would never find happiness let alone have this amazing life that I live now. I married my best friend the person that makes me the happiest and I have been blessed with three beautiful children. I may not have alot by some people's standards but, I feel like the richest person in the world. I am happy and grateful for all I have and most of all I am still madly in love with the man of my dreams my wonderful husband Jeff!