15 Years of Bliss

WARNING

THIS POST CONTAINS MUSHY, LOVEY DOVEY STUFF

I can hardly believe it's been 15 years since I married the love of my life, but 15 years, 5 & 1/2 kids, and 4 houses later, here we are...still happy and in love.  Mostly, this post is for Aaron and our children, so they can know how much I love each and every one of them. I think that the best gift parents can give their children is to show them how much they love their spouse, so here are some reasons why Aaron is not only the best husband ever, but why he truly is the love of my life. 

 He took me to the temple to seal our family together forever.

He wants me to enjoy the finer things in life. (like virgin strawberry daiquiris)

 He is his happiest when we are together, whether it be on a beach,

 enjoying a beautiful sunset,

 on a beach...(we really like the beach)

 smooching in a canyon,

 sweating through Zion National Park, reeling in spawned out pinks,

 smooching by the campfire, hanging out in Mexico, or helping me face my fears (I don't like open water).

Granted, life is not always smooth sailing. Aaron and I have had some disagreements at times, but ultimately, I have NEVER doubted his love for me. It is why he gets out of bed at the crack of dawn to face a very stressful job every day, why he wants me to be home to raise our children, and why his greatest desire to make me happy: because he loves me. I am so grateful to have him as my husband and best friend, it sounds cliche, but it so true. 

Oh yeah, I love that he has created 5, soon 6, gorgeous kids with me. Not only has he given them to me, but he helps me raise them. He is an AMAZING dad, and I don't know what I would do without him. 

LOVE YOU FOREVER BABE!! HAPPY 15 WITH MANY MORE TO COME!

Movin on Up

Last weekend, we celebrated Haylee's right of passage by going to her Junior High graduation. Now, you might be thinking, "Junior High graduation? Isn't that a little dumb? Almost as dumb as kindergarten graduation?" Yes, under normal circumstances a graduation ceremony for young teenagers would be rather silly, but you need to understand that at Haylee's school, each class is together from the time they start kindergarten, all the way through eighth grade. Our kids' school is truly amazing academically, but after wearing uniforms and being with same kids for 9 years, they are definitely ready to move on to high school.

 

Haylee shaking hands with her principal, Mr. Nauta. Is he relieved to see one of his chattiest kids move on?

  

Haylee's teacher, Mrs. Phillips, doing her annual roast of each student, the candy awards. Haylee got a glamour gloss pack, a "Take Five" candy bar for missing an unusual amount of Monday's, and Sugar Babies for her crush on a younger (7th grade) man. Don't ask!!

Watch out Sohi...you don't know what's coming! Bristol, Elena, and Haylee are the three girls going to Sohi next year from their class, that is if we don't home school her first. Way to go Haylee! We are really proud of you!

What a guy!

Brady recently turned 11 and became an official Boy Scout. He graduated from Cub Scouts after earning his Weblos badge. He has had a great time in cub scouts and learned some really cool stuff. He is having so much fun with the bigger guys in 11 year old scouts. 

This was at his Arrow of Light ceremony where he earned his Weblos patch. I still don't get the whole merit badge thing, but I am learning slowly. Jaron will become a cub scout in July when he turns 8 and the process starts all over again. 

Brady is pinning his Weblos pin on his proud Dad. In true style, Aaron gave a big "OUCH!" when Brady started to pin him. Everyone laughed of course. Way to go Brady! Don't light the forest on fire on your first camp out!

Cousin Fun

We had Brain and his three kids with us over Mother's Day weekend, along with Grandma Lynn and Grandpa Ron. Because Brian and his family live in Germany for 9 months of the year, our kids don't get to see their Swanson cousins often, but they have the best time with them when we are able to get together. After a full day of running a garage sale and playing really hard, we enjoyed a beautiful Spring night with a fire and smores.

 

Yes, the night air was a little cold, but we stayed toasty by the fire and Jolee wore Dad's Ice Hawks coat.

We love Addie, Sydney, and crazy boy Mac! Thanks Uncle Brian and Grandpa for all the help hauling garbage from the construction house! We also have a motorhome that is ready to roll thanks to Grandpa's de-winterizing skills.

Happy Mother's Day!

I changed 2 blowout diarrhea diapers today...what did you do for Mother's Day??? Yes, Jolee has had a little tummy bug the last few days, and foolishly I gave her milk which seems to only aggravate the situation, so I was able to enjoy the experience only a mother could appreciate of peeling poopy clothes off a squirming toddler, all while trying not to get it in their hair. (I left most of the graphic stuff out, but you moms (and most dads) know exactly what I am talking about)).

On a more celebratory note, I just want to say how much I appreciate how my own mother has dealt with my "crap" over the years. Her love for me is undeniable, and while I didn't always see eye to eye with her, especially during my teen years, I ALWAYS knew she loved me. How grateful I am for that knowledge and how I hope that I can help my own children have that same understanding about my love for them. Thank you, Mom, for all you have and continue to do for me. I might not always say it, but I truly appreciate you in my life.

Motherhood isn't always easy, but it is always worth it. I marvel at how a mother's heart can only grow in love for her child, and when another and another, and another comes along, that love only continues to grow.

  

Me and my first born. While the teen years are not yet my favorite stage, I truly love and treasure my Haylee Baby. She was sent to me while I was young to teach me many things, and I am still learning from her.

 

My two little girls are such a joy to watch together. They are the best of friends and I am grateful to be their mom.

 

Yes, my boys keep me laughing. Boys are a blast!! 

To the other awesome moms in my life, I am grateful for you and the examples you are for me.

My Grandma Larsen, for whom Jolee Iva was named after. She is a tough, sometimes grumpy old bird, but she like my mother, always makes it very clear about how much she loves me. Love you Grandma!! My dad's mom, Grandma Souter was a very special lady. She showed me how important it is to work hard in your life.

Great Grandma Jean, and Great Grandma Mary (I can't find a pic of you). You are both amazing matriarchs of your families. You both make so much effort to show your love and support for your children and grandchildren, thank you. Grandma Lynn...sometimes it must be hard to be a mother-in-law. I can honestly say that I am glad you are my mother-in-law and I appreciate how much you do for me (especially during garage sales and closet organizing days)...thank you! (you can stop crying now)

This says it all. No matter what we are doing, even hauling up the Alcan in a motorhome, Mom is always her happiest when she is with her kids and grand kids.

She is always happy to lend a hand of support, love and aid. 

I can't believe I am posting this pic (sorry Bob), but I still remember my mom bawling when we took this picture. (We were both about 8 months pregnant) She often cries when she reminisces about our childhood, and while sometimes annoying, it really shows us how much she enjoyed being our Mom. Well Mom, you still are and I love you for it! Happy Mothers Day to you all!!

Soccer Sweetie

As the fourth born of five kids, Chloee has not had any opportunities to do her own thing. She has been raised going to Haylee's basketball games and the boys' hockey games and practices, but has always been happy to go. Even though our lives are extremely crazy right now, we decided to let Chloee play indoor soccer to give her some time in the spotlight. She has done really well for never playing before. She runs so hard and even scored two goals during her last game. Despite her shy streak (she still won't do the kick-off) she loves playing with all the other kids.

Here she is waiting for a pass from Noah during the kick-off. 

Wipe that sweaty forehead, Chlo! She ran so hard during this game.

Chloee's team are the Sharks, which you can see her yelling during her team cheer after the game.

One of the best parts of the whole game (besides snack) is the high fives with the other team. Although it means a couple extra trips to Kenai a week, we are glad to have seen Chloee grow during her season. Thankfully the soccer jamboree is only 2 weeks away. Go sharks!!