She's Sombodies Hero

I know that sometimes Motherhood is a thankless job. Mothers get up early, get their kids up and run like crazy people all day trying to get their kids from one place to the next. Constantly thinking about what they will make their family for dinner that night. Then it's time for baths, brushing teeth, a bedtime story or a song and then everyone is off to sleep. The Mothers job still isn't done as she prepares herself for the following days activities. Finally it is time for Mom to go to bed to get a full 6-8 hours of sleep; providing no one is up during the middle of the night due to a bad dream or illness. The next morning the Mother starts all over again.
My Mom, Kathy, did all of that and worked at the same time. When I look back on it, I don't know how she did it for all four of us. So today I would like to take this opportunity to say, "THANK YOU!" I know that I wasn't an "easy" child to raise but, you did it. I foolishly thought that when I moved out your job was over. Yet, I have learned my most valuable lessons from you once I became a Mother. I heard Dr. Phil say the other day, "A Mother never gives up on their child; no matter how bad it gets." When I heard that all I could think about was you and the example you are to me. You are a Mother to more than just Ian, Alan, Holly and myself; you are a Mother to the kids at your school. You are able to see the good in them; even when you really have to look hard, you find it. I realize all the sacrifices you made while we grew up. You always dreamed of going to college but, you put that dream aside to raise us. You helped me realize that it is never to late to go back to school. You showed me that it is okay to just be Jamie. People don't always need to think of me as Jason's wife or Joey and Jacob's mom; as long as I don't forget that I do hold both of those titles. Thank you Mom for helping me be a strong woman and for all the advice along this path called Motherhood. You are my Hero!!!!!
Happy Mother's Day!!!!!!!

Spotlighting Lauryn

Lauryn is my brother Alan and Kristen's first child.
She is 5 years old.
Her favorite colors are Pink and Brown.
Her favorite song is Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.
Lauryn isn't sure what she wants to be when she grows up.
Her favorite foods are hamburgers and corn.
She says that she doesn't have a least favorite food because she likes a bunch of different things.
Lauryn's favorite activity is making crafts.
Her favorite toy is her For Real Kitty that Grandma bought her for her birthday.
She likes to drive around in the car with her Mom.
She likes to stay home with her Dad.
She likes to play with her little sisters, Madalyn and Kamryn.
Something that make Lauryn happy is when her sisters are nice to her.

I love to watch Lauryn smile her eyes light up and you can see how full of life she is. She let's her light shine through her actions and words. She has a huge vocabulary and can use it correctly. She is full of questions and is always willing to comfort someone who needs it. She sees the good in people and in the situations that happen in life. Her little laugh is contagious. Oh yea this girl can dance. She loves music and its like she can't help herself when she hears it she has to sing and move her body. She also has a very good imagination. When we are in Utah we always get an after dinner show from her, Hannah and Haley. This girl is defiantly a girly girl. She loves to wear dresses. One thing I love to see is when see catches a glimpse of herself in the mirror, she smiles and fixes her hair, I love that she is happy with who she is. After all she is perfect in every way.

Happy Birthday Dad!!

Happy Birthday Dad!! It has only been a little more than a month since you left this earth but, it feels like forever. Thank you Dad for always believing in me; even when I didn't believe in myself. You have always been my biggest cheerleader, coach, friend and hero. I often pick up the phone to tell you something funny Joseph and Jacob have said or to ask your advice; only to realize that I can't. Although, I do call the house, a lot, just to hear your voice on the message. I do find solace in the fact that you are no longer suffering. Carter also reminded me that you are not alone; Olivia is with you and now that you are in heaven she won't be alone any longer. I KNOW that you will forever be with me in my heart!! I feel you with me everyday especially when I see a beautiful sunrise or sunset or watch my boys smile and laugh. Last night I watched the lightening dance across the sky and remembered all the times we would watch in awe together. I felt peaceful like you were sitting next to me. Everytime I have felt all alone I hear a song that reminds me of you. I take the words to songs and change them to make myself feel better like in the song Rosanna I say "Oh Jamie," cause I remember you singing it to me that way. I know it's stale but, it makes me feel closer to you. Today I heard this song and felt like you were telling me everything was going to be okay. It will be okay in time but, for now the silly little things are getting us all through this.

I Believe
Every now and then soft as breath upon my skin
I feel you come back again
And its like you haven't been gone a moment from my side
Like the tears were never cried
Like the hands of time are holding you and me
And with all my heart I'm sure were closer than we ever were
I don't have to hear or see, Ive got all the proof I need
There are more than angels watching over me
I believe, I believe

That when you die your life goes on
It doesn't end here when you re gone
Every soul is filled with light
It never ends and if I'm right
Our love can even reach across eternity
I believe, I believe

Forever, you're a part of me
Forever, in the heart of me
And I'll hold you even longer if I can
The people who don't see the most
Say that I believe in ghosts
And if that makes me crazy, then I am
cause I believe

There are more than angels watching over me
I believe, I believe
Every now and then soft as breath upon my skin
I feel you come back again I believe

I LOVE YOU DAD!!!

Whale Watching!!

My whole life I have wanted to see whales in the wild. This year Jason bought us a three hour tour of whale watching. It was so rough once we left Avila Bay that Joey stood at the front of the boat sopping wet and holding Ashley's hand nearly the entire time. We did see Risso whales but, no California Grey Whales. Oh well maybe next time. While we were there I realized only one year until I graduate and we can actually think about moving to the beach YEAH!!! I can't wait. I hope that I didn't bore you all with too many pictures and stories but WE HAD A BLAST!!!

New Years 2009!!!

Our friends Randy, Kim, Ashley, Shane, Gracie and Dizzy came down to Pismo (actually we stay in Oceano Dunes, CA.)on New Years Eve. We had the best time. I realize that some o the shadow pictures are dark on this slideshow. But, when I print them they are outstanding!!! I am blowing up the shadow picture of the boys I LOVE IT!!!! They were doing my favorite past time sand dollar hunting!!! We had the best time and are so happy they came down to end 2008 and bring in 2009 with us!!

My 33rd Birthday!!

This will be one of my most memorable birthdays ever!! We went to Pismo and saw the most amazing thing; the Monarch Butterflies during their migration. You have to look close in some of these pictures. While we were there I said, "They almost look placed in the trees. They look so perfect!" Trust me they aren't glued in spot. In fact, you have to walk slowly because they are every where and you can't step on, touch, or pick them up (not even the dead ones). The birds don't eat them because they eat milkweed which is toxic to the birds (smart little fella's). This was so beautiful and spectacular. After we went to my most favorite place to eat the Splash Cafe. They have the best clam chowder, steamed oysters, fish and chips and every kind of seafood you can imagine. That's why the line is always out the door, around the corner and down the block. Pismo is known for their famous clams so it wouldn't be complete without the chowder. I love it here!!!!