Gyoza Bust!

We had a gyoza bust last night. Gyoza are similar to Chinese potstickers. My Father-in-law served a mission for our church when he was 19 to Japan. One of the things he brought back was a love for Japanese food. What an awesome gift to the rest of the family.

Here he is teaching the rest of us to make them. Holly and Sam loved it!










Grandpa also told us a few words in Japanese and sang a children's song in Japanese for us.

Thanks Grandpa! What a wonderful tradition!

2nd grade

I have been so nervous to send Holly back to school. So nervous I had nightmares that I got her to school late.

Holly however hasn't had a second of anxiety. She has been jumping up and down excited even though her new school is twice the size of her old school and is in downtown Salt Lake instead of the foothills of happy valley.

Seriously I am hyperventilating just thinking about it. She is doing great though and already has a ton of friends.

Hooray for a brave and awesome girl!

Max's first lollipop

Happy #4 Sam!

Sam is 4 or was 4 on the 18th. Birthdays around here seem to last an entire week.

Jammers,

I can't believe you are 4! It was just yesterday that I was pulling you away from the street or trying to convince you that it was safe to walk on shiny floors, or chasing you and your runaway bike. You have grown up so much even in the last 6 months. Now your favorite things are swinging on your swing; playing in the irrigation water; and chasing/tackling anyone convenient.

I love you Sam! What an awesome boy you are! What a blessing you are to our family!

Love
Mom

Surrounded

I don't know if any of you feel this way but I often feel like I am surrounded by the most incredible women. Women who make me want to be a better person because they are so good.

My Mom who gave me the one piece of advice growing up that I have based all of my decisions and day to day life on and it has made all the difference.

My sister Christina who has put up with a pretty difficult disease since she was 5 and has done it with incredible finesse.

My sisters Kathi and Valeri who are such fighters. Women who keep going and don't give up.

Alana who I will always consider my sister and who can beautify anything with a touch.

My Cousins Autumn and Emily who are both so talented that I am often in awe. Autumn who has been writing since she could put letters on a page and Emily who sings and bakes and anything else she puts her mind to.

My cousins Alysia and Amanda who never forgot my birthday growing up and who inspire me still to be friendly and celebrate days that are important to the ones I love.

My childhood through adulthood friends Louena, Tia, and Christy who are so talented and funny that I hope they are rubbing off on me. Louena who is a beautiful writer and is the most graceful person I know. Tia who has wanted to be a nurse ever since we met and is awesome at it! Christy who is a gifted mother and friend (so good at making everyone feel important).

My mother-in-law Patty who is so patient in trial and so focused on being a wonderful grandma that she makes both look effortless.

My sisters-in-law Allison and Dawn. Allison who seriously is good at whatever she picks up to do. Dawn who is the hardest worker I know and is blessed with tons of musical ability.

My dear friend Birgitte who is so together, organized and smart but is also so much fun to be around (One of the funnest Moms I know).

All of these are just scratching the surface. I could write a blog about each one.

And to everyone else that I didn't mention; my cousins, aunts, friends, Relief Society sisters (holy cow BYU 173rd ward!). I could go on and on. If you are reading this post and you are a woman I am in awe of you. You might even think that I barely know you but rest assured I have noticed how wonderful you are and you have made a difference in how I live my life.