I'm Sad

I know it's been awhile since I've posted and I hope to get back to it soon after a little break, but I had to share why I've been very sad this week. This week one of my (can I say my?)Primary children received some hard news. He was diagnosed this week with a brain tumor (wrapped around his brain stem). Yes a brain tumor. Doesn't that just make your heart sink already. Those words are awful and heartbreaking. He's 9. Not only is he in my Primary but his mom is a sincere friend. We have worked together in the Primary, Madelyn dances at her studio, I have worked for her there until this year, and have been with her other numerous times where I have been at her house laughing, gone to a movie, or chatted about life. She is strong, beautiful, incredibly talented, just had a baby, and in for the fight of their lives. Since I found out the tears have been very close to the surface, bubbling over many times. If my mind isn't focused on some task at hand then my thoughts are there in that sad place. I can't imagine the depth of their fear and sorrow. Dylan is a fantastic, cheerful, happy, friendly, funny little boy. I love to call on him to help in sharing time because I know he will put a smile on all our faces, that's what he does. He makes everyone around him happy.

Hug your children tighter, smile at them more, tell them you love them, and remember our Heavenly Father loves each of us. He is there for us and he has a greater plan that we may not understand but we are not alone. We are never alone. If anyone feels they can spend a moment on your knees for Dylan and his family, it I'm sure would be greatly appreciated. Our ward is also starting a fast on Saturday that anyone is welcome to join in on or next time you fast. Also the family just started a blog if anyone is interested. http://www.dylandshaw.blogspot.com.

I do need to blog again soon. I have birthdays, programs, and holidays to catch up on. Until then....adios.

Merry Christmas!

p.s. i promise to catch up next week...for reals!

Halloween 2010 Football Player*Alice*Ladybug

Here are a few shots taken across the street in the weeds. :) Ethan just had to be a BYU football player despite my best efforts to talk him into a U of U or my 1st choice, Boise State (I am alumni!) uniform but no go. We splurged a little and bought this costume but I have a feeling it will get more use than just Halloween. Madelyn knew she wanted to be something from Alice in Wonderland but wasn't sure what until we found this costume and she knew this was it. Poor little Emma gets to be whatever Madelyn was at that age...at least until she's old enough to care. Isn't she a cute little busy ladybug.

Comfort

What brings you comfort?

Emma has been loving on this blanket since she was tiny. She loves it and cries for it when we can't find it. It's quite the task to wash it.

She's also pretty attached to her binky. Now with our other two the pacifier had disappeared by now...but we just don't have the energy. Who am I to take away her source of comfort (or is it mine?) Hopefully one of these days we will get the gumption to toss them but until then soothe away. By the way is it wrong to give them to my 9 and 6 year old? Just sayin...

So we went to the park to have some fun and take some pictures (of course)...and little miss personality decided to have fun with the camera. Hey at least she was looking at the camera! I'll post a few more tomorrow.

That time again

Madelyn and Ethan were pretty excited to go back to school again. The day before school started we went to the school and took a few pictures to calm some of Ethan's first grader fears. Some of you may recognize those orange doors! The morning of the first day was a little crazy. I barely got a few pictures as they walked out the door in between the eye rolls from the fourth grader. Emma really thought she should be going to school too. Someday soon Emma!

Fauxhawk

Ethan decided to try out the fauxhawk look. His hair has always been really short up until the last 6 months or so. He wanted to start growing it out some. Right now it's pretty shaggy but with a little goop he's got this new look. We've only done it a few times but in the past his hair wouldn't spike or stick up no matter what we put in it. This do stayed for two days straight! Sorry this pic has my watermark on it for my photography blog. People put these on photos to deter others from stealing photos (not that my photos are steal worthy yet but you never know). I'm not in business I just have a blog to stick a few photos that I take.