Mother's Day!

I'm a little late on my Mother's Day post. After reading all the fabulous Mother's Day post's I sat here and stared at my computer not really knowing how to say what I've been feeling. I don't want to make such a special day for us Mother's so depressing, but thats kind of how I felt most of the day. I put on a happy face, but mostly I felt sad, and lonely. I miss her! And this Mother's Day just seemed to remind me how unfair it is that I don't have my Mother here with me anymore. In the afternoon I was lying in my bed feeling sorry for myself when I decided to write a little thank you note to my Grandma, and my sister's. I started to feel better as I realized that I'm surrounded by some pretty amazing women. We took some flowers to my Mom's grave, and then went out to my Grandma's for a nice ham and potato dinner. Later my aunt's and some cousin's came over and I had such a nice time visiting with them. It's nice to be near them because I can see piece's of my Mom in all of them and it brings me so much comfort. So even though the day might have started out sad, it ended good and I remembered all the things I have to be grateful for! Especially my three little one's who fill my days with love, and laughter. They make me a better person and push me to be so much more then I am. I love them!

I have to give a shout out to Ryan of course. He took the kids out to Cardston Friday night and I was able to go out for dinner with Britteni. I worked a couple of hours on Saturday and then got to go out for lunch with Devon before I headed out to Cardston, where the men folk (and my two sister in-laws) made a delicious dinner for us. He took care of the kids all weekend while I rested, and got to visit with all my most favorite girls! Thanks honey!



Now, a picture overload of Women in action! Doing what we do best!


















































































































To all the amazing woman in my life, I thank you and love you!

Wow!

I am feeling quite blessed with all of the wonderful surprises that were given to me on my birthday! Its been the bestest birthday I've had in awhile.

Devon, what an awesome surprise! It made me feel so special, and you know I feel the same about you!

I ordered a couple of dresses online for my birthday from Ryan so I was extra surprised when he and the kids got me some hand weights (which I've been wanting) and a nice water bottle. I've been using just a regular old cup when I go on the elliptical, not so easy to drink from while your still trying to move. So that was quite exciting! I wasn't expecting that at all. Thanks Ry!

Devon came over late afternoon to babysit the kids while Ryan and I went to look at some show homes and go out for dinner. Then we went over to my Dad's to play ping pong. Cody and my cousin were there and I got yet another surprise from Cody when he gave me a card with a gift certificate in it! We don't usually get each other gifts. I'm so excited to go shopping! Thanks Cody! And thanks for babysitting Devon, and for the card and gift! and for the beautiful cards the kids presented me with when we got home! I love them! And thanks to Britteni and Bella for their beautiful cards as well!

Then I got to go out for dessert with my fabulous sister-friends! We had a blast and didn't get home until midnight. Funny thing was I invited them all to go out, but they had already been planning to surprise me and take me out! thanks Devon, Britt, and Naomi for a fun-filled evening of laughs and girl talk! Love you guys!

I also have to give a shout out to Connie, Jacki, and Shannon for a delicious turkey dinner, and gifts! I love spending time with you guys! And a shout out to all my facebook friends who took the time to wish me a happy birthday! Its great to know I'm loved! Love you all!

And that, is a fantastic birthday!

My sister-friend!

Hi Everyone!

I'm hacking into Kelli's blog for two reasons today...First..its her 29th Birthday and Second..because this is her family blog and she is usually writing about the kids and the many activities that family life entails...Its time someone wrote something about her :)

Let me start by telling you a little about our Kelli..

- she is spunky and fun and uncomplicated..she needs very little to make her happy..I love that about her.

- she has an infectious laugh..I can hear it in my mind as I type this..and its making me giggle :)

- she is confident and outgoing and a generally all around nice person..I hope she has rubbed off on me at least a little bit in the last 9 years we have known eachother.

- She is a wife, mom, sister, friend and about a million other things to so many other people..I'm proud to be able to call her a friend and sister..(we aren't related by blood..but that never seemed to matter much to us...Thanks to Kim )

I can remember with clarity the day I first saw Kelli..I can remember what she was wearing right down to her sketchers..and right up to her sparkly eyeshadow...It is a day I will never forget..and it holds a really special place in my heart..for on that day..it was like there was a light over her head and a whisper into my heart said...you need to be friends with her...and I whispered back..ya right I'm sure she has many friends..why would she want me...

I'm happy to say that Heavenly Father has a bigger plan for me...for us..I'm happy that on that day and the days that followed he intervened..for my life has never been the same..and I can honestly say it wouldnt have been even half as good without her...

We often remark on how we lived 20 years without eachother...and sometimes forget that we havent been together forever anyways...There are moments and times in my life that she has been there for me exactly when and how she should be..There are times when unfortunately we havent been as close as we are now..and times when perhaps we have been closer...but all of those times have made us who we are..and brought us to a place where I think we can both say without a doubt that our friendship was meant to be...

