Dean's Preschool Graduation

Dean loved going to preschool this past year. It was always something he looked forward to. He knew every Tuesday and Thursday morning he would get to be with his friends and do fun things. I am glad he loved it! Here are some pictures of his little graduation and also pictures Ms Cheri gave to each student. They did a little program and sang a few songs as a group. Then Cheri called up each student and named some of the kids favorites.

Elizabeth's Day

Today we remembered Elizabeth. She would have been 5 years old. It it crazy how fast time goes. Our life is filled with our other children who keep us very busy but I still always wish she was here. I actually did great today and did not shed a tear. My tears came the night before. She has been on my mind more this past month. I think 5 is a milestone age where kids get ready for kindergarten and they just seem older. I realize we won't have these moments with her. It is also the exact day of the week where all the events took place of my labor, news of her death, delivery, hospital stay, burial preparations and graveside service. I was just having a lot of flashbacks of the events I did that Tuesday the night we went to the hospital when I was in labor and then the Wednesday she delivered. I am so glad for the healing process because my sadness now is nothing to where it was at the beginning. I can remember that it was awful but I can't feel that sorrow anymore. It is amazing how so much pain and grief can be lifted. It makes my testimony of Christ's Atonement strengthened because it is through Him that we can be healed. Today was just a normal day but Brian took off work early so we could go out to eat as a family. We went to Red Robin very kid friendly. I bought some clothes and blankets to donate to the hospital but felt I should wait another day to deliver them. After dinner we went to Mariposa Gardens where Elizabeth was buried. I was planning on getting new flowers to put in the vase but never got around to it. Dean helped me pick some out last time so I told him we could go later and get some. It was nice just to go and visit. It is a very pretty place. Brian made the comment that it is very rare that we get all 7 members of our family together. Maybe she was with us. I will patiently wait to find out!

Deborah 9 months

Deborah is such a fun baby! She is usually always happy and smiley! I love it especially when she wakes up from a good sleep and she is all smiles and giggles. Her siblings are great at making her laugh. It is fun to watch Julia dance around and act goofy along with Dean just to get her to laugh. She is not crawling yet but has gotten on her hands and knees and will rock back and forth. I bet in the next month it will happen. I guess that will make my life busier. She is very content just sitting and plays with her toys. I finally decided to buy the pass to the kids club at the gym. I started going back a couple of weeks ago and Deborah does great! All the workers just love her and think she is super cute. It makes it a lot easier because I have never taken my kids at this young of age. She has been sleeping from 6:30 or 7 pm to about 6-7 am. She takes 2 naps that are usually 1 1/2-2 hours long. She continues to eat well and has 2 teeth on the bottom. We finally took her swimming the past week and she loves it. She likes to babble and say "da da". I love this stage and it is crazy how fast it will pass.

Deborah's 9 mo and Dean's 4 yr STATS

Dean and Deborah went to the doctor for their well checks. They are both healthy and happy! I decided to have Dean get his kindergarten shots now. He did great! He sat still and only cried a little but let the assistant do her job without any problems. Deborah had to get her iron check and she did not flinch or make any sound that the toe prick hurt. She was cute to watch. Here are their STATs:

Deborah
wt: 19 lbs 3 oz  60th percentile
ht: 28 inches  70th percentile

Dean
wt: 42 lbs 8 oz  90th percentile
ht: 43 1/2 inches 95th percentile

Mother's Day

 I had a wonderful Mother's Day! Dean woke up early and gave me a gift he made in preschool. I loved it! Brian made me a wonderful breakfast of yummy french toast and orange juice. He also got me flowers that Dean picked out and some cinnamonon rolls from Costco. We went to church and after I just relaxed. We had my Mom and Dad over for dinner. We made roast, potatoes, carrots, rolls, salad, and Brian made a chocolate banana cream pie. It was great not having to do any dishes! I loved it!

Dean's 4th Birthday Party

Dean had a fun party for his 4th birthday. I was still not ready to do a friend party so I told him we could invite family and a couple of family friends. So he had all of his Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, and cousins who live in AZ at his party along with our friends the Rust's. The kids swam, we ate barbecue pork sandwiches with other sides, we had ice cream cake that I made, and the most important thing a pinata. Dean wanted one so Brian decided to make one. He did a great job and he made it by just looking at a picture. It was very sturdy and we did not know how easy it would break but eventually we cracked it. Dean had a wonderful time and it was fun for everyone!

 No he is not missing a tooth it is just chocolate

Julia's and Dean's Pictures

I wanted to get pictures of Dean since he turned 4. I never got any of Julia when she turned 2 so I took them together.  They did Julia first and then Dean. We got a great picture of each of them. Then at the end I asked them to take one of them together. This was the only picture they took of them and it turned out great! These two are the best of friends at times and other times they are so competitive. I love them so much!