Alpine Mountains

It's not until I moved away from Utah that I realized how beautiful it is. While we were visiting this summer, Kevin and Angie took us on a fun hike through the trails of Alpine, just outside of the canyon. The kids were in heaven. I am convinced that being in nature is completely therapeutic.

Golden Anniversary

I've been married for almost 11 years- that is a long time. I've been alive for 33- that is a long time, but it is but a fraction of the 50 years my parents have been married this year. It was an honor to be able to go to Utah and celebrate with them back at the place it all began. The Salt Lake City Temple. We had a beautiful luncheon at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, with views of the temple where my parents were sealed together for not only time, but for all of eternity. Congratulations to the most loving, devoted, dedicated and selfless couples I have the privilege of calling mom and dad. Happy 50th Anniversary!!!

Everything was just perfect. Almost everything. My only regret is that we didn't get a picture of just my parents with their children and their children's spouses! What were we thinking?

Guests were greeting at the door to pick up a memory card. During the luncheon, they were instructed to write down a memory they have had with John and Brenda.

After lunch was served, each guest came up and told their memory to my parents and then hung it on the memory tree for my parents to keep the cards as a tribute to the memories together.

Skyler and Cannon

While we were in Utah last month we were lucky enough to meet up with a very special family. I have met Skyler's family before but this was Kent's first chance. We are so thankful for the friendship we have with the McCracken's. They, too, have a son with Menkes disease. Skyler and Cannon are only a few months apart in age and it helps to have someone to talk to regarding our little boys. Don't be confused- we have switched babies for this picture.

Kent gets to hold another little boy with Menkes for the first time. We just love little Skyler!
He is so happy and smiles a lot- he just melts your heart!!

Here, Skyler's family is loving on Cannon. So cute!
Best Friends Forever (along with the rest of the Menkes boys)!

Thank you for driving to Salt Lake to meet with us. We look forward to the next visit!

Back to School Feast

I can't think of a better way to spend the last night of summer than having a "Back to School Feast" and a friendly game of dodgeball. It has to be said that Brittany is one of the BEST cooks and she made the most delicious dinner!

Cannon wasn't feeling good so grandpa and grandma stayed home with him.

Get better little Bubba!

After feasting and playing, Brittany was inspired to have us continue the night with our own individual Family Home Evening lessons to present our "Family Theme" for the year to our children. Kent and I chose to use Put on the Full Armor of God from Ephesians 6:11.

It was fun to draw the comparison of Ethan's football helmet, pads, etc. We discussed that they will hear and see things aren't always going to be good and by putting on the armor of God they can feel protected and have the strength to stand firm in their beliefs and continue to try to make the right choices. As tradition, after the lesson, Kent gave Ethan and Ella a Father's blessing to give them comfort and guidance as they begin a new school year. I feel so blessed to have friends that inspire me to be a better wife and mother. I am lucky to have a husband that honors his Priesthood on behalf of my family. I love my children so much and I am excited to see them learn and grow this year.

Happy 1/2 Birthday!

One and half years ago~

(When you look at my HUGE face, remember that I had just given birth, thank you very much).

Today~ Cannon's 1 1/2 birthday~

Grandpa and Grandma were there on the day of his birth

and we were lucky enough to have them again today!

Each of the kids got their own wish to "send to heaven" as Ella says.

She also said she can't wait to get to heaven

and see the wish lanterns again someday. Funny girl.

One and a half sparkling candles for one and half years of a little extra sparkle that Cannon brings to our family. I take it back- a LOT of extra sparkle. We love you Cannon, you truly are a light in our lives and we watching you shine!

Looking Menkes in the Eye

A wonderful friend made this precious picture for our family. When I first saw this, it gave me the chills. It speaks right to my heart.

Ella's First Roadtrip!

My baby girl left on her first road trip last Sunday. My sister, Camille, took her down to Utah to stay at Grandma's house. It has been very quiet without our little Miss Ella. It was a perfect week for her to go have some extra time with her cousins and have some one-on-one time with Grandma. Cannon has been especially miserable this week so it was nice that I didn't have Ella to keep up with also. We have missed her and we are starting our trip to Utah tonight and will reunite with this cutie tomorrow! We love you Ella and are so proud of the big girl you are!

Going... going.....Basically Gone!

Yes, I did stand out in the road in my pajamas taking pictures of the car driving away. Kent was wearing our bedspread as he waved them off so I figured I wasn't the biggest loser out there.

Weakness

The Lord GAVE me weaknesses? Not only do I have them, but was GIVEN them by the Lord? At first I don't understand. I look at Cannon and see him struggle to breathe in his sleep, his most "peaceful" state, and I am sure I am not strong enough to do this. I see other kids his age and I notice things I never did before. Sure, the obvious- walking, babbling, playing, and throwing tantrums but I am talking about cognitive thinking, figuring out, exploring, making sense of action and reaction. I know my Bubby is perfect and I am humbled to be his mom- it is that which leads me to say that I am not strong enough. Cannon is the most purest person I have had the privilege of knowing. He is my true north- my constant. How are you supposed to watch the most sacrificing person suffer? I am embarrassed to put this in writing, but I want to be real. I am okay and I am not about to go crazy (today), I just want my children to know who I am and how I made it (for better or worse) through my trials and blessings. I feel ungrateful by having these thoughts, but there they are- my ugly thoughts. Now that I have said that, I cannot stop writing without adding that I do know we are GIVEN weaknesses for a reason, to become STRONG. Whether I like it or not I am weak, I am broken, I am tired but because of that I am growing, I am strengthening (some days better than others) and I am become more alert to the meaning of this life and the struggles we are given. I am aware and thankful of the blessings and strengths I have been given to help me overcome my trials and weaknesses. I am grateful for the love and support I have from so many. I am thankful for the comfort of the Holy Ghost to give me the courage to move forward in faith. There is so much more swirling around in my mind but the "peaceful" state has passed and Cannon is needing me.

4th of July

In the picturesque setting of the Weaver's backyard sandwiched between the smell of freshly cut mint and chicken on the grill, it was hard to tell if the smells, the sounds, or the sights were my favorite part of this American Holiday. The kids had a ball running around the yard as the adults sat comfortably in the shade under the large back porch. The food was beyond delicious and yet it paled in comparison to the company around the table. My heart is full because of the freedoms we are so honored to have, my heart is humbled by the men and women who leave their families and fight so bravely to protect our country and my heart is exploding with the love I have for those I hold dear. Happy Fourth of July!!!

The gracious hosts~
After dinner, we met our church family at the Sunnyside Pool for swimming before going to the church parking lot to watch the city fireworks. Perfect ending to a perfect day.