Heaven is Here

Now, it's not everyday I give a suggestion for a must read book. It probably has never ever happened before in the history of my life....or blog life. But after carrying this book around for over a year, I finally read it. I read it in three days. Thanks to my pregnancy I try to take it easy during "quiet nap time" at our house. I quickly picked up this book and I LOVED IT. I haven't followed Stephanie Nielson's blog nienie before, so for me other than watching the mormon message on her, this was all new material. Either way, if you follow her blog, you still need to read this book. I absolutely loved it. I have been filled with an abundance of gratitude. Seriously, order it now, buy it, you will love it. Now, since I have 12 weeks left I'm searching for more books...suggestions?

The past few days...

Mr. Ben loves to climb. He's just like all my other boys. He's adventurous, he pushes the limits and he loves to climb.

Safe parenting...

He's messy. Really, really, messy! This is the multiple DAILY occurrence at our house. He insists on feeding himself. He won't sit in a high chair, he climbs right out. And everything ends up on the floor...

 

Caleb has either this face...

Good thing he has a cute face...

Or he has this face. He's a light switch. One second he's off then he turns himself back on.

He's trying to HELP clean up.

Caleb had his official first day of preschool. He loves it!

I can't believe how big he's getting.

 

 

Here are a few pictures from Grandma Suker's funeral. It was a perfect day. The funeral couldn't have been more personalized just for her. We actually had FUN. It was possible because she was so fun her self. It's been an amazing experience learning and growing from her. I still can't believe she is no longer with us.

Grandma Jaqcui (Jared's mom) is buried right by Grandma Suker. Caleb thought it was neat he saw her headstone right by Grandma Suker.

 

 

We sure love Grandma.

Caleb. This tired kid. This made for a very long day.

My four kids. Seriously, I love taking pictures of just me with them. It reminds me how tired I get. How I play chase all day long. How I clean up after them, how we manage to even smile. Being a mother is the most rewarding calling I've ever had. But paired with the rewards are the sacrifices. Being pregnant again, I'm remembering how many sacrifices it takes to bring these little ones into the world. I'm over the top thankful, but man alive I have to admit I dream about running again....

Our happy family

Grandma Helen Lavon Suker

 

 

You will forever be missed in our lives. Truly a life that will forever leave a legacy in our hearts. We love you!

1928 ~ 2013
Lavon Suker passed away on August 8, 2013 at the age of 85. She was born on February 23, 1928 in Arma, Kansas to John and Ella Masquelier. She married the love of her life, Harry Suker, on March 4, 1946 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Harry and Lavon joined the LDS church in 1959 and were sealed in the Jordan River Utah Temple in 1989. Lavon had a beautiful loving marriage with her husband Harry for 67 years. They were often seen holding hands and talking about their wonderful life together. 
They served as church service missionaries for seven years at the Utah State Prison which included Lavon teaching the men how to knit. 
Lavon used her boundless energy improving the lives of her husband, children, grandchildren, friends, and neighbors. She shared her warmth and love with everyone by calling them, "Honey" including the grocery produce men and young baggers. Lavon loved to cook and one of her greatest accomplishments was her legendary English Toffee. She willingly taught her signature recipe plus secrets to everyone insuring a lasting memory of her. 
She is survived by her husband - Harry, daughter- Kristy (Robert), son- Randy (Mary), nine grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren. She will be missed by many, but we are happy that she is in a better place. 
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, August 17, 2013, 11:00 a.m., at the Alta View Stake Center, 1850 East 8600 South, Sandy, Utah, where visitations will be held Friday, August 16th 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Saturday 9:30-10:45 a.m. Interment Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery/Mortuary. Online condolences: www.larkincares.com
In lieu of flowers make a donation to Lavon's favorite charity Wounded Warriors. Online donations: www.woundedwarriorproject.org - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/saltlaketribune/obituary.aspx?n=helen-lavon-suker&pid=166337510#fbLoggedOut

Back to School...Back to Life....

Well believe it or not school around here started on July 25th...crazy considering they were only out for four weeks. And the 24th was a LATE night holiday so let's just say the kids were pretty exhausted. Either way, school morning came and it was super exciting for us all!

Third Grader here she comes!

The MOST excited first grader ever!

 

I made Caleb's preschool sign for him even though he doesn't start for another month. So we will save it and take more pictures of that day...but this little kid wanted to be in on the picture taking.

The two monkies together!

Jake is so happy he FINALLY gets to ride the bus all day long with his sister!

Super excited little dude. I love that smile.

After ONE day of school we had the kids miss a day for the 24th weekend. We headed down to Fillmore Utah for the 2nd Annual Fillmore Family Fun Days. It was a hopping place. We had I believe 48 people staying at the Fillmore residence. It was a spectacular family fun weekend. We all had a place to sleep, eat and many fun activities. This picture is of a WILD WET and COLD 4 -wheeler ride we went on together with Riley and Todd. It was AWESOME. We went through rivers, winded around the entire mountain. Just to get POURED RAINED on. We returned back to the city. I haven't been that cold since skiing in the winter! Either way it was the highlight of the vacation for Jared and I both. We loved it!

The men did some serious 4-wheeling up the canyon.

The kids roamed free on the farm land and dirt hills.

The women cooked and cleaned...and enjoyed the chatting sessions.

The darling little house!

The finale activity was a disco roller skating night. The kids were in HEAVEN.

 

I have to admit Ben was my all time favorite roller skater. From the moment we walked in he wanted the shoes on! We held him up and rolled around and around. It really was so darling.

Here is to Ben shopping in Jared's closet. This kid loves to try on all of Jared's colored tennis shoes while I'm showering and getting ready. This time he was extra cute because I heard this clomping sound and him saying "Daddy, shoes...Daddy, shoes"

I couldn't resist I had to snap a photo of my current favorite little fellow. There are so many things I need to blog about but until the next time. This is a quick way delayed update on life around here.

Girls Camp 2013

What an amazing experience. Honestly the whole experience...Before, After and During...was truly life changing and taught me so very much. But alas I'm back home and I'm Trying to adjust to life at home...without a timeline...with out having to get things done ASAP...I'm re-learning how to  function in this new home and it not be complete chaos...and not be in a hurry. I can't wait to share all the amazing camp experiences with you soon.