5th Grade Fieldtrip-Grand Canyon

Hayden had the incredible opportunity of attending his 5th grade field trip with his friends at school.

On Monday, May 13th, at 10:45pm at night, we dropped Hayden off at the school for a three day adventure to the Grand Canyon, Sunset Crater, Lowell's Observatory, Glen Canyon Dam and many more places across Northern Arizona.

The first night they were to sleep on the bus. Hayden was in heaven as we dropped him off at the school and was one of the first in line to board the bus. He couldn't wait for this adventure of a lifetime to begin. He was so excited when he saw Chris, one of the boys in his group for this exciting adventure.

When Jackson showed up, his excitement almost became completely over the top. The anticipation brewed within him.

What a trooper and great sport that Aunt Suzi is. Her willingness to go chaperone these 5th graders so that Hayden could have this opportunity, is so selfless. I did have to laugh so hard as I talked to her in the morning and she informed me that there is no possible way to sleep on a bus with a group of 5th graders. She was exhausted and the adventure had just begun.

I was so excited for Hayden. I loved that he was wanting to go and be with his friends. I loved that he had Suzi with him so he would feel safe and secure. He has grown up so much this year and I have loved watching every moment of the young man he is becoming.

Hayden's group for the field trip. Suzi was responsible for Hayden, Jeremy and Chris.

In the morning, the bus stopped at Denny's, where the kids could order whatever they wanted for breakfast. Oh how that pleased Hayden.

One of the most memorable moments of the trip for Hayden was going to the Carl Hayden Visitor's Center. He loved seeing his name on the building and everyone made a huge deal out of it.

He was off for an adventure and so excited to get to float down the Colorado River.

Hayden and his buddies out on the water. I love the great friends he has in Jackson and Chris.

Jackson and Hayden in the museum. They had the time of their lives.

Hayden was in awe at the size of the Grand Canyon and the sheer beauty.

5th grade group shots!

Hayden loved feeling so grown up at all the restaurants. He loved being on an adventure with his friends. He loved the feelings of independence that he gained on this trip. I loved the confidence he gained.

He really does have a great group of kids that he gets to associate with at school.

Hayden had a great time! Night two, he slept in a room with three other boys. He did great at getting himself to bed, up and ready in the morning and packed back up. He conquered so many fears. He had so many wonderful opportunities to travel Northern Arizona and make incredible memories.

A shout out to two wonderful people who helped this to happen. Grandpa, who gladly donated his tax credit, so that Hayden could have this wonderful adventure. And to Suzi, who willingly gave of her time, energy and money to attend this field trip with Hayden. She gave him the confidence to venture out away from home and have this chance of a lifetime.

Hayden, I am so proud of you and your willingness and desire to try something new. Some of the best parts of life are had just outside of our comfort zones. You overcame so many fears and challenges and had such an "I can do it" attitude. I am so proud of you and am so grateful for all the adventures that you can call your own. I love you, Bud. As always, I am so proud to be your mom.

I heart babies

These cuties came to visit tonight and I am absolutely and utterly in love with them. I love that Rex can say Aunt Jer so clear. He says, "I love you Aunt Jer" so fast and so swirled together he has almost created a new word combining all five. It's uniquely mine and oh how I love him and my name, "IloveyouauntJer". He is only two and a half but full of energy and life and tons of fun.

My little Zee man has endured so much. Oh how I pray that Jordan and Sarah get to adopt him. We are all so attached, but none of us are more attached than Hayden is. Hayden and Zee have been buddies since baby Zee was only a few months old. He is trying to say Aunt Jer but he can get out an "I wubba you, Jer, want cookie". Of course with that sweetness, he could have all the cookies in the world. He's my teeny tiny bundle of love two year old.

Baby Ace has had my heart since he was days old. Tonight he actually lunged at me. Every time Thomas, aka the baby whisperer, held him, he would lunge for me. He is such a cute little baby. He is sure smiley now and is so happy and full of love. I love watching him watch his older brothers and Hayden. Too cute. Plus, we don't get near enough baby love over here.

Jordan is Hayden's playmate. Jordan will spend hours playing games with Hayden and talking to him. Hayden worships the ground Jordan walks on. He idolizes him. He thinks he is the funniest older buddy. I am so grateful for Jordan and the great example he is to Hayden and how tender and sweet he is to him. Jordan is a great uncle to Hayden and a great dad to my cute nephews.

Sarah is one of my dearest friends. I love her. She is so sweet, so tender, so kind and a wonderful mother. She is so fun to be with and she can lift my spirits by just walking in the room or calling me on the phone. I am so lucky that I get to call her my friend. I am in awe at her energy and stamina at juggling four kids under two and a half years old. She amazes me.

I love when they come over. I love the cuddles. I love the joy that they bring into our lives. I love that they have such cute little boys. I just adore them all.

After an evening with them, I feel uplifted and rejuvenated and ready for bed. Just kidding. I feel much more relaxed and love the joy they bring into our lives. They are definitely life long keepers. Great friends in life sure are the icing on the cake of a wonderful life.

Fun Run

Hayden participated in his school's fun run. He was great about getting pledges and determined to raise as much money as possible for his class. He had a goal of 26 laps and man alive he ran 27.

I am so proud of this boy of mine for setting a really hard goal and then pushing hard to not only meet it but exceed it.

