Mother's Day Lunch

Brodie's preschool rocked! They were such a great group of teacher's, Brodie really learned allot, and is truly ready for kindergarten. For Mother's Day the teachers at the school made the mom's a yummy lunch and we all had a great time visiting while the kids played in the park. As we left the children gave us these cute bags they had decorated with a card and a gift. Thank you for a great afternoon!

School Project

Talen and his friend worked for a week to complete this California Mission. They were honored by having theirs displayed in the school office window. Talen was so proud!

May the Fourth be with you!

Happy 5th Birthday Brodie! Who knew that when you were born on May 4th (official Star Wars Day) that you would also one day become a true Star Wars Fan... or in your words, "I am a fan of Star Wars". This is really an understatement as I do not think a day goes by that you do not go into great detail about characters, air craft, or specific scenes from a movie to anyone that will listen. Family members, the girls in your carpool, neighbors, or even complete strangers. It is so much fun to watch this part of your personality! You have such an amazing memory for details, a strong sense of right and wrong, and you love to perform. Today it may be Star Wars that inspires you, but I have a feeling that you will apply this sense of passion to many areas of your life. In addition to Star Wars you also love... Ham, hummus, and pickle sandwiches, The It's a Small World ride at Disney Land, Tao Cruz's song Dynamite (yes, second year in a row), Your brothers. Your friends Chase, Jed, and Crue. Craft time at school, Playing dress-up (usually as Darth Vader). Vanilla ice cream with gummy bears and sprinkles Swim Team (your first year). Zombies. And last but not least, BOUNCING (it is more of a hop-skip-bounce, and you start the moment you wake up until your head hits the pillow) We love you!

Officially a teenager!

I think it has taken me so long to write this post because I am still in shock that my Cyrus is 13! It is an odd feeling to have a child that is bigger than you are; to look in their eyes and realize that your importance in their lives has moved from first place to somewhere further down the list. A little piece of my heart cracks a little as I hear sarcasm replace honest emotions. However I also realize that this is a right of passage and I only hope that as you start this journey that I am able to step back, allow mistakes, and take a deep breath because you are a great kid. These are just some of the observations I have made, and some of the reasons I know you are growing into a wonderful young man.

I am no longer able to choose your clothing, you have a very clear vision of the way you want to look.

You realize how attractive the guitar is to the opposite sex and have increased your practice time and enthusiasm for music.

Your desire to work and earn money is strong ( you almost past up a social event to babysit for someone in the ward).

I have noticed that you are a quiet leader, everyone wants to know where Cyrus is so they can be with you. (Including your brothers.)

You are the first to volunteer or take on responsibilities in church or scouts.

When faced with a challenge you never hesitate.

You are the first person to compliment me when I have made a yummy dinner.

You are not afraid to shake it on the dance floor (much to the delight of all the beehive girls!)

You are curious and inventive.

You are kind and thoughtful when dealing with a sometimes crazy and annoying baby brother.

Even though you are a "cool" teenager" I can still hear you and Talen deep in conversation long after I have said goodnight and closed you door.

Happy 13th birthday, I love you!

Make a wish!

I am pretty sure he wished for a Ferrari.

Girls day out! 3/9/12

Holly came out to visit us and I thought it would be fun to get out of Danville and see some more that Nor Cal has to offer. We called Jenny and headed to Calistoga to tour a Castle/vineyard named Castello di Amorosa. It was so beautiful a little educational, and our tour guide was very entertaining. We ate yummy food and chocolate, window shopped, and talked about girl stuff. It was the perfect day!
Thank you ladies!

Castello di Amorosa 3/9/12

Calistoga, California

Romance in the air...

The castle was so beautiful and romantic and we did not have our men with us so we had to make do.

Kids these days...

Holly came to visit me and this was a very common image of her. She would be texting what a great time we were having while we were in the middle of having a great time! I hate that we are soooo connected by our telephones. I miss the old days when 8 people had to share a phone and sometimes you would get a busy signal.

