30th

Well I turned 30! The big 3-0!
And with June being so CRAZY BUSY we barely got to celebrate. Honestly though I was happy to just relax and relish in the fact that maybe the fact that I have 4 kids and I'm officially in my 30's wont seem so weird, like having 4 and being in my 20's was.
There was a part of me that wanted some big party, or to do something big; but honestly this year is kicking my butt so I was exhausted and happy to just hit up IKEA (my happy place) and enjoy cinnamon rolls with the kids and have a dinner out; and of course savor some chocolate cheesecake!
I'm still drooling. It goes too fast every year!

Stanger Cousins

One of the best parts of Connor's baptism was spending time with the cousins!

And Grandpa and Grandma Stanger of course!

Now lets all stare at the sun and take a picture!

BAPTISM

Connor choose to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints! 

He is such a good example to his sisters (most of the time) and he loves teaching us what he learns at church.

I’m so proud of Connor!
This feels like a huge milestone. I still can't believe we have an 8 year old.
Throughout the year we have been trying to hold FHE to prepare him for Baptism and to make sure he knows this is his choice. It has been an exciting time and he teaches me so much all the time. It is truly amazing the pure perspective and simple truths that are so essential that we as adults forget and that these perfect spirits remind us of. It’s a beautiful thing to watch your child gain faith and trust in the Lord. My favorite thing Connor does is when he gets home from Church and wants to tell us all about it or lead FHE. His joy in sharing the gospel and loving the Lord makes my heart happy. Love you buddy!

The day itself was more than a bit stressful for me. It being my first I was overwhelmed and definitely let it get to me at moments. But that SMILE on that boys face just lit up the world. And looking back (and ignoring how awfully exhausted I look) that smile will always remind me of the absolute happiness of choosing the right and feeling strength in the support of your loved ones around you. I am so grateful for my Connor and all the family that came to help and share in his special day, we are so lucky!

I also made Connor a baptism bag filled with things that symbolize all sorts of things about baptism. This is a tradition I started years ago with one of my own younger siblings/cousins and I loved speaking at their baptisms and sharing the baptism bag filled with goodies inside for them. So it was very important to me that since I wasn't speaking (I didn't need one more stress) I give him the bag of goodies and what they represented. We went over it in a FHE later that week. Future reference I think this would be better to do with them the night before or the week of to get them excited, because it did get a little forgotten. 

Connor's Picture display

Happy Baptism Day Connor!

Fathers Day 2018

He is OURS! He is always trying to be better and never leave anyone out and give everyone individual time. It’s never easy but HE IS AMAZING! 

We surprised our Macho man with a photo mug, which he loved so much he cried; which was THE BEST! (He showed it off at work first chance he got!)

Daddy loves being a Daddy.

That is my absolute favorite thing about him.

He loves giving the girls baths and making there hair all wacky, and shouting "Kay-Marie get a picture of this".

He loves staying up late with his little man.

And taking snuggle naps with whoever is the crankiest. 

He loves spoiling the Piper with whatever she wants.

Umbrellas on Sunny days and wearing sisters pants... "Sure."

He loves that I just hop on a plane and leave all the kids with him for a couple days; and there is no second guessing because I know he can handle the full time Daddy-ness whenever.

He loves when the girls give him kisses and get real close and say "I LOVE YOU DADDY!" 

He loves being missed by his Piper, who wants him to stay home everyday.

He loves throwing movie marathons with treats and activities.

Star Wars Nerf Gun Battle, on repeat... YES!

He loves being DAD!

And we LOVE him!

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

I could never be more grateful. At times I'm overwhelmed seeing him with the kids and feeling that explosion of love and happiness. I must have done something very right in life; to get this guy by my side for eternity. 

Uncle Joseph's Birthday

We celebrated a little at our house this year with Uncle Joseph and we loved making him cards, and getting the house ready for the birthday boy, and hiding and screaming surprise when he came in, and singing to him and watching him do a double breath on blowing out ALL those candles.

As his big sister every year I get more and more baffled how fast the time goes, not just for my children but for this teenager here. It scares me a little how quickly these next few years will fly for him because then before he knows it he will be just another one of the adults. And my parents will be empty nesters.
I cherish these times and our move out here may not have always seemed right when we look at money and houses and work/life balance; but the thing that has always kept me centered is that the Lord brought us back here to share in this little brother of mine's life. And I treasure that beyond all else here.

Happy 14th Joseph!

Last Day of School!

We celebrated the last day of school with Bruster's Ice Cream.

 I know it is always bittersweet saying goodbye to classmates and teachers and this year especially was a good one. It will be hard to top. 

But for now we will finally start enjoying summer!

Kindergarten Celebration

Kindergarten looks good on her but First Grade watch out she is ready!

While Bella performed I heard devoted note takers.

This little boy was named Ryan P. 

We heard a lot about Ryan P. Shea about died one day when she came home and announced he was her boyfriend. And she told me later they held hands at centers. 

It was adorable and alarming all at the same time. 

Mrs. Burroughs her teacher. 

And then she wanted to take pictures with her friends. 

Donatella

Hulan

Elaina

It was a happy little morning celebrating our graduating kindergartner!

Happy 8th!

Connor your my one and only boy; you fill my life with laughs, energy, gaming, snuggles, LOUD battles, pee CLEAN UPS, LOTS of potty jokes, AND the tenderest I LOVE YOU’S in all the world!

And at your request we celebrated in Star Wars fashion; with laser tag, a game of Sorry, presents and cake of course. We did our best to make it everything you wanted!

As each year passes I can't help but reflect on that tiny baby you once were.
In truth when we found out we were having a boy I was a little baffled as to where to start, I had brothers, but just imagined my babies being girls for some reason. I’ve never been so grateful to be proved wrong, your the first that set my world upside down just where it belongs! You are my biggest cheerleader and biggest protector, you fight Dad for my snuggles, and you wait for school pick up with your arm over your sister shielding her from the rain, you surprise me in the best ways and are growing way too fast. Sometimes my breath catches as I see my little baby and yet glimpses of the man you’ll be. It’s scary, HONESTLY SCARY, how fast it goes. Hope we haven’t made too many mistakes on you and please forgive us (its the curse of the first).
Either way you make me one proud MAMA!
I love you DUDE through and through!

Happy Birthday!