Visiting Gladys, Shannon and the Fam..in Orlando

Alicia, Hunter and Henry had one more fun road trip to Orlando to spend the night with Gladys Waters Family, Visit Shannon Sotto and also her Brothers family. We had a great time. One day we went to the park and let the kids play and then off to Shannon's cute house for some more girl talk, it was much cooler inside. I miss Shannon and our talks since she has moved after they graduated and Jason started up a new Dentist Office. Congrats to them for so much success.. all there hard work is paying off. Shannon is so wonderful as a friend and I admire and respect her. I love to watch her be a mom so genuine and sweet you can see what a great job she does by the way her kids shine. I'm so glad I was able to visit with her. Then it was back at Gladys house the kids got to dress up in Daddy's (Mr Paul's) shirts and dance around to the Wiggles, they also played cars, and made tents. It was cute. Ireally enjoyed just being with the Water's family. They are such a sweet and caring family. The kids are great and Paul and Gladys are so cute as a married couple. You can just see how much they love each other and respect each other..... I think the end to a great visit was Paul's yummy chocolate chip cookies.. I think I ate the about half the batch. Gladys is such an amazing mom, hard working, so nurturing, patient and loving. I'm greatful for our friendship.e next day me and the boys went to my brothers house were we got to visit with some college friends that came into town, go out to lunch with Auntie Jacqueline and Hutner and Jackson had a blast playing. They really enjoyed swimming and playing dinosaurs.It was a perfect couple of days away to end the summer.

Do you ever ask yourself....Did I really sign up for this !?!??!

Sometimes I ask myself did I really sign up for all the crazy life experiences I have gone through and continue to go through?! Sure we bring some of it on our selves by just living and making certain choices, but really alot of life is out of our control. I look over my life in the past 6 years and I have experienced, death of a child, stress, trying to be that perfect mom, cancer and loss of a job, struggle after stuggle. There have been so many hours of crying and just wondering about life. I feel like my life is like this song "The Climb", we are always tring to climb this mountain. And THEN... do you have those moments when you feel like the Lord is talking directly to YOU..The past couple weeks I have come to understand that I can't do it on my own and that the lord wants me to come to him, it is like he is standing at my door just wanting to come in. It is interesting how the talks at church have been on FAITH and I have learned so much about faith in the lord it is so much deeper than just "believing in something you can't see" (which I always thought it is just that simple. I truely have been humbled by learning and feeling the lords love for me. When I heard this song I just thought this is soooooo my life and the way I feel. I know some battles in life we loose but what we walk away with is the key. What did I learn from this experence and how did it help me? I read an article from Thomas S. Monson the Prophet for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.. that talked about his faith. There were three scriptures in the article that stuck out to me.. 1. D&C 64:29 Be on the Lords Errand, 2. 1 Cor. 9:24 - Run the race of life to obtain the prize, 3. 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight I have finished my course, I have kept the faith! I'm greatful that even thou this life is full of ups and downs, loss and life, disappointments and happiness, he provides a way for us to understand, feel his love, ways to get through that time. So many tools to give us peace and joy.

No matter how hard my trials, it could ALWAYS be worse, but over all i'm greatful that I had the opportunity to study up on this and be taught it in church. I hope when I'm standing in front of my Father in Heaven I can say the same to him... I have kept the faith! I have noticed as I learn more about Faith in the lord I also notice my BLESSINGS. I'm so blessed and thankyou all for being that example to me in keeping the faith, thru your actions and love to the lord. I pray as you all climb the mountain of life as I have you will feel your "Faith" grow.

"The Climb"
I can almost see it
That dream I'm dreaming but
There's a voice inside my head sayin,
You'll never reach it,
Every step I'm taking,
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking but I
Got to keep trying
Got to keep my head held high

There's always going to be another mountain
I'm always going to want to make it move
Always going to be an uphill battle,
Sometimes I'm gonna to have to lose,
Ain't about how fast I get there,
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing,
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes they knock me down but
No I'm not breaking
I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm going to remember most yeah
Just got to keep going
And I,
I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on, cause

Keep on moving
Keep climbing
Keep the faith baby
It's all about
It's all about
The climb
Keep your faith
[ Miley Cyrus Lyrics are found on www.songlyrics.com ]

>

Hunter's fun filled BIRTHDAY WEEK!!!!

