Last Day of Preschool!

Karmindy has truly enjoyed going to preschool this year and has enjoyed having Mrs. Heather as her teacher. She has also LOVED getting to have some of her neighborhood friends in her class. Every Tuesday and Thursday, Karmindy looked forward to going to Mrs. Heather's House to socialize and learn with her friends. It was bitter sweet for me when the last day of School rolled around. I can't believe how quickly both of my kids are growing up; especially Karmindy, since she is my youngest. It makes me very sad but excited for their futures.

Karmindy accomplished so much this year and I am excited to see what she accomplishes this upcoming year before she starts Kindergarten. This year in particular, Karmindy has grown leaps and bounds socially. Karmindy has started to come out of her shell and isn't quite as shy as she used to be. Karmindy has learned all of her colors and amazed us by telling us what sounds letters make even though she sometimes didn't know the letter.  As the year progressed, Karmindy learned several letters and started recognizing them. It was exciting to see her pick out the letter "K" for her name. She would also tell us what letters your friends names started with.

Here is Karmindy with her Preschool class: Mrs. Heather, Karmindy, Madison Jackman, Avery Hawkins, Emilia Pidcock, and Grace VanLeeuwen. Karmindy had two cute little boys in her class this year too. Colton and Peyton had already left for the day when we took this picture.

We are so proud of you sweetheart in all that you have accomplished this year and are so proud of the wonderful little person you are!!

Soccer Trophies

The Soccer Season came to an end on May 26th for the kids. Kaleb and Karmindy both had such a great time playing this season and it was fun to see them both improve over the course of the past few months. They have both grown a lot, especially Kaleb. Kaleb has gotten a lot more aggressive and has become quite a quick runner. They both did such a great job and were thrilled when the last game of the season came around and they were able to get their participation trophies. They both took such a great pride when they received them and couldn't wait to get them home so they could display them on their shelves in their rooms.

VIP Day!!

Life was pretty crazy on Karmindy's actual birthday but the following week, I took Cupcakes into Karmindy's  Preschool class to help celebrate her birthday and for a special surprise. Mrs. Heather, Karmindy's teacher, let her choose a crown (she chose pink/purple) and made her a cute M & M necklace to help her feel special on her VIP day. There were quite a few of Karmindy's classmates who were missing the day I took cupcakes in, but her classmates that were there were thrilled to get cupcakes!! It was fun to see Karmindy get so excited for the cupcakes and be able to eat them with her class.

Karmindy's Favorites
(I wanted to jot down a few of the things that Karmindy is in to right now.)
Favorite Color(s): Purple, Pink
Favorite Toys: Anything to do with Toy Story. She is starting to show interest in dressing up in princess dresses and wearing necklaces/jewelry.
Favorite Activities: Loves to watch movies, especially, all three Toy Story Movies. She also will occasionally watch Mulan, Tinkerbell, Dora, Emperor's New Groove, and Little Einsteins. Karmindy loves to get her fingernails/toenails painted. She loves to ride her bike that she got for Easter and is getting really good. Karmindy also loves to help me bake in the kitchen and really enjoys pulling a chair up to the counter and loves helping pour all the ingredients into my mixer. Reading books with mom/dad is also a favorite. She loves music and can be heard singing/humming in her room while she plays.
Favorite Foods: Macaroni n' cheese, chicken nuggets, peanut butter sandwiches (no jam), bananas, chocolate milk, strawberries, pineapple, apples, chocolate chip cookies, cupcakes. She has a major sweet tooth. It has just been a recent thing were she has become a little bit more picky with eating, which makes me very sad. She has always been a very good eater.

As Karmindy's mom and dad, we have witnessed the special bond that she has with animals and people. Karmindy is very kind and tender hearted and has a sincere concern for others well being. She truly wants everyone around her to be happy and she is such a good friend to everyone. She hates when people get mad at her or others and loves to make everyone happy.

Yodelaheehoo!!

