HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELIZA!!

Today my youngest turned 4. My little blonde haired, blue eyed, California girl. All she wanted for her birthday was an Ariel dress, to eat pizza, and go swimming. My amazing friend Bridget offered the use of her pool and we had a little family swim party. It was nice and hot and she had the best time. I love my family. Eliza's birth was one of the most spiritual moments of my life and I thank my Heavenly Father for the blessing she is to all of us. She has a heart of gold and a special spirit that melts even the most snarly teenager. She is the epitome of daddy's little girl and we can't wait to see what she does with this big, wild world. Happy Birthday beautiful daughter, WE LOVE YOU!!

8th Grade Graduate :)

Shelby is officially out of middle school! The 8th grade graduation ceremony was last night and she chose not to attend so we went to dinner and a movie to celebrate. She donned her new dress for the occasion. I am so proud of the young lady she has become. She knows exactly who she is and who she wants to be. She is excited fora fresh start in high school and I am so immensely blessed to have her in my life each and every day.

Preschool Graduate :)

So Eliza is a first year preschool graduate. Yes, she has another year of preschool ahead before embarking upon her journey into kindergarten. She loved every minute of her first year at preschool and adored her teacher, Miss Sandy. She is still asking for school every day and I hope it wears off the further we get into summer. I am looking forward to another great preschool experience with Mrs Edwards next year.

Happy Memorial Day

Mike and I decided that every Memorial Day we would educate our children on the meaning of the day. Having been in the military during his early adult years it is important to instill pride for our country and gratitude for those who helped make it the place it is today. I cannot express enough, my gratitude for those who gave their lives to preserve and protect our freedom as well as try to secure it for others throughout the world.

Ridin' the bull!

Last night I went with my ladies to a western dance hall here in Temecula called the Stampede. We learned a line dance and danced and had a great time. Yes I wore a cowboy hat and yes, I rode the mechanical bull! One more thing crossed off my bucket list. I am sore and bruised this morning, but one thing I have always wanted to try has been accomplished. Please ignore the vibrant, neon, Budweiser sign in the background :)

My quilt

I have only made one other quilt in my life, with the assistance of the master quilter, my grandmother. I got this crazy idea of doing a class hand print quilt. Not using paint, but all fabric applique. I totally bit off more than I could chew. I was very pleased with the end result, and crazy woman that I am, purchased it myself at the school auction dinner I made it for. Yes, I bid, and purchased it to bring home because the thought of it going home with someone else made me sad. Yup I am that crazy :) Here is a beautiful picture of the end result.

Yes................it's been 6 months!

Wow, 6 months since I blogged about my beautiful family, sorry mom :). I will try and play catch up but there is just too much to be said. Here is the short version. George turned 16, YIKES! He was ordained a priest and now has the privilege of blessing the sacrament, I love hearing his voice every week! Christmas came and went, as did New Years. Thomas is 7 and Dylan turned 12, ordained a deacon and loves to pass the sacrament. Two of my boys practicing the priesthood of God every week is a tremendous blessing. Dylan was called into the Deacon's Quorum presidency shortly after his birthday, he was so thrilled! Mike hit the open seas again after being home for a year. The year went by way too fast. Shelby turned 14 and is all signed up to go to High School, I'm wondering where my little baby in the NICU went. 8th grade graduation is next week. Michael received his mission call to the Washington Kennewick mission. He reports to the MTC August 17, 2011. I am excited to have one of my children serve the Lord and preach the gospel full time! Thomas will attend the same school as George next year and Dylan has the opportunity to be a part of a new charter school, Context Charter. George officially obtained his drivers license and feels the freedom of the automobile. George was also asked to perform his first baptism. What a humbling and very spiritual experience for my boy. I never thought I would see my sons perform their first baptisms, they are usually done on the mission. It was an amazing feeling and experience to witness it. Martha is on the brink of her senior year and turning 18.............wow. Eliza is finishing up her first year of preschool and is a thriving, intelligent 3 year old. She blesses my life with her antics. I plan on starting school August 11 at MSJC. Going to get all my general ed requirements done and transfer to Cal State San Marcos to receive my bachelors in business administration. A lot of changes and wonderful things happening in the house of Sims. Above all we are tremendously blessed each and every day by our Heavenly Father in so many ways that can never be expressed in writing. Here are a few pictures, in no particular order, to highlight the last few months :)

Silhouette Giveaway!!

If you haven't heard of the Silhouette you should check it out! This fabulous giveaway post describes it well and compares it to the Cricut. I used to have a Cricut but the vinyl was too hard to get right so I sold it. I would love to try one of these cool machines!! Click here for a chance to win one yourself!!