What is a dad?

What IS a Dad?

A dad can fix just about ANYTHING!

A good dad chooses a super-awesome step-mom for his kids! ;)

A dad does his daughter's make-up on Halloween!

A dad is SILLY.

A dad is there for all the important moments!

A dad pushes the trike around- even when he's not excited about it.

A dad gets frustrated, but loves his kids anyway!

A dad knows his children's spirits from the beginning...

"My dad is Santa Claus and the tooth fairy!" -Emily

"My dad takes me on walks... and does other fun stuff with me, too." -Noah

I ride on my dad shoulders....

and fall asleep. -Adam

I wanna be just like my daddy someday!

Happy Father's Day, David! We love you!!!

What is a Grandpa?

A grandfather gives a child her first impressions about life....

A grandpa is tender and mild.

A grandfather is strong and protective.

A grandfather is a teacher, and a friend.

A grandpa watches the circle of life continue on and on...

"Dear Grandpa. It's Father's Day today and I would like to say, 'Happy Father's Day' to you. Love, Emily"

"Dear Grandpa, I miss you. I hope I get to come visit soon. Love, Noah"

"Dear Dad, I think you are a wonderful father and grandfather. Thank you for being the rock of our family that you are. You have made a tremendous influence for good on me and my children. I love you! Greta"

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MOM AND DAD!

"Marriage between a man and woman is ordained of God and... the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children." The Family- A Proclamation to the World

"Nevertheless, neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 11:11

"If a man marry a wife by my word and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise, it shall be of full force when they are out of the world" D&C 132:19

"Children are an heritage of the Lord" Psalms 127:3

"Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children." The Family- A Proclamation to the World

I am so blessed to have two wonderful parents who have been committed and devoted to each other for forty-three years and counting! Thank you both for your loving example! Love, Greta

Mother's Day flowers and memories...

My good- looking mom mowing our lawn! Those were the good old days. :)

My beautiful mother and her beautiful flowers

Flowers for me from David and the 16th ward :)

A handmade gift from Emmy

My sweet, creative daughter's card for me

Flowers for my pots was a perfect Mother's Day gift to myself! :)

Being a mother is the ultimate gift and challenge of life. My children have taught me more in their short lifetimes more than I'd learned in the 28 years prior. I am grateful to be a mother in Zion, and to have a mother who nurtured and taught me in priceless ways.

Kidschool

Painting with feet- the kids went wild on this one!

An Easter craft

Noah found a friend

Science is more fun in the bathtub!

Relaxing in a "bird's nest"

A trip to Willow Park zoo

Adam found some glasses at Sally's to keep him entertained!

Storytime!

Over the homeschool year, we developed a tradition of meeting with our friends once a week for "school", going to storytime at the library once during the week, and doing crafts at Grandma Patty's once a week. Combined with Mom's yoga class/ playgroup, Emmy's dance class, and playing with friends, we had a great variety of outings along with our at-home learning. The natural learning that occurs in young children is astounding. No curriculum required- just a little guidance from Mom and Dad! The precious innate desire of my children to learn and discover has been preserved this year.

"The term 'education' comes from the word 'educe', meaning to draw forth. True education is that which is drawn from within the person. (It) can be encouraged. It can be brought forth by enticing, by inspiring, by rewarding, and by loving."

-Dr. John L. Lund

Family Easter/Birthdays Party!

Ooh.. this looks fun!

Wow, Mom, my very own drill!

Pretty cousins

A fun new game!

Hub, stepkids, kids.... L to R Kiley, Adam, David, Noah, Christopher, Emmy and Colby

For the kid's birthdays and Easter we invited some family over to celebrate with us! We had a barbeque, sang Happy Birthday and ate cupcakes, and had an Easter Egg Hunt outside! Lots of people came and had lots of fun.

Emmy's birthdays remembered...

Age one- partying with friends! (If you call crying partying.)

A little help from Dad with the candle at age two!

Age three.... birthday party at McDonalds!

Age four... opening a doll house and loving it!

Emmy had a great time at her 5th birthday party. She loved the game where we hid her presents and she had to find them!

Emmy turns six! A friend from down the street surprised her with a hoodie that matched her own! Emmy liked it a lot.

Emmy gets taller and more beautiful every day! She is such an independent spirit- strong willed and has great managerial skills. :) We're so glad Heavenly Father sent her to us!