Happy Birthday Baby!

Well my baby is three years old today. When I found out I was pregnant with her, it rocked my world. I was one week from turing thirty and had a 14 month old in my arms. Call it shock or denial, I haven't ever recoverd from the news. From the time I get up in the morning til the time I go to bed at night it is one adventure after another. On the other hand, this petite package of dynamite can melt your heart. She is my little snuggle bunny. This is the child with dual personalities. Regardless of her challenging spirit, she completes our family. I can't believe it was three short years ago that I had her. She has become an even bigger "baby"since I have had the opporutnity to stay home this year. I don't get a whole lot done in the day because she is always wanting me to stop and let her rub my skin. Yes, she has a skin fetis. She also is now "legal" to take dance lessons. Although she has been at lessons for years, she will be officially enrolled! Another thought that I have been having lately is the fact that I am so glad I had another daughter to name after a very important person in my life. Mia's middle name is Louise. Three years ago I did not have any idea that my grandmother would get sick and leave so quickly, but if any of you know my grandmother Louise, she was quite the spit fire too. I think it is so relevant to have a children with this same spunky personality.

Happy Birthday Mia, I love you so much!!!

Spring has Sprung

Well I thought Spring had sprung but today we are back to the snow on the lawn. Despite the weather we have done several things that indicate spring is here.

#1: Yard work: Between the weeding and the spreading of the sand or the hauling of the rocks, our wheelbarrow has been in overdrive. It is hard to keep up with Robbin. (She has been out in full force) However the girls managed to have some fun. I couldn't help but grab my camera and snap away. I think that they get into the playing more than the working end of all the projects. But they are kids and that is what they should be doing.

#2: Field Trips: I had the opportunity to go with Ellie to Thanksgiving Point on the second grade field trip. I had not seen the dinosaur museum at Thanksgiving Point and it was really spectacular. They have amazing models of things and we had a lot of fun taking pictures. The highlight of the trip was the 3D movie. We watched sea monsters and it was quite intense.

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#3: Four Wheeling Rondevu: Both Butikofer families meet over the weekend and scoped out a camping spot for the upcoming Butikofer reunion. Despite the slow start and Sophie getting pulled over by the Fish and Game Warden, we had a fantastic time. This was the first time that we let Ellie ride her four-wheeler out on a "big" ride. I just have to say at this point she is much more her father's child than mine. I remember hot-roding on the three wheeler and, as Allen can verify, being a little too reckless on the four-wheeler. We spent a lot of time coaxing her to hit 10 mph. In all actuality I am glad she is so cautious. Tess got a short turn at driving with Kaylee's assistance and Mia was much more content to play in the mud and water with Kaleb. Thanks to the Butikofer's for inspiring the retreat. On the way home Tim also found his ultimate "home." It was a little to far away from civilization for me but since I am married to Charles Engles I could see the potential.







All in all I see the light at the end of the tunnel with the weather. Although if you have been watching the news, Woodland in about to float away; maybe I will have an exciting update.

What a difference a week makes.

I am just giving and early warning; this is an emotional post.

I have been pondering all day about the events of the past week. One week ago today I took my two oldest girls to visit my grandma in the hospital. As many of you know my grandma had been battling a form of leukemia for two years now. She had gone to the hospital to receive further treatment for the disease. As I sat in the room with many of the family members I was full of emotions and questions. Mostly questions for myself. How would I ever compare to this amazing woman? How could I provide for my children the way she has for hers? Would I be able to spend 65 years in love with my eternal companion?

The way I view my grandma is described in one word: strength. My entire life my grandma has been there. From the time we moved to the farm when I was four years old, I have memory after memory of my grandma. I was so fortunate to have her close to me for so many years. She always offered me advice, she always supported me, and she absolutely provided me with an example of unconditional love. This love was evident right down to her pets.

I have spent this last year trying to return some of the love for my grandma by fixing dinners and treats for both grandma and grandpa. I have enjoyed every minute of it. My mom has worked day in and out taking my grandparents to their appointments and seeing to their everyday needs. After the family was informed last Monday that they should bring my grandma home, I have reflected on that unconditional love.

As the days pasted in the week and I saw her fragile body weaken I just wanted to hold her hand once more time and compare it to mine. I think that my hands look just like hers and I wanted to have that memory with me. I love my grandma so much and am thankful that I have a child who will carry her name. I am a better person because of her influence and am so grateful for the time I had with her. I can only hope to live my life as well as she did hers.

She returned to our Heavenly Father late Friday night May 2, 2008. This week has allowed me to lean on my beliefs and well as the strength of my family. A family that grandpa and grandma started 65 years ago. Her influence will live for many generations. I am so grateful for her life and her legacy. I know that someday I will hold her hand in mine again.