It's Party time!! Karmindy turned 4 on May 15th but we decided to have her birthday on Friday the 18th. Karmindy had Pre-School on the day of her birthday and we figured having preschool and a party may be too much for Karmindy in one day, so we didn't think it would hurt to celebrate with friends a couple of days later. This year, Karmindy begged me for a Toy Story Party. Her wish was granted but I went a slightly different route and focused more on Jessie and Bullseye (from Toy Story 2) with a Western Flair. I love parties, and I probably went a little overboard with all the planning but I just wanted my little girl to have a memorable day. I found her a cute Jessie Dress on Etsy and ordered it for her to wear at her party. We also ordered cowboy hats for each of her guests to wear while celebrating with our Cowgirl Cutie!

We ordered Karmindy's invitations for her friends online and I was tickled with how they turned out!

 Karmindy invited 11 of her closest friends: Avery Hawkins, Emilia Pidcock, Carson Bradford, Teagan and Kiya Smart, Grace Vanleeuwen, Corbin Epley, Madison Jackman, Claire Trimble, Luke Payne, and Sara Childs. It was quite the crew and I was just a little bit exhausted after the whole shin dig but it was worth it to see the excitement that Karmindy had on her face. I know that I couldn't have done the party by myself, so I was really grateful to have the help of Madison Pidcock(neighborhood friend) and Mark. It would've been way to overwhelming!

When the day of the party arrived, Karmindy was super excited and couldn't wait for her friends to arrive.

As her friends started to trickle in, we let the kids pick out a Cowboy Hat and then gathered them around the kitchen table which I decorated in a cow table cloth and Jessie and Bullseye Center piece with tiny hay bales.

The kids made their very own BullsEye Craft to take home with them. 

After craft time, we played pin the tail on BullsEye. It was fun to watch the kids get into it. I think that the majority of the kids had never played any type of game like this before so it was so cute to watch them go from not understanding it to being so excited for the person who got the closest to the mark. We were going to play a "There's a Snake in my Boot" Game but we ran out of time. I had drawn a boot and decorated it and was going to place a bucket in front of it and have the kids see who could throw a rubber snake into the bucket. 

After games, we opened presents, let the kids play outside and then it was time to head home. 

I made each child their own treat bag, which I thought turned out really cute. On the tag that I attached it said, "Happy Trails to You!" and then wrote a little sentiment thanking them for coming to celebrate Karmindy's birthday. We filled the treat bags with a tiny slinky dog toy, a bouncy ball, a ring pop and some "Jolly Rancher" Tootsie Rolls. They kids were excited to take home their treat bags, a balloon and their BullsEye craft. 

Karmindy was super spoiled by her friends and got lots of nice gifts. She truly had a great time! Happy Birthday to Our Cute Little Cow Girl!! We love you so much Karmindy!!

Pre-School Field Trip to Wheeler Farm

Karmindy's Pre-School Class went to Wheeler Farm for one last field trip before school let out for the summer. Karmindy's teacher, Mrs. Heather, plans and executes the cutest things for her class. When Karmindy learned that she was going to be going to Wheeler Farm, she was ecstatic. Karmindy has always had a special connection to animals and you can truly tell that she has love for them!!
Before the field trip, each of her classmates got to make their very own visor. Karmindy chose a pinkish-purple color for hers, which doesn't surprise me. Pink and Purple are her favorite colors at the moment. On the day of the field trip, Mrs. Heather sat them down, explained some rules and then gave each student a lanyard with a little book and pen on it so that eat child could cross off what animals and things they saw at the farm.

The kids had such a fun time site seeing and learning about each animal on the farm. A favorite of Karmindy's was when her class got to feed the ducks.

 I was able to tag along with her class and provide an extra pair of hands and it was fun for me to see Karmindy have a great time with her friends. After checking out all the sites, we headed back to the park on site and let the kids eat lunch and play. Karmindy really enjoyed going on her field trip to Wheeler Farm.

Karmindy with a few of her friends (LtR) Avery Hawkins, Karmindy, Madison Jackman, Emila Pidcok

Happy Birthday Karmindy!!

After Grandma Stewarts funeral and burial, we headed out to lunch to celebrate Karmindy's birthday. The birthday girl chose Mc Donalds for lunch and after we picked up lunch for the kids there, Mark and I swung by the Burger Bar for some more "grown up" food for us. We sat and ate lunch in the car and visited with the kids...it was nice to be able to spend time with them.

After we got home we let Karmindy open her presents. She was truly spoiled this year and got lots of nice gifts from us and her grandparents in Southern Utah. After presents we had cake and ice cream. Karmindy requested a Toy Story Cake and he wish was granted! She was thrilled!!

