Changing

Sometimes when I don't post for a while, I forget how much Jenna changes from day to day. She is growing up so fast and is such a sweet girl. Of course she has her temper tantrums and her moods, but then again, so do I. I am so grateful for her unconditional love and forgiveness for me, and hope that I can do a good job of giving the same to my wonderful growing girl! Here are some pictures from the last few weeks.

In Daddy's graduation cap

With Daddy at the park

We have these big squares that we use on Jenna's play area. Dan made them into these big blocks and pushed Jenna around in one. She thought it was great!

We put up a little rail for Jenna, since she's started to try to go down the stairs by herself. It's been great for her.

Trying to put on Daddy's shoes

Looking oh-so-cute in her little pigtails!

Don't adjust your monitor! This is for the sound. Jenna loves to sing in the car, and she was doing a great job of it on the way home the other night. However, it was already dark, but I thought you might enjoy her singing!

Dan's Big Day

That's right, he's finished! Dan has graduated from UNR with a bachelor's in Business Administration, major Marketing and a minor in Speech Communications. We are so proud of him! I will hopefully follow close behind. Here are a few pictures of his big day. I sang in the choir, so I got to sit right up front and get some good shots of all the action!

Walking in the processional

Waiting for the big moment

The moment of triumph...where they hand you a piece of paper that says you'll get your diploma in the mail...
Way to go, Dan!

Little Friends

I feel like I have been posting a lot lately, but I can't help it! I feel like I have so much that I want to share with everyone! Dan suggested that it has to do with the fact that I don't keep a journal, and I think he's right. This whole blog is probably more for my own benefit than anyone else's....

Anyways, on Mother's Day we went to Dan's parents for dinner (my dad came over and made us waffles for breakfast, thanks dad) because his brother, Brad, would be calling home from Chicago, where he is serving a mission. While we were waiting, Ellie and Jenna went into the backyard and played in this little fountain that Grandpa Smith has. I noticed how much fun they were having and realized how lucky we are to have family close by so that Jenna can see them. Ellie and Jenna are such cute little friends! Excuse both of their hair, it was after naptime!

Playing in the fountain

Venturing out into the rocks

A sweet little cousin hug!

Mothers

Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful, priceless mothers! My mom is still in Hawaii and we all miss not getting to spend Mother's Day with her. So my siblings and I collaborated to put together this slideshow in honor of her, our amazing mom. She is a woman of virtue, that has truly accomplished so much in her life, which we are grateful to be apart of. We love you, mom!

There is also another mother that I would like to pay tribute to. That would be my sweet mother-in-law, Lisa. Lisa is a very special woman. She has raised 5 amazing children and has been married for 30 years to a wonderful man. I have seen them be so equally supportive through all of life's adventures since I have been a part of their family. I could not have picked a better mother for my husband. She has taught him to be kind and considerate through her own example. Lisa never ceases to amaze me with how great she is with the grandkids. We love you Lisa and all that you do for our family and we are so happy to be a part of yours! Happy Mother's Day!

I don't have access to as many pictures of Lisa, but here are a couple. This one I took without her knowing, but I think it shows the kind of person she is- thoughtful and easy-natured.

This is Lisa with Jenna the day she was born. There is nothing quite like the love a grandma has for her grandbabies!

Dan

I just wanted to give a little tribute to my husband Dan. He's graduating from UNR next week, and I am so proud of him! It isn't easy to manage work, going to school, and a family all at once. But Dan has, and has done an amazing job at it, to say the least. Yesterday, I was feeling very sick and so Dan was kind enough to just let me rest in bed while he cared for Jenna, studied for his finals and even put in some time fixing up the back yard. I am so grateful for him as my spouse and the person that he helps me to be, and the wonderful father that he is to Jenna and will be to our future children. So here's to you, Dan!

On a rainy day...

What is a rainy day good for? Playing the piano, of course! Jenna has started to try pushing just a few keys at once instead of all of them. She likes to sing along to all the different songs she makes up too! Who knows, she may be ready for piano lessons before we know it!

Of course, we did go outside to enjoy the wet ground and little sprinkles!