Weston's Preschool Graduation

So the pictures came up backwards and I didn't switch them...oh well. Here is little Weston after he recieves his graduation present: Lego Batman for the Wii...he was so excited. Here he is with his teacher Ms. Jen. He learned so much this year thanks to her...she really worked well with all of his energy and such.

Weston was so much fun to watch in the program. They did song and activites throughout. Here are some of the faces he made during a fun song.

Weston got to "read" the word "d.i.d" in front of everyone...he was so PROUD of himself.

Jake and I are so proud of him too and cannot believe he will be in kindergarten next year. Praying for a GREAT teacher to love him and help him learn to read and behave. We have seen him improve so much this year...he really is ready, just don't know if I am.

Soccer Days

We just got back from Weston's last soccer game of the season. He has been a BLAST to watch this year. He has always been an awesome defender...but now he is even scoring goals at most of the games. Their team was undefeated...( although we aren't supposed to keep score.) I was so proud to watch him play. I love seeing how he passes, defends, scores and just plays with a great attitude and spunk. He never lost his temper or had a fit...love him. Jake was the coach again because they didn't have a coach when the season started. I appreciate him as a Dad. It was hard for him to always get here for practices and such, but he was awesome and the kids really learned a lot and improved. I think we scored 10 points in our last game and the other team...zero. Sorry...I always keep score!!! :)

Gotta love the Trophy!

Field Day at Pathway

Aubrey had her Field day this friday. I wasn't going to go, because I didn't want to take Spencer and Weston...however, last minutes I just put them in the stroller and walked to the park. I am so glad that I went. I got to see Aubrey with all of her friends running races, hula hoops and more. I was just so impressed to see her coming out of her shell. She has one friend in particular....her "BFF" or "BSF" (ie. best sister forever) as Aubrey likes to call her...Naomi! Anyway, I love how outgoing Naomi is and kind she is to Aubrey. When I see them together my heart is full because I see that the Lord see fit to bless us even when we are six to have a friends that enrich our lives. Aubrey needed a friend who was sweet but sassy all in one. I wonder if other mothers are ever grateful for their kids friends....probably.

Anyway, Weston was worried he would be stuck in the stroller the whole time...but Miss Merrit said he could get out and play with the other students. He loved it! In fact, he keeps reminding me he starts Kindergarten next fall and that he is going to a REAL school, like his big sister. Aubrey was nice to him and he was the fasted kid on one relay race. He just tries so hard, you have to love him for that.

Traci Doll!

Here I am with my youngest and most wonderful little sister! I can't believe how grown up she is. I haven't seen Traci since last summer and she has changed so much. I have always loved to talk to Traci...she is the best listener. Even back when she was so young I told her about all my boyfriends and the drama in my life. She was only like 10 I think when I got married and was the biggest fan of Jake. Poor thing is 12 years younger than me and heard about everything. Now she is in beauty school and living her own drama! Yeah for growing up...yeah for my absolutely HUGE family so I could have one more "best sister in the world!" Thanks for being my friend and always being so much fun to be around. Love you girl!!! By the way...Traci Doll visited this last week and we had a blast. I felt 16 again and I needed that. (Those who may of noticed...Yes I did dye my hair...not sure what I think about it yet....)

Recital Spring 2010

So the Spring Recital was last weekend. It went super great! I was so pleased with how all the students performed...especially my own sweet kids! Aubrey never misses a beat and Weston is such a ham he was just born to be on stage. I had such nerves all morning. I really didn't know if I could handle it! I just get so nervous and jittery about stuff like this. I have had many a performance where I completely let myself down and let my nerves get the best of me. Anyway, the best part about this group is I wasn't the one performing and the kids didn't let me down. They did it...and did it wonderful!!!

Here we are with Miss Tracy at the end. This is the whole gang .( Minus one...who forgot:)

Some close ups. It is so hard with indoor lighting to ever get a good shot.

I thought this would be cool...but it turned out cheesy, but Aubrey will like it. I love her smile.