Karmindy and her birthday presents!

 The cute Birthday Girl!

 Karmindy loved all her gifts but was especially excited for her Buzz Light Year Doll. She has been wanting one for so long that she was truly giddy with excitement when she opened her gift!!

Kaleb is a truly adoring brother to his little sister and really looks out for her welfare. He is truly kind and compassionate to his little sister. While opening presents he was really excited for her to open her Buzz Lightyear Doll. He drew her the sweetest card and was very excited to give it to her. Since he knew she likes all things Toy Story he drew Toy Story Characters all over it! Darling! He is so thoughtful of his little sister! It is so hard for me to believe that our Sweet Little Girl is 4!!

Happy Birthday Karmindy!

Celebration of Life!

May 15th, was a Happy, yet sad time for our family. It was a Happy Time because Karmindy turned 4 today, but sad because it was also the day that we had to bury Grandma Stewart (Mark's grandma). We didn't have much time to do anything to celebrate Karmindy's birthday in the morning because after waking up we immediately had to start getting ready for the funeral and to allow ourselves enough time to get up to Roy, Utah (an hour away). After we ate a quick breakfast, we headed to the funeral. When we arrived we were able to visit with family and got to see Grandma one last time and say our good byes. She was a wonderful lady and we will miss her. I have fond memories of Grandma because she truly got to know me when Mark and I were dating and got married. I always felt like she made a sincere effort to really visit with me and make me feel apart of the family. I have always appreciated her kindness, warmth and compassion and will forever be grateful to her. Mark and I both will remember her spunkiness and quick whit. She was a really intelligent lady and we have both learned a lot from her. We enjoyed visiting with her whenever she would either spend the summers in St. George or at her cute home in Roy. Kaleb also like to visit her home and check out her bird feeder out back and loved when Grandma would give him treats or little trinkets. We have some very fond memories of her and she will forever be in our hearts. 

Mark was asked to share a few feelings/memories about his grandmother during the funeral and he did a fantastic job. He wrote her a nice letter that he had written and talked about the special memories that he and his brothers/sister had with their grandparents. Mark also shared the loved and appreciation that us daughter in laws and son in law had for her. She was a really neat Lady and will be missed. Thanks Grandma for your example, love and kindness! You truly were a wonderful lady!!

Yearly Cardiology Appointment

 Cardiology Checkups come around way to often around these parts. Each year, we take Karmindy in for an Echo and other tests to see how her heart is doing. Mark and I HATE THEM!!! Each year, it is a constant reminder of all the things that we went through 4 years ago with Karmindy. As Parents, It was a very hard time in our lives, to watch our precious little girl go through something so heart wrenching... it is a time that I feel left us emotionally, and mentally drained. We are truly grateful for her life though and each year we try to remain positive and use these appointments as a time to celebrate her life and what she has over come!!

For Karmindy's Appointment this year, we were blessed to just go to the Primary Children's Extention here in Riverton, which is just up the street from our home. We are so grateful to live so close to this facility. 

This particular appointment was our best one we have gone to yet. Each year they take Karmindy's blood pressures in her arms and legs and then compare them to see how close they are together. Normally they are way far apart, which is not good. This year after her echo, and after taking each blood pressure in her limbs, (they all came back very, very close to one another) we got great news. What a relief!! Karmindy's Doctor, Dr. Ronald Day, thinks that this may have something to do with the Cath procedure that she had last year. Dr. Day thinks that something was tweaked just right! We were overjoyed with the news and hope for good news like this in the future. We pray that the help that the Cath did, will help Karmindy's aorta to be good for a long while!!

We feel truly blessed for the news and are so blessed and grateful for modern medicine and its hand in helping our little girl live!!

 Karmindy hanging out in the waiting Room and playing with the Globe.

Patiently waiting to see Dr. Day! She was such a trooper and held really still for her 30 minute Echo! We were so proud of her for being such a big girl! Sitting still for 30 minutes when you are 4 is hard to do!!

Karmindy is still happy but getting anxious to see Dr. Day!!

We are so proud of you Karmindy and your positive attitude and the example you set. You are truly an example to your family and we are so glad to call you ours!!

Pool Time and Sassiness!!

