Always something new

 I have posted various times how much we love Joshua Tree National Park. We go and hike as much as we can.  We have decided that we love it so much because there is always something new to see and explore. Today was Jumbo Rocks.  We found some dark colored rocks and cool marks in the rock formations.  Our lizard and snake tally was at least 15 today. They were everywhere! Here are some pics from the day.

 Rocks look cow pies 

Where is Jason?

Can you see the paw print?

Explosions

It seems like sj literally overnight has accomplished some major milestones in her development. She can now crawl (very slowly), she can sit by herself a lot better now, she can stand and hold herself up on the couch and other furniture, and more importantly she can feed herself. She has also learned how to blow raspberries and make silly noises with her tongue and to our dismay our sassy little miss has started to "yell" at us when she doesn't get her way.  Here are some pics of her eating lunch today.

Dedication for 30 years of Teaching and Coaching (VIDEOS)

My Daddy is "retiring" this year after 30 years of teaching and coaching.  He is trying out coaching football the college level as an assistant at Colorado State University-Pueblo (his Alma Mater when it was Southern Colorado University).  As he embarks on this new venture, I wanted to wish him luck and best wishes.  These videos are dedications to him from his former student and daughter:)  I love you Daddy, you have inspired me more than you may realize!  Congratulations!

...............below is part of my Letter of Intent when I apply to be a teacher and coach at high schools.  My Dad was truly an inspiration to me and one of the main reasons why I love teaching and coaching.

"As a young child, I grew to love athletics and extra-curricular activities.  It was apparent to me that this was something I wanted to continue as an adult.  I learned a lot from my coaches and began to gain a passion for coaching.  It wasn’t until I saw my father coach his teams, that I knew this was my calling.  He was such an inspiration to me and gave me the motivation to impact the lives of student athletes by using characteristics of team work and ethic.  He not only knew the sport and knew how to coach it, but he established a team unity and a sense of spirit that still rings true with his former players.  He knew each one personally and established a positive relationship with his teams."

Part 1

Part 2

Action Jumpers (VIDEO)

This week for playgroup, we went to an indoor bounce house in Yucca Valley.  The boys had a BLAST!  They were literally dripping after playing so hard for a good hour and a half.  Gotta love it when kids play so hard and enjoy every minute of it!

Dressing up

My kids have a playroom filled with all sorts of toys and things.  They are spoiled boys because I would say about 95% of the items in there have been given to them by others.  We are so thankful for kindness and generosity:)  There are many bins filled with different items, one bin is filled with their "dress up" clothes/items.  Yesterday for some reason this bin was the most entertaining throughout the day.  In the morning, while I was folding laundry, Jax came out in a basketball jersey, graduation cap (it was Jason's), and a shield with matching sword.  When I asked him what he was he said," I am not Jax.... I am knight Jax and graduation Jax."  Real cute. 

So the day progressed, they ate, napped, and got up to continue their playing.  It rained yesterday (which was fabulous!) so they stayed inside for a bit.  While I was tending to SJ before her third nap of the day, Jax and Josh came out is cute attire.  This time, Jax was wearing a new jersey (my Jordan's jersey my Dad gave me while I was in middle school), superhero cape his Aunt Ansley made for him, construction goggles from his tool set, and an old HR hat that I had that was too stretched out.  Josh followed (which he took ALL his clothes off for) with his superhero cape Aunt Ansley made for him, a cowboy hat, and bandana.  I love it when my children can embrace creativity and fun things like this.  In my opinion, beats video games any day!

A bit blurry but I love Josh's face as he is hugging his bro.  Best buds for life!

Sarajane is 8 months old

This Sunday, Sarajane turned 8 months old.  Our smiley girl is getting so big.  Here are some current approx. stats:

Height:   28.25 in.
Weight:  17 lbs.

Her daily routine has not changed since her 7 month mark.  She continues to be a hearty eater (eating mostly what we eat), goes through 6-8 diapers daily, naps 2-3 times for about an hour each, loves to roll all over the place, she likes to scoot across the floor on her back and head (like a back over bend), she sits by herself, "walks" around in her walker, loves to talk up a storm; babels a bit here and there sometimes she growls at us; its the cutest thing, grabs anything and everything and puts it in her mouth, is teething a bit so she does cry ladies and gentlemen if you can believe it!, loves to drink from her sippy cup (she hates the feel of bottle nipples so we are trying this to help her off nursing), sucks her thumb and loves to snuggle up to a blanket (see last pic. at the bottom), and loves being outside and playing with her brothers. 

