Pray for Danielle

I just have a few minutes to write my thoughts down.
School has been out for 2 months now and I find myself loving parenthood more than ever. I have so much time with Caleb and Paul and I LOVE it! Caleb and I run errands, play in his pool, go on a lot of walks, play at the park, clean, keep up on the dishes, nap, read and so so much more. But on occassion we still get bored. I've been having a hard time thinking of a project to do while Caleb sleeps. But I will tell you this, I'm not complaining. It has been many many years since I've actually not had something to fill my time.
It seems life has been eventful in the past couple of weeks. I have become friends with our next door neighbor, Danielle (it's about time after 6 months of living there). Her breif history: she is a mother of 5 (her 2 oldest from her ex-husband and 3 youngest with a boyfriend). Only her yougest 6 month old son lives with her right now. She has been in and out of prison and seems to be ready for a change in her life, at least I hope. I feel blessed to have her next door, but I will admit I was scared of her at first.
After talking with her on many occasions she has shared bits and pieces of her background and desire to change. She has started school at Weber this summer. I babysit twice a week while she's in class. Caleb enjoys a friend and I'm happy to help. Although I never brought up the church she has expressed her interest in the it and a desire to attend but has also told me of her frustration with the "pushy" missionaries, so she avoids them. I write this mostly to document my feelings and thoughts. I have grown talking to her and I have become more understanding to her situation. I've never had an experience inviting someone to church and I've always been scared of the idea, maybe I've avoided situations like this throughout my life, I'm not sure. Well this week Paul and I have decided to invite her to join us for church. I only pray she accepts and feels the spirit.
Pray for Danielle.

Caterpillar cakes

Happy 1st Birthday Caleb! We celebrated on Friday with a bug themed party. He has been sick most of the week, but he still enjoyed his caterpillar cakes a new toys. His grandparents spoil him so much! He got balls, legos, buzz lightyear car, trucks, clothes, a car for outside, and more.
I can't believe it's been a year since I held Caleb for the first time. Time really does fly. He is the best and we are so blessed to have him in our family. Motherhood is such a joy, I can't describe the feelings I have about being a mother.
Most of Caleb's cousins were able to come, even my sister and her 4 kids from Arizona. And thanks to Shanlee, we had a 2 beautifully decorated cakes (and the frosting was amazing!).



Taylor and Caleb. Taylor put holes in her balloon then held it over Caleb's lap and popped it all over him.








We also went to Lagoon with the family. Although Caleb was sick he was a good sport and in the evening Paul and I were able to go on a few rides while Caleb was home sleeping with Grandpa.





Once again thanks to my brother-in-law Brent, he took Caleb's 1 year pictures while we visited him, my sister and their kids in Arizona last week. Despite Caleb's bad attitude they turned out great!










Caleb's new trick; he can pat his head and rub his tummy, now you try.





To see more go to this link:
http://brjphoto.smugmug.com/Galleries/My-Family/Amelia-and-Paul-1/14367305_36B3Y#1316672287_dgjGNbC