The proud mama and a school year completed

Today was Kalei and Mason's last day of school! Thankfully we had a beautiful, sunny day filled with friends, slip-n-slides, ice cream (and margaritas for mom!;) They both came home with wonderful report cards, I honestly couldn't be more proud, such hard working little students they are! My little social butterfly, Kalei, never ceases to amaze me with her charm, intelligence, and humor. She has always been very polite but also outgoing and not afraid to be social. My little Mason on the other hand has grown so much socially and emotionally since he has started elementary school. The timid, shy, very emotional, and cautious little boy he once was, has now grown into a caring individual who can now carry on a conversation with someone, speak in front of the class, and make new friends. Though he is still very shy, he has come a looong way! I believe he has really benefited from his sensitive ways. His total consideration for classmates and loved ones is almost unreal. He has the biggest heart out of all the 7 year old boys I've ever known, he just melts me from the inside out. So today when I learned that he had won the Humanitarian of the Year award for his class, I was not surprised:) The teacher said he demonstrates "pono" which means be kind, be safe, and be smart. I think this award was just what he needed to help boost his confidence. Mason has learned to take his shy, sensitive and emotional side, which at one time was of concern to me, and turn it into something extremely useful and meaningful, something that will shape him into a gentleman and benefit him in future relationships. Mason, you've come a long way and mommy is so proud of you:)

Kalei

Ten years ago yesterday, on a sunny friday afternoon at the age of 19, I became a mother and Andy became a father. I remember that day like it was yesterday; I can remember her birth more clearly than the other two for some reason. Most likely because it was like nothing I had ever been through and it was the start of a new life for Andy and I; a life with children. She stared at us and blinked, her hair was a soft brown and a little curly. She snuggled right in with us and became a magical part of our family. She was embraced with love and affection by us and our entire family. The years went by and she grew stronger, smarter, and more beautiful than anything we had ever seen. Her heart is made of gold and her vibrance towards life is genuine and amazing. And now, 10 years later, I am realizing just how fast these years go. People aren't lying when they tell you that "they grow so fast." She's growing into a little lady that is done with princess dresses and tiaras. She has joined the world of cell phones, email, and lip gloss. As I fight back the tears while writing this special message about her, I know she is going to grow in to an amazing young woman who is strong, inspiring, and will spread love wherever she goes in life. Andy and I could not have done this on our own, it took our entire loving families to help shape her into the lovely little girl that she is today, and to that we are thankful for. So happy 10th birthday to our little Kalei girl, our little moose moose, we love you more than words can say:)

The adventures of Alli and Jill

Last Saturday my sister Alli and I participated in a bike ride called Flying Wheels. It was an amazing adventure and helped us prepare for our long Seattle to Portland bike ride coming up this July. We decided to follow the 45 mile route. This was the perfect length to start out with and had just the right amount of hills to make it challenging. I could not have had a better riding partner along with me that day, Alli and I never fail to have a blast together. The ride was full of laughter, jokes, and conversation. Its never a competition between the two of us because we are similar in so many ways! Our riding goals, fitness level, body type, and ambitions are almost identical, like us! We are constantly pushing ourselves because of the fact that if one of us can do it, so can the other! So when the riding became tough and one of us was lagging behind, all we had to do was watch the other one and we were able to push ourselves. Whether in a bike riding situation or just hanging out with family, my sister and I have the best time and are constantly engaged in breathless laughter; she is my twin sister and my best girlfriend:)

In a nut shell...

Yet again, it's been awhile since my last blog post! The school year is coming to a close and I am loving this feeling of eventual freedom! I've decided to take summer quarter off in order to spend quality time with the kiddos and to "rest-up" before going back to school fall quarter for some tough classes (mainly sciences, ugh.) I feel completely blessed to have been able to stay home most of the "early years" with my children. We have been lucky enough to avoid childcare which is amazing, but this does also come with a price tag! It has been worth the sacrifice of material things like a newer home, nicer cars that run for more than a couple years, and all the goodies that we would love to have, just to be there for our children. All these things will come in due time and will be all the more appreciated:) This eventful summer we have planned is almost the ending of phase one of our lives. Alex, my youngest, will finally begin kindergarten this fall and that means no more kids at home! Yipee, we made it! (I made it;) With this comes more responsibility for me.....school full-time. I will embark on a full-time schooling adventure that will hopefully lead me to my final destination, nursing. With a lot of hard work and prayers, this may actually be possible. Yes, I said possible, for little old me, to actually gain a career out of this life of mine. Shocking isn't it? Well, sometimes to me it is;) Until then, we will enjoy our summer as always, together. It will be full of beaches, parks, camping, friends, family, barbecues, bike rides, and an amazing family vacation. I can't wait!