You're not getting old...

...but if you're expecting a gift you are getting stupid.

Some might not think this is funny on your 40th Birthday or for any birthday, but this card came with love and thoughtfulness from my dear sweet husband and children. After I read the card, Scott was so happy that he found this card and that he found it at the dollar store - no less!! haha It's the thought that counts, each child wrote their name and Scott traced Emmett's hand for me. Truly priceless..

So here I am turning 40 - it is bitter sweet. This is the first "milestone" birthday that I have had a hard time dealing with. I was excited to turn 21 (couldn't wait to go on a mission), thrilled to turn 25 (was getting married and on my way to adulthood), ecstatic to turn 30 (finally out of my 20's and people would see me as an adult, a mom, and a wife), 35 whatever (just half way through my 30's too consumed with my children to care), and now 40 denial (how can I be this old already).

I remember when I was a teenager in young women's and we would talk about Sis So-n-So and how old she was-like 40! And now that's me. I am the old sister that the young woman talk about. You know it is coming, but when you get there, it's hard to believe, because I don't feel like I am 40. Well that's not true, some days I feel like I am 40 or even 80! haha

Turn it, embrace it, love yourself and move on!!! Today I am 40!!!!

Let the festivities begin....

I started my birthday weekend off with Friday night dinner with Deidra and our favorite girls night place Chili's. It was a great evening just catching up, laughing, crying, eating, and then a little shopping. Thanks Friend for a Fabulous Forty Dinner!!!

Saturday the fun continues...
Saturday morning went for a little lady pampering with Krista and Hollie. We had a pedicure and a manicure.

Then after our pampering we had Mexican food for lunch - mmm my favorite!!!

Krista thought it would be fun to tell our waiter that it was my birthday. So he brought me the sombrero and a an ice cream sundae. A little disappointed no song or maracas. Here is my cheesy birthday pose! Thanks Krista and Hollie for a fun and relaxing morning!!!!

After my morning with the girls, had a relaxing afternoon at home, then dinner with the family. I thought it would be fun to take the kids to a restaurant where they cook in front of you (like a Benihana). We're going to splurge a little tonight - after all it's my 40th birthday!!

Here we all are getting ready for the cooking to begin!!!

Before the chef starts to cook, he light the grill on fire with a big flame. The kids thought it was cool (after the fire was put out) lol. Emmett wasn't having any of it, he wanted out of there as soon as the fire was out. He kept saying "all done", "all done".

When the chef began cooking, he would throw food out to us. Scott and I didn't get the camera out quick enough to capture Garhett catching in his mouth the first shrimp. It was simply amazing. The chef said, "Ready" and at the same time tossed the shrimp, Garhett turned his head and caught it in his mouth!!! It was awesome, wish we would have captured it on film.

The food was delicious! Teriyaki Chicken, Teriyaki Steak, Tempura Vegetables - so yummy. Our kids were great with the chop sticks. Each one of them used the sticks instead of a fork. Can't say that I joined them. I love the fork and was just fine using it!!!!

Even Emmett took a "stab" at it!!!!

We had a great time at dinner tonight! I wouldn't have wanted to spend it any other way then with my family whom I adore!!!

I had a fabulous weekend so far, tomorrow is the big day. I don't know if I am ready for it, but it's coming anyway!

I woke with birthday wishes from Scott and the kids. My parents called (the are currently in Texas) and sang "Happy Birthday". They have called and sang for years I remember being in college and they would call on my birthday and sing to me. My parents call Scott, the kids, my siblings (all family members) on the day of their birthday. It's so special.

I wore a cute new outfit to church today. I didn't take a picture of it, but it's a brown/white polkadot skirt with a green button top. So cute!!! At church, the Primary kids all sang to me, it was so nice. After church, Scott let me take a nap while he and the kids made dinner and my birthday cake. My birthday dinner was steak, shrimp, potatoes, and salad. So good - thanks sweetie!!! We ended the evening with birthday cake that Scott and the kids made.

I had a great birthday - it started on Friday through Saturday and ended on Sunday! So I am 40, embracing it, accepting it, loving it, and moving on! After all 40 is the new 30, right?!!! Thanks to my friends and family for making my day so special.

Birthday Girl

Birthdays are such a special day! I love birthdays! I love making the people I love feel special.

In our family, we only do "friend" birthday parties on the even years of the kids birthdays. Since Paige is 5, we aren't having a party this year. I decided that Paige would love to go the salon and get her nails done. So we had a mom and daughter day. We had pedicures, enjoyed lunch, and then dinner out with the family, and an enjoyable evening with extended family and some friends for cake n ice cream.














Here is Paige and I decorating her "Castle" cake, which she wanted all white this year. So there isn't any definition with lines or flowers or anything. It's the Princess' cake and she can have it anyway she wants it! (For today!)

