Dancing Through Life....

We found a new love while we were on the airplane on our way to Utah in March. They had the Wicked soundtrack available to listen to on the plane and caught out interest and we have been  listening to it ever since.  Ashlin absolutely loved the song "Dancing Through Life" from the soundtrack.  A couple of nights ago, at bedtime she asked if we would put the song on repeat because she wakes up in the middle of the night and misses it.  Obviously this is true, last night she woke up at 12:30 found Shawn and asked him to play the song.  This is a girl who knows her mind.  Shawn's mom bought Wicked tickets for us in June for their birthday.  Ashlin already has her outfit planned and a mani/pedi scheduled.  We are really looking forward to it

Ashlin is growing up so quickly in 2 weeks she will be finished with preschool and before we know it she will be in kindergarten.  They grow up so quickly....cliche but nonetheless true.  She is reading and spelling more and more each day.  She loves to write and draw pictures.  We almost can't afford to keep up with her paper use.  I asked her the other day what she would like to be when she grows up and she replied, "A missionary, I want to learn about Jesus every day."  It was such a precious moment and definitely one of those moments you can understand when the scriptures admonish us to be humble like little children.

Jaxon is getting to be such a little boy.  To our great dismay he is getting as talkative as his sister.  He is enjoying being a little sunbeam and almost said a prayer when it was his turn during closing activities.  He is still a little shy during large groups.  He loves to be able to play with his friends especially when they have cool toys.  For the most part of the day he is the sweetest little boy ever.....and the other part of the day I sometimes wonder which one of us is going to make it till bedtime.  It is a good thing his sweetness overrides those more challenging moments.

Jeron continues to be our mellow child.  He has the most adorable belly laugh and it is quite infectious.  You can't help but join in.  Although, don't let his mellowness trick you he has quite the little temper when he chooses to display it.  Shawn's mother heard it on the phone today and was in shock.  It's healthy to let others know how you really feel every once in awhile.  He is learning to count to 4 and has so much fun counting with you.  He absolutely loves Elmo!  

Shawn attended the South Western APA conference 2 weeks ago.  He had several students there presenting research that they had done in his lab.  Two of the students placed first, one placed third, and another place as a finalist in the student competitions.  He has 2 students that will be making their way to graduate school this upcoming school year.  Overall a very successful year!  

I am just attempting to balance being a mother, wife, teacher, and my church calling.  I remember thinking as an adolescent adults have it so easy.  I am now eating those words.

We were able to go to Memphis and attend the temple on Saturday. It was such a nice day and we are so grateful for those who made it possible (i.e., those who watched our children and entertained them). It was nice day spent doing things we should and being with good people!

As you can see, our lives are busy, entertaining, loud and most of all full of things to be thankful for!