A Bitter Sweet Mother's Day

My Mom got to be with us on Mother's Day this year. I have not been with her for a Mother's Day in 13 years or more. Isn't that crazy. It was very cool to have her here. I even got asked to give a Mother's Day talk and so she got to be there. OF course I cried like a baby when I gave it but the spirit was strong. The kids got me all kinds of cute cards and gardening stuff. My favorite gift was a poem by Mishonne. She is a gifted writer.
The other crazy thing that happened on MOther's Day is that my broher Christopher got to come for a visit before he went into the army. We are so excited for him to find some meaning and direction in his life. We love him to death and want to see him happy.
So the bitter sweet part of this day was that I got to spend it with my Mom but Christopher left for basic on Mother's Day. I drove him to meet the sargeant since Mom would have blubbered.

A trip to Wisconsin.

WE decided to spend EAster break by heading up to Wisconsin. It is always good to see the people who became Loren's family on his mission there. I too have a soft spot in my heart for these amazing families. We miss them when we don't get to see them for a long time. The kids had a ball playing the Wii at the Bruettes, football and little Joseph at the Neimics, and the awesome food at the Dentons.

Chic and Mom Bruette with Loren

Our gang of five with the four Bruette grandgirls. Haley made fast friends with the girls and was sad to leave them.



The Bruette girls Megan (and her husband) and Melanie and thier son T.J. with me and Loren.

THis is a cool three generation photo for Loren. He baptized Mary and her son Brian later joined the church when he was 18. He went on a mission and was married in the temple. They had their first baby, Joseph, two weeks before Aliyah was born. Cool!

Here is Aliyah being a bully and trying to take away Joseph's toys. She thinks its pretty funny.
Here is the whole Denton gang. Granny Denton, the matriarch started it all. Loren taught and baptized her and her girls. Loren got to go to the temple with their family to have her and some of her kids and her deceased husband sealed. Now there are little Denton great grandkids running around. The dominoe affect is priceless.

Here are some fun pics from our time with the DEntons.

Here Comes Trouble!

Aliyah is getting so big and getting into everything. Her favorites are the shoe box, the lid drawer, and the book shelves. Aiyah now climbs up on the fireplace hearth so we have to watch her carefully. The other day she was chewing on something so I ran over to get it out of her mouth. It was none other than a dead lady bug. Gross! She just had her 10 month day. Wow, how time flies by.

Here is Aliyah on Easter Day. What a little joy.

Our Little Cajun Boy turns 9!

Our kids are turning south on us. When I asked Logan what he wanted for his Birthday dinner he said, "That's easy Mom. I want Gumbo." When I served it he was excited and then bummed because I didn't put any shrimp in it. Instead of cake he wanted cinnamon rolls so I guess a few of our traditions have held out. Here is Logan opening a few presents, cash and legos.

More Mardi Gras Fun

While Loren was out of town up to Illinois for 5 days the kids and I went with some friends to a small Mardi Gras Parade. There were lots of people and lots of drinking on the floats and not a whole lot of beads this year. At least we got some exercise walking from and to our car



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Happy Mardi Gras!

Once again Mardi Gras season has come and gone. Mishonne and Logan had to make a minerature float out of paper and a box for their school parade. Each year has a theme. This year was famous people through time. Logan chose Mozart and Mishonne chose a Wright brother. They did a good job coming up with a float idea.

My Three Little Talents

Mishonne, Logan, and Haley participated in their school talent show. The three of them did a group act where Mishonne played the piano while they sang "I am a Child of God." It was very sweet. Logan and Mishonne also were part of group acts for their class. It was fun to watch. I am proud of them for being brave in front of so many people.