Hero's

 

Everyone has their own definition of a hero.  Probably even several.  But in Ogden this week we all have been reminded of what Hero's our law enforcement officers are.  Our Weber Co. Strategic Strike Force was serving a warrant and the man opened fire.  He killed one officer and injured several others and ripped a hole into the hearts of thousands of us.  My boys and I spent quite a bit of time talking about how thankful we were that there were men and women out there that were willing to put their lives in danger....and often times actually give their lives....to keep us all safe.  I've cried a lot of tears this week. I've thought a lot about the family of the fallen officer and the families of the injured officers and the families of ALL officers everywhere.  Those families are also hero's.  Well, today was the funeral for the fallen officer.  The citizens of the Ogden area really wanted to show their love and respect so it was decided that people could line the funeral procession route.  I wanted to take my kids.  I felt that we should be there.  Jamie decided that she also wanted to go so as usual we went together:)  The older boys wanted to go but were stressed about missing school so we just took our younger 6.  Jamie brought poster board and markers and while we waited the kids made posters.  It was a long wait but it's something none of us will ever forget.  The tears I saw on my boys faces are tears I'll never forget.  Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, to all of you wonderful Officers out there who so selflessly give your lives. 

 

 Tonight Mike and I were watching the news and they were showing pictures from the day and we saw Lucas!  Jamie found the picture of him and one of Sophia so that I could save it:) I sure love my kids!

The REST of My Birthday adventures!

 After having a great day with Olivia we went to dinner with Mom and Don at a great new Indian restaurant.  Then we came home and they gave me presents!  They were so cute.  In addition to the bedding that I got at the family party they gave me a Voice Male CD and a beautiful calendar.  I love my family and they are the greatest gift I've ever gotten.

My New Birthday Buddy!

 Today I got the very best birthday present EVER!  Mary gave me a beautiful little niece!  Little Olivia Kathleen Oveson was born this morning at 7:59 a.m. She weighed 8 lbs 2 oz, and was 20 inches long.  I was lucky enough to be the very first person (except for Mom and Dad of course) to see my little Livi!  She's amazingly beautiful and healthy and YES they are watching her sugar very closely and it looks like she'll end up in the NICU tonight so she can level out a little bit but at least we got her with us for a while today!  Mike and I went back up again this afternoon....but before we did we had to go shopping!  He had just as much fun as I did! Along with the clothes that we bought I was able to give Mary and Olivia a present from Opa.  Years ago when I was pregnant with Tyler dad bought be several girl things (since we didn't know what we were having) and I've always saved them in my cedar chest.  Well when I got home from the hospital this morning I dug them out:) and through tears was able to give them to Mary.  All in all I don't know if I've ever had a better Birthday present!

The Clothes from Opa

A few of Uncle Mike's choices:)

Party Time!

I don't know if I have ever been so excited for the family January birthday party. I know that it will seem like I was excited for MY presents, but really I was SUPER excited for Mike O's present! A few weeks ago our neighbor (a bail bondsman) stopped by with ANOTHER road bike and it just happened to be the right size for Mike O!! Mike was THROUGH THE ROOF with excitement! Not only would he gain another biking buddy....but he was SO excited to give something like this to Mike O. As we were talking about it he said "There is honestly no one that I know who gives so much of themselves for EVERYONE else around them. I can't wait to give HIM something for once. There is nothing better than giving an unexpected gift to the most deserving person!" Anyway, Mike called all of my family members and asked if they wanted to go in on the bike with us for his birthday....and everyone was super excited to help!

So tonight we all gathered together for a yummy dinner (Mike's home made pizza), cake and then FINALLY it was present time! The excitement in the air was palpable. My Mike made me open presents first so that the bike could come at the end:) As a quick non-bike side note....I loved my gifts:) Mike gave me the new bedding for our room! I can't wait to get the painting done! Mary (and family) gave me a dress that I had almost bought for myself the week before BUT didn't because I didn't want to spend the money on myself! You've gotta love sisters! Stephen and Melissa gave me a beautiful necklace that Melissa made (she's amazing!) and my Mom and Don gave me a cool attachment for my kitchenaid mixer that will grate things! Ok...now on to the exciting part of the night. Mike's present. We gave Mike a little bag with clipless pedals.....he was a little less than thrilled. He didn't say anything but I'm sure the thoughts were "HUH? I have no desire to clip my self into those little things!" ANYWAY, then Mom handed him a card and said "We're still trying to decide what to get you". hehehe. Then Mike had him close his eyes while he brought out the last present. Everyone was standing around with cameras all pointed at him and he suddenly got very nervous. It's not like we have a full paparazzi every time someone opens a gift:) Mike got all set up with the bike and told him to open his eyes but Mike O was so nervous he didn't want to look! He finally did and said "Oh ahahaha Mike funny. Your new bike?" My Mike said "nope, this is for you!" I haven't ever seen someone so excited, shocked and confused all at the same time! It was awesome! BEST gift giving experience ever.

And of course we had yummy cake!

YAY Snow!

This has been a VERY dry winter. We haven't had much snow at all and what we've gotten has melted very quickly. So today when we work to actual snow on the ground the kids went nuts! First they went to Riverdale park and went sledding, then Tyler went sledding with friends at Rohmer Park while the others built forts in the front yard and had a massive snowball fight. PHEW! All in all it was a beautiful snowy day!

Tree House Adventures

The kids LOVE the Tree House Museum. We usually go on the free R.A.M.P days in the summer but the Kindergarten field trips there are the most fun because the kids all get to do plays together and play together which always makes everything better. Well, I got to go with Lucas and the Kindergarten today......and it was a BLAST as usual! The plays are always fun and this time Lucas got to be the BIG BAD WOLF.....and what a funny wolf he was! That little boy has more personality and expression in his little finger than most people have in their whole bodies!
After the play we got to go and learn more about fairy tales from around the world. This was a different rotation (from the other 3 K field trips) and I loved it. I love that the kids get to see how stories are the same, and different depending on which country you go to!Next we go to make "Magic wands" in the art garden. Lucas loved it!Then it was the part the kids look forward to the very MOST......free play time! There is so much to do and so much to see that I felt like we were running from thing to thing but the kids were happy so I guess it doesn't matter!

I love field trips and I love the Tree House but most of all I LOVE my Lucas!