Hunter had a week full of FUN for his 4th Birthday. He wanted a Dinosaur party so mommy made 2 dinosaur cakes.. one was cupcakes a dino land and the other a dinosaur shaped cake. We celebrated on Sunday with his Uncle Randy, Aunt Ashlea and cousins Grace, Gavin and Perian. Then some friends came over the DaCosta's, and his Grandma and Papa Tom came for cake and ice cream. Monday the Tower's family showed up at the door singing Happy Birthday and gave him his favorite dessert a BIG CUPCAKE! Saturday we had a dinosaur themed pool party with Joseph (star wars theme) and another little boy Drake. It was so much fun and he got lots of toys. Hunter had a great 4th birthday with friends and family.

gainesville singles ward reunion

Friends, Fun and Food makes for a perfect reunion. It was great seeing all of our friends that we went to school and church with. It has been about 6 yrs or longer since we have seen some of these friends. We were able to catch up, meet some of there kids and spouses for the first time. We all had a great time.

My Little Hunter Turns 4!

Steve and I can't belive that it has been 4 yrs already. I still remember the day we brought him home from the hospital. Steve was such a proud daddy...Steve has had a new nick names for Hunter almost each year! - Zattada, chachi, cojo... i'm sure I have forgotten some of them, his daddy loves nick names... :)

Hunter is our sunshine on a cloudy day! His smile brightens any room. We love to see him grow and see how he enjoys life. Hunter is our little "stallion". He has such a strong personality and love for life. Mommy and daddy just need to "Tame" him a little, he sure keeps us on our toes... (anyone with a 4 yr old knows what I mean) Hunter loves to ride his 4-wheeler, doing fun outdoor things with his daddy, ride the tractor, basically we are raising a good ol redneck country boy - :). He is creative with building blocks, painting & coloring. Hunter is fisty and yet so loving and kind. We love his spunky personality and it makes us laugh alot.

The other day Hunter put a play snake under his shirt to his nipple and we asked him what he was doing and he said.... i'm feeding it, it is hungry. (like mommy feeds Henry) We laughed so hard.

Hunter loves to cook with mommy and adores his baby brother. He is very competative in EVERYTHING!!! Loves to race, run, ride his bike and eager to learn. We are excited to see him grow this year when he starts VPK (preschool). He loves to sound out words and read books. His interests are spider webs (spiderman), dinosaurs, playing I spy in the car, watching movies, singing church songs, & playing with his friends. It is funny to hear him ask for playdates... he is growing up so much, Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!!

Angel Sent...(Heidi and Celeste)

If you have ever been loved so much by a friend that you feel they where sent from heaven as an angel in your life you will understand exactly what i'm talking about...my sweet friends Heidi and Celeste have walked the journey of life with me for many years. I have known Celeste for almost 9 years and Heidi for about 6 yrs maybe even longer.. We have laughed, cryed, had many girls nights and Heidi and I even had babies the same time. These amazing woman have held my hand during my cancer treatments and gave me peace and comforting words when I needed it. I feel the lord knew he couldn't be here to walk with me so he sent amazing woman like Celeste and Heidi to be his hands. Heidi is such a soft, loveing mother, so humble and geniune. I learned how to dress cute from her and she inspires me to be a great hostess and mother. Celeste is so sweet, genuine, kind and would do anything for you. Her children reflect her amazing mothering skills, so patient and loving. Celeste has the cutest decorating tips also. Both of them are so beautiful inside and out, not to mention amazing cooks!!! I just LOVE THEM!!!! If you ever get a chance to be part of there lives your life will change forever. You will walk away wanting be a better person and learning so much from them. I just love these ladies, it meant so much when they can to visist me and see my new little man Henry. Thanks ladies for taking the time to show you care and love us so much. Lunch was great and I loved the flowers and gifts.


WE'RE BLESSED IN THIS LIFE,
WITH FRIENDS PRECIOUS AND FEW,
BUT IN A TIME OF NEED,
THE GOOD LORD SENT ME YOU.

TO LEND ME A SHOULDER,
WHEN I FELT I COULD CRY,
TO GIVE ME SOME HOPE,
AND NEVER ASK WHY.

YOU SAT THERE AND LISTENED,
LIKE A GOOD FRIEND WOULD,
YOU OFFERED ME COMFORT,
IN ANY WAY THAT YOU COULD.

