Bitter-Sweet

In my life there are many moments that I feel happy and sad all mixed into one.

This is a perfect example! My sweet Tanner just turned 7 last month. Instead of using the word sad I'm opting to use bitter-sweet. It doesn't sound as bad. I'm thankful and humbled that he's been a part of our family for 7 years. He's my Moon-Son.

A little bitter because he's growing up WAY TO FAST and I can't slow down the process.

Another perfect example is that my Mommy is moving far away and sold the home I grew up in. I'm excited for her new adventure though I am a little bitter too. I chose to take these pics in front of the home just two days before it wasn't ours anymore. Yes my whole childhood was filled of memories from this house: 1248 Kirkwood Dr. Corona, CA 92882 I was blessed to live in just one house growing up.

My Tan helped me a bit at grandma's that day and made the transition a little brighter.

How couldn't he make it brighter being so handsome and silly?

When I explained to Tan that Grandma was moving far away and that we wouldn't see her very often nor go back in the house ever again. This is how he felt! His face says it all. If you would have seen my face, we looked alike.

Some last minute fun on the rock wall I used to climb on...

Chunk-a-saurus

Colby has been talking more and sure turns on his charm especially for his Daddio! The whole family can't get enough of his chunky cheeks and sweet precious smiles throughout the day.

Chunk-a-saurus is just plain chunky. Just kidding he's all that and more. Colby is yet to have any sort of schedule. Between all the school and extra curricular activities he has learned how to fall to sleep easily in the carseat and if you live in Eastvale you may even see me nursing in my car at varies stops throughout the day. After all Colby is the Boss...for now anyways.

Can't believe my chunk-a-saurus is already 3 months. He likes his new exersaucer and Jumparoo. He knows they are cool toys but he's not sure what to do with them yet. Kaden and Brookie keep demonstrating for him, where as Tanner knows that Colby is just to young to follow directions. It's very sweet to see how patient they are while teaching him!

Chad

xoxo In Memory of dear Chad Zeller xoxo

Kristi Zeller (on the left) and I have been great friends since kindergarten. We've been friends for 31 years. Yes Moms old. April 5, 1991 we were cheering at a track meet until we got a phone call that drastically changed everyone's lives. Chad, 11 at the time was hit by a car while riding bike's with some friends after school. As a result, Chad had severe brain damage. Later that evening Chad passed away. He wasn't wearing a helmet. No one really wore helmets 20 years ago.

Twenty years ago, Mike and Nancee Zeller started a 5- and 10-kilometer run in the Sierra del Oro area of Corona to memorialize their son.

The first 19 run/walks have raised about $70,000, which has led to the distribution of more than 6,000 bicycle helmets. Chad was not wearing a helmet when he was fatally injured. The Zellers have also given out scholarships to students from area schools and prizes during Red Ribbon week/anti-drug essay contests.

Now 20 years later the memorial run is coming to a close... ;(

Our whole family participated this time! Daddy ran the 5k and I pushed Colbster and Kadster in the jogger stroller while Brookie and Tan tried their best to keep up with me.
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Now that the kids are getting older we remind them how we don't just wear helmets in case we accidentally fall, that is the least of our worries. We want them to be safe from horrible fatal accidents like Chads. Till we meet again Chad. xoxo

My Simple Joys

Brookie's been analyzing a lot more lately. Some of her recent not so easy questions have been... "Mom, did Heavenly Father make the streets, cars etc? " Well not exactly. He made people smart so they could learn and make it for us to use... Uh..."Well He made it all right?" Well he made all the beautiful natural things like tree's, birds, plants, flowers. The questions continue...

When snuggling my Tan in his bed he said, "Mom, I love you the most in the whole world!" I suppose I'm doing an ok job if he loves me that much. Of course he knew he melted my heart.

I finally remembered to journal some of Kaden's sweet vocabulary. He calls Milky "Mulky". I love it because my father used to kind say Milk like "Mulk". When we drive by strawberry stands he calls them "strawberry cake-cakes". Yes he does watch Strawberry Shortcake TV shows with Sissy. I think that's how he came up with that one. He also LOVES to drink Dad's "Gayraid" when Daddy returns from running. He loves going camping in our "Mo-Home". Oh can't forget Ticklish for "Licorice". Auntie Heather Renee has told me that the kids only say it for so long and then they grow up and say it correctly. So I'm holding on to his sweet words for now.

