What I love about my FAMILY

Today is my Mother's Day. Every year for Mother's Day, I've asked Mike for a day off - free from all responsibilities and today is MY DAY. I've spent most of the day scrapbooking (with the exception of a quick trip to the gym to be tortured by a cardio kick boxing class) and was inspired to do a "What I Love About My Family" page, which inspired me to add to my blog. So here it is...what I love about my little family.


My honey...the only person I’ve ever met who is all 64 things on my "list." He is such a good husband, father, provider and friend. He puts so much thought into things, he always wants things to be “just right.” Special occasions are truly special.

I love the way my kids look at him...pure adoration. He plays basketball with Ryan, making up rules to new games and teaching him to slam dunk in his little toddler basketball hoop.

I appreciate that he helps around the house. He lets me have so many breaks from the house and kids.

I love that he reads stories to Ryan every night and prays with him while tucking him into bed. He wants God to be an integral part of our kids’ upbringing and their lives.

I love that he’s a complete coffee and ice cream addict. I love that he belly laughs when we watch “The Office” together.

I’m so thankful that we have family in town so we can still have our date nights. I love that he enjoys going to dinner and a movie or just hanging out at Barnes and Noble or Desert Ridge together. I love when he puts his hand behind his back as an indication for me to take it and hold on. He is the love of my life and I look forward to growing old with him.


Ryan...my first born, my snuggle buddy, my sweet boy. Such a character.

He is so full of energy, full of life...he bounces and runs everywhere. He loves being chased when we play “I’m gonna get you!" He loves being scared when I hide behind corners and jump out to surprise him.

He talks constantly...about everything. He finds joy in the little things, loves to help me in the kitchen and wants to be just like Mike. He pretends to use his electric razor, has a CCV nametag, will change his shirt to match how Mike is dressed (a collared shirt with buttons, red with stripes, whatever), he wears a belt just like Daddy, they even mow the lawn together, it’s really sweet. He even begs for spicy salsa. He wants to please him so much.

I love that he is friendly with everyone. He’ll say, “Hi boys!“ or “Hey dudes!“ to kids passing on their bikes. Recently at the gym, we approached two big men as we walked in and he cheerfully, with no inhibition, waved and said, “Hey guys! How's it goin'?” They instantly were reduced to teddy bears at the sight of him, bending over and saying, “Hey, little buddy!”

I love that he watches everyone leave at the front window saying things like, “Bye, Daddy! See you at lunch!” or “Ba-bye, Gramma! On Friday we play leap frogs!” He has no idea that they can’t hear him through the window. So innocent and heartfelt.

Ryan is full of imagination. I love when he makes jokes. His gut laugh is contagious. The other day in the bathtub, he looked at me quite seriously and said, “Okay, Mommy. I have a game. You take this (handed me a foam number) and I’ll take this (picked up a different foam number). Now...SHAKE!” and he shook his number furiously, water droplets flying everywhere. I marvel at his simplicity. He is such a treasure to me.


Kaylin...my precious baby girl, my social butterfly, my joy.

I love that she has a big, bright, open-mouthed smile for everyone she sees. I love that she lights up when I walk into the room. I love how she watches Ryan’s every move like he is the most amazing thing she’s ever seen. I don’t love the deafening, piercing scream she does, but I DO love the look on her face when she does it. To her, she’s simply squealing with delight, wanting everyone to know how happy she is.

I love that she only cries when she truly has a need. She is such a happy girl. She loves being outdoors and loves watching other kids. I love watching her watching other people. She twists and strains her little head and neck to see as much as she can.

I love how she rubs her eyes when she’s tired, lights up when she sees her pink blanket and how she instantly sticks her thumb in her mouth when laid down in her crib. This is my favorite age. She is so full of wonder and awe. I wish she could stay little forever.