Sweet Dallin

Dallin celebrated his 9th birthday! Dallin really wanted to visit the Omaha zoo, so we packed up and headed out to spend a day at the zoo. If you have never visited the Omaha zoo, it is worth all the effort. It is truly amazing and Dallin LOVES it. So we got there, got out of the car, and Dallin promptly got sick over and over. He refused to go back home, so he sat in Easton's stroller and viewed the zoo while we pushed him around. Poor guy! We are planning a visit back in the next few weeks so we can see the rest of the zoo and Dallin can actually enjoy it.

Dallin just riding around

Grandma and Granpa Moring were here to celebrate with us.

Two days after the zoo was Dallin's actual Birthday, and luckily he was all better by then. He has been asking for years for a hamster, and this year I broke down. We are now the owners of a dwarf hamster. So far, so good.

Dallin is active and loving. He is outside right now with the neighbor kids and has been for hours, that is Dallin to a tee. He is the kid you have to call in after dark because he just loves being outside and being social. Dallin gives hugs and says "I love you mom," right when I need it. Dallin is kind. Dallin is fun to be with. Dallin is a middle child who does not like to fail. I love you bud!

Thank you

First and foremost I must tell you that I have been extremely stressed the last week and a half, but on Monday my stress level plummeted and the feeling of peace was overwhelming. Dallin had his cardiology appointment in which they were looking for a cause to his often numb hands and feet. His pediatrician said that there were two avenues to pursue - heart and nerves. The nerves he thought would be OK, but his heart the doctor was worried about. So for about 5-6 days I tried to be calm and convince myself not to jump to conclusions, but found my mind continually wandering to all the "what ifs." Then the last 6 days before the appointment I did have more calmness in that I felt that what ever the outcome Dallin would be OK. So the stress was less than at first, but still little thoughts would sometimes invade. But Dallin is heart healthy and all are happy for that.

Thank you to all for your prayers, they were heard and answered!

I wanna go...

This occurs many a mornings. Mom says, "Time to go boys!" And Itty Bitty attempts to tromp out the door with his brothers (Drew gladly helps him get ready). Luckily he just steps out on to the porch and then comes back in.



On Sundays after church we all sit around the table and look at the newspaper. Even Easton got in on the action a few weeks ago and Dallin photo documented it.

Growing UP

My oldest turned eleven a few weeks ago. Mason is not only growing tall (a fact he likes to comment on when standing next to me), but definitely maturing. He keeps telling me, "Not to long mom and I'll be as tall as you." Mason is diligent and intelligent. He likes to surprise me with service. He is focused and talented. His energy is endless (except when Saturday chores are involved). I love that he wants to take care of his brothers, though this is not always appreciated by his siblings, I am grateful that he wants to make sure that we are all doing our best. I love having one-on-one conversations with Mason, his thoughts amaze me. I love you little guy!



Mason had party with his good friends to play lazer tag and video games.



At home celebrating. When it comes to presents there is always many willing to help out.



This is Mason at his "crossing over." Moving from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. I am very proud of his hard work in accomplishing this. He was very self motivated in doing this. He also achieved the highest honor a Cub Scout can achieve, the Arrow of Light.

Happy Two!

Itty Bitty turned two on Monday! Two years ago Easton made his arrival. I still cling to thought that Easton is a little baby. But here he is walking around talking to us. And that kid is loud. I guess with all the other boys to compete with he doesn't mind talking at high volume. Easton is a ball of fun. He loves wrestling and running with his brothers. He loves to sit down and cuddle and read. Easton smiles big and it melts me. Easton also knows how to get into trouble. That kid is resourceful. And very strong willed (keeps things interesting). Happy Birthday Easton!




00

California (although not sunny this trip)

Last weekend I spent in California with family (from my Dad's side). I got to spend quality time with my Nana, my aunts, uncles, and cousins. It was a wonderful weekend spent with wonderful people. I do not get to see them often, but it feels so comfortable and right to just be with them. I got to spend one on one time with my Nana. She is a woman full of energy and cheer. She makes me laugh and makes me feel loved.

My Nana and I

The cousins that were there. And yes, I am that short.

January

We have had so much going on since the New Year, and no blogging at all. That is always a bad combination. We have had birthdays, performances, games, and a trip too! So I will attempt to give the update.
I have been putting this off for the shear reason of feeling boring. I am not a writer. Words have never been easy for me. I am better at actions, rather than words. So to do a blog has been both fulfilling in knowing that I am documenting our family; and hard because it reminds me just how much I lack in expression of words. My sole reason for doing this blog was to help my children, myself, and Mark keep our memories more vivid of the time we share together. And that is what I remind myself.

Having said all that...on to life as we have known it this past month.


I turned 34 this year. My brother always asks me if I feel wiser on my birthdays. I always answer with a, "No." But I do however feel wiser than when I turned 30 (at least in some aspects). I guess that is good, to know that getting older brings with it life experiences that teach and enrich.


We made a trip up to the Wisconsin Dells for a few days. Our oldest nephew, Ryan, was able to come out for a visit and we had a great time. Ryan will enter the MTC (Missionary Training Center) this week. He will be serving a two year mission in New York for our church. We will not be able to see him while he is gone, so we thought it would be fun to have him go with us. And it definitely was. The kids adore Ryan. Easton would reach for him when we were holding him, and that is HUGE. Easton goes to NO ONE when we are any where near. We are so glad Ryan got to come.







Mason had his first band performance. Though you can't see it, he plays percussion instruments.

Dallin and Mason also had a piano recital. Which we have no pictures of, but we do have it on our video camera. When we got home after the recital we watched the videos of the last recital and it was pretty exciting for the boys to be able to realize just how much they have learned and improved. I think we'll do that every time they have a recital, just so they can see just how far they have come. Dallin and Mason have a lot of talent for the piano, and not to mention a great teacher who is loving, kind, and expects much.


Mixed in with all this was basketball, and a whole lot of it.






We ended the month with a birthday. Happy 6th Birthday Drew! Drew can be very serious at times, but he is also quick to crack a smile. He loves to laugh. Drew knows just when I need a hug. Drew is quiet when in big groups, but can really be loud in familiar surroundings. He takes everything in. He learns quickly and constantly amazes me by what he takes in by simply watching (like reading and tying his shoes). We worked on tying his shoes for about 10 minutes over the holiday break and then never came back to it until last week. I said Drew, we just have to do this. So we sit down and I asked him to show me what he remembered and he tied his shoes. "How did you do that?" I asked. "I don't know, I just did," was his response. Drew is my cuddlier and I love that. We love you Drew!





Thank you public library for all your cake pans to check-out.