My sweet Brookie called me into her room for a surprise. She was playing my wedding song " It's Amazing How You Can Speak Right to My Heart" while singing and playing the barbie guitar. She knows just what to do to melt my heart.

While shopping at Albertson's Tanner said, " The Easter Bunny bought that here!" And later he asked, "Mom can Santa make all the toys?" I explained that some of the ones that are to hard for the elves to make are bought.

Kadster is to familiar with Time-Outs. He was anxiously waiting for a fresh baked cookie. I had already explained that it was to hot. Currently, I am trying to have the kids learn from their OWN mistakes AND IT'S HARD TO DO! So I gave him the hot cookie. He took a bite and said in a stern voice, "Cookie you get a time out... you burned my tongue!" I tried so hard not to laugh. He really learned his lesson.

Princess Romantic asked, "What do you like to do with daddy?" I like to kiss him, snuggle him and hold his hand. "I knew you liked to hold his hand on your dates. That's love. He's your prince!"

Tan's been comprehending more about maps. Dad was in Sacramento for business so he was spending some time figuring out where it was and then I pointed to all the states I've visited. A few days later he asked, "Mom, is the Unites States of America a Girl or a Boy." Technically neither but they refer to America as a "She". How confusing is that?

Sweet Kade LOVES LOVES LOVES to sing. It's a huge blessing to hear his sweet voice amongst the chaos throughout the day. He continues to LOVE the temple song. He knew Daddy attended the Sacramento Temple and with disappointment said, "I go to the Temple with my Daddy." We did go to Newport Beach Temple as a family the week after Daddy returned. Our children are so in tune with the spirit.

Heavenly

The word blessing can have many meanings...

an infusion of something with holiness, divine will, or one's hope or approval. ...

a favor or gift bestowed by god,

Something promoting or contributing to happiness, well-being, or prosperity;

Colby William had the honors of receiving a sacred baby blessing by his amazing Daddy. Our family is blessed that Daddy honors his priesthood.

Phil, Rob, Dave and Jordan were just a few of the great people that shared the day with us.

...

Auntie Heather Renee is the one that coined the saying "Getting side sugars". Who doesn't like to kiss babies necks?

My BEST darn Job!

The butterfly kisses, winks, hand squeezes, tender kisses, drawings, love notes, and snuggles remind we throughout each day just why being a Mommy is the BEST darn Job around!

My sweeties challenge me each day too. Without these "Mommy tests" I wouldn't learn and grow myself.

They teach me to be like Jesus.

To do things as HE would. To say things that HE would say. And that in itself is the best gift they could ever give me here on earth.

For Mother's Day Brookie Love made me this beautiful flower with her adorable face in the middle. And she drew a sweet picture of her and I on the envelope.

Tanner hand painted this bright frame and carefully decorated my gift bag. He said the two fish are he and I kissing. When I write him lunch notes I always write xoxo. So he knew I'd love the hugs and kisses. He even made a card for Kaden to give to me.
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And Daddy made a PRICELESS video with pics of the kids and fun we've shared with a special surprise ending of Tan and Brookie wishing me a Happy Mother's Day. I felt more that appreciated on my day! Daddy has been Mr. Mom since last July when I was sick prego with Colby and continues to do WAY more than his share in our home! Happy Mother's Day to you too hunny!

(Colby-pokey was sleeping during our photo opportunities.)

Spring'in Around

When spring rolls around everybody's happy...

Colby's first time getting some rays at the beach.

Colby-pokey kept trying to taste the breeze.

We hope he loves the beach as much as the rest of the family.

It's heavenly bliss when we are at the beach. I sure hope there are beaches in Heaven and we can live in a huge beach front property with all our eternal family!

We went to Rancho Jurupa, a near by camping park. There's fishing, playgrounds, miniature golf and a super duper water pad!

The Budge's made it extra fun.
Spring time adventures are awesome!