Happy Birthday Josh!

Happy Birthday Josh! I only have a few pictures with Josh in them, hence the Christmas picture. As you can see, growing up he was much older. I remember he drove a little blue car, and I could always tell when he was coming home, because I could hear his music before he turned onto our street. I also remember he was a pioneering snowboarder with the coolest Winterstick. My all time favorite memory of Josh was something he said we could do on Christmas Eve. I don't remember the year, but, one Christmas Eve Josh let all of us camp out in his room. It wasn't a real room at the time; my dad was trying to finish the basement and Josh lived in sort of a cement block. Anyway, we all camped on the floor and watched The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus (To us known as The Great Ak). I thought I was so special, because I slept on Josh's floor. Have a great day Brudda'! You've accomplished many great things! (By the way, if you check out the link, scroll down to #44).

Happy Memorial Day!

I just wanted to thank all those that I know, and don't know, for serving our country. I feel truly blessed to live in such a wonderful country. Thank you to all those that have protected our freedoms. Also, a big thanks to those families that have been without their loved ones during their time of service.

One Word Tag

I was tagged! Here goes:

1. Where is your cell phone? computer
2. Your significant other? Derek
3. Your hair? brown
4. Your mother? Megan
5. Your father? Roelof
6. Your favorite thing? family
7. Your dream last night? movie
8. Your favorite drink? virgin sangria
9. Your dream/goal? exaltation
10. The room you're in? kitchen
11. Your hobby?birds
12. Your fear? spiders
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? here
14. Where were you last night? home
15. What you're not? organized
16. Muffins? poppyseed
17. One of your wish list items? muscles
18. Where you grew up? West Jordan
19. The last thing you did? movie
20. What are you wearing? day clothes
21. Your TV? faulty
22. Your pets? tortoise
23. Your computer? on
24. Your life? adventure
25. Your mood? content
26. Missing someone? no
27. Your car? Van
28. Something you're not wearing? socks
29. Favorite store? Target
30. Your summer? hot
31. Like someone? lots
32. Your favorite color? all
33. When is the last time you laughed? today
34. Last time you cried? teary eyed-yesterday, hard-February15th

Week Review: May 16-25

Friday: May 16th -We went with Olivia's class to the animal shelter.

Saturday: May 17th- Derek worked all weekend, with the help of our friend, putting ducting in for our swamp cooler. It was just in time for 106 degree weather. Thanks honey!

Sunday: May 18th- I had lots of meetings today. My favorite meeting was our SED(Sunday Evening Discussion). We talked about Enos-like-faith. After we had otter pops. It was great, you had to be there to feel it.:)

Monday: May 19th- Gina's top tooth broke through today

Tuesday: May 20th- We had Joyschool at our house this week. This was my last week to teach this year. We are on Family Security and Pride. We learned telephone etiquette today.

Wednesday: May 21st- Today was mutual. Since Memorial Day is coming up, we brought cookies to the military families in our ward. The girls had a blast doing this. We did too!

Thursday: May 22nd- Today was Joyschool again. We celebrated Charlie's birthday, and we made school pennants. The kids decorated their own. You'll see them at graduation!

Friday: May 23rd- This weekend was the annual Fathers and Sons weekend! Ethan and Derek had a blast together at Kennedy Meadows. They saw a little rain and snow. Which is very exciting for us desert people. They also got to do some hiking. Me and the girls had a great Mother and daughters weekend. We played princesses, had a tea party, made cupcakes, painted nails, and watched My Little Pony. We ended the day snuggling in my bed reading stories. We had a blast! The next morning, we had waffles!

Saturday: May 24th- Today Ethan, Derek, and I went to see Prince Caspian. Ethan had already read the book, so, he wanted to see it. We loved it! It doesn't follow the book exactly, however, we loved it!

Sunday: May 25th- Well, here we are to today. We had a great day at church. All of the sacrament talks, lessons, etc., were great! We also went for a quick bike ride to see a lady I visit teach. The best part of today is that we have no school tomorrow! Thanks for hangin' in there with us. It was a fun and busy week.

Happy Anniversary To Us!

Today is our 9th anniversary! Time has gone by so fast, and yet, we feel we've always been together! We have accomplished many things together. To celebrate, I read in my journal, looked at our wedding album, and I got out my bridal pictures. Derek brought me flowers, and we had a nice tortellini dinner and ice cream! Before I go to bed I'm going to watch the video that my uncle made for us. Wow, 9 years! Derek, I love you more than ever! Thanks for everything!

Happy Mother of My Hubby Day!

I have the greatest husband ever! That's because he has one awesome Mom. My mother-in-law, Vida, has become just as much of an influence in my life as my own mother. I have often thought that if I could incorporate the good qualities of my mom and my mom-in-law, then I would indeed become the perfect mother. Vida has a love for children that is incredible. She finds every and any excuse to be with her children and grandchildren. Life is fun with Vida. She makes a party out of all special occasions. Her name means life, and she truly is an example of that. She is an awesome listener. She wants to hear all about you, and your life. Thanks for all you do for us! Our life wouldn't be complete without you!

Love,

Sophie

p.s-The above picture is Vida with Gina and Sabrina(our kid's cousin) at the Gateway Children's Museum.

Happy Mother's Day!

I just wanted to let everyone know that I Love My Mom! I Love you Mom! When I think back to when I was living at home, and what I learned from my Mom, a few things stood out to me. She was a great example of obedience to the Lord. She always did what she was asked to do, whether she was comfortable with it or not. She also was a great example of service. She was always doing things for other people, even those not of our faith. She has always been a great example of missionary work. I have always cherished the stories she would tell about her mission. She can clean anything! She makes any room she cleans sparkle! She also likes to have fun. She loves to go to fun places, like Disneyland, or the Gateway Children's museum (as the picture shows above). I could go on and on. Thanks for being my Mom! You are awesome!

Love,

Sophia Regina Chiquita Chiahuaua Salsa Vel Bates