Some summer fun....

Just a reminder that there are much bigger things in the world.  Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by life and the people in it.  I needed a reminder, someone else is at a bigger, harder time in their life.  The 'problems' in my life are pretty trivial really.  I am so blessed.  I have an amazing husband who LOVES me.  He loves who I am.  I am so grateful for Gaylen.  He makes me laugh.  I am so grateful for his protectiveness - I love that he is so quick to sooth and rally for me when I am feeling hurt or angry.   He is always willing to stand by me.  I am so blessed.

I have three amazing kids.  The most surprising is....they think I am pretty ok too.  I am so grateful for them.  I am grateful for their off hand comments that are so sweet and sincere.  I love them so much.  Patrick is always so quick to say "I love you Mom" and give me a hug.  I don't know - will he continue wanting to hug me as he becomes older?  Wyatt is so kind.  He always tells me I look pretty.  He thanks me for lunch as if I had spent hours cooking sloppy joes and potato wedges!  I tell Brenna 'you are a good girl' and she always responds with 'you are a good Mom'.  If I say I love you - she says 'I love you more'.  They are my joy.

"My cup runneth over." 

Happy Independence Day!!

Wy enjoying ice cream later in the day!

Brenna enjoying her ice cream - really she is!!

Gaylen & the kids at Fat Cats - we decided to try something new!!

Brenna is quite the Daddy's girl!

That is my Patrick - MARCHING IN A PARADE!!  (sniff, sniff)  He makes me so proud!

This is a sight that NEVER fails to give me the shivers!  I love this nation!

Wy loves to take pictures.....

Gaylen just getting comfy!!

My sweet Brenna

My Wy - he is such a good boy...

Happy Fourth of July!!  I am so grateful for this great nation.  I am so thankful for the freedoms it provides!  This Fourth of July - we were able to go to the Layton parade - Patrick marched with NHS' band.  He LOVES playing the drum!!  Wyatt & Brenna were so happy to watch the parade and chase candy!!  :)  After the parade, we went for pizza.  We tried Santa Monica Pizza & Pasta - it was so good!!!  We were all so full!  Afterwards, we went to Fat Cats - bowling!  We had a super time!  (I WON!)  Then, we hit the RedBox and picked some movies and decided to just hang out!  It was a great day!!  Now - we are just waiting for the fireworks!!

A great day for the Zoo!!

Yesterday, Patrick went with the Northridge Marching Band to the Zoo!  We had such a great time!  The band did an awesome job!!  Patrick really loves it!!  My Mom & Dad brought Austin and Teresa came to watch too!  We spent the WHOLE day at the zoo.  It was warm but not unbearable!  After the Zoo - we went to visit Gramma Pickett (she had her knee replaced a few weeks ago) at her rehab place.  It is so good to see her doing so well.  Then, we followed Maass family tradition and went to Hires for dinner!  When I was a kid - that is what we always did!!  We had such a great day!  I am so glad Mom & Dad were able to join us and it was lotsa fun having Austin along too!!  

What a day at the ZOO!!