American Idol in 2025?

Braden's preschool performed a few songs in church, so we got front row seats for the show! Braden was placed front and center with the microphone right next to him and he took advantage of the opportunity to belt out the songs! We actually didn't know if Braden knew the songs, especially since he hadn't attended his class for a week and a half prior to the event. Well, he certainly didn't have any qualms about singing as loudly as he could, and if he didn't know the words, he sure faked it really well!

Braden was one of the few children trying to keep the beat by clapping.

And he was definitely the only child rocking back and forth and back and forth to the rhythm throughout the entire performance.

Hand motions and all....Braden really put forth huge effort!

Gone Fishin'

Enjoying nature seemed like a perfect way to spend Memorial Day weekend, so we went camping just outside of Mammoth. We enjoyed Bishop's very warm weather with our dear friends, the Hofmanns.

Braden enjoyed all aspects of our camping trip and got up close and personal with nature....mostly the dirt! Somehow Braden looked like he camped outside all weekend without a washcloth or soap, despite the fact that we stayed in our motor home and he showered daily! Guess being dirty is what little boys are good at!

Braden was so excited to test out his fishing skills.....
Guess Daddy's tips paid off! Braden was quite proud of his catch!

Every good fisherman must learn how to clean his catch!

With great anticipation, Braden hoped to catch another....

Oh man!! Guess the "big one" got away this time! Doesn't every fisherman have a story like this?

Doesn't really feel like working out when jogging along the water enjoying views of snow-capped mountains.

Looking for an adventure or trouble....or maybe just a rock to pee on!

Hiking is overrated....

Why walk when Daddy is willing to carry?!

Darin and Krystal brought an inflatable jumper to put up at our campsite....brilliant idea!! Hayley, Hunter, and Braden loved it and all that jumping wore them out! Braden actually begged to go to bed a few of the nights because he was so exhausted.

The heat didn't stop them from bouncing, wrestling, and running around!

Another hit was this Rhino....they played in it for hours pretending to be on driving adventures, stopping along the way to catch fish off the sides with a rope and net.

Pepper was thrilled to hang out with her boyfriend, Hank. She is hoping we get to hang out with Shanon and Anntionette more often so she can experience more swimming and hiking adventures with Hank.

These precious three had a hard time controlling their giggles! They had lots of fun!

Italian Classic

Our beloved Nana passed away last night, so we wanted to honor her memory by posting a few pictures of her with her great-grandson. After 97 years, God decided it was time to take her to heaven. We'll miss her dearly, but we are so glad she is not dealing with any more pain or discomfort. We were blessed to have a truly wonderful grandmother and will cherish the memories forever.

It is unfortunate Braden didn't get to really know Nana. I know she would have loved to do the countless activities with him that she did with us growing up. Favorites were creating authentic Italian meals, baking, and playing card games together. Standing no more than 4'10'', she was always full of energy and spunk!
Long before Barack Obama was a household name, Nana was a fan of his. When I announced my pregnancy & the name we chose, she frowned & thought a name like Barack would be more suited for a boy who would surely make a strong leader one day. She wasn't kidding.
Nana was one of the funniest people....most of the time, she wasn't even trying to be humorous! She'd crack us up constantly with her wild memory of stories from many years ago. Nana's loud comments in public and her crassness were also classic. Most of all though, she loved her grandchildren abundantly and always strived to make us laugh. In fact, she is probably cracking everyone up in heaven right now.
We appreciate the love and generosity Nana showed for so many years. She will truly be missed.

The Fix-It Man

Since Matt is quite handy, Braden thinks his Daddy can fix anything. Whether it be a broken toy, a popped balloon, or a flat bicycle tire, Braden's response is always the same, "Don't worry, Daddy will fix it!"

Braden found a tube of mascara and asked me what it was. While I put some on my lashes, I explained that it makes me look pretty. I asked for his feedback after I applied the mascara and sadly his response was, "No, that's not pretty. Don't worry, Daddy will fix you!" I wasn't sure if I should laugh or cry! I thought Mommy was supposed to be the most beautiful woman in the world to a little boy!

Braden loves exploring Dad's tools....

making a few minor repairs....

and even helping me vacuum up the dog hair in the garage! Pepper doesn't seem amused!

Nothing Better Than Being a Mama

Mother's Day is a wonderful reminder of all the great moms in our lives. We are so thankful to our mothers, grandma, and all our aunts and friends who are moms. I am definitely a very blessed mom and love being a mommy to Braden.

Braden's preschool hosted a lovely Mother's Day celebration complete with breakfast and activities. Braden made a charm bracelet and a frame for me. He also gave me a hand massage.....until he realized that if he squeezed the bottle really hard, lotion could be launched across the room! I attempted to take pictures during some of the festivities, but Braden kept telling me not to take pictures. He seemed very embarrassed every time I pulled the camera out! With no classmates in sight, we were able to snap just one picture!

