Time flies.

People are always telling me to slow down and enjoy these years because they the best years, and are gone so soon. I know this is true. Sometimes it is hard to believe when I am on my 400th load of laundry and everyone is screaming in my ear, the house is a wreck and somebody stinks. But it's true. There is no denying that it goes too fast, and that we wish it away without really meaning to. Last weekend was one of those times where it hit me full force that my kids are growing up, and if I'm not careful, I will miss out on precious moments happening all around me every day.

I remember having my first baby, sweet little Bennett. What a chubby little cutie! We were proud then, and we are proud now.

Now he is a handsome, smart, strong sensitive young man. He has brought with him the happiest days of our lives.

On his 8th birthday, he was baptized by his Bishop/ Dad into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was an exciting day for all of us. I loved watching him throughout the day, and tried to savor the experience.

Here is the group that attended Bennett's baptism. I have spent quite a bit of time journaling about this day because it really was so special and perfect. It is one of those events that just isn't very stressful because the people who are coming are the people you love and who love you best, and everything just works out. I love my family so much!

We had a lovely, small gathering at the church after the baptism. Bennett loved playing with his cousins. And getting more gifts. Here are Alexandra and Bennett.

More cousins: Finn, Clara and Nik.

Jacob and Porter. It looks like Jake is a giant next to Porter and that he is squishing him. I promise Porter was happy.

Handsome Uncle Lee surprised us by coming home from his spring break trip to Southern Utah early. Bennett was really happy to see him. I was too; I got all emotional when I saw him in the parking lot at the tabernacle.

Oh, how I love these ladies. I am so thankful for their support in my life, and for the examples they are to me and to my boys.

Bennett was also so happy to have his Gramma Linda fly in from Bellingham for the occasion. We went to Texas Roadhouse Saturday night. Bennett refused to take part in any birthday spotlights or singing by the Texas Roadhouse crew. That's okay. It was a pretty full day.

Happy birthday, Bennett! We love you!

Bennett's 8th birthday party.

Last year I made the decision that 2008 would be the year of having family-only birthday parties, sans friends. I decided it made sense especially since it's Bennett's 8th birthday, and thus the year of his baptism. But after talking to a friend with older kids who have outgrown wanting to have parties with a bunch of friends, I changed my mind. I decided I might as well let them party with their little friends while they are young and still want to do a traditional birthday party. This phase of life doesn't last very long, and it truly is the highlight of their birthday, to have all their little buddies there with them, being silly, and giving them presents of course. :) And so, any kid who wants a party can have one. Am I too indulgent? Do I spoil my kids? Probably. Check back in 10 years to see if Bennett is ruined.

Bennett invited some school friends and some cousin-friends to a pizza, pinata, sports, movie night which we held in the gym of the church. It was a great time, and took zero planning. The kids could run wild, play dodgeball, basketball, soccer, tag, break a pinata, lay on the floor and watch a movie projected up on the wall of the gym, throw popcorn at each other, be crazy...

and it wasn't in my house. Sweet.

Leaping Leprechauns!

The kids could not believe their eyes when they woke up on St. Patrick's Day. There was a note from a leprechaun, a box of Lucky Charms, and a pot of gold! Okay, gold foil-covered candy. Which is sometimes even better than gold. AND, he had turned our milk GREEN!

Jake's big ski adventure!

After months and months of begging to go to the mountain with his brothers, we got him up on skis! He loved it! It was a beautiful day.

Lego land

Despite my loathing of cleaning up these little pieces, or stepping on them in the night, these have to be the coolest toys ever. My kids never tire of creating new things with legos. It makes me happy.

Shower-in-a-box

This may be the only shower Jason and the boys ever attend! Jason's amazing family sent a huge package full of everything needed to have a baby shower for this little baby girl. It was complete with decorations, paper goods, treats, games all organized, prizes, and gifts! It was so much fun. Here are some photos from the event. I just can't get over how funny the boys' reactions to the diaper game were. These pictures are priceless. I'm not sure Finn will ever recover fully.

Random, sad experience from today.

I just can't stand to walk by my kids' schoolyard and see some kid sitting all alone. It pretty much just rips my heart out.

Adams Elementary Bake Sale!

I live next door to a pastry chef. I will blame my weight on that fact. She is seriously amazing, so I was not surprised when she was approached to help put on a bake sale fundraiser for the school. It wasn't your average bake sale, as you can see from the photos. We're talking cheesecake, Italian lemon cream cake, molten chocolate cake, and various other fancy treats. I helped with the easy stuff like cupcakes and cookies, but Natalie went above and beyond to make the sale a huge success. The cutest thing about the entire night was that students were helping to run the show. Natalie taught them how to plate the desserts, and describe what everything was. It was so cute. Way to go, Natalie!
And here is a picture of my very good friend, Heather Albee-Scott. (She thinks this picture makes her look crazy; I think it makes her look enthusiastic, which she is.) Heather was the mastermind behind this fundraiser. She is constantly on the go, looking for ways to help out in the community. She works at the school and in conjunction with the multicultural center here in town (among many other pursuits). This fundraiser was designed to help with the Emergency Assistance Fund at our school to help people who are in need to get back on their feet and on their way to employment, or more stability. It is a great program. Kudos to Heather for her dedication.

Yummmmmmm.

Dance, dance, dance!

This was my latest church-calling endeavor: a stake dance entitled "Dance Through the Decades." It was a dance designed for entire families to attend, and in my opinion was a great success. We didn't have a huge turnout, which always makes one a little sad inside, but the people who were there raved about it, and want us to do it again. And really, there were enough people that it wasn't awkward, you know?

The decorations were soooo cute; I didn't get enough photos. And the d.j. turned out to be great. Jason was out of town, but my other boys danced with me all night long! A big thanks to my parents for coming to watch the kids all day long while I worked on the dance! I couldn't have done it without them.

Here is my co-chair, Sharon Brazell (on the right), doing the boot-scootin' boogie. Look how cute the decor was, if you can see...

The refreshments were just amazing. And because of the not-so-huge turnout, there were actually enough treats to last all night!

Bennett was sooo excited to dress up as a rapper. Young MC!