We have had classes together, served in church callings together, lived together, and have been together for almost all family and holiday activities in the last 9 years that I have lived in here. I remember our silly adventures as YSA..staying up until 5am watching movies with our friends...having sleepovers in eachothers rooms, even though we lived in the same house together, having Sunday afternoon naps on her futon..and long long talks about things we were mutually passionate about..

And although life has changed quite dramatically for her especially, over the years..she is now married and is a mom to 3 brilliant, beautiful, energetic little ones..we have still remained the best of friends...through fun times..and happy times..through hard times and sad times..I know that nothing can shake the bond that Kelli & I share..I take great comfort in that truth...our friendship is not one of convenience...it is not one made up purely of lighthearted fun...it is a relationship born of inspiration..and one fostered by a sister like connection..She is indeed like a sister to me..and I am perhaps more grateful for that then she may ever know..

So here is to my Kelli...to our Kelli...

Happy Birthday Sister-Friend!

Thank you for touching my life, for sharing yourself and your family with me, for letting me fiercely love those little munchkins of yours, for sharing your beloved mom with me..6 years of being loved by her changed my life..Thank you for continuing to be there for me...for our long talks...for our special moments...thank you a million times over and over..

May this year bring you peace...happiness...and joy...you deserve it.

I love you & I'm looking forward to a lifetime of more memories and moments together!

dev.

29

Well, I'm 29 today. Only one year left until I'm 30. Where did the time go? I usually write a nice little blog entry for the members of my family on their birthday's, but it might be kind of weird to write one to myself. So I guess I'll let my Mom do it for me!


March 22, 1981

I am feeling so lousy. I finally went to the doctor the other day and he says that I have a hernia and thats why I am so uncomfortable and in pain all the time. This baby (me) is sitting so low and he (apparently she thought I was going to be a boy) moves constantly. I don't know if I'll make it 2 more weeks.


April 16, 1981

Mom has taken Adam and Ginger home with her today because I am finally in labor.


April 17, 1981

I was up all night last night with labor pains, but I was determined to wait for the last minute this time. Jim had to go help Beak move into their new house so he dropped me off at his Mom's. Everyone was excited to hear that I was in labor. We all drove over to look at Lynn's new house and then over to Marguerite's for coffee. I drove in the car with Wendy and I swear she hit every bump and pothole in the road. By the time we got back to Malacko's I was in pretty hard labor and I phoned Jim to come and get me. I was very scared this time. I don't know why.

Dr. Stewart is on holidays so the doctor on call was to deliver the baby. Dr. Tollestrup broke my water just after I arrived at the hospital and I had about 5 really big contractions and then the baby was ready and so was I. the delivery was pretty hard and I remember thinking that this baby had caused me nothing but trouble the last 9 months and now this!! Then I heard the doctor say, "How would you like a little girl?" I was totally overwhelmed. All I could do was nod my head as the tears came pouring down.

They couldn't get our new little daughter to breathe right away and I heard her gag and sputter for the next few seconds (it seemed like hours). I watched as the doctor and nurses put tubes down her tiny throat and try to bring life into her. I don't think I have ever prayed so hard in my life. Pretty soon they whisked her away and I was not even allowed to hold her. I felt so empty and helpless, but the doctor assured me that she was going to be alright.

The first time I saw her up close was when I took my visitors to look at her through the nursery window. Everyone agreed that she was perfect. This has been the best Good Friday of my life and I will sure do some grateful praying tonight.


July 2, 1981

Kelli Raylene is settling into her new home quite nicely and I am slowly getting used to the new routine. We had a few rough nights when I first came home from the hospital, but now she is sleeping 10 hours in the night and its just great. Adam had a hard time accepting a baby sister when he wanted a baby brother so badly, but after the initial shock had worn off, he decided that he adored her like the rest of us. She chatters and laughs all the time and is very bright and beautiful.


November 21, 1981

Kelli is really getting around now. She walks all over the place. People can't believe that she is walking already. The other day I caught her trying to plug in the vacuum. Smart as a whip, just like her Mother!!


September 22, 1982

Kelli is so spunky and talk about a temper! But then she is so cuddly and cute. Jim adores her and she demands that he pay attention to her.




Thanks Mom! I love you!

Rose Petal Cottage!

I found this cottage when I was pregnant with McKenna and fell in love with it! It took all my will power not to buy if for her before she was born. I finally got it for her this last Christmas. I was definitely more excited about it then she was! It is the funnest thing. It comes with two sides that are easy to move around, and then they have a lot of appliances and things that you can buy separately. If you have little girls, I highly recommend it. Check out all the dream town products at hasbro.com, they also have a market place and castle. Its a great product!