Grandma Gerry

The best part about my mom moving to St. George recently is that we got to see her during our Utah trip.  My Grandma Dove and her drove up and spent the weekend with us in Bountiful.  It was so great.  Since Ben was already gone my mom stayed with me and my grandma stayed with my aunt.  We went to Costco, played in the backyard, had a BBQ with  my aunt & cousin, went to Jack's baptism, did a family game night of yahtzee, and walked around main street.  It was great to see my mom (and horrible to day goodbye)!!!

Let's Play

At Grandma's house we love to play dress up.  Spencer got into the action this year.  He is by far my favorite kind of puppy!

We got Grandma & Grandpa to go with us downtown to see all the new stuff.  We walked around temple square and Grandpa's office.  We HAD to get a bag of rolls from the Lion House.  We walked through City Creek.  OH the damage I could do there with someone else's money and no kids :)  And we ended to afternoon stuffing ourselves silly at Tucano's.  (mouth is watering) 

When it was warm enough (seriously loved how cool it was) we would hit up the splash pad.  The water was freezing but the kids loved it.

The kids love going up to Great Grandma Hayes.  She always has a Popsicle or cookie to give them and they know just were to go to find her stash of toys.  We bring it all out to the balcony and enjoy the view.  The house is up by the B and I could spend all day out there with the breeze and view.  It's always such a treat to get some one on one time with Grandma Hayes.  With Grandpa's passing she wanted me to go through some of his suits and things to bring home to Ben.  It was so tender to watch her go through his pockets and pull out hankies and such.  I am so grateful to have had that opportunity with her.

The Annual Slipping of the Sliding

This year the slide got delivered SUPER early.  It was up and functional by 9am!  The kids took full advantage and did some dry trial runs.  Verdict....OH YA!

Later, once more cousins arrived Ben shimmed up (yes you read that right) the side of the slide and attached the hose.  Let the chaos begin!!!

 We were so very happy we got to have our daddy with us!

 The kids loved it (maybe not Spencer so much).  They played literally ALL day.  We ate and played....ate and played!  It was a perfect day.

 What an awesome group of kids!!!

The Hokey Pokey...it's what it's all about

For awhile now sweet Grandpa Hayes's health has been declining.  May 28th we got the phone call that Grandpa had passed.  That night we booked a flight for Ben to go back.  We crunched numbers, tried to figure out time off, gas prices, in the end we knew there was no way the whole family could go.  I was slightly devastated.  I cried, I was mad, I wanted to be back with the family.  To feel that power and support that comes with being with around those who you love.  The next day I called to relay Ben's flight info.  A few hours after that I got a phone call back.  It was Ben's dad.  We were ALL expected to get on a plane the next day.  I was more than happy to oblige.  So the next Ben left early on his flight and the kids and I followed later that afternoon on ours.

Overall the travel part went well.  We made it to Utah with most of my sanity intact.  

The funeral  happened Saturday.  It was beautiful.  The chapel was reserved for just kids and grandkids.  The entire chapel was full!  It was an overwhelming feeling to look around and realize ALL these people were here because of Grandpa & Grandma Hayes.  The night of the viewing we were walking into the mortuary and it was LOUD.  There was a buzz.  We walked into the room and it was full of Aunts & Uncles and cousins talking and laughing.  Don't get me wrong, it wasn't irreverent...it was full of a wonderful happy noise.  We were celebrating Grandpa.  

Tears were shed.  It was a beautiful, beautiful service.  Later that week I went up to Grandma Hayes's with the kids to visit.  She wanted me to take something of Grandpa's home to Ben (since had to leave earlier than us).  It was tender to hear her talk about Grandpa and find hankies in his pant pockets together.  It was a precious time to be together as family.  Thank you Grandpa!

Hello & Goodbye

The end of May was busy, busy, busy.  But between dance recitals, soccer games, and preschool graduation we had a real treat!  We had VISITORS.  The las two years I have been slowly trying to convince my dear friend Amanda to come visit me.  Last year I went to her in Flordia and was spoiled with Wicked and Disney World.  Let's just say that Temple, TX didn't have quite the same allure....except, well...ME!  And Amanda bought it.  She came and I finally got to snuggle her new baby and we just talked, talked, and talked (and maybe drank large amounts of Diet Coke).  We ate at Rudy's got our 1/2 box of Shipley's donuts, and did some Austin shopping.  Overall it was so good to just be together again.  She was even her for our Favorite Things party.  She was such a good sport having me drag her everywhere.  The kids loved having a baby in the house!  Love ya Amanda!