Here we are getting our toes done. Paige loved putting her feet in the water. She chose pink for her toes with flowers on the big toes, and green for her fingernails. This is what daughters are for! To have fun getting all dolled up and shopping. I have been blessed with a shopper and a trendy girl. It's a good thing and probably a bad thing when she gets older, but for now - it's FUN!!!!
















Who doesn't love dinner at Red Robyn where they will sing and clap "Happy Birthday" to you?!!! My kids love it! Grandma and Grandpa joined us for Paige's birthday dinner.















Then home for presents, cake and ice cream with Uncle Brian and Aunt Kathy, cousin Randy (we caught her before she went back to college), and the Kidders (Deidra and Michael), oh yes, and we must not forget Grandma and Grandpa!!!
















Paige blowing the candle out on her cake.

                             Paige's new birthday outfit.

The Birth of a Princess...

Well 5 years ago today January 7^th, Dr. West said these magical words to Scott and I, “It’s a Girl!!!” We both looked at each other and said, “It’s a girl!” After having 2 boys , we got ourselves a princess. And a princess is what she’s been since the moment she entered into this world.

So may I introduce our Princess Paige…

We are so blessed to have Paige in our family. She brings such creativity, music, and DRAMA! Paige loves to dress up, dance, sing, and even wrestle with her brothers.

Happy Birthday Paige! We love you.

Two Years Ago

On this special day for both you and I, we find ourselves in the very same place we were in 2 years ago, the hospital. The image and feelings are still so very fresh in my mind. As you lay here in this hospital bed not so tiny this time, you still have tubes in/out of you, you still have trouble keeping your breath, and you still are easy to calm by the touch of my hand to your foot and head. Of how I wish you didn't have to go through the things that you have gone and are going through. Oh how I wish mom could take away your pain. This is where I have learned that the power of faith can calm the soul and get you through any and all situations.

Two years has come and gone so fast and at times so very slow. You have grown leaps and bounds from your mere 3 pounds and yet you have so many more milestones to achieve. Emmett Cole Morgan you are strong spirit and a strong boy. Your smile brightens the room and makes everyone around you feel good. Emmett you have an infectious laugh that changes any mood to happy.

Two years ago today, you were born into our family. Heavenly Father had chosen you to come to us, an unexpected yet much needed blessing. You were our special blessing that would teach your mother and father to rely more completely on Faith, Hope, Charity and Love our dear Father in Heaven. During these two years Emmett, mom has learned that I am truly just the keeper here on Earth for you and your 2 brothers and your sister. Never have I thought of this more and realized it until you joined our lives. How blessed I truly am to be a mom of such great spirits. With that truly overwhelmed that I have been chosen to be one of your parents.

Your dad and I love you so very much. Oh how blessed I am to be your mom and to have you as my son. Happy Birthday my sweet Emmett.

Here is Emmett enjoying his birthday in the hospital.

Double Digits

Ten years ago today, we became parents. A day that Scott and I thought would never happen. Today we were blessed with a boy who is so loving, kind hearted, and very funny. At age 3, Garhett was on stage at the Primary talent show doing stand up comedy. Garhett is our performer, he loves to entertain us. Garhett is a great big brother to all his siblings. Garhett and Emmett have a special bond though. Garhett is able to calm Emmett and make him laugh and that is truly a blessing. We love you Garhett, thanks for blessing our family with your presence.














Sorry for the blurry picture. This is Garhett doing stand up at the Primary Talent Show. He was 5 years old and we had only been in Boise for a month.















This is my favorite picture of Garhett and his dad. This was Garhett's first time fishing and he had to use dad's pole, so he traded poles with Scott.

Age only gets better...

41 years ago a son, brother, husband, and father was born. A child that would turn out to be the best husband and father.

Happy Birthday Scott!!!!

WE LOVE YOU!

Happy Birthday Trent!!!

It was 6 years ago today that I went in for my weekly check with Dr. Jones. I wasn't feeling you move very much, so they did an ultrasound and to our dismay, you were low on amniotic fluid. Dr. Jones said, "Have some lunch, get your things, and report to the hospital in a couple of hours. You are going to have a baby today.

And so it was, you would be born 3 weeks early. At 8:16 pm you were born into this world weighing in at a mere 5lb 15oz. We were so happy you joined our family. Garhett was so excited to finally be a big brother! Trent you have brought us such joy and still do. Happy Birthday son, we love you!!
















Trent decided to have his birthday party at Chuck E Cheese. Most parents cringe at the thought, but I love it! So we packed up the kids and off to Chuck E Cheese for some dinner and fun! Trent received a lot of fun gifts. Thanks to everyone for the fun!