Derek's Birthday and the 4th of July

Here are some photos from Derek's Birthday



I had a lot of fun with his cake. He said the blue frosting made it look like a baby cake, so I had to add a little bling...so the Superman symbol was born. :)


We had neighbors set off some fireworks, which we were grateful for because the rain/tornado warning canceled the fireworks downtown which would have been spectacular. I wish I'd gotten a picture of what we were doing inside to celebrate. We made homemade pizza, an apple pizza dessert, and scones. We watched the Boston Fireworks online and played the Wii until 11 pm. Then the boys went to bed. It was a great day!!

Derek's 7!!!

I can't believe my little man is 7! These boys keep getting older and I can't figure out how they are doing this so quickly. Time has flown by. I'll never forget going to the hospital 2 days before my scheduled C-section knowing it would be the day Derek would be born. He is such an amazing addition to our family. His joy is contagious and his goofy-ness is adorable. Here are some pictures from previous birthdays. Unfortunately I don't have any digital of his birth and I have yet to scan in all the other pictures. So his 1st birthday is the earliest pic I have of him for this collage.

Here's 7 reasons why I love my Derek:
1. He has one of the most adorable smiles ever
2. His laugh is contagious
3. He loves so unconditionally - forever
4. His tender spirit helps me remember to be better
5. He is friends with everyone
6. His little frame gives him an added adorable edge
7. He's cute, and he knows it!

I love you so much Derek! You'll always be my precious little man and my amazing big D all at the same time! Happy 7th Birthday!!!

An Unexpected Posting

Alison is such an awesome person, wife and friend. I love her to death and I know I just don't really show it a lot nor do I tell her enough. One thing I do know for sure though is how much I love her and the example she sets for me with her unconditional love.

This love isn't just given to me, but she shares it with her kids and friends. Lately she has really been having a hard time missing her friends and family in California. Well my wonderful wife... here's to you with all my love. I know it is short, I just didn't have a lot of material to work with. I hope you and everyone enjoy.

LDS Singles

This is hilarious! Just know, it's a spoof, so don't be surprised when it seems stupid...make sure you're in the right mood. :)

New Moon

I can't wait for NOVEMBER! This looks like it will be a good movie!

Music Video Code by TurnItUpMusic.com

Shaby Apple Dress giveaway

Marseilles Dress SHABBY APPLE GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

I'd love one of these dresses! I haven't gotten a new dress in forever!

We're still alive

The saying goes, "no news is good news" right? Well, that's the way it is here. The boys are done with school, we're on our second week off and Kaleb and Tyler have Cub Scout Day Camp this week. They are loving it! I helped out all day Monday and will do so again tomorrow. It's fun to be with the boys (I'm with Kaleb's group) and to watch them learn all the new things they are experiencing. This camp is well organized and is helping them pass off LOTS of requirements.

Other things going on: Logan is trying to learn how to ride his bike without training wheels...a bit more practice is necessary, but he'll get it soon. Derek is about ready to lose his 3rd tooth - top right, and is very trepidatious about having it pulled. Tyler is learning how to swim on his own...a few more "lessons" and he will be on his way to pool freedom. Kaleb is also learning how to swim, he may be ready a bit before Tyler to have some pool freedom. Only those two have had true lessons before and that was when we were in Utah...many years ago in accordance to their lives. I am enjoying the summer so far...I love taking the boys out on adventures and activities. I'm hoping to get some good educational things in to broaden their horizons. William is ever so close to seeing a huge success with TurnItUp Media...we are keeping the faith and praying hard every day for someone to come along and act upon their initial reaction of, "Holy Cow! This site is AMAZING!" and not just say that and then say, "Well, good luck and good work." Ugh. It will come, when the Lord wants it to come.

Enough talky, talky, now time for a few pics...
The boys painted these at a Park and Rec painting class in April. From left to right: Logan's, Derek's, Tyler's, Kaleb's



We loved decorating







Easter eggs this year.







Only Derek and Daddy







like to eat them, though.







Logan needed a pic for Mommy's day for preschool...this is what we came up with.