Our sweet little miss is such a joy and we are enjoying this stage in her development.  Next month is her 9 month apt. with shots:(  Will keep you posted!

The silly quirks. .. (VIDEO)

As some of you know there are certain silly characteristics that our family possesses. With Josh he always has a very special way of making us laugh with the things he says or with the reactions to things we say to him.  Here is a video that expresses just that. It goes to show you how important it is to bond with your child even if it may be a silly quirk.

Happy Mother's Day

Mother's day started for me on Saturday.  I woke up did the normal morning routine and went to shower. When I was done, I came out to homemade cards from the kids and a gift certificate for a facial/massage combo.  It was so thoughtful and meant the world to me!   After my pampering... which took a good two hours.... I grabbed some Chinese food, came home to a clean house and fed kids, we hung out for a bit, got kids ready for bed, then snuggled and started the second hobbit with ice cold root beers.  My vote,  Saturday was truly a wonderful and special day for me.

Sunday....

Jason woke me up with a sweet kiss and whisper Happy Mother's Day as he got up and helped the kids with breakfast (I got to rest a bit longer before SJ woke up).  We got ready for church and then took pics.   While at church the primary kids sang, we got some sweet gifts from the ward, and I taught my last lesson in relief society.  We came home, ate lunch, napped (which was awesome; all my kids stayed asleep while we napped), then ate a special dinner Jason made for us.  All is in all, what a special mother's day.  I am so blessed to have been given this chance to be the mother of these three most beautiful, wonderful, special, unique, and loving little ones.  I love my children dearly and I hope they know that everyday for the rest of their lives!

Mommy knows best...

 Doylene gorham holding Saundra 1982

(Compare to the above picture to the very last picture; definitely different lighting)



Every year, I have the honor of thinking fondly of my Mother and everything she has done for me and my sisters.  It is a rarity to have a Mom who cares so deeply and loves with all her heart like my Mom.  She is very passionate and it shows in her actions.  I know that my sisters and I tease her from time to time about how she is (and we love you for it mom) but honestly I would not have it any other way!

My Mom has ALWAYS been there for me.  Thinking back.... my Mom was there for me for when I BECAME a mother myself.  I hope she knows how significant that was for me!  She laid that example for me and then in turn did not let me down when I needed her the most; when I was becoming a mother.

Birth of Jax Jay Dennis Feb. 2, 2010

Jax's blessing day Feb. 2010

A needed nap two days after Jax was born.  I still enjoy snuggling with my Mom and I am not ashamed of it.

 Birth of Joshua Gorham Dennis Feb. 22, 2011

 Birth of Sarajane Renea Dennis Sept. 18, 2013

I watched a video that the church put out about Mother's which was so touching.... my brain began to wonder.  I recalled a conversation I had with my cousin about our "awkward" stages as children.  And truly my "awkward" stage was beyond that of an ugly duckling!  After that conversation, I kept thinking why on earth would my Mom allow me to grew up looking like such a dork!  Let me provide an example:

Roughly age 13/14

...................need I say more.........................anyway.............................


It got me thinking about the why of it all.  And now that I am a mother, it kind of hit me like a ton of bricks.  My Mom was trying to ALLOW me to be a child and be silly.  Rather than being a girl who was popular, wearing make-up, having trendy clothes, "dating", she wanted to me stay young as long as possible and go through child trials and not "growing up too fast" problems.  She allowed me to grow from an awkward girl into a young lady.  How empowering is that?  Then, I did not understand.  I wanted to be that girl all the guys looked at and all the girls wanted to be.  What my Mom saw was a world that was not so nice sometimes and could dish up more than a young girl could handle.  Instead she let the natural tendencies of life take course and not let others dictate who and what I was or could be.  It was up for ME to decide.  I am proud to say that I am thankful for the awkward stage that my Mom allowed me to have.  Now I cherish those moments when I was a kid and look back and smile.  I am glad that I grew slower and was able to figure out things for myself.  I am forever thankful to my Mom for giving me that gift (which there are many!).  What a great lesson I hope I can pass along to Sarajane; "Be a kid as long as possible, it truly is a treasure."

Saundra dennis holding sarajane 2014