That Fun Dad

I feel like my husband is a kid at heart which is one of the many reasons why he is such a great Dad. Over the past year or so, I've overheard a few of my girls' friends call him a "Fun Dad," and I couldn't agree more. He loves to teach our kids how to play sports, he's really good at telling corny jokes that are so bad they're actually good - usually soliciting a, "Nice one, Dad," and he loves sneaking treats. He's known around here for his tootsie roll trivia which by the way is no joke! He always has a tootsie roll handy, especially on road trips -- ready to toss whenever someone is smart enough to answer one of his brain busters: math equation, random history fact, spelling word, or geography question.

I came across these pictures of him from Memorial Day Weekend when we took a road trip to Silverwood Theme Park (near Coeur d'Alene, ID) as part of AnnMarie's MOJO Marimba Band Tour.

He insisted on going on the bumper boats multiple times, and it was truly one of the funniest scenes I've ever seen! He took it so seriously and even got in trouble by one of the workers running the ride because he was being too aggressive and spraying the people on the deck.

Afterwards, we headed to Treasure Valley (just outside of Kuna, ID) to meet up with his siblings for a day of motorcycling and RZR-ing. :) Jared is so good about helping all of us have a great time, and I really appreciate the fact that he puts safety first, yet isn't afraid to encourage all of us to participate and try new things.

Receiving Something New

"We see what we choose to see and receive what we focus on. There is such beauty in willingness to release and create space in our lives and our hearts to receive something new. Resting in the promise of abundance..."

My friend Anna Molgard shared that beautiful thought with me this past week.

Sometimes the present moment can be scary when we consider our place in eternity. I've struggled with forward thinking as of late, but I believe that often times, the present moment is just enough. "Give us this day our daily bread." I know that there have to be chapters in life when our Heavenly Father requires us to focus on the day-to-day in order to exercise obedience to our current role and situation.

What I really want to do right now is post lots of amazing photos of us in Washington leading up to our move, but I'm going to embrace seeing the here and now for the time being, so here goes posting a few great experiences we've had in Utah lately.

I got to accompany Carlie on her 3rd grade field trip to the Kaysville Farmer's Market landing several weeks ago where we rotated through various stations all about agriculture. She loves it here and has made lots of new friends.

AnnMarie and I watched my niece, Kate, in a volleyball tournament a few weeks ago. I love being able to support my extended family members in person.

The children have an adorable clubhouse in our backyard to center many of their adventures around. The weather is not favorable for the water slide right now, but it sure has been a fun space for them.

Cheers to seeing snow on the mountains that stare at me every day. Not really sure how to feel about it, but I do love skiing, so this isn't a bad thing. :)

Carlie turned EIGHT

Eight years ago from May a bright blue-eyed light was born into our family.

We named her Carlie Joy.

It was such a beautiful day...one I will never forget.

I remember thinking forward to her 8th birthday, wondering what she'd look like...knowing the milestone it'd be. Oh, how she's become a piece of my heart, especially through the hardships of her strong personality that's really stretched us as parents.

I know all children have meltdowns, but we went through several years of very difficult days and tantrums -- trying all sorts of tactics to help her feel at peace and better navigate her emotions. It was not easy, specifically in Argentina when she suffered from a series of illnesses that certainly affected her sleep and behavior problems. Shortly after our return to the States (when she was 4-yrs. old), she underwent a tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy. This was a turning point for Carlie (and for all of us, really), and somewhere around 1st grade we really noticed some changes. Gymnastics and soccer became a big part of her life, and her self-confidence was truly beginning to blossom.

She was only 5-yrs.old when my Dad passed away. I know she feels the impact of his absence at times, perhaps through me, but she had a special bond with "Papa Stacy," and I know he loved her dearly, too.

And now here she is - eight years old. What a special life you've lived thus far my sweet girl! You're more beautiful than I could've ever imagined.