JADE!! (take #2)

2nd Post - AFTER Jacque has done her editing. 

I was so excited to post these pictures, I didn't let Jacque work her magic! 

Enjoy!!

How this little munchkin is growing!!  After many attempts, Jade had some new pictures taken.  I was only going to post my favorites.  I counted and there were over 25 that I absolutely loved.  I cannot believe how expressive this little one is!!  It fits the great big personality squeezed into this beautiful little body!

Now...THAT should bring a smile to your face!!

Summer Happenin's

School is out.  Summer has officially begun.  Project lists are being checked and our schedules are already being filled with "all the things we didn't do during the school year".  We are positive in the productivity we are anticipating!  Among some of the things we have done include helping Jacque to move into her cute little home with new room-mates.  We ordered her a bed, but it took a while to be shipped.  When it came in, she enlisted the help of some of her friends and within the night (not saying how LONG it took!), Jacque had a nice little bed to call her own!!

We also found out that Jade loves Chocolate ice-cream.....right along with Aly!!

College Graduate

We have another College Graduate!!  We are so proud of Jacque.  She has worked hard to accomplish this childhood goal and graduated with honors!  We left bright and early for the Phoenix Convention Center.

We didn't have to wait in our seats too long.  The ceremony was a tad long, but with the complete Nursing college, it was to be expected.

Afterwards celebrated at one of Jacque's favorite places to eat - Costa Vida.  Then she went to work cooking some yummy tasting treats for her closest friends and family.  She started this at 4:00 and in two hours, with the help of Aly, Savannah, Jenny, and myself, put together a delicious spread!  I could have never, ever done that!

This included Italian stacked sandwiches, artichoke dip, strawberry cake and mini prosciutto pizzas. 

It was very, very good!!

We are so blessed to have such great support from our family.  Jacque's closest friends and her family came over to help her celebrate this great day with her.

Cassidy and Marcus

Brooke

I had some time to reflect while watching this daughter accomplish this dream.  I can't think of a time when Jacque didn't want to be a nurse.  Yes, she still has the boards to take, but that is just one more step, another "risk", another dream, another accomplishment.

The rest of us all finished our finals as well this week.  Aly finished her first semester with straight "A's" and I was lucky to continue my streak with good grades.  Each semester brings new challenges and we take the risk as we meet those challenges.  My communications teacher left us with this thought and I loved it:

　

To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.

To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.

To reach out for another is to risk involvement.

To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self.

To place your ideas, your dreams, before a crowd, is to risk their loss.

To love is to risk not being loved in return.

To live is to risk dying. To hope is to risk despair.

To try is to risk failure, but risks must be taken.

Because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.

The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing and is nothing.

One may avoid suffering and sorrow,

but simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, hug.

Chained by certitudes, one is a slave.

One has forfeited freedom.

Only a person who risks is truly free.

Risks, like dreams can be slippery.  But dreams are made out of hope.  Hope gives our life direction.  With dreams and hope...and a little hard work....we can accomplish anything.

It's been another great day!

Congrats to our beautiful daughter - Jacque!!!

Graduation Begins

We are getting ready to celebrate our 2nd college graduation. Thought I would post the announcement with more information to come for those who might not be able to celebrate with us.

I am sure there will be plenty of activities and pictures to follow!!

Happy Mother's Day

Mother's Day is always such a fun, wonderful day.  I think it is because I have been blessed with two Moms - whose example and love have helped me to become the Mom I am today.

Brad's mom...aka "Grandma" is one of the best people I know.  Her warmth and love are felt by everyone.  I love this lady with all my heart and feel blessed to have her influence in my life and the lives of our children.  Words cannot express the appreciation I have for this wonderful Mom.  Her life is filled with service for others and she is a great example of unconditional love for all!

My Mom has always been my best friend.  She has loved me, taught me, had faith in me, encouraged me, and brought so much joy into my life.  Because of her example, I try to be the same type of Mom to my own kids.  Celebrating Mother's Day on Sunday evening is always a treat.  It always includes a few presents, a treat of "GOX" (a child-hood treat only found around Mother's Day), and very, very SERIOUS pictures!

My own Mother's Day was nearly perfect.  My family tries so hard to give me a day of rest and wonderful memories.  Aaron and Savannah were in Pima making Grandma's day a little special and spent the evening skirting a fire that delayed their return.  Jenny, Tyler, Jade, Aly, and Jacque made a wonderful brunch (yes, Tyler can cook bacon!) and we had a beautiful morning.  I'm so grateful that my kids know exactly what to get me!  How I love nativity sets...any time of the year!!

 This last gift is really a Pogo Stick.  "What you ask?  It looks like a panini press to me!"  Well, with Jacque moving out this coming week, we are losing our panini press.  It is her very own.  Since we use this little gem quite frequently, the family decided "I" needed my very own.  Why do we call it a Pogo Stick?  When the kids were very young, we listened to a lot of kids songs.  One was about a little boy who bought his mom a pogo stick for her birthday.  I wish I had the lyrics to that song!  It sure brings back alot of memories!!

We went to the single's ward where Jacque spoke about Mothers.  I think she has talked on Mother's Day 3 different times now.  I love hearing her speak and watching her grow into such a beautiful young woman.  Spending time with my family is really the best type of Mother's Day.  I know that the Moms in my life have had a profound influence on me and I can only hope that I can have an influence for good on my children as well.  Jacque ended her talk with this quote that touched my heart in many ways:
"There is no greater good in all the world than motherhood.  The influence of a mother in the lives of her children is beyond calculation". - James. E. Faust