Saturday, July 20, 2013

Cake and Update

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Today we had a triple baby shower for 3 of my friends. I'm glad I got the chance to practice my cake skills on the superhero themed shower. This cake was frustrating but I learned a lot. My fondant didn't cooperate, I'm still not sure how to make that better next time. Also, I learned that I need to put supports in so that it doesn't lean. The shower was fun and the cake tasted good. That's all that matters right? 

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Hooded baby towels
This week we played at the park with friends, went to the splash pad in Perkins, the Wondertorium, and  to a snow cone shack. Lots of fun. Lily and Levi are getting really good a playing together. They like to dramatize going to school together. Levi is so interested in going to school. He likes doing things "all by myself." Lily has been very kind lately. If she does get upset, she'll apologize and explain her feelings. She has such a kind tender heart and I love that about her. She has a way of talking sweet to Levi and calming him down. I just love my kiddos! I love happy weeks like this. Matt is ever so busy with school. So much stress!  I am going to throw the biggest party for him once he gets his thesis done! Everyone I know will be invited. 
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Image Last Saturday, July 13th, Matt and I were able to go on a date to Eskimo Joe's. Dan and KeLei were so sweet to babysit for us. It was so nice to get out together with out the kiddos. The food was not that great. We had heard that from just about everyone but we still had to experience it. We also went to Lowes to get a gas can for Matt's new chain saw and Walmart. Exciting.
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 We have been so lucky. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday this week were pretty rainy and it was wonderful. It was such a great chance for the kids to use the umbrella. We visited Matt on Monday at school and they loved it! Makes me miss the Sultan, WA days. I LOVE rain!

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This is from July 6th. Lily begged to fly her kite and was hardly interested once we got it flying. Levi was a kite flying pro :)

Friday, July 12, 2013

Levi's Birthday

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What a DAY!! Levi is officially 3. His birthday was a blast. It wasn't what I expected but I'm so glad the kids had fun and his party was a hit. We woke up to the news that my grandpa passed away. Danny and I made plans and arranged to leave the next day for UT to attend his funeral. Danny traded work shifts. I contacted everyone my absence would affect and made plans to miss YW. Matt went and got the oil changed in the car and also rotated the tires. The day was exhausting to say the least. After the party was over that night, Dan and I sat down and realized that the trip was going to take extreme effort and money. We called our wise, older siblings and discussed our options. Long story short, we decided to stay home. It is so disappointing not to be there but I felt instant relieve when we decided to stay home. Here are the pictures that prove how exhausting the day was. :)

Wondertorium with Abigail
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Levi's BFF is Abby. They are the closest in age at church and they love playing together. We invited Abby to go to the Wondertorium with us for his birthday. They had a blast!


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Team of doctors and Lily was the patient :)




Party/Treasure Hunt

We decided to have a simple party. Levi invited Abby's family and our neighbors Crystal and Dave, whom our kids adore. The treasure hunt was a hit. We had to slow Lily down and let the younger kiddos find some clues. I'll have to remember that 5 is the perfect age for these clues. Lily LOVED this. 
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The hunt lead them to the play house, to the pick up, to the pool, to the horse in Levi's room, to the shed, the the gate by Crystal and Dave's, to the fire pit. 
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The treasure hunt ended in the fire pit where they found their treasure boxes filled with gold doubloons and Jake stickers. 
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My favorite part of the night. He was bursting with joy as we sang to him. He knew exactly what was expected of him at the end of the song. He blew out that candle like a champ.
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Best picture of guests :)

Here's his loot. He was spoiled. Abby's family got him a John Deere lego tractor, Crystal and Dave got Lily and Levi gifts. Levi loves the bubbles, coloring pad, stickers, 3 dollars and more. Lily got a purse, sticker book, and bubbles. So thoughtful of everyone. 
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 Thank you Mom LeDosquet for the underwears and Blues Clues DVD's. Grandma Mitchell sent $ that I used to buy Levi a shirt and tie for church..also his Jake shirt in the picture. Grandma's are the best :).
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 Here are the keys we made like Sister Gee's keys. He loves them :) We also got him the big treasure chest. It's already a little busted. Oh well. Happy birthday to Levi! He has brought so much joy into our lives and we couldn't love him more! 

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Families Can be Together Forever

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I am so thankful for this man and my simple words can never do him justice. My grandpa, Richard H. LeDosquet, passed away yesterday morning, July 9th. He is the best example of everything I want my family to be like. He has such great faith in Jesus Christ and an unshakable testimony of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He accomplished so much in his life. When I was 14 years-old, I received my patriarchal blessing from him...every time I read it, I think of my loving grandfather and I know that I am his "Dearest Granddaughter." He wrote a wonderful book for our family about his life and I will treasure that forever. He's met some incredible people...prophets and apostles, and even had them stay in his home. Sadly, we will not be making the journey to UT for the funeral this Saturday...I know he would understand. I love you Grandpa and I'm so happy you are with Grandma again. I miss her and I love her! As I was talking to Matt the other night about Grandpa I said, "Do you think we will be like him...faithful and righteous to the end?" He replied, "I sure hope so." I hope so too! I love you Grandpa and I'm so proud to be your granddaughter!

July 4th

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Same shirts as last year! Look how much they've grown!
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July 4, 2012

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Love this one of Lily


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All ready for our BBQ



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I woke up on July 4th with a bad attitude. Matt had to go to school for most of the day and I wasn't excited about that. I always love spending time together on the 4th. However, I decided that I could still make it a great day. The kids and I went to Walmart and got stuff for our BBQ. Then I took them to a fireworks stand to get some sparklers. They loved that. We came home and made potato salad and did some chores...before we knew it Matt was home. It turned out to be a great day with family and friends.  

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 We had our BBQ with the Monson's and the Smith's. Yummy food and great company.
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This picture right here is my favorite! I know it's not that great of a picture but that moment was one I hope to never forget. The weather was PERFECT! Temps in the 70's..a breeze coming in off the lake, beautiful fireworks, snuggling with my babies. I am one thankful mama for this beautiful country and all the blessing that I have. I'm so thankful to a loving Heavenly Father for giving me so much!  
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I love that our house is 1/2 mile to the lake! It's nice that we never have to deal with parking!
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This is Lily at the after party at the Deken's. It's always fun breaking the bedtime rules and not getting home until midnight with the kids. We had a great time! Such a great day!

Monday, July 1, 2013

Beautiful Lake

ImageThey say if you write down your goals, you are more likely to achieve them. Life feels pretty busy. Matt is especially busy this week as he is trying to finish up his Master's Thesis. That means late nights for him...making it hard for me to make it to the walking group with my friends. :( I have found early morning is probably the best time to get my run in. As much as I hate waking up in the morning I see that it has to happen to start my crazy days off right. Today was beautiful! I couldn't believe the 60 degree weather as I ran the 4 miles from my house, around the lake. I also had time to stretch and spend some time in thought. It felt amazing. So my goal is to do this 3 or 4 times per week and try and get my scripture reading in before my kiddos wake up! It's possible and it will help me stay happy :).