Maucotel Family

Friday, August 26, 2011

5 years...

5 years ago, we got married... in this beautiful Temple in St. George.

Since then, we have....

lived in 4 different apartments in 3 cities in 2 states.

earned 3 college degrees (two for him, one for me) from 2 schools.

brought 2 little boys into our family.

We have laughed together, been stressed out together, figured out how to be parents together, and supported each other.

What have we learned these past 5 years? Being married and having a family is REALLY hard work, extremely stressful at times and has it's lows. Being married adds a depth to life, teaches patience and flexibility, molds a well rounded individual. Being married opens a part of your heart you never knew existed. Being married offers an extremely reliable, sympathetic, and trustworthy confidant. Being married provides a life rich in learning, growth, strengthening, joy, peace, and support.

I love you, Brian. You have given me the gift of the life I have now, and what I have to look forward to. I can't imagine a happier life for myself. I am so glad to be called yours forever.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Birthday Boys

May is one of our most favorite months of the year! It is the month we get to celebrate the birth of our two precious boys :)

Birthday #1: Jade's First birthday!

We had a great, low key day. We ran errands and played and when daddy came home from work we had a little party for our birthday boy. I can't BELIEVE he is ONE! Why do babies have to disappear so fast??

We love Jade. He has been such a joy. He is very sweet - a mama's boy, and adores his older brother. He loves to make up his own games to play. We love to just watch him play :) He isn't walking quite yet, but he is getting mighty close! He has been the dream sleeper - sleeping 12 hours a night from the time he was 2 months old. He has the cutest crinkly nose face, which he shows when it is too bright, cold, or windy. It is the best! HE is the best!

Birthday #2: Braden's 3rd birthday!

We celebrated the weekend before, because we were lucky enough to have Doug's family here to celebrate with us. We joined them at DISNEYLAND! It was Braden's (& Jade's) first time there and we had the BEST day. It was so fun! It really is a magical place, especially when you have your own kids to enjoy it with! The next day they came to our place and we made a Brobee (from Yo Gabba Gabba) cake and had a little birthday party for Braden.

Braden has changed SO MUCH this year. He has grown quite a bit and has long legs! He has learned so much. He is a little chatterbox and loves to talk to anyone who will listen. He is the friendliest person you will ever meet. In fact, he refers to everyone as "my friend" - even adults, even people he has never met, even random people we see when we are out. He says hi to everyone! He loves bubbles just as much as he did a year ago and plays with them everyday. We have started doing preschool at home and he loves it and is learning a lot!

Happy birthday boys!!