"Best Buds"

I feel truly blessed that Jacob has such good friends that are good kids. They get along really well, if you couldn't tell, and can't seem to get enough of each other. Even when he'll play with one or the other for HOURS, he is always so sad when it's time to go.

*and what are the odds they would both have glasses?

You think my kids play too many video games? So much so that even my one year old knows how to play with her brothers?

... that's weird, why would you think that?

He's a Big Deal

Last month we celebrated Jacob's 8th birthday. This is a birthday that has extra meaning. In our faith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, children are not baptized until they are 8 because we believe that is when you are old enough to understand right from wrong and be held accountable for your actions. We were very pleased with Jacob and his decision to be baptized. It was such a great day!

Jamie and Jacob just before the big event took place.

The friends that were there to help celebrate and congratulate him.

Emma, always being so easy going.

My parents, Jamie's mom (we missed Jamie's dad, but the Ambassador was needed elsewhere), and Jamie's younger brother and his family all came to make the day even better!

The cousins had too much fun and could not be bothered for a photo.

The family was in town the whole weekend and we had such a good time. We played, did a little swimming, played some more, made it to the beach, I started more chemo ... all in all, it was really fun. I was totally wiped and slept until about 10am the next few days, but I would do it all over again.

Jacob is amazing. He is such a sweet boy with a big heart. He is very aware of others and is truly thoughtful. He's especially amazing with little ones. He LOVES being a big brother. He could always get Parker to laugh more than anyone else and he loves that Emma is getting big enough to actually play with him now. I have told Jacob often that I'm pretty sure Parker and Emma chose to come to our family just so that they could have him as a big brother.
He has always had a great laugh that I just can't get enough of. Jacob is kind, tries really hard to do what is right, and is such an important part of our family.

We love him dearly and are so proud of him!!

I got a pill for that!

Ever wonder what your bathroom is going to look like when you're 80?

About like this.

I just continue to collect lotions, potions, and tonics as we move along. I have a pill for just about everything, so drop me a line if you need anything from my pharmacy.

Time Warp

Charlie and Jacob, 2 years old

Jacob's little sister and Charlie's little sister, not quite 2 years old.

(Gotta love a good set of Costco chairs. 8 years and still going strong.)

Is there anything this man can't do?

If there is, it's not much. Glad I married him 12 years ago.

Happy Anniversary Jamie!

The help that has come and gone...so far

As we have traveled on this long journey called cancer, we have thankfully not had to do it alone. We've had a revolving door at our house with all the family that has come to help and we love it!

My niece Shadow.

My sister Cynth.

My sister-in-law Stacey.

My sister Lauren.

My mom and dad.

My mother-in-law.

We so greatly appreciate every load of laundry you washed, every meal you made (even had some left in the freezer for later), every floor you swept, every dish you washed, every bath you gave, every rough night you endured with Emma, every morning you got up with the kids so Jamie could sleep a little longer, every outing you took the kids on, every ride to school you gave, every medication you administered, every errand you ran, every book you read, every game you played, every hug you gave.

Thank you.

*Chelsea lived with us for 3 months, but do i have any pictures of her? No. She was usually the one taking them. Don't think that means we love you any less though, Chels!