Hear we grow again our day at the Aquarium

I went to the Living Planet aquarium with my Gabby and Kate. We met Amy and the crew there. I had a little moment walking behind her ( She has a lot of little people). She was pushing a stroller and surrounded by children. Smashy pressed his body against the glass so the nurse shark would swim right up and with only an inch between he and the shark he would get big eyed and say whoa and jump back. Cole stood on his tip toes to look at everything. Cloe stayed with Gabby and they touched everything touchable and Aiden cried all the way to the car because he was starving and couldnt go out to lunch. Amy said they had happy meals on the way here. Heck that was almost 2 hours ago! Grace never made a sound in her sleepy stroller. Everything was amazing and their expressions were a reminder of how children see things in life threw new and wonderous eyes even the simplist of things. I miss that time when life was hectic but certainly less complicated.

I did love that Kate took the time to drive up and go with us. I did relish hand dancing in the car to lady Ga Ga while Gabby rolled her eyes at me but smiled. Im thrilled that we all wanted a fancy salad for lunch and not the Mc Donald play land. I enjoyed that Gabby knows exactly what style of retro bohemian princess she wants to be and can show me a shirt she wants 5 minutes inside the mall. I was happy that Kate called to tell me her interview went well and then joyful that she texted me to say I love you and thank you. I said a silent Halalujia when Gabrielle noticed that we hadnt had one disagreement the whole day and thanked me for making her spring break fun .

There are tiny little fingers pressed against my cheek, and the palm of the hand that holds all my dreams.

There is a careful little grimace directed right at me, and the expression of innocence that grabs me every time.

There is a pair of big blue eyes that light up in the dark, and the window to a soul that knows only truth.

There are clumsy little legs dancing to a tune, and a chubby little bottom to break their every fall.

There is a babble and some laughter coming from my room, and the sounds of heaven right here in my home.

There is chaos in the kitchen, and toys all down the hall, a reminder to us all that time is so precious.

There are cookie crumbs on the table, and milk spilled on the carpet, but an image of simplicity and joy came with the mess.

There are car keys in the toilet and the unmistakable sense my life is full.

There are four children fast asleep, just in the other room, and a mother who's convinced that wonders never cease.

By someone else edited to fit my life

Words of affirmation

One of my favorite things about this bloggity bogging is the tributes. Rather its about Aiden's personality shining threw when he notices his man hair or a kind and encouraging comment in a response telling you your the best mom ever. Is it just our family and friends or does the whole world try to look at each other in honest revealing and loving eyes. I doubt it, and so Im even more greatful. "The way a man sees the world is a view into his own soul." So without further adoo. Im going to do my best to give you another glimpse threw my eyes of what it is to be Shawns companion. It is his birthday this week. I can only imagine what it took for his 5 ft 2 spirited mother to get all 10 lbs of him here. But Im so happy to celebrate every year that she did.

Shawn is an adventure. He is ever growing and learning. He loves information and will read about jatropa plants for hours in hope of finding a viable fuel alternative. This is why we have the moose mouse club because he still loves to see just what might be under that rock. Or how fast that will go

He challenges himself and pushes his body to do things that I can honestly say I have never seen another man do. I really did watch him carry a refrigerator to a neigbors moving van one day! Speaking of which he is so willing. Whatever is needed he s going to do it. Home teaching or cooking breakfast at fathers and sons. He never pawns off the dirty work. Iheard him leave to set up chairs for every auxillary by himself for a year. He has been the ward moving committee many times not on the committee THE committee.

Shawn never abandons an easter egg hunt, pumkin carving or a turkey shoot. I promise thats not because he loves holiday hoop la its because he loves us. I cant express what it means to me that my children know unequivicably that their father will be there for them and loves them.

Shawn reveres his priesthood and blesses our lives frequently because of that. I can smile because of such a blessing. When a doctor suggested that my facial nerves may never heal he suggested checking with the Lord first.

I dont imagine I would have loved to cook if I hadnt had such constant gratitude and loving compliments for nearly every meal he thanks me. I promised to thank him every day for my wedding ring and stopped on the 3rd year.

Shawn loves the gifts of God more than any man made thing. Trees, streams of water, trout , stars, the smell of wet dirt, and of course sammy the dooog. Sharing those things with someone else is priceless to him.

Shawn loves to tease and tickle and tell pirate jokes . He is my great reminder to slow down and enjoy. I still love to be with him and cant wait for date night. He is charming, witty , bright, challenging, engageing and loves to get my eyre up. Then he calls me a raging wood chuck when Im good and mad.

I have no greater support and strength than my husband. Everything I have survived or dived into was because he rubbed my feet, encouraged me and believed in me. Sometimes when he is talking to me about me I become overwhelmed at his vision of who he thinks Iam or can be. He is Gods messanger for me. He is affirmation of so many truths to me. Thank you for making your life a gift I can treasure. I really wish you heard my silent prayers of gratitude and desire for you some days. My words are flat in sharing what my heart holds for you. Happy Happy Birthday Shawn O Mally Love Terri