This picture certainly doesn't do this beautiful bouquet of flowers justice. This was just one of my gifts from my two favorite guys, Braden and Matt.
Grandma Judy visited for Mother's Day. Here's one way to get Braden to smile!

I can't imagine a better Mother's Day gift than this sweet little boy.

Braden had lots of fun with Grandma Judy!

I just cracked up at the little jig he did after making a good shot!

We pumped up the tunes and let Braden burn off a bit of energy "dancing" in the family room. He definitely created a new version of the popular 80's dance move, the "running man."

Grandma's style of dancing didn't last long with Braden....too slow paced!

After a busy day, Braden got cozy in Grandma's bed....so difficult to resist this face!

According to my mom, all her kids read by the time they were around Braden's age. She also claims were potty-trained by 18 months and were perfectly behaved. I don't think she recalls the details since she hasn't had a toddler for about 30 years! Nevertheless, she thought she'd teach Braden to read in one evening by starting with a third-grade level book about Babe Ruth.

My other babies....

I haven't been able to get this song out of my head since the kids at Braden's preschool sang it to all the moms in honor of Mother's Day. Then it was performed by a mother and daughter at church this morning, so the tears started flowing again. This is definitely more touching when the song is actually heard, but I printed the lyrics here since I figured especially those with young children, or really children of any age, might appreciate it....

By Mary Rice Hopkins
When you find my little fingerprints
All over your bedroom walls
And when you want to yell a bit
Cause they’re even in the halls
Well I know it’s hard to believe
You were a kid like me
And one day I’m gonna grow up
So remember me while I am small
I get in the way a lot of the time
Though I’m only three feet tall
I make you forget what’s on your mind
And you trip over my toys and fall
Well I know it’s hard to believe
But you were a kid like me
And one day I’m gonna grow up
So remember me while I am small
I heard that where your treasure is
That’s where your heart will be
I don’t know much about hearts and things
But I’m glad you treasure me
I’m gonna make great fingerprints
But I promise not on your wall
I’m gonna touch those around me
Even though I’m only three feet tall
Well I know it’s hard to believe
But you were a kid like me
And one day I’m gonna grow up
So remember me while I am small
And some day I’m gonna grow up
So remember me while I am small.

Nature's Call

Uncle CJ will be proud...his parents taught Braden how to poop and pee in the woods. After all, CJ was a camping instructor at the university we attended (that in and of itself seems ridiculous!). So, Braden is now prepared for some real camping adventures (minus the RV).

Braden and I were on a walk the other day and he asked if he could pee on the neighbor's bushes. I figured that probably wouldn't go over well....Maybe Braden hadn't heard the story about when his Daddy was a little boy & decided to poop on the neighbor's lawn so he wouldn't have to go home & miss out on play time. The story ends with him walking up the street with a shovel....

Ahhhh, loving the great outdoors!

Braden Would Have Loved This.....

Matt and I took a break in Hawaii while Braden vacationed at Gramma and Papa's. Although we truly enjoyed the relaxation on the islands, we really missed Braden!

We were eager to go in the water once we arrived in Waikiki, but shortly after going in for a quick dip, we noticed lots of people around this sign.....

Sure enough, we looked down into the water from shore and saw this shark swimming around in circles. I happened to catch a glimpse from my cell phone camera.

There's No Place Like Home

Matt and I enjoyed our adventures in Hawaii. We visited Oahu and the big island of Hawaii. Other people's vacation pictures can be boring, so I just included a few for those who asked....

Several locals raved about the fresh shrimp on the north shore. The freshly caught seafood sounded delicious, so we were eager to make the drive. After a long trip there, we were a bit perplexed to see lines of people in front of shrimp "trucks." Most were beaten down, old trucks, buses, and RVs covered in graffiti serving up the finest north shore cuisine. The shrimp and prawns were caught in the waters adjacent to the trucks, cooked, and put on the plate. I'm accustomed to having my shellfish cleaned up a bit before seeing it on my plate. It was a bit too fresh for me!

Matt was catching up on a bit of work.....he looks stressed out! Guess the view from our patio in Waikiki wasn't relaxing enough for him!

We enjoyed checking out the fish and eels, but our favorites were the sea turtles. Matt grabbed onto one of them and rode it!

Hiking is definitely not one of Matt's favorite activities, but he really enjoyed the hikes we took in Hawaii. Hmmm....wonder why?!

Kailua is on the east shore of Oahu and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world....to us, all the beaches looked the same! We enjoyed all of them, but realized how spoiled we are to have nice beaches so close to home.

The sunset wasn't as beautiful as it normally was because the "vog" had rolled in. We actually drove around the entire island of Hawaii that day. We were able to view some of the steaming craters at the volcano, but much of it was closed off due to the poor air quality, or "vog."

We went on a few adventures in our rented Jeep. One last memory while heading to the airport....