Silly Abby at 18 months

Sisters

Happy Birthday Nathan

Let's start at the very beginning shall we?
I was so taken with you. It was truly love at first sight.

That first year you were just my absolute little bud!


You took to your blankie that first year, and still cannot sleep without it. (We pray we never lose it). You got a lot of balls for your 2nd birthday and they continue to be one of your favorite things to play with.


So, today is your 3rd birthday. I can hardly believe it! You've changed so much this past year. You are very independant. There isn't anything you don't think you can't do. Some may think your a tad bit encouragable, but I'd like to think you're strong willed and determined. Characters that I love about your daddy. Sandwiched between two sisters, you are all boy! Why yes, you may play dress ups or barbies from time to time, but most of the time you are using the barbies as swords. You make your daddy proud! We cherish you Nathan and are so grateful you came to our house. Happy Birthday buddy!

You were so excited about your new train set. You played with it all day.

Memorial Day

I love Memorial Day! Usually, by the time this holiday comes around, the weather is nice, which means we can actually do something fun outside for a change. We took the liberty to take the kiddos on a hike up American Fork Canyon. After living in Utah for most of my life, I felt it was high time I hiked to the famous Timpanogos Caves. It was an absolutely perfect day to hike. Susan joined us, and it's a good thing she did. Aaron and I each had one of the kids on our back, and Susan walked with Hannah. It was so nice to be in the mountains again. Oh, I love the mountains!

Aunt Suzie and Hannah

Daddy and Nathan

Mommy and Abigail



You can see the valley down below. So beautiful!

Hannah got too tired of walking and was not pleased that there wasn't a back pack for her. So, her daddy carried her in his arms. What a man!

My hubby at the top of the caves, taking a moment to enjoy the beauty.

Sweet Hannah. Much happier now that we are on our way back down.

Conked right out. I was tired too.



On our way back down the mountain I was thinking of why we celebrate this day. Of course, it's a national holiday to think of those veterans that fought to keep our freedoms. And it's a time to reflect on all those serviceman who continue to fight to keep our freedoms. I'm grateful beyond description for those who fight for us and who lost their lives doing so. But this is also a holiday that we think about loved ones who have passed on before us. As a child, we would always visit my grandma's in Evanston. I enjoyed visiting my grandpa's grave, putting flowers around it and hearing stories of the wonderful man he was. On this particular Memorial Day, I was thinking of another grandpa. My kids grandpa, their daddy's dad. I've heard such wonderful stories of who he was. We talked about him yesterday. I realized that, just like I didn't know my grandpa Eyre because he too passed away before I was born, so is it with my kids. But when we talk about my Grandpa Eyre, I feel as if I knew him too. I hope it is that way for my kids with their Grandpa Lombardo. He was a wonderful man that I want them to know.

My Joy is FULL!!!!!

We started with this. And this is not even as bad as it was at it's peak!

I endured a lot of this!

We brought in SO much of this.

After living here for a year, we finally got this. (the man is my brother-in-law, Dave. We NEVER could have done this without his help. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you Dave!!!)

And yesterday, we finally have green!

This is the last pile of dirt I hope to ever see at my house!

Now, it's on with the trees!

Food....

We prefer to wear it, rather than eat it.

A Remarkable Woman!

This is my lovely Grandma Eyre. I love her! Today is her 97th birthday. She is remarkable in everyway!!!! Oh, how I love her. She is the epitime of Grandma. She only had 2 children, so when my mom and dad kept having more children,(9 of us to be exact) I know she and grandpa were nervous/worried. She has loved all of us so much though. We've never lived close to grandma and she lost grandpa more than 35 years ago (I never knew him). She clings to the knowledge that she will be with him again soon. We welcome that sweet reunion between them. There was a time that I couldn't think of grandma dying without me just bursting into tears. I will miss her terribly when she does leave us, but I know that she is ready to be with her beloved husband, parents, and siblings again. I'm so grateful for the history that she has given to us children about her childhood, and all the many things she has seen in her lifetime. She has a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ that cannot be shaken, and her legacy of faith will live on.

I love you Grandma! Happy Birthday.

Oh, the weather outside is frightful....

It's May 24th and this was what we woke up to. Grrrr!!!!

Lucky girl to have a daddy that will go out with her and build a snowman.

Randomness.....

Is that a word? Oh well, anyway, here's what's been going on at our house.


We've been painting stools. Lots of fun!



Shooting Hoops!

