Josh is Accepted!

Yesterday was such an adventure. Josh and I had an appointment at 7:30 in the morning, then Haylie Jo had a field trip to the zoo at 9:00. We got home from the field trip at 11:30 to see our new piano being moved inside (those poor movers were sweating like crazy). I was talking to Josh while the movers were working and he told me I.S.U. had called. He had filled out an application for a job there so I asked him if he got the job. He smiled and said, "I got into Graduate School!" I screamed and jumped on him wrapping my legs around his waist. We are so excited. Out of 6 1/2 years of marriage, 4 has been spent in school. When Josh applied this year we knew that the competition for only 15 spots would be fierce. He didn't get in right away but was told he was 1st choice alternate if someone were to drop out or decline the acceptance. I felt sort of mean for hoping someone else would fail or change their mind. Josh had been promised by our Lord, God, that he would have the education he desired but of course, our faith had to be tested. I kind of feel like I'm sending him on a mission because he'll be so busy for the next two years. It will all be worth it in a few years. He was accepted into the Masters program in Speech Pathology at Idaho State University. Go Bengals!

Two Graduations and a Birthday!

So, I guess you all can tell from the number of pictures that a lot has happened in our family lately! Josh graduated from College with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders (from the biological perspective, not mass communications). He is anxiously awaiting to hear from the Graduate School admissions department! That same day, my little sister Madison turned 8 and had a birthday party. Her baptism is on the way! Our little Haylie Jo graduated from preschool. When I told her I was so sad she was growing up fast and going to kindergarten in the fall she replied, "Mom, I have to go to school to learn to be a grown-up. But you'll still be my mom forever." So true and so sweet!

Grandma Gay Lyn with Haylie Jo and Jozlyn

Haylie Jo and her teacher Mrs. Anderson

Haylie Jo and Daddy

Jozlyn and her cousin Jordyn at the B-day party

Haylie Jo and her cousin Trason at the B-day party

Josh and Katie at Josh's Graduation


This is the moment we waited four hours to see! You all can see it in eight seconds. After graduation, Josh gave me his Stole (the orange thing around his neck, it probably isn't spelled right). It was to be given to someone who helped the student through college and hard times, which I definitely deserve! I cried and was so proud. As four of our six and one-half years of marriage was spent in college, and more to come, it is amazing our relationship is as good as it is. We definitely truly love each other to help each other through such trying times. Great job honey!

Mother's Day thoughts

So, as today is Mother's Day, I took a few minutes to reflect on the many mothers in my life as well as my own life as a mother. I often wonder if I'm doing the best job I can as a mother. There are many days when I find myself wondering how many times I yelled at my children today, and I sometimes go to sleep wondering how much damage I might have done to them. Talking to other mothers I know that many of us feel the same way. But then I try to count how many times I hugged, kissed, or cared for my children in the day, too many times to count. I am the one who buys the cute dresses and does their hair up in bows. I am the one who gets them off to school on time every morning. I am the one who takes them to church, teaches them to pray, teaches them to love Jesus and to follow his example. I take them to Ballet three times a week between the two of them. I sometimes think I should have a special part in the recital as I am there as much as the level 3 girls! I spend hours helping with costumes, dress rehearsals, and performances. I think back to my own mother and how much she loved me. Yes, there were times when she yelled at me, but there were so many times more that she cared for me. She always would do something special for me every holiday, whether it be Valentine's or Halloween. She was the room mother for my class every year and she was the room mother for my brother and sister's classes as well. She always loved me. So, on Mother's Day, all you mothers try to reflect on the good that you do. Realize that you will lose your temper and sometimes yell, but your children still know you love them and are quick to forgive. Wake up every morning with the motivation to do better and to be a better person. And don't forget to hug and kiss as much as you can!

Problems with Comments

I have been aware that some of you have tried to leave comments on our blog and were unable to. I'm unsure why this is happening but I'm trying to fix it. I think it might be the template. Sorry for the problems.

Jozlyn Graduates Kindergarten!

Our oldest little girl, Jozlyn, graduated from Kindergarten today! Her teacher will be going to Europe with her husband the last few weeks so they had graduation early. The class will have a substitute the last few weeks of school. The graduation was so much fun. The teacher had made the kids graduation hats and they marched to the graduation song (I don't know the official name of the song). Here are a few pictures of the graduation.

Jozlyn and Daddy


Jozlyn and Mommy



This is a bad picture but I could not get Haylie Jo to hold still. She would pose great then just as I was taking the picture she would pull a funny face. She thinks she is so silly, Jozlyn was not amused.


This is a picture of Jozlyn with her teacher, Mrs. Peterson. She was absolutely an amazing teacher, hopefully Haylie Jo gets her next year!

Get Off Your Butt and Bake

Hey, just wanted everyone to know about this awesome blog my sister found. It is Get Off Your Butt and Bake.blogspot.com This lady is incredible and has tons of recipes. I know that I am always looking for something new and something I can't screw up easily. Hopefully this is helpful to any of you!

Finally Blogging!

We're finally blogging! This is exciting news for our whole, humongous family who all have been begging us to set up a blog. With so many brothers and sisters living far away, blogging is a great way to stay in touch. We love to see pictures of friends and family, especially all of those new little nephews we have. Unfortunately for those reading our blog, we are neither great picture takers or great writers, so sorry ahead of time!