Finally....a trampoline!

We've hesitated for years about buying a trampoline. The grass area in our backyard is not very big and we love to spend lots of time out there in the summer. But after years of hearing about buying one from the kids.....we buckled. So here it is....and it takes up most of the grass, but who cares right??? The kids are having so much fun. I got on thinking I could do all my old tricks.....a friendly reminder that I'm not that young anymore. :) This will be a great tool in the summer vacation coming up in 2 days!

Mother's Day! May 10, 09

I couldn't find a picture of my Mom by herself. She is always the one taking pictures of everyone else ALL the time. She rarely is seen in any of them.
The more I looked at this picture...the more fitting it became for this post.
We just celebrated Mother's Day yesterday and the older I get the more I appreciate this day. Not for my own attention that I receive from my kids, but the appreciation I feel more and more as the years roll on for my own Mom.
In this picture is also my Grandma Bufton who I love so very much and has taught me so many things that have made me the person I am today. She has also been a woman of strength that I have had to learn from and lean on. She is an amazing woman and raised a great daughter who would become my Mom.
I love my Mom so much. She is not just my Mother, she is one of my best friends. As I looked at this picture it summed it all up. This picture was taken at the finish of my 1st marathon. I was amazed at the support I received from my family. My parents drove up from Vegas to be there for me. They awoke at 4 a.m. to ride the trax train to my starting line. This is how my Mom is.....she's at all my finishes. She is there from the start. She is my strength when I'm weak and there to encourage my tired body along thru all steps of life. She makes me laugh, and smile even on days I'd rather not. She is inspired to call at just the right time, or send a letter when I am most in need. She has always been there to teach me right from wrong & make it all better when I take the long hard road around. She has always been there to welcome me back and embrace me with her loving arms.
She is and has always been such a great Mother to me and my brothers. She gives her all to us kids....and I wish she'd give some of that to herself, but that's not her. She is always looking out for others and worrying about how to makes other's life happier and easier!!!
What a blessing she is in my life. I don't know what I would do without her. Even when we're seperated by 400 miles....I know she's only a phone call away. She is My Mother & I couldn't ask for a better one.
Thanks Mom for all you do....I hope you know how much you're loved by all of us and how much we appreciate you!!!!

Boys Weekend!

Dad & the boys headed north this weekend to go visit Uncle Trais, Aunt Betsy & cousins. They had a great time fishing and canoeing at Johnson's Res. Nathan couldn't stop talking about catching fish.....but having to leave them for Uncle Travi to eat. I'm HAPPY they left them for Travi to eat!!!!! They were gone 2 days, but got home just in time to celebrate Mother's Day!!!

Adult Dance Class

This is Stefani....my dance teacher! She has done a great job with all of us who haven't danced in a very long time. It has been great fun to dance again!

On the left is Ellie & her baby Lily. She is Naomi's Ballet teacher & on the right is Alexis & her baby Adilynn....Naomi's other dance teacher and owner of Front & Center Dance Academy

Across the back is Me, Gloria, Natasha, Sara & Stefani. In the front is Ellie & Alexis. Our little group!!!!

When Alexis posted that they would be starting an Adult dance class in Jan. I hesitated to join because it had been over 17 years since I danced. But after going back and forth with the idea....I decided what the heck....I'll do it. I have loved every practice! I have embarressed myself in front of these ladies, but have learned so much. I am so glad that I have had this opportunity to dance again. Dance was my love when I was young....and I have found that there's still a huge part of me that still likes to get out there and let go. It doesn't come easy anymore that's for sure, & it can be frustrating doing things like simple turns that make me feel clumsey, but it's coming back, slowly but surely. I now appreciate watching Naomi dance....and find myself being less of a critique to her now. Our group will be performing in the end of year recital this year. Wish us luck & pray hard for us. We'll need all of it! It's hard people!!!

I love you Mom

Today Darrick and I had to run some errands around town and Nathan wanted to join us. We stopped at our bank and Darrick ran inside. Here's how the conversation went between Nate and I:

Mom: I love you Nate

Nate: I love you too

Mom: I love you more!

Nate: I love you more than anything....and you can't love me more than that.

Nate sat there smiling like he had won that round when all of a sudden he said....
Mom, did you know that there are over 50 languages in the world? And I love you in all of them!!

I am so glad to know that my little boy loves me in all the languages out there. I am posting this on the blog because I don't want to forget this moment. How sweet he is....he is my one child who is not embarrassed to hide his feelings or share his thoughts. Thanks for making my day the BEST Nate!!!!

Naomi's dance pics

Danielle Christiansen did their pictures this year. Her twins take dance at the same studio. She did a great job!!!! I can't believe we're at the end of another year. This is Naomi's 4th year in dance. She loves it!

Easter Day

Happy Easter everyone!!! We had a great time with family, and eating chocolate!!! I'm grateful for this time of year to reflect on the Resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ and the true meaning of this holiday.