Randoms

In efforts to kinda-sorta getting caught up, I'm just posting some recent pictures...

 

Kyler and I went to Tumbleweed park during one of Kayla's long dance days.  He was so proud of himself for climbing to the top of this rock and wanted me to take his picture. : )

 Kayla and her friends at Macy's birthday party.  They are always so sweet to include Kyler, he loves it. 

 Devin showing off his bottom 2 teeth.  He is such a happy baby.  Love him to pieces!!

 Enjoying the gorgeous weather while on a hike with Stephanie.

 Making snacks with the kids and apparently Kyler liked them.  You can only imagine what my floor looked like. 

 Finally celebrating Aubrey's birthday! 

It Has Begun!

 Kayla's competition season started last weekend at 24/7 in Glendale.  Kayla and her team did such a great job and we were all so proud!  What was supposed to be a fun-filled weekend of classes was cut short when Kayla got sick after competing Friday night. : (  We went home and rested but sure did miss our friends that were still at the convention classes.

Kayla's musical theatre number, Never Fully Dressed.

Rita, Lily and Ava came to cheer Kayla on. 

 This past weekend, Kayla and her team competed at Showstoppers.  Kayla competed in 4 dances and they all did great!  I was only able to get Kayla in 2 of her costumes because there was frantic costume changing between numbers and I couldn't get a picture. 

 Kayla and her purple minion friends ready to compete their hip-hop number, Despicable.

 Ready for awards.

Kayla had quite the cheering section. I forgot to grab a picture of Grandma Jean and Grandpa Ed, as well as Grandma Nette and Tim.  Next time.  : (

Lunch at Pita Jungle.  Who's that big kid at the end of the table?? 

Fun group of mommas! 

 

I Love You Through and Through 2014

These are the words from a book that I read to both Kayla and Kyler when they were little.  I still read it to them every now and then and thought it would be fun to go back and find pictures that capture those personalities that we love.

I love you through and through

I love your top side.

I love your bottom side.

I love your inside and outside.

I love your happy side,

your sad side,

your silly side,

your mad side.

I love your fingers and toes,

your ears

and nose.

I love your hair and eyes.

your giggles

and cries.

I love you running

and walking,

silent

and talking.

I love you through and through...

yesterday, today, and tomorrow, too.

 

 

 

 

The Dash

Over the past few days, our family has heard many people speak so fondly of my grandma.  She was a wonderful person who made everyone feel loved and special.  She had a life full of friends, fun, family and love.  I remembered a poem that I was introduced to while I was teaching, and I thought about my grandma and what an amazing "dash" she had. 

The Dash
By Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
from the beginning...to the end.

He noted the first came the date of her birth
and spoke of the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all
was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth
and now only those who loved her
know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own,
the cars...the house...the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
and how we spent our dash.

So think about this long and hard;
are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
to consider what's true and real
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger
and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect
and more often wear a smile...
remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.

So when you eulogy is being read
with your life's actions to rehash,
would you be proud of the things they say
about how you spent your dash?

Grandma Doris

Yesterday my grandma Doris passed away.  She was surrounded by her family, which was the most important thing to her and I know that she felt our presence and heard our good-bye's.  I know that she is with my grandpa now, the love of her life.  We will miss her terribly but will carry on her traditions, her values, and her overall love for others and family.