It wasn't easy for him. It was a really hot day and he was miserably hot, thirsty, tired and had cramps. However, he persevered and pushed through the discomfort and kept going.

He and Gunter had a great time and cheered each other on.

I love that Hayden stuck to the goal he had and when he reached it, found the strength to do just a little more. Oh how I hope that this sticks with him in all that he does. If I can get him to reach his goals and stretch just a little more, he will move mountains. 

After a water jug was poured over his head he felt much better.

Goal accomplished. Refreshing water. Popsicle. Great friends. Half day of school. What a great day!

Boys boys and more boys

Saturday night the Weeks and Suzi's gang came over to hang out. Talmage was over and when he heard Rex was coming over, he refused to leave. He kept saying, "Rex is my friend. I want to play with him."

With boys ranging from 11, 10, 8, 3, 2 , 9 months and 4 months, our house was a zoo. Toy cars, motorcycles, blocks and tools covered he floor. With each passing moment, the noise decibels seemed to increase. The laughter was contagious. The air was exhilarating.

I loved sitting and talking with Sarah and cuddling with baby Ace and T.J. I loved that Rex tells me he loves me. I loved that Talmage came over while I was holding the babies and tried climbing on my lap. I asked what he was doing and he said, "I'm not a big boy anymore. I am a little baby. Wah. Wah. I am your baby boy. You need to put that baby down and hold YOUR baby boy. Me!"

I died laughing. Talmage usually wants to be big. He keeps up with the older ones just great. But, I guess Aunt Jer holding other babies was just not ok. I love that I am that important to him.

I loved watching Thomas and Jordan wrestle with all the boys on the ground. I love that when they wrestle, all the boys together gang up on the dads. I love hearing giggling and laughter in our home. I love hearing Hayden's cry of "Dad, Dad, I surrender." For Thomas to let go and stop tickling him and Hayden jumping right back in for more.

I love the smiles. I love the joy. I love having dear dear friends that feel welcome in our home and come to visit.

And I absolutely LOVE having cute little babies to hold and cuddle. I love when they smile up at me and their eyes sparkle. I love it all.

Who could resist any of these cute little faces. Too precious!

Clue night

The boys were having so much fun coming up with theories from their fire that we decided to carry the theme throughout the night.

The boys played Clue. Then apples to apples. While I made up clues for them to search for around the house. We had our own "Clue Treasure Hunt".

The clues were cheesy but the boys didn't care. They thought it was an amazing game and had a great time!

"I'm grey with white stripes and usually tied. I may even be a little stinky inside." To "Letters, a screen, and even a mouse. Look around and you'll find it in the house." And the boys favorite was, "there's a blanket on me but I'm not a bed. I'm leather. I'm brown. You can rest your head."

After the clue treasure hunt, we all watched the movie clue. Then closed out the night with some Psych episodes. It's easy to spot the clues when you've already seen the episodes. It made it that much more fun for the boys.

I had the best night. I love spending time listening to Hayden's laughter. I loved watching how my son thinks. I love seeing his face light up with happiness. I love that he has such great friends. I love that he is so amazing. I want to just soak each and every moment in.

All in all it was a perfect night!

Fire fighters

Hayden and his two buddies, Jackson and Gunter were jumping on the trampoline yesterday after school. They came running in yelling that they could see smoke and smelled fire in the wash. Luckily, Grandma Julie was over and headed out down the wash to explore the smell.

Of course the boys were not happy to stay back with me while Grandma searched for the fire. They convinced me to walk down the wash to let the find clues. Ok. Picture me is sweats and oversized t-shirt with slippers. Freezing cold. The boys started running down the trail and then were going to hike down into the wash. Hayden handed me a huge stick for a cane and held on to me while helping me down.

The bottom of the wash was all sandy. I was struggling to walk. (*note: I have not been out of the house in months except to the doctor. A walk to the bathroom causes me to struggle for breath.)

Sweet Hayden stayed back with me while his friends ran ahead. He was so tender as he held onto me and helped me take each step. It was such a tender moment.

Anyways, someone had put a chair in the wash, soaked in gasoline, and set it on fire. Luckily, not only did the boys see the smoke, but so did a couple of other kids who got their parents.

Grandma Julie and the other dads put out the fire. The boys loved standing back and helping to put out the remainder of the fire once it was almost out. They had all types of theories and they all stood their pretending they were Shawn and Gus on Psych. Too funny!

After the excitement we headed back up the wash and home. My heart monitor was going crazy by the time I got home. Too funny! I collapsed on the couch and listened to the boys with all their theories and excitement and adrenaline. They were so happy!

Even though I was exhausted, it felt so good to feel like me again. Me, the mom that loved going on Hayden's adventures. Me, the mom that would follow Hayden to the moon and back. Me, the mom that could care a less about how things effect me but only care about the happiness of my son. I felt like me. Exhausted, struggling to breathe, worn out but happy happy me.

I love my son! I love him with all of my heart! I would walk to the ends of the earth and back for him! He is all of my dreams come true! I wanted to be a mom from the time I could walk and talk. The day Hayden was born, he fulfilled that dream. Every day since has brought more and more and more joy! Hayden, thanks for all of the love and joy you have brought to my life. Never forget how very much I love you!!!