Snow Camp out 3/9/12

Finally we were able to get enough snow for the scouts to make their annual snow camp out! It had been canceled twice due to an unusually dry and warm February (I was not complaining). However Cyrus was really looking forward to 6 hours of digging in the ice to build himself a shelter to sleep in for the night. Only two other boys from the troop came (because their dad's were leaders) everyone else thought it sounded crazy and stayed home. Cyrus said he awoke to a thin layer of ice covering his sleeping bag, but other than that had a fantastic time.

Birthday party 3/7/12

We had a four day weekend the second week of March and decided to have Talen's party on Wednesday at Sky High. Sky High is an indoor gym with wall to wall trampolines, the kids had a great time and sufficiently wore themselves out so we could go back to house for cake and movies.
Talen is lucky to have 3 of his closest friends within in walking distance from our home, Christopher, Patrick, and Mitchell are pictured in the photo.

Blowing out the candles! 3/7/12

Goodbye Nora... again

Nora has been apart of our lives for almost six years! We have recently had the pleasure of having her live close by again, however she is now on her way to live and work with some dear friends of ours in Connecticut. We will miss her dearly, but know she is going to love her new job!
Some lessons I have learned over the years from Nora are...

No prayer is ever too small.

God works through the people in our lives, so never ignore the opportunity to help or serve others. You may be the answer to someone's prayers.

Less is more.

Never, never waste!

Always be grateful. Always!

Forgive others... even if they do not deserve it.

There is no such thing as a stranger. (She is so friendly!)

There is always joy to be found, even in our everyday routines.

We are never too old to be ahed and amazed. (Thank goodness!)

Life Is Good!

Thank you Nora, and good luck on your new adventure!

Works of Art (with a paper plate)

Just when I thought I had seen every possible craft made out of a paper plate, Brodie brings this home!
They are learning about continents in preschool this month and they made the Sydney Opera House out of paper plates! I love it!!

Double Digits!

Today is your 10th birthday Talen and these are just some of the things that I love about you...

I love that when you hug me, you hug me with your whole heart!

I love that even though you sometimes put your shirt on backwards and can't remember if you have brushed your teeth, you never forget that you promised to play a game with Brodie after school.

I love that you have decided to grow your hair out because in your words, "Long hair is super fly!"

I love that when you see a homeless person your first thought is to empty your pockets for them.

I love how easy speaking or performing in front of people is for you.

I love that you are a loyal and loving friend.

I love that you are an equally loving and loyal brother, and son.

I love that you are easy to forgive.

I love that in the last year you have chosen the bongos, the harmonica, and the alto sax to learn how to play.

I love that you are a peacemaker.

I love that you are the tallest boy on your basketball team, and that this year you tore up the court with your aggressive plays and rebounds!

But most of all I love that you are my son. Happy Birthday Talen!

Cyrus Sycamore Stingrays Summer 2011

Okay, so as promised I am trying to catch up.
Summer 2011 was very quiet. The boys once again spent all day swimming, Cyrus and Talen made great improvements and some how managed to beat their personal best each meet! Brodie finished another year of Little Stingers and is ready to join the swim team this summer. (If we are still in Danville.)
Cyrus was able to spend time camping and hiking with the scouts. He really loves his leaders, they have so many great outings!
Talen and Cyrus spent almost 2 weeks in Oregon with the Miller grandparents and cousins. They worked hard to help grandpa get the land ready for their new summer home, and spent allot of time fishing.
I spent most weekends in class and or studying to finish my Pilates certification with Balanced Body.
J.D. worked hard and managed to take a trip with Brodie to see his parents in Oregon at the end of summer.
The highlight of course was a visit from my brother Scott and his family for 4th of July. And a visit from Holly in August.

Talen Sycamore Stingrays Summer 2011

Little Stingers 2011

Another great year of Little Stingers for Brodie!