We're Alive

I know, I know, it's been FOREVER!! I don't feel like I have anything thrilling to blog about. Life is busy and my days are full, but not with anything terribly exciting to report. Alyssa is out of school for the summer so we will spend a lot of time at the pool. She also started Karate last week and is enjoying that. I will get some pictures of her soon. Bryan starts his rotations in August so the months ahead will be busy for both of us. I have been trying to get my life organized and finish little projects that I have started. Oh wait, I lied, I do have exciting news......I get a temporary tooth FINALLY on Tuesday! I am VERY THRILLED about that! I will take a picture of it when I get, assuming it stays in place! Here are some pictures of a few things that have kept me busy this last month. And I have good intentions of keeping up to date on my blog! Enjoy!


After one year, I finally got around to making these pillows for the front room! I love red!


Bryan and I had fun watching the kids enjoy the water at the zoo. Alyssa is fascinated by the water. This picture reminds me of how little she still is.


Mason's idea of "potty training". It was a miserable attempt, I will try again in the fall.


This is "Baby Bat". The mask is a potty prize. He did actually go in the potty, but I think it was to get the big prizes! He loves anything Batman!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day Mom! I miss you and love you! I miss your grace, your stillness, your voice, your hugs! I did better today. This is the 6th Mother's Day with out you, and for the first time it was a little easier even though you are not physically here. I actually kept it together. In R.S. we sang "As Sister's in Zion" for the closing song. I can't sing that song without choking because I think it was written for you! But I did today and am grateful to my Heavenly Father for reminding me of his love for us through music, because I can hear you speaking to me in these endless times of difficulty. And so I smiled and listened, and I could imagine the sound of your violin and the way you would hold it. And I just smiled. I know you are happy in spirit and you miss us just as much. I wish you were here to talk to and to share a laugh, a smile, or a visit with me. I am reminded of you everyday and all of life's lessons you have taught me. You are my Angel! I love you. Happy Mother's Day!

Carol Beesley Moon.......She is so beautiful, inside and out! Smooches!


To all the women in my life. Thank you for the examples you are to me. Each day I learn how to be a better listener, a better friend, more laid back, more organized, and more kind because of the examples of motherhood I have all around me. And I am endlessly grateful to each of you for showing me what devotion to the gospel embodies. You have all taught me something! Thank you! And if you are reading this, that means you! Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Birthday Alyssa!

Wow, I am really behind in the blog world, but this is worth blogging!

Alyssa is 6 years old today. She is such a fun girl to be around and we are so grateful to have her in our family. Some of the things I love most about Alyssa are:

-Her independence. She is certain of what she wants and she stays focused until she reaches her goals.
-She has a big heart! Whenever she senses sadness, she will make it better with a picture or a card.
-She has a strong spirit. With surety she said that if she ever died it would be alright because her Grandma Carol would take care of her.
-She is excited about learning. She loves school and especially loves to read. Many times she brings home more books to read each night than expected of her.
-She is a sweet sister. Despite their age gap, she loves to entertain Mason and keep him occupied. She rarely loses her patience with him.
-She is a kind friend. The head on Hailey's gingerbread cookie broke and she started to cry. Alyssa said, "Don't cry" broke the head off of her cookie and said, "look mine is broken too!"
Alyssa and Hailey


Daddy Daughter Date at a Phillies game!


Miss Photogenic!

We love you Alyssa!! Happy Birthday!

Spring Break Fun!

Last week Alyssa had Spring Break. It started off by celebrating Mason's birthday Party on Saturday. He had a Disney Cars party. He loves Cars. Then on Saturday night Rob, my big brother, came down from New York City for the weekend. He treated us to a nice dinner in Center City. Bryan tried octopus and LOVED it. Alyssa felt special because the ambiance was so "romantic". She loved the pianist, who also sang vocals, and the waterfalls. On Sunday's the Philadelphia Museum of Art (famous in "Rocky") is free. Bryan, Rob, and Alyssa went to see the exhibits there. It was a short visit, but we had a great time, as always. On Monday we went to the zoo. Alyssa loved
getting her face painted. It was a beautiful day and we jump at the chance to get out in the sun. Friday we took another trip to the Crayola Factory with a group of friends to see how all the magic works! Thanks to Emily and Ryan Anderson for the recommendation. We loved it! Here are some pics of our great times this past week!

The Birthday Boy! 2 years old!


The Cake! Mason was so excited!


Alyssa with Randy and Hailey Hamilton


The Petting Zoo had goats and sheep. Mason would run toward them. They were very sweet animals and ever so patient!


Alyssa transformed into a beautiful butterfly!!!

Happy Easter!

It is a nice sunny day today here in Philadelphia. We are happy to be with great friends and are missing and thinking of our family and friends away from us! Have a wonderful day!

Happy Birthday Mason!

Our little guy is two years old today. I remember how excited we were when we found out he was coming to us. He is a perfect piece to our family. Mason is such a sweet and fun little boy. Here are a few things that make Mason, Mason:

-He mimics much of what he hears
-He loves Disney Cars and Thomas the Train
-He folds his arms and closes his eyes to pray at dinner
-He runs really, really fast, many can't believe how quick he is
-His best friend is "Snowman"
-He likes to hide by covering his eyes
-He has beautiful curly dark hair and is often mistaken for a girl..sorry bud.
-He grabs for your face to get your attention
-He will "scretch"! A twist between a yell and a screetch. It's aweful. But when he
gets our attention he may simply smile, or try to hand you something.
-He has a contagious laugh!

We love Mason and are so happy he is part of our family! Happy Birthday big guy!

His eyes were always WIDE open!

Great smile......a little mischievous

"I've got my binki, my sippy, and my Snowman......let's go Mom!"

Growing fast.....peek-a-boo, I love you!

Good Ride Cowboy!

Mason loves his zebra! It is real entertaining to watch, so I thought I'd share! Enjoy