Making sculptures (Hannah did this dipiction of me. Kinda like the pink hair)

And when the weather is nice, we ride our tractor of course!

I'm inspired...once again

Happy Birthday Aaron

The kids and I were so excited to celebrate Aaron's birthday yesterday. My intentions were to have a sparkling clean home, dinner on the table, and presents wrapped at a decorated kitchen. Well.....he had dinner on the table. :o) I tried. I really did. We had the lights off and were hiding in the kitchen when he walked in. Hannah and Nathan were beside themselves excited to yell SURPRISE!!!! In fact, Nathan didn't yell surprise, instead he yelled, "I'm hiding daddy". Funny kid. Anyway, in honor of the many things I love so much about this man, I'm going to list just a few; 35 to be exact.

1. Rarely do you complain when you come home to house that is not always in order.
2. You are one of the most ambitious men I've ever known.
3. You're a hard, hard worker!
4. You have quite a sense of humor!
5. I love the hilarious stories you make up and tell the children at bedtime.
6. I love that you are clean and tidy.
7. You honor your Priesthood.
8. You honor your parents.
9. Even though you haven't been around children most of your life, you do a FANTASTIC job being around so many now. :o)
10. I'm grateful that you love children and want to have more. (this is not an announcement).
11. You are a great friend, and not only to me.
12. I love how thoughtful you are.
13. I love that you look at parenting as a shared responsibility.
14. I love that you recognize your weaknesses and work diligently to be better. (something I'm trying to be better at myself).
15. I love that you have a deep love for our Savior and teach our children about Him.
16. I love that you are the head of our home and someone we want to follow.
17. I love that you like to play games. All sorts. :o)
18. I love that you are spontanious.
19. I LOVE that you love the outdoors.
20. I love that you are not a quitter!
21. I love that you are a good listener.
22. I love that you are a fun daddy.
23. I love that you make our marriage a top priority to you.
24. You make me laugh, or atleast smile, just about everyday.
25. I love that you loved your mission so much and that the people you served have a very tender and special place in your heart.
26. I love how you look to serve others.
27. You never complain about any meals I make and make me feel like I'm really a good cook. :o)
28. You recognize when I need a break, and are willing to give that break to me when I need it.
29. I love that you are a dreamer.
30. I love that you speak Spanish....and still really well.
31. I love that you drive a beater car because you are waiting to pay cash for the car you really want.
32. I love the home that you have built for us.
33. I love your footrubs. A lot!
34. I love your web-toe. Not really!
35. I love that you are Eternally mine.

Happy- Happy Birthday!

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to the best mom in the world! I love you so much mom! You've always been my inspiration to be a good mother. My kids are so lucky to have you as a grandma.


And happy Mother's day to another wonderful mother and Grandmother! Your influence is felt even as far away as we are. Your grandchildren love you and feel your love for them as well.




And thanks be to these 3 who've made me a mama! I love being your mom more than words could ever express!

A really dumb confession

So, I deleted all of my friends blog links from my blog a week or so ago. Reason: I spend too much time reading them. I LOVE to read blogs. I have to admit that sometimes they make me happy,and sometimes sad. I'm not as good as all of you, but I realized that you all inspire me, so I want you back! :o) Now, I ask that you leave me a comment so I can add you again on my blog. Just do it and realize that I was just having a moment. (Don't you ever have those too?)

Abigail Jane - 16 months

Dear Abigail,

I have to say, I just love this age. You are such a doll! There are so many things I want to capture about you at this stage in your life. Once you learned how to walk, it didn't take you long to learn how to run, and run you do! This is a new found freedom that you can't get enough of. I love how you want to go outside 24 hours a day. (If your mommy wasn't such a wimp in cold weather, I'd always take you out). Now that we are having nicer weather, we go out a lot. And you love it. You still wish that you could keep up with your older brother and sister, but rest assured little one, you will soon enough, and it'll be way too soon for mommy. I love how you give me open mouth kisses, and pucker your lips when you try to talk. Speaking of talking, you now say several words: mama, dadda, Hannah, no, more, pease (please), tank-u (thank you). You understand just about everything I say to you and I'm amazed at how you communicate with me on the things you can't tell me verbally. You love baby dolls and I love to watch you give them hugs and kisses. You like to tease your brother Nathan, and we finally think you can handle your own with his teasing too. You play well with your siblings and it's fun to watch the sweet bond between you and Hannah. Your daddy and I couldn't love you more and we are so glad you came to our home. It wouldn't be the same without you.

Love,
Mom