Afterwards Jake took us to Pei Wei to celebrate. He is the best! The kids love the noodles and I love to eat. I am so proud of my kids and myself for this. It has been a great experience and I am excited to do it again next fall. I want to get some of the video to upload so you can see it for yourselves. I love singing and music is just such a huge part of who I am. I feel blessed to have children that have shown an interest and even Jake for letting it be such a big part of our lives. I love feeling like our little family is learning and developing knew talents. This silly little recital sure meant a lot more to me that I thought it would. I felt like a real "grown up" and like I am achieving some of the potential that I have been given. I have always been a little scared of sharing my talents and felt I wasn't "good enough." There is something about doing things you are afraid to do....that is so rewarding. I hope to instill in my kids a desire and a belief in themselves. Thanks everyone who believed in me! My mom and Tracy and Jake have all been really supportive and I needed it.

Do Re Mi Inc.

On Saturday our town had it's annual Salsa Festival. It is a big thing out here in Maricopa. There are booths everywhere and bouncy house and inflatable things for the kids to play on. They have entertainment, and lots of salsa and other foods to try. Jake and I have gone every year since we have lived in Maricopa. Well my friend Tracy and I have been doing this singing group called DO RE MI Inc. We signed our groups to sing at the Salsa festival. We had a big practice the morning of, and we were feeling pretty good about the whole thing. The kids were ready. Well we got there and we were all really excited. We thought that since we were the first performance, there really wouldn't be many people watching. Not true. There was a huge group of bystanders and a lot support for our kids.

First our group the Treble Makers got up there. They all looked so cute! They sang their first song and did a great job. Then the generator went out. This was only the beginning. The generator continued to go out during or after every single song. It was very tough. I was so proud of all the kids though. They stood up there smiling and waiting patiently and didn't let it get to them. After the Treble makers, the Cupcake Chorus went up. It was a little bit harder for them. We had people complaining they couldn't hear the kids and we were just trying our very best. At one point the generator went out and the girls had to sing Somewhere Over The Rainbow acapella. I have to say that they did a great job on it and everyone loved it. I was so proud of the kids and the hard work they had done. I can't wait for the recital this Saturday. The parents will be amazed at them. We won't have to worry about any sound system problems.

Aubrey and Weston were wonderful and I was just so proud to see them up there performing their hearts out.

(I copied most of this post from Tracy's blog. She did a good job explaining what went down, and I was feeling lazy...thanks girl!)

Baby Ella!

So I have been spending a lot of time with my friend Tracy B. We are in Young Women's together as well as partners in our DO RE MI Incorporated. Anyhoo...her daughter's name is Ella and Spencer just LOVES her. She is one too...but much smaller than Spencer. "Ella" as you can see in the video is one Spencer's best words. He says it even clearer now, but for a kid who doesn't talk...you can tell he cares for Ella. He loves to push her over, pat her head, give her hugs and kisses and just be a cute little boy around her, this includes taking every toy she finds.... Anyway, today Tracy came over to show me her SUPER cute swimsuit she just bought and we turned around to see this....so cute! Ella was just lying on him for almost 5 minutes. Spencer just patted her back. I am lucky to have caught a picture of this sweet little moment.

Ultimatum

"a demand whose fulfillment is requested in a specified period of time and which is backed up by a threat to be followed through in case of noncompliance" This is from Aubrey today. She has been asking for weeks, but today was the day she gave me an ultimatum.

Friends!!!

I am so grateful for good friends. I am finally finding some kindred spirits again in my life and here are a few of them all at one great Birthday bash! I love you Steph and Tracy!!!

And here is the "Birthday Girl" herself...Jen! You are so awesome girl. When I think of service...I think of you!!

And lastly, my BEST friend....it is YOU dear!!! I love Jake and can honestly say he is my best friend. Not sure he thinks I am as funny as my other friends do...but still takes the TOP!

I love this picture! We look so cool....

Easter Time 2010

Easter really isn't my favorite holiday when it comes to the traditions and Easter Bunny...However, this year was so much fun. The last couple of years Grandma and Grandpa Watkins have planned a wonderful Easter dinner with Easter Egg hunt at their house or Aunt Connie's. The kids always look forward to egg coloring, sometime cookie frosting and of course hunting for eggs. They even find dollar bills and a few eggs. The Easter Bunny brought very little to our kids this year, but it was on purpose. The true meaning of Easter is enough for me. I thought a lot about eternal families this past weekend. Even though we are all promised resurrection, I find myself more grateful for that gift because of our little Samantha. I can't help but feel peace knowing that she will live again and have an opportunity to have her body and experience this wonderful world! I am grateful for my Savior and the gift he gives us all! Happy Easter Day!