My Boy

I have to admit that when I started having kids I really didn't care if I ever had a boy. Boys seemed unruly, smelly, and obnoxious. When I found out my second was a boy, I cringed a little bit. I figured I'd learn to love him. Then when Hunter was born I fell in love....more than I could have imagined. I don't know what it is about my Hunter but we have a special bond. I've really had a hard time letting him go off to kindergarten looking so grown-up (it doesn't help that he is sooooo tall!). I told him I was going to be sad and he said, "Mom, I'll always be your baby." On thursday, he marched with confidence into kindergarten for the first time . Then he looked back and started blowing me kisses.....I thought my heart would burst. I couldn't have guessed 5 years ago I'd have such a bond and a love for my BOY.
Showing his tricks on the way to school. Lining up to go inside. Throwing me kisses!

Saying goodbye to my hero

Lunch at the Grill Room for Grandma's birthday: August 1, 2008So my grandma Remund passed away on monday. She was 92 and a wonderful example to me. I grew up next door to her so she was a big part of my life. I'm so happy they moved her to the assisted living down the street from my house in March. My kids also enjoyed building a relationship with her. Here are some reasons why she was my hero:

She got a college education (back when few women went to college)
She went on a mission at 19 (back when few women went on missions, one reason she was allowed to go at 19)
She served 5 more missions with my grandpa
She made me feel important, special, loved and appreciated
She loved to travel all over the world
She looked for opportunities to serve others
She studied the gospel and was my gospel dictionary
She endured to the end

I will never forget our time together. She had a porch swing that we would sit on for hours talking and enjoying each other. I will miss her but I'm glad she can be with her loved ones again. Her mom died when she was 11 and she missed her so much. What a happy reunion that must be!

Love you Grandma

Is there a tooth fairy?

So the question Savannah has been asking for the past few months "Is there a tooth fairy" was put to the test last night. When I went to check on the kids before I went to bed, I could see my old jewelry sack around Savannah's wrist. It was really tight and there was a tooth in it. I asked Savannah the next morning "What was the deal with that sack around your wrist?" Savannah said for the tooth fairy to remove the tooth, he/she would have to get the sack free, causing her to wake up. That way she could see if there was a fairy or if it was just her parents. Well, low and behold, the toothfairy somehow got the sack off her wrist, took the tooth, and filled it with money. I guess Savannah's question has been answered!

Savannah's Special Baptism Day!

I can't believe my little girl is 8! She looked so beautiful today in her white dress (Powell looked pretty hot in his suit also!). The baptism and confirmation were just perfect. I told her last night to get ready for her baptism. She packed her bag and then went to read her scriptures before she went to bed. She is such a great example to our family. Here are some of the things I love about Savannah:

She always forgives others
She is good at the piano
She is artistic
She is a good student and loves to read
She has the most beautiful dark brown eyes
She is my helper with Brinley
She makes good choices and is sad when her friends don't

Thank you to everyone who came and supported us, brought food, and gave Savannah such nice gifts. We love you!

Cousins, Cousins, and more Cousins!

We've had so much fun hanging out with our cousins from both sides of the family the past few weeks. It's kept us really busy but it's been great.

We saw our Jessop cousins who were staying in Midway this past week. Hunter and Savannah had a great time with the four boys. This is Ben and Nathan with Hunter in the middle.This is Craig Horrocks (one of our Jessop cousins) with Nathan Jessop.
We had a blast at our Van Wagoner family reunion this year. It was last weekend. Our theme was a mexican fiesta. Hunter and Savannah each had 3-4 kids their same age, which made it really fun. This is a picture of all of us on the hayride. My dad took us up Memorial Hill.
Look at Senorita Ali. Doesn't she look amazing?
The last day we floated the canal in valley hills. This is Tammy with Abby.