This is one of the first family photos we have. It was taken 6 weeks after John & I got engaged (thanks Jill). Jyson had just turned 3 the week before. Five years later I still consider it a privilege to be a part of this family. I know it has not always been easy for McKelle, Jake, & Jyson to go back and forth between homes, but I'm grateful for the time we've spent together.
Last Sunday we celebrated Jyson's 8th birthday. We had 22 people at our house for his party. Thanks to our great families for their love and support!
Here is Jyson, doing what he's great at - getting people's attention.
Since it was Jyson's birthday, I have a few words to say about him. I love him dearly! He is spunky and funny and smart and darling (I'm sure he'd prefer handsome).
He has always had an obsession about time. Before he could read numbers on a digital clock, he wanted to know, "What time is it?" He loves calendars and schedules. He wants to know in advance what time he has to be where.
Jyson LOVES people, and especially kids. He loves playing with his cousins, neighbors, siblings. When we go to a restaurant, he wants to sit at a table near other kids. He'll say hi or wave to anyone that will give him some attention in return.
He has an amazing memory. When he was just little (3 and 4), he could tell you how to get to several places. He learned his alphabet and numbers very quickly. If you tell him some fact, I'm often amazed much later when he can recall exactly what you said.
One of my favorite things that we do is sing in the car (where we seem to spend a lot of time). We've been doing it for years and it still entertains me. Some of our favorites: Zippidee Doo Dah; Mary Had a Little Lamb; Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star; John, Jake, & Jyson-heimer Lloyd (adapted from John Jacob Jingle-heimer Schmidt; Baa, Baa, Black Sheep; Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious (our recent addition); and many more. He loves to sing in different voices, at different speeds, and with great vibrato endings.
Jyson is a great kid with a good heart. He loves to snuggle up during a movie. He's a great reader. He loves to play games, any kind, any time. He loves movies. He loves bowling. He loves anything outside. His favorite colors are red, orange, and yellow. He's a great eater - rarely says no to trying new food and often out-eats me. I could go on, but I'll stop as I began - I love him dearly!
This is the life cycle of roses at my house. They live, they die, they get hung, they dry, they're put in a vase, and eventually, their petals join the millions that have gone before them. It's a beautiful thing.
P.S. I just have to mention that I have found a new website with super cute backgrounds. It's my new favorite - thatblogplace.com. Check it out.
So, I REALLY enjoyed Spring Break. I didn't, however, enjoy the heavy snowfall in the middle of Spring Break, which made it seem more like Christmas Break. (Check out the poor trees bent in half under the weight of the snow.)
Another highlight of Spring Break - the basement is one step closer to completion. Here are John and Jake painting the trim: 
Next step, paint the walls & ceiling and then carpet. I'm so excited about that.
Just a little taste of summer - bring it on!
This is Jyson and his friend Scott, eager to start the hunt. Notice the lovely wet weather in the background.
This is Jyson with his stash, and his prize from the Liggett family. Fun idea.
He looked a little confused but after he found the second note directing him to our room, he was off and running. From there he was sent back downstairs, then under his bed. Here's that note:
He told me later he knew I wrote the notes because I have a purple pen (the notes were in purple), but the Easter Bunny brought the basket. Sounds good to me.
After Stake Conference, Jake came over and started on his Easter egg hunt. His clues were a little harder and took some thought. He's in deep think here (with Jyson checking his every move):
He was happy to finally find his basket:
Next year we're going for a trickier, longer hunt. We'll see how that goes. We were sad McKelle wasn't with us for Easter, but aside from that it was a beautiful day.
These beautiful roses are from my sweet husband. Just because...
It doesn't get much better than that. I am a lucky girl!
I just had my first experience with the Pinewood Derby. We are sad to report that Jyson's car did not fare well, but it was a fun experience. I think the best part is getting the car ready. Here are a few pics of the process:
Notice the safety glasses and especially the ear plugs (in case the sanding gets too noisy?)
I love the super intense concentration...
Jyson's favorite colors: red, orange, & yellow.
He was awarded "Most Firey Hot." Good job little man. Better luck next year.
The highlight of this week was that Johnny and I got new phones. I haven't been too happy with the texting on my Nextel phone or the manly chunkiness of the phone, so we switched to Sprint (which is the same company so no new contract - yea!). I am the proud owner of a new LG Lotus square purple phone. Very girly - I love it! John is the proud owner of a new Blackberry Curve. He loves it. They've kept us entertained all weekend. Remember, we're sick. It doesn't take much to entertain us.
Have you seen this movie? We quite enjoyed it. That also entertained us for a few hours. And finally...
(This photo courtesy of Photo Booth on our computer using the "dent" effect.)
This is one of the first family photos we have. It was taken 6 weeks after John & I got engaged (thanks Jill). Jyson had just turned 3 the week before. Five years later I still consider it a privilege to be a part of this family. I know it has not always been easy for McKelle, Jake, & Jyson to go back and forth between homes, but I'm grateful for the time we've spent together.
Last Sunday we celebrated Jyson's 8th birthday. We had 22 people at our house for his party. Thanks to our great families for their love and support!
Here is Jyson, doing what he's great at - getting people's attention.
He has always had an obsession about time. Before he could read numbers on a digital clock, he wanted to know, "What time is it?" He loves calendars and schedules. He wants to know in advance what time he has to be where.
He has an amazing memory. When he was just little (3 and 4), he could tell you how to get to several places. He learned his alphabet and numbers very quickly. If you tell him some fact, I'm often amazed much later when he can recall exactly what you said.
Jyson is a great kid with a good heart. He loves to snuggle up during a movie. He's a great reader. He loves to play games, any kind, any time. He loves movies. He loves bowling. He loves anything outside. His favorite colors are red, orange, and yellow. He's a great eater - rarely says no to trying new food and often out-eats me. I could go on, but I'll stop as I began - I love him dearly!