YOU LENT ME A SMILE,
WHEN I'D LOST MY OWN,
AND NOW WHEN I'M LONELY,
I'M NEVER ALONE.

FOR YOU SHARE YOUR WISDOM,
WITH SUCH WARMTH AND CHEER,
AND I HOPE THAT YOU KNOW,
HOW I LOVE YOU MY DEAR.

THERE'S A PLACE IN MY HEART,
AND YOUR ALWAYS THERE,
THIS FRIENDSHIP OF OURS,
IN A LIFETIME IS RARE.

YES, FRIENDS IN MY LIFE,
HAVE BEEN PRECIOUS AND FEW,
SO I THANK GOD FOR SENDING,
AN ANGEL LIKE YOU.

Mom's Keeping Cool in the Pool..

It's been fun this summer getting the moms and kids together. The conversations are so funny and never a dull moment for the kids. I feel like I learn something from these sweet woman each time we get together. They are wonderful mothers,loving, nurting and so giving. We have such an amazing group of ladies. Fun Summer Times!

SOOO SORRY Melissa, you got cut out of the picture... Thanks for Hosting the playgroup.

Our fun filled week with Cousin Grace

Weekend with the " Orlando Whitehouse"

Our family spent the weekend in Orlando with Steve's brothers family. We just adore them and have so much fun when we get together. Saturday we went to the Gaylord Palms Resort, swam, celebrated birthdays, and had lunch. Hunter had a blast with the kids and LOVED the slide... he was so upset when we had to leave. Sunday Steve was able to be part of his neices blessing it is always special to be part of such a neat time. We also got to spend some time with Steve's nana and papa. It is great to have the grandkids see them. We are so greatful to have family so close.

Meeting Baby Braxton!

Alicia and the boys went to Auntie Emily's house on Sunday to meet little baby Braxton. He is so adorable and Auntie loved cuddling with him. Hunter and cousin Jocelyn of course laughed, played and had a fun time together. It is so much fun raising our kids together and having them about the same age. Braxton and Henry are only 2 weeks apart.

So Cute... Maybe I should let Henry drink Evian Water...

White Family Reunion

We had a great time catching up, eating yummy food and enjoying each others company on Sunday afternoon. It was a mini reunion with the whites. Everyone got to meet Henry and give him lots of love and attention. We always have a great time when we get together with the fam.

Steve and I were talking and we noticed that "Soft" Granny White has held everyone of these grandkids and some adults that were in the room also. It is amazing that one woman has held so many babies. It was special to Steve to have his Granny hold his 2 boys. She turned 93 this year. We LOVE Soft Granny!! What an amazing woman!

4th of July Family Fun

Our family had a blast this 4th of July. We spent it with our sister in law Ashlea's family. They were so nice and we felt right at home, so many nice wonderful people. There was never a dull moment just fun times. The kids swam, we rode the wave runners.. Hunter calls them "mini boats" , had fire works over the pool (not just little ones.. we are talking BIG DADDY ones) they were beautiful and we ate, ate, ate! The best part of the whole weekend was spent celebrating our nephews 2nd birthday. We had a great weekend, Thanks Randy, Ashlea and the Petersons!



Hunter and Daddy on the "mini boats". Hunter calls them that instead of wavefunners.















Ashlea is such an amazing mom, so loveing, caring and she is so beautiful also. I had a great time chatting with her and getting ready for Gavin's birthday.


Grace and Hunter had fun doing crafts and enjoying each others time together. They are so funny when they get together. It is like 2 adults talking. They had us all laughing.

We are so greatful for this country and the freedom that we have. What a beautiful sight to see this flag flying.

Grace and cousin Henry.

The kids watched the fireworks out of the window because it was to loud and scary for them. It was so cute to see them all lined up watching.

Hunter hanging out at the dock being with the flag hat.

Chris (Gavin's Papa) and Hunter having a blast on the huge slide.

Hunter with all the girls... what a little ladies man, he is always with the older girls!

We had a great time on the waverunner, enjoying the sunshine and fun time together.

Zonked out by all the fun.

Uncle Steve, Grace and Hunter Relaxing waiting for some lunch.

Henry and Periann - 1 month apart

Alicia and Henry enjoying the beautiful weather/view and sunshine.
The view was to die for.. it was so peaceful and amazing.
Auntie Ashlea and Henry.