Kaylee's baptism

What an incredible day! I was able to attend the baptism of my niece, Kaylee. She looked so beautiful dressed all in white. She was absolutely glowing!



Before the baptism, Kaylee, Katelyn and Kiley, sang "I am a child of God". As I looked up and saw my three sweet nieces singing, I was choked up by how strong the Spirit was. I am so proud of them and the choices they are making. Kaylee has been such a great influence on those around her.


As Kaylee entered the waters of baptism today, it took me back to the day I was baptized. I was only eight years old, but I remember the day like it was yesterday; my dress, the songs sung, the people in attendance and the family party afterwards. Most of all, I remember how I felt. I knew at that time that church was true. I had an assurity that I was a daughter of God and that my Father in Heaven loved me. I knew those precious gospel truths at eight years old, and had those same truths reaffirmed to me today.

As I look back over my life, I cannot express what comfort and joy that the gospel has brought to me. Each day I am reminded of the simple truths that God lives and loves us. I am grateful for my testimony and the Lord's guidance in my life. Days like today help me to stop and reflect on what is most important.

I am excited for Kaylee and her willingness to commit to follow our Savior and am excited to see all of the great things the Lord has in store for her.


Brooklyn (4 - Jodi's) Kiley (5 - Jake's) Kaylee (8 - Jake's) Katelyn (almost 7 - Jake's) Brigham (21 months - Jodi's) & Hayden(6)

My little missionary

I picked Hayden up from school yesterday and this conversation begins... "Mom, my friend's mom came and told me that the bad word he is saying isn't really bad and for me to quit telling him it is." Okay, Hayden, some mom's have different rules, if his mom says it is okay, then you don't say it, but don't tell him it is bad. "But, mom, it is a really bad word and he shouldn't be saying it." Well, Hayden, some people have different rules and different standards.... "Mom, what if we have his mom come over and you can teach her the right way, maybe she just doesn't know?" As I am thinking of what to say and he cuts in with, "I have a great idea mom! Why don't you get the Book of Mormon, circle the part where Jesus says we shouldn't say ______ and we can give it to _____'s mom. That's a great idea, isn't it?".

How do I say no to that?
So, my next step... getting the courage to give his buddy's mom a copy of the Book of Mormon. How else do I teach Hayden to stand up for his beliefs and to be a missionary? Any ideas?

I'm the Luckiest Girl

I had to be up at 4:30am this morning to take Suzi to the hospital. Thomas woke me up and I got ready. When I walked out into the kitchen, Thomas was making me breakfast. Yes, at 4:30am, my sweet husband was up making me breakfast and what is even more amazing, is that it didn't really surprise me. I am very grateful, but Thomas is a great guy and does wonderful and nice things for me every day. I don't tell him often enough what a great catch he is. Thomas is a mellow, get along with everyone kind of guy. He always finds the good in people and genuinely finds the positive in life. There isn't a day that goes by that he doesn't show me he loves me. He does so many little things, like checking the car and if it is getting low on gas, he just goes and fills it up. He gives me nightly foot rubs and millions of more little things to show me he loves me. I am so grateful for him, and all of the wonderful things he does for me, Hayden and anyone else that needs him. I am definitely the luckiest girl to be his wife.

Spiderman Room

Hayden has been begging for a Spiderman room ever since Grandpa and Grandma Bonnie gave him this huge Spiderman for Christmas. Thomas anchored it to the ceiling. Hayden sure adores his room.





My intention is to get pictures of Hayden dressed as spiderman and pictures we took with him and Spiderman at Universal Studios, and put them all over the web. It is on the list of projects to be done.



Jodi made me this incredible storyboard for Christmas. I love how she captured the relationship between Hayden and Thomas. Hayden thinks his dad is a superhero. I love looking at this picture. I sit in Hayden's room, after he is asleep, and love all the wonderful memories and emotions that this storyboard brings. I absolutely cherish the relationship that Thomas and Hayden have. I hope they are always as close as they are now.

Dolly Steamboat

All the Simonton's and Bair's went on the Dolly Steamboat at Canyon Lake to celebrate my step brother Brian and his wife Alyssa getting married. We had a great time on the dinner cruise. We all sat around and talked and laughed. It was a lot of fun and the views were amazing. Thomas enjoyed taking pictures, while I just enjoyed being with everyone.



Jodi Davis, Jodi Lewis and me. We had such a wonderful and relaxing evening with all adults and no kids. So what do we talk about??? Our kids, of course!

You're a Star

Our ward had a primary activity day where the children choose one of their talents and performed for everyone. Hayden sang the Spiderman song. He ran up to the microphone, sang he heart out and ran back to me. I was so amazed that he got up there and sang his song. He did a great job. He keeps telling me he wants to be on stage. I guess it is time to put him in drama classes.

Toothless Grin

Hayden lost both of his front teeth this week. He looks so different. He is growing up way too fast.




In order to get a real smile, I had to pin him down and tickle him. He gets so annoyed at me taking pictures of him.