 The weather is finally warming up here in Northern Utah and thankfully that means we can pull out the shorts, short sleeved shirts and swimsuits! Hooray!! 

This also means that pools are starting to dot the neighborhood!!

One hot afternoon a few weeks ago, we joined our friends for a little pool get together for our two girls. We had so much fun... 

Karmindy and Emilia are two of the most Sassiest Girls I have ever met! Between the two of them they truly are quite the Saucy Pair! They love each other to death but definitely keep each other in line. In other words, they don't let the other one get the best of them! They truly bring a smile to this mom's face and I am so glad for the cute little friendship that they have. One experience, I wanted to write down was that we had gone out for lunch and as we pulled up into the driveway to drop off Emilia and Misty, Emilia turns to Karmindy and in the most Sassiest way says, "Karmindy you need to shoooooosh!!!" Karmindy in another sassiest voice, reply's back, "No you Shooooooooosh!!" 

Wow!!

(We attribute the excess of sassiness that day to them being hot and tired....hopefully.)

Misty and I laughed at laughed.... Silly Girls!! We hope that it will be the start of a long, loving and healthy friendship!!

Go Little Cheetos!! (Spring Soccer)

When Kaleb voiced an interest in playing spring soccer again, Karmindy also expressed an interest in playing. She has got to keep up with her big brother after all!! This year Karmindy's Team got the honor of wearing the bright orange jersey's and so they were crowned the title of, "The Cheeto's!" Their jerseys are so bright it is pretty blinding! One thing for sure is that you can't miss seeing them out on the field!!

The first game of the season was a little rough for Karmindy and I think she got a little overwhelmed at first, so she ended up laying down in the middle of the field and sulked. As each week goes by though, she has gotten a little more excited about the whole idea of soccer. Even though she isn't as aggressive as the majority of the kids on her team she does like being out on the field running around....not necessarily after the ball but she loves to run around. It has been really fun for our family to spend our Saturday mornings or afternoon's watching the kids play soccer. The kids love to be involved and also love going out to eat after wards for dinner as a family to celebrate. I love making memories with the kids!

 Karmindy kicking the soccer ball!

Karmindy chasing after the soccer ball!! Go #5!

Go Blue Cougars! (Spring Soccer)

Kaleb decided that he wanted to play Spring Soccer again this year, so we signed  him up through the 

JL Sorenson Rec Center. We signed him up with his friend Cadence, whom he played with on a team together last year. He was so excited to hang out with her!! Kaleb's team this year is combined of 1st and 2nd graders, so he is one of the smaller ones on the team but is quite fast!! 

After watching Kaleb at the first few practices and games, we have see a great improvement in him from playing last year. Kaleb is more aggressive this year and has a great running stride which allows him to get to the ball before many of the other kids his age.

Kaleb and Cadence

Kaleb playing the goalie during one of his soccer games!

Kaleb playing goalie during one of his practices! He looks ready for that ball!

Kaleb has really enjoyed having the opportunity during the games and practices to play the position of Goalie. He looks so cute in the Goalie Jersey and Mitts! Kaleb has really enjoyed playing this year and it has been so fun for Mark and I to see how much he has improved from last year!

Hedge Hogs!!

Kaleb really has the neatest 1st grade Teacher. Mrs. Forman is the BEST!!! She is always doing fun things in her classes to make learning fun for her students! I adore her and so does Kaleb. A couple of weeks ago, she sent out a sign up sheet asking for some volunteers to come and help make Hedge Hogs with the kids in her class. I love helping out in Kaleb's class and really enjoy being able to spend time with him and see how he is doing in his classroom. Kaleb also seems to enjoy when I come in to help, so for the time being I will continue to go until he thinks his mom is uncool! :D

Just one other mom and I accepted the challenge to go and help, which I thought was sad, but that didn't deter us and we had a blast helping the kids. The kids were all excited and the room was abuzz with enthusiasm. To make the hedgehog we scooped grass seed and soil and placed both items in a sock and then patted it down to make a circle and tied off the bottom. I got to help Kaleb and it was so much fun!!

After all the kids got a turn making a hedge hog, we placed them into bowls and set them on the window sill to get some sunshine so they could start growing!!

The hedgehogs are in the window sill behind his class!

Now this little guy is sitting in our window sill at home growing a tuft of Hair! So cute!