I Think my Dad is Wonderful Because...

I love this picture, and I have it framed on my nightstand.

I love how it shows how I feel about my husband...

I completely adore him. 

I don't know how I ever got this guy!

Sometimes I have to pinch myself to make sure my life with him is real.

I think he is wonderful because...he is one of the most dedicated, hard working people I know, and his consistency was one of the first things that stood out to me about him. He is light hearted, and helps me out when I take life too seriously. He is knowledgable and insightful. Most of all, he loves the kids and I so completely, and would do anything for us. We know it to, and probably take advantage of his continual willingness to help out.

I am grateful to have him as the Daddy for our kiddos.

When I asked Ellie why Dad is wonderful she said,

"I think my Dad is wonderful because....

he makes the best Macaroni and Cheese, he tickles me and gives 'Kazoobers', goes to work, and reads Magic Treehouse books to me."

Ryan said,

"I think my Dad is wonderful because...

he is very nice to scratch my back at night, he took me to my last T-ball game, he wrestles me, he helps me to read and reads me the 'Friend' magazine, and takes me on dates."

"I think Dad is wonderful because...

I think my Daddy is precious because he wrestles me so much. He loves me so much. I think he took me to the Tiger's game because he loves me."

Sterling thinks his Dad is wonderful because he makes him giggle, and is a pro daiper changer.

We didn't take a picture on Father's day this year! :(,

but we did take time to stop and remember all the things we love about our Daddy, Robert, and why we think he is wonderful. We made him cards and finished off the birthday Ice-cream cake after a nice Sunday dinner, and it was nice to have him home after a busy week. We hope he knows how blessed we are to be his family!

This week we also enjoyed and endured many things, it was a very full week! (Too full to use the camera very much, I guess.)

We enjoyed:

Ellie starting a summer series of Jazz Dance lessons (twice a week) and also starting to take Piano lessons once again.

Outings to a new splash pad (so fun!) and to the Neilan's swimming pool (Trevor just floated all over the place with his water wings! It was fun to watch him).

Teaching Zumba again!

Signing up for the Summer Reading Program at the Library.

Sterling and I chaperoned the Youth Conference dance on Friday night, and Robert attended the final Graduation Party for the Residents moving on to "real" life next week.

Ryan was invited to attend Bible Camp with his buddy Ben.

He went on Wednesday and had such a good time he wanted to go back, so they took him on Thursday and Friday mornings too. Ryan gave it such a good report Ellie tagged along on Friday as well! They learned Bible stories, bounced in bounce houses, had snacks, and did crafts and activities.

Thanks to the Rama's!

Ryan also played in his last two T-ball games this week.

Rob got some great pictures.

We have another reason to thank the Rama's as John has done an excellent job as Ryan's T-ball coach!

Ryan was so excited to get another trophy!

The ball spins around and in his words it's pretty, "sweet."

Trevor and Sterling had a less eventful week, as a yucky virus came to visit.

The enduring part of our week came as Rob and I have been up around the clock for three nights caring for fevered, coughing, throwing up little boys.

As Rob's mom says, "it came to pass." And, it will...eventually.

Summer is in full swing!

Tough Tigers

I sent our old camera with Rob to the game, and I just found some pictures on it!

Trevor had a super, fun Daddy Date to the Tiger's Game last night.

His favorite part were the fireworks.

One Tough Tiger.

27 Things I'm Grateful For

27 Things That I'm Grateful For This Week:

1. Birthday Cards and Packages! Especially ones with pictures of me with bright red squiggly hair and "I love you Mom" on them, and one from my husband including a $25 gift card to Itunes.

(He knows me well.) Thank you!

2. Phone Calls; especially ones that included singing! I loved it Lisa and Mom!

3. E-mails; especially from long, lost friends.

4. ZUMBA! The Zumba training I've been doing is my birthday present to myself this year, so what better way to celebrate than to teach my first class the day before my birthday?

I'm grateful to the 13 brave, kind souls who attended!

5.Thoughtful friends who planned a birthday brunch for me after Zumba

(namely Emily and Jenny...thank you!)

6. Ryan making lunch for everyone without being asked. It was the first time he did the whole thing! Cucumbers and ranch, Peanut Butter Sandwiches and Milk.

I could get use to this.

7. Sterling always grabbing things, especially my shoulder when he gives me "hugs."

8. A Free "Grand Slam" breakfast at Denny's on my Birthday.

9. Sterling's seriously kissable cheeks, giggles, and the way he smells.

10. "Big" kids that are learning to do new things all the time, such as doing crossword puzzles.

11. Trevor's voice. I love his sweet, little voice. He is acting more grown up all the time, but his voice still sounds little.

12. Jenny Salmon for watching our kids, and Ryan Rigby covering for Rob at work so we could have a Birthday date to the Dollar movies to see "The Lightening Thief."

13. My wonderful friend Lynne and her dessert smorgasbord. She called me in the afternoon on my birthday and invited the kids over to Slip-n-slide (it's been toasty!). While they were playing, she spoiled me with small slices of all the leftover treats in her house; cherry pie from Traverse city, carrot cake from Holiday Market, strawberry rhubarb and berry pie too! Calories don't count on birthday's, right? She is so good to me.

14. 27 Years of life. Wow, they are adding up.

15. My wonderful, handsome husband and his Ice-cream cake making skills.

16. Fresh cut flowers, and a red tote found on my doorstep. What thoughtful friends and neighbors I have! I have thought many times of how I learn how to better serve others by how others serve me. I have learned, and continue to learn from the example of countless fabulous people who have blessed me and my family.

17. Taking the kids to Canton's Liberty Festival

(I love these cool boys.)

(Super, cute girl!)

18. Watching Trevor wave and give me thumbs up as he went around.

19. My new, cute white and blue watch.

It made it less painful to check the time while waiting for Rob who was stuck in surgery until 7.

20. Riding on the Carousel with all four kids (Sterling in the front pack) and having the kids name their horses; Caramel, Lightening, and Fighter!

20. Riding the 'BIG' rides with Ellie!

Ellie and I rode the MEGA DROP (twice!) and the Big Roller coaster! I can't believe she's getting so grown up. We screamed so loud, it was a blast!

21. Watching Ellie and Ryan ride their two favorite rides over and over.

The Caterpillar Roller Coaster and the Super Slide.

22. Watching Rob take Trevor down the Slide on his lap (missed the moment for a picture...)

23. I'm grateful Rob and Ryan got to ride the bumper cars together before the whole carnival got rained out!

24. The Canton Liberty Fest Hometown Parade

(Trevor would say he's grateful for candy, but after wiping sticky off of his hands a dozen times in one morning, I'm not going to list it.)

25. Trevor would also say, Superman! I'll list it, but my Superman is the one that is 3 feet tall.

My favorite entry's every year, The Hillbilly club (above) and the Shoppers of Canton Drill Team (with shopping carts below). I wonder how you sign up to walk one of those carts....

26. I'm also grateful for the ability to work and for squeaky clean bathrooms. I love having clean bathrooms. I cleaned them while Rob was on a date with Trevor to the Tiger's Baseball game and the 'Big' kids watched the new "Alvin and the Chipmunks" movie. Also, yes once in a while I am grateful for that Hot N' Ready Little Ceaser's Pizza.

27. Most of all I am grateful for the blessing of life given to me from the Savior, for the scriptures and the opportunity they give me to base my life on truth, and for the hope my temple covenants give me of eternity with my precious family.

Thank you to everyone who made my Birthday a wonderful one!