But with all the excitment and hello's...we also had a dreaded goodbye.  The end of May also brought the departure of some very loved friends.  Saying goodbye is just rotten.  We loved the time we've spent with the Roeths and how well our kids got along.  This is Ben with his mini me.  Cute Ben would always play with Spence....it was pretty sweet.  We sure love this family!

Dance Recital

Natali had her very first dance recital on Saturday.  She did such a good in her ballet number.  This year she did tumbling and ballet.  She hasn't decided if she wants to do it again next year.  She looked so cute in her costume (the little stink took it off before I got her picture in it).  I think her very favorite part was the make up.  She is just like her mother in those regards!  Good job little princess!  We love you.

At the end of the dance season they held a little award ceremony for all the dance students.  Natali earned a medal for completing her first year of dance!

Isaac's Graduation

On May 17th Isaac graduated from his Preschool.  He was VERY excited.  They had been practicing for a long time.  He thoroughly enjoyed going every Tuesday & Thursday this year.  His teacher was Ms.  Julie.  There were 8 kids in his class, 7 which were little boys.  At graduation they gave a compolation of pictures and things Isaac had done in through out the year.  One was a self portrait.  In the picture Isaac drew himself....and for his shoes he drew them 2 different colors, green & blue.  I thought it was so cute because often Isaac in known to wear one of each of his different colored croc's.  This sweet boy will start kindergarten next year.  In someways he is ready...he can't wait to be a big kid and go to school with his sister.  He knows who his teacher is and gives her hugs every time we pick Natali up from school.  I just can't imagine not having him with me.  He is still so tender hearted and sensitive.  He is growing up way to fast.  I love him so much.

My special boy & his Mom 

Ms. Julie & Isaac 

 Isaac and his buddy Gavin 

Walking down the aisle. 

He was so excited to be up on stage in his "fancy' cap & gown.

9 Years

9 years I got to marry my best friend.  9 years ago I never would have thought we'd still be in schooling of some sort, that we'd be in Texas, and that I'd be so exhausted as a mother (I was so naive)!  But as I look back at this adventure we've been on since then I can't imagine doing it with anyone else.  And despite the surprises it has been the BEST adventure.  It makes me wonder...where will we be in 9 more years.  (Really I'd just like to know where we will be moving next year).  I am grateful for the wonderful man I married.  He loves me and tells me every day.  He tries hard to balance his roles as father, husband, and provider.  He makes me smile and laugh.  I felt scared getting married, it seemed like taking a really big gamble on someone else.  I was so independent.  Sometimes I am surprised on how dependent I have become on someone else.  That's how it is suppose to be though.  I am grateful for Ben, the friendship and love we have for each other, and the foundation of the same eternal goals.  Happy 9 years babe!

Natali the sheep

 For Natali's school play she was assigned the part of Little Bo Peeps lost sheep.  She was slightly devastated that she was "just a sheep".   After a hearty pep talk from dear old dad, you know the one "EVERYONE is important, if little bo peep didn't have her sheep than she wouldn't be little bo peep. etc. etc." By the end tears were gone and life was okay.  I TOTALLY procrastinated making a costume for her.  I didn't even think about it.  Thankfully a friend saved me!  Her daughter also was the sheep in their school play and let me borrow the costume.  Super cute, right!!!  Natali loved it.  She was the best little sheep ever!  Nailed her lines and danced & sang.  Way to go Natali!!!

Spring Soccer

This Spring we decided to let Isaac try out the great sport of soccer.  And guess what...he LOVED it! Here he is in all his soccer glory!

Isaac did such a good!  I was so proud of him.  He only scored 2 goals but the kid did great running up and down the field and cheering on his fellow team mates.  He always had a big grin on his face and looked forward to the post game snack more than actually playing I think!  It was great going to games and supporting him together as a family.  Now Natali wants to play next session (especially after seeing Isaac's trophy at the end).  We'll see......

