David is 4!

I was just reflecting on the day this little man entered our lives. Right after he was born, my heart started racing and I became so anxious. The doctor was trying to help me calm down and yet it continued to race. Then the nurse brought my sweet baby boy right up to me and pressed his cheek besides mine and I was instantly calmed. David, you have continued to own my heart. You have made my heart capable of loving in a way that is so new and so beautiful. I really thought I knew with all of my schooling I had prior to having children that this whole motherhood thing would be a cinch. You have taught me that I was wrong, and for that I am so thankful. Thank you for letting me see a glimpse of how God loves His children. I learn each day from you and each day my life is so blessed because you are my son. Happy Birthday Handsome Jack!

Lucy Dance Recital . . . I beleive in Fairies

I always love to watch Lucy dance on the stage. She is so happy when she gets to dance and she always asks me about when it will be her turn to dance on the stage again.

She has so many fans. Grandma & Grandpa Sampson loved watching her dance and she loved seeing them there.

I know there is a head in the way, but I love this shot Marc took. When I was watching the dance in the rehearsal, I noticed it was very intentional that Lucy go last at this part in the dance where each girl took a turn leaping across the stage. When Lucy finally went she just leapt across that stage for all she was worth multiple times. It took my breath away and filled my eyes with tears. She is such a beautiful dancer.

Doing her lovely moves.

And then she was dancing off the stage with a giant smile on her face.

Vivian's 2nd Birthday Party

We had a great time celebrating our little lady with a cousin's party.

She loved her purple butterfly cupcakes.

Trying to figure out how to show me two fingers.

So much cuteness.

Best picture of the day. She's officially TWO (I'll leave off any adjectives)!

Coloring their butterfly crowns.

Norah, Vivian and Jane-all girl cousins that will be in the same grade. Such cute ladies.

I love the opportunity to make my children's birthdays magical.

Wearing her party dress from Grandma Sampson (that was of course purple). 

Mother's Day 2013

Mother's Day was lovely. Marc was sweet to make me breakfast and delicious dinner of grilled chicken, fresh fruit and green salad. He also helped the kids pick out a dress for me (they chose a pink sparkly one that I wore with pride).

Here I am with my babies. Such a blessed Mom. Such a beautiful season of life.

My baby is 2

Happy Birthday sweet Vivian. You bring so much joy and laughter to our family. You are your brother's greatest playmate and antagonist. Lucy loves you with all of her heart and you two are already such dear friends. You brighten Daddy's day and he always comes running when you call. You make my heart so complete. I love to hold and cuddle you. I love singing to you each night and saying a prayer with you as your squishy arms barely reach across your chest. I love that you have such sass and can look right at your Dad and tell him, "No," as if he should know better. As I held you tonight I was overcome with gratitude for these past two years I have been blessed to be your Mom. I poured my heart out in a prayer of thanksgiving for you. I will always be your greatest fan.

David's preschool graduation

David graduated from "Mommy preschool". His class (FIVE boys) favored the crowd with The Pledge of Allegiance.

Then he thought it was great to wear a cool hat and get his diploma.

Such great kids and such a wonderful neighborhood to raise our family while they were so young. I am so thankful for the many seasons of my life. David, you are a god boy.

Lately . . .

The kids like to watch Dad adjust the chemicals in the hot tub (they call it "the river") and I like to use the hot tub.

We've been enjoying building blocks and puzzles.

The kids are always up for coloring.

Our Niece (in-law), Sarianna, is living with us and we celebrated her birthday with her.

We love to check out The City Center Provo Temple on stilts.

We had lived in our home 20 days . . .

and Marc had to cut a hole in our kitchen ceiling! Apparently the seal on our bathtub drain had worn down and was leaking. Fortunately, Marc is amazing and was able to fix it fairly quickly and with little cost. Oh the joy of home ownership.