A Birthday Bash

My baby turned two yesterday!! Time really does fly by!! I still remember when my water broke in the middle of the night, and the long day of labor...Well now Ethan is the big two. The terrible two's hit a couple of months ago, and are still continuing, but we do have lots of good moments.

On Saturday we took him to Build a Bear and he picked out a his "puppy." He wouldn't let go of it, cried when the lady put it in the box, and had to hold it all the way home. Yesterday we woke up and made him his chocolate chip pancakes and let him blow out his candles. Then we took him downstairs to see his truck that we had got him. He was so excited. He stayed downstairs all morning playing in that thing. He would load all of his other trucks in the bed and then drive around. He also gave his puppy lots of rides.

Last night we had our families and some friends over for some cake and ice cream. He got lots of fun toys and clothes. I tried to get pictures of everyone but missed a few people and Ethan wasn't having much to do with the pictures...I think we only got about three looking at the camera. A big thanks to everyone for coming out and for all the gifts.

Oh I do love this boy!!!!

Happy Birthday Mom

Today is my sweet mom's birthday!! Last night us girls took her to the new Nordstrom (if you haven't been, it's awesome) and did some jewelry shopping with her. Then we hit up the Cheesecake Factory for some dinner. It was fun with just us girls to spend together and be with my mom.

I just want to tell my mom how much I love her! She is the best mom I could have ever asked for and I will miss her SO much!! Not only is she my mom, but she is one of my best friends. She's been there for me through everything. Mom you are an amazing example, friend, mom, and much more. Thank you for always making me laugh, calming me when I'm frantic or stressed, and just being my mom. A mom is irreplaceable. I've realized more what you have done for me, gave up for me, and did for me, now that I am a mom. A mom is a BIG job, and I just want you to know how much I appreciate all that you did and still do for me. I have so many fun memories of just the two of us going shopping, on the set of On the Way Home, Disneyland trips, phone conversations, broken arms, having Ethan, and much more. Thank you for always being there! I hope you have a HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Next year at this time, you and dad will almost be a year down in Japan. Woo hoo!! I love you mom! You are the best! Happy Birthday!!

Eye Update

Ethan and I went to a two week post surgery check up on Thursday! The doc said things are looking good. Right now the eye that had surgery is a little over corrected and not under corrected, which is a good thing. The doctor said he is right where he wants him. Now we make his eye work and bring the eye center. We are back to patching for two hours a day to make that eye use the muscles. The first day I think he pulled it off three times, now he's a champ. Hopefully this will be the last of surgery! If not, we will prepare to do it again.
I just got to say that Ethan is a champ. Seriously, the poor kid has been through some crazy things, and yet he doesn't care. He has worn his patch, taken medicine, worn arm restraints, been under three times, and just continues to be his crazy outgoing self. And it doesn't stop him from singing E-I-E-I-O right in the middle of the sacrament when everyone is dead silent at church!! Gotta love him.

How do you not love this!?

Pictures like this make me laugh. He's such a funny kid and constantly making us laughing. Seriously, how do you not love him!? I love that they have no worries at this age!

Fukuoka JAPAN

Well I guess it's time to let the cat out of the bag, some of you may know and others it will be a shocker! My parents have been called to serve in Fukuoka, Japan as Mission President!!

I knew at some point my parents would most likely be asked to serve. I think we've been preparing for this day for some time. I just didn't think it would happen so soon and thought maybe if I didn't think about it, it wouldn't happen. My parents are amazing and wonderful people and I feel like I get to brag about what good people they are, because they really are. They are the most selfless people I know. Not only have they been wonderful parents to me and my siblings, but have been my best friends. They are great examples to all who meet them, and I hope to be just half of the parents, friend, neighbors, and people they are. I know that the missionaries out in Japan are going to be extremely blessed to be able to be with my parents for THREE whole years! (Yes Ethan will be five when they get home!).

When all of this was happening this last month I knew that Heavenly Father had prepared us in many many ways. In more ways then I thought and through ways that I wouldn't have seen. I've had my mom and dad for 25 years, and many more to come after these three, but how could I ask Heavenly Father to keep my parents home when there are other people in Japan who need them more then I do at this time! I'm extremely thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life, for the faith that I have in my Savior, and to know that there is a true purpose to this life. Returning to our Heavenly Father is what this life is about, and we need to serve Him in order to get there. If I need to learn anything from my parents being so willing to go serve, is that I need to serve more.

Don't get me wrong, these are going to be a hard three years. I've already had tears, and am sure there will be many more. Those of you who know me, know that we do a lot with my family. I'm very close to both my parents and talk to my mom or see my mom most every day. Mom and dad are always getting us together to swim, BBQ, or just go out to dinner! Thank goodness both my brother and sister live close and that we will have each other. We also can talk to my mom and dad every day if we need to, and can go visit throughout the years. I guess I better get my papers in for my passport! Japan here we come! Thanks goodness for the technology today that will allow us to see them through the Internet, phone, web cams, etc.

I'm so excited for my mom and dad and know that this is going to be a great experience for all of us! I'm so proud of my them and know that they are sent there for a reason. For now we will enjoy the next four months that we have together!! I love you mom and dad! Thank you for being my wonderful parents and for the AMAZING examples that you are! You are truly amazing people!! I wouldn't be who I am today without you!