Fudgey turned 3

Some how my baby turned 3!  This April my sweet little Spency celebrated another birthday.

This years celebration centered all around Star Wars.  Star Wars wrapping paper, Star Wars presents, & Star Wars Cake.  Spencer was in heaven!!!

 His new boba fet shooter

 He loved his cake, which made this momma happy.  

We were able to have Dad with us at home during the day before he did a night shift at the hospital.  We played and enjoyed the day together.  That night after pizza and cake I took the kids to the gymnastics place here and they could play, jump, and run there little hearts out.  It was a great day to be 3!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FUDGEY

31...Old Lady Fluhman

This past week I celebrated another birthday.  "One year older and wiser to..." not sure about the wiser part.  Last year I looked forward to turning 30.  It spoke to me, it felt appropriate to be turning 30.  I was comfortable with the idea.  31?!?!?  NOT SO MUCH.  It's all down hill from here :)  Just kidding, but it didn't hold the same spark as 30 (I have a feeling this is the new birthday norm).

The day was great.  I started off by going to my Total Body workout class, where my dear friend tried to cripple my legs with endless squats.  Then I went to the dealership to get a new glove box installed in the van.  Yes, you read that correctly...we are now a minivan family. (Ben's car died, he took the Pilot and we bit the bullet and got a minivan...happy birthday to me).  After that I took the boys to playgroup at the park where I was greeted with a song and lots of cupcakes and goodies to eat (my friends are sooo good to me).  After playing I took advantage of another friends kindness and Ben and I were able to go on a lunch date with out any little people.  We just hit up smashburger...nothing fancy...but it was nice to just sit and talk.

Once Natali got home from school we opened cards and gifts that came in the mail.  We had some coupons for Jason's Deli (just opened up here) and went out as a family.  It was nice and it made the kids feel like the day was special.  That morning when we woke up they were all REALLY disappointed when the birthday fairy had not made an appearance....where were the balloons, the cake, the presents...why isn't there a big special breakfast..."This is not a birthday MOM...this is like any other day!!"  Apparently I had ruined my birthday for my kids, selfish ME!  But after dinner I think they forgave me.

I ended the night by going to my favorite Zumba class and working off some of the extra goodies I had eaten.  Between the date with Ben, great friends, lots of birthday wishes, good work outs, and not doing any  real cooking...I'd call the day a TOTAL success!!!!

Here's to hoping that 31 holds some great things in store.

Time Out For Women & (Me)

A few weekends ago I had a chance to have a little get away.  I went up with some ladies (Meg & Shauni) to Dallas and attended Time Out For Women.  It was my first time going.  I was so excited to have a break from the every day routine.   We took off Friday morning and spent the day shopping...and well...eating.  It was GREAT!!!  We we spent a fair amount of time at Sam Moon, and then made our way over to the Highlands for lunch and more shopping and pedicures!  HEAVEN.   (thanks Shauni for capturing my "relaxing" face)

Later we found our hotel...and right next to it was a QT!!!  Shout out I-O-W-A.  The whole car squealed in delight.  You would have thought we spotted a unicorn from the way we reacted.  It was a special moment.  I think we were all little giddy just simply from spending the say without loading our kids in and out of the car.

We attended TOFW and enjoyed the messages that were shared.  I think I laughed the hardest during the speakers Kate & Sara from Our Best Bites.  I love those guys!  I made us go up and take pictures with them after.  Such sweet girls.

After the first night we headed out to find a quick and fast bite to eat.  The fates must have been smiling down on us.  We took an off ramp and glowing in front us was...IN & OUT!  I think I audibly gasped.

 It was soooooooooo good!

The Conference Center was right next to the Dallas Cowboys Stadium and the Texas Ranger Stadium.  Both were beautiful!  I would love to go to a baseball game there.  

We left Saturday after the conference and returned home to my smiling freshly washed kiddos.  Ben held down the fort quite well.  He got Isaac to his soccer game...and Isaac scored his first goal!  Go Bubba!  I was so grateful that we were able to make this weekend happen.  I needed it so much, just a little refresher.  Thanks Ben....and thanks ladies for a great weekend!