Thursday, May 22, 2008

GrOwInG uP!

Next Friday is Jackson's last day of Kindergarten. In August he will start 1st grade at Wasatch. He'll be going to school with the 6th graders, now those are some big kids. We took him out for some Kindergarten graduation pictures, these are some of our favorites...



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I love that he chose to wear his "parts of a frog" shirt,
it really shows who he is!


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I think this is my personal favorite! He is so photogenic.


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This is right after he caught a butterfly (which is clasped in his hand)
The smile says it all!


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SnIpS and sNaIlS and pUpPy dog TaIlS.

That's what little BoYs are made of.


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Jackson, you are a joy to be around. I can't believe how big you're getting.
I am so proud of the choices that you make every day! Your laughter is infectious, your smile brightens the day of everyone around you, and you always have such kind things to say! I look forward to each new day with you. Dad and I feel honored to be your parents!





Tuesday, May 20, 2008

It has taken me a while to post this, but Ella rolled over last Wednesday! Jackson and Chloe thought it was so fun! They kept making her do it over and over and when she'd roll they would clap and cheer. Ella just kindof looked at us like "what's the big deal?!" She can only go one way, but I bet if we give her a week or two she'll be rolling from the front door to the kitchen and back in no time! Way to go baby Ella!

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Wednesday, May 14, 2008

MoThEr'S dAy!

Being a mom for me is one of the greatest blessings in my life! I LOVE it! I love each new day with my kids and Parker, they are always filled with new adventures, laughter, and lots of learning. I am just hoping that Jackson, Chloe, and Ella are learning as much from me as I am from them. I enjoy watching my kids play with each other and the sound of their laughter is the greatest sound on earth. I love to surprise them with new things, places to go, favorite meals, vacations, anything .... their reactions and their joy is deeply fulfilling. I love playing with my children and have found that it's most fun when everyone gets in on the action, the memories that we make will last forever and help us to become closer with one another. I am thankful that the gospel is the center of our home, its teachings and principals are priceless in our day to day life and the lessons that we teach our children.

I love my Mom so much!!! I have learned so much from her example as well as from the things she taught me. She has always supported me and pushed me to be the best that I can be. She never told me I couldn't do something, instead she stood by my side and encouraged me to try harder. She has so many beautiful talents and she still takes the time to teach me the wonderful things she has worked hard to learn. She is very creative and fun to be with. I love that she has an amazing relationship with my kids and that they have a love for her. I can hardly go a day without talking to her.

I am also grateful that I have the greatest mother-in-law ever! I know that I hit the jackpot when I married Parker. Syndee has always treated me like a daughter and I have a deep love for her! She always has great advice and is easy to talk to. I love taking my kids and staying with her, (they love it too!!!) it's relaxing and always FUN! I also love it when she comes to stay with us. She is another wonderful example to me and I have learned so much from her. I have learned many new things from her list of talents and amazing qualities! My kids have a strong relationship and love for Grandma Kemp.

There are so many women and mother's in my life that have been such amazing examples to me and I am thankful to ALL of them. I learn new things everyday as I am striving to be the best mom to my beautiful children. This really is the greatest, most challenging and most rewarding calling that I will ever have in my life, and I am loving every minute of it!!!


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On Mother's day we got to talk to my brother David who is serving a mission in Baton Rouge Louisianna, and then went up to Salt Lake for a family dinner at my Aunt Erin and Uncle John's. This is a picture of almost all of my Mom's side of the family.

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I LoVe YoU PaRkEr!!!

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All the Mom's! Aunt Heather, My Mom, Me

Aunt Erin, Grammy, and Aunt Lyssa!

Friday, May 9, 2008

eLLa'S bLeSsInG!

On Sunday, May 4th Parker blessed Ella. It was such an amazing day! We had so much support from Family and Friends, the weather was beautiful and the spirit was strong. Most of our family members had driven down from Salt Lake and all had made it on time for our 9:00 meeting, now that's love! The blessing was beautiful and we had been looking forward to it for a long time. Ella looked beautiful, my Mom spent many hours making her blessing gown and I am thankful for her (she has made one for each of my kids!) We had a luncheon at our home after and it was fun to visit with everyone. We were tierd when it was over but it was a perfect day!


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Parker's Parents, Larry and Syndee
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OuR BeAuTiFuL BaBy!
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My Mom, Nana Jackson, Grammy Turley, Me, and baby Ella
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Isn't her dress BeAuTiFuL?!
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My Dad, Mom, Parker, Ella and Me, Megan and Matt
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Oh, you are so sweet

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Thanks to everyone who came!

Sunday, May 4, 2008

OuR BiRtHdAy BoY!!!

Jackson turned 7 on Friday, May 2nd. I can't believe how fast time has gone by! I look at Ella and I feel that it wasn't very long ago when I was holding Jackson as a tiny baby. I just keep thinking around this time next year we'll be planning his baptism. Now that kind of scares me. He'll also be starting 1st grade this fall and be going to school all day, I know a lot of mom's out there look forward to that, but I'm dreading it. Jackson has been my little buddy, my big helper and I'm going to cry when he goes to school for the entire day. We'll just have to plan more fun stuff for when he's home :)


On Friday we made birthday breakfast and then ice cream cone cupcakes for Jackson's class, they were a big hit. Parker had to work and so I took the kids to Chuck-E-Cheese ~ Jackson's choice! He got a birthday hat to wear at school that he refused to take off all day, so he also wore it to Chuck-E-Cheese. I was glad that he did because a lot of people wished him happy birthday and it helped make his day more special. Saturday we took him to pick out his present ~ a new bike! He loved doing that. Then we met Grandpa and Grandma Kemp, Jenny and kids, and Annie at the park for a picnic. Jackson chose to have "greasy chicken" (KFC) and we played frisbee and opened more presents... dirt bike riding boots, chest protector, clothes, bug catcher, and magnet set! After we headed to Grandpa and Grandma's hotel for some swimming!!!! That night we went to Magleby's for dinner.


Today we blessed Ella (pictures and info to come soon) and we celebrated with Grandpa and Grammy Jackson... snow cone maker, rollerblades, clothes, and cuddle bug die cut machine to add to the list. Wow, this kid is loved! He has loved this weekend and I am thankful to everyone who helped make it so special. These moments really are priceless and the memories that we make will last forever. Time does go by too fast, but I'm thankful that I have this time to be with the ones that I love! Jackson... Happy 7th Birthday sweet boy!

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Friday, May 2, 2008

GiGgLe

Last night Ella had her first laugh! It was a magical sound! She just started belly laughing, I was taken back at first but when I relized what she was doing I started laughing too. I wanted to call everyone I know and tell them. I'm amazed that I still get so excited as my kids experience "firsts"! I can't believe how fast my baby is growing!

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