remember this?I would love to do that all over again if I had one of these super cool bikes to ride. Oh, wait I already have done it again...maybe next time.
{new retro inpspired bikes from CB2}

31

When I was on a mission in Japan, one of my favorite places to go was "saati wanu" (31 or as we call it in the States, Baskin Robbins.). On Sunday I turned saati wanu (31) and felt like death warmed over. I didn't have any sense of taste or smell but I could imagine how delicous the strawberry cupcakes were that my mother-in-law made in my home, with my children, for my birthday--it sure made me feel special.

Below is a picture taken by one of my 5 year old friends, Jaxton, outside a few months ago with a child camera. He shows promise, don't you think? :) Thank you for all the lovely thoughtfullness on my birthday. I felt very loved and special. I have to say, I think being 31...rocks.

sweet sickies

we had two pajama days at home with two sickies. i heard lots of giggling one morning coming form my room and saw them like this; Connor playing a Curious George game and Kylene laughing in delight. it made my day.

Proud to be a Cougar

Byron came home today and told me about Brandon Davies' dismissal from the BYU Basketball team and suspension from school because of an Honor Code infraction. Both Byron and I are BYU graduates and I worked full-time for the Honor Code office for two years after graduation. I had a really wonderful experience there and saw first hand how much compassion and support there are for those who have made some bad choices. The Honor Code Office and Dean of Students work so hard with each individual to help them overcome their choices and get back on track. A big part of that is accepting the consequences of the individuals actions. The Honor Code is a major part of being a BYU student. Everyone knows about it, what it is and what's expected of you. Each year, every single student has to meet with their ecclesiastical leader to review the Honor Code and attest that their lives are in harmony with it. No one forces you to sign the Honor Code, no one forces you to be a student at BYU. It's a choice and it's a privilege. I am so proud to know that the University Byron and I love, feels honor and integrity are more important than a possible NCAA title. And this is coming from a MAJOR basketball fan. I wish the best for Brandon Davies. I know there are many people working with him to help him through this difficult time. I still have high hopes for Jimmer and the team going into the end of the season and the tournament. I'm so proud to say...I'm a Cougar!

a visit!

my sister, Ashley, and her little boy, Zach, flew up from Orlando a few weeks ago for a visit. we had SUCH a great time. it was so fun for me to be able to just hang out with Ashley. two of the kids weren't feeling their best during the week so that really slowed us all down and we got to have lots of fun just haning out around the house. Ashley caught some beautiful pics of Zach and Kylene.

come visit again!

Connor's 5!

on January 21st, Connor turned 5! that seemed like a big birthday to us and i guess to him too because when he woke up in the morning he asked if he was 5 yet; when i told him he indeed was, he jumped up in the air and asked if i was impressed with how high he could jump now that he was five. i told him to count me impressed!

we had a few neighborhood friends over for play, pizza and cake. Connor had a great time and felt really special, but as the night wore on, i could tell he was starting to not feel very well. we found him in his pj's in bed waiting for a story after we were done cleaning up. he said now that he was 5, he could put his pj's on by himself. that's what i'm talkin' about.

we sure love this little/big boy!

Happy Birthday Connor!

Christmas 2010

so many have wondered why i've been away from blogging so long. i would tell you now, but it would sound like complaining. you can call me if you'd like and ask, but all you'd hear is a long tale with a lot of complaining. i'd advise against it if i were you. so here we are, good attitude in hand, back and ready to share what we've been up to the past few months.

we had a really magical Christmas this year. this was the first year Connor was really THRILLED about Santa and all the wonder that brings to a child's mind. he woke me up every morning for a week before Christmas thinking that this just might be the morning Santa had come. when that morning finally arrived, i think it was just what he had been waiting for. Santa brought a lot of dinosaur toys, books and a new scooter. when we wouldn't hold Connor off any more from opening up presents under the tree, i went upstairs and woke up our sweetly sleeping Kylene. she was groggy and snuggled up into me as we came downstairs, but as soon as she caught a glimpse of her new baby and stroller she pushed away from me and said, "Down! Down!"

we had a breakfast of homemade cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate and skyped with Nana and Grandpa. then we loaded up the car and headed to S. Carolina to Mimi and Papa's house! it was so fun to arrive there on Christmas day and be there with Logan, Codi, Staci, Theresa, Bev and Maw Maw and Paw Paw. the kids couldn't believe there were even MORE presents to open and Connor got the thrill of his day when he opened up not one but TWO remote control dinosaurs from Mimi and Papa. he had asked Santa for some but Santa must have known that Mimi and Papa had that in store for him.

we got snowed in the next day (Christmas miracle!) and had a great time hanging out and playing Wii.

the best part to Byron and I was that we were all healthy this Christmas. to us that was the best present of all.