Williams Family Reunion

Ok, so obviously I haven't blogged in a loooooooooong time. This is my attempt at catching up. This summer has been a very busy one for us. I'll start back in June with the Williams family reunion. Every other year my dad's family (my aunts, uncles, cousins, etc) gets together for a reunion. This year it was in Utah (Bear Lake), so I was able to take the boys and spend a few days with my family. It was nice to catch up with cousins and see our kids all play together. Here are a few pictures (that Stephanie took).

The All-Boys Club

I know I haven't blogged in a while, but I just wanted to get out some thoughts on a subject that has been on my mind lately. So, sorry in advance for the vent.

I am in an All-Boys Club. I have 2 sons and I love it. When I see a mom with 2, 3, or 4 boys I feel an immediate bond with that woman--even if I have never met her before. I feel like I am part of an exclusive club that I have been chosen by Heavenly Father to be a part of. And I am grateful to Him for that.

When I was pregnant with Torrin (my 2nd son), a woman asked me if we were going to try again for a girl. I know peoples' comments aren't meant to be hurtful, but they make me wonder if people think my boys aren't "enough," or like we got it wrong the first couple times. Do-over. Scratch that. Try again. I mean, Torrin wasn't even BORN yet, and already I'm supposed to skip on to the next one?

Please don't get me wrong. I would love a daughter if Heavenly Father chose to send me one. But I would in NO way feel like my life was incomplete without one. I see me in that mom with 4 boys, and I wouldn't be surprised if I was chosen to be an all-boy mama for good. So, when someone tells me that I "need" a girl, or asks if we're going to "try" for a girl, I can't help but feel sad. The world's definition of the "ideal" family seems to be mom, dad, boy, girl. And while I have no idea what is in store for our little family (more boys, girls, or even any more kids for that matter), I feel like whatever we are blessed with will be "complete"--whether that means 2 boys, or 4 boys, or even 2 boys and a girl.

I know many of you moms with all girls feel the same way about your girls. That's the way it should be, and I admire you for that. Be proud of your All-Girls Club. And for the moms/dads with both genders, you are blessed as well. I think most people just assume that because you have all boys/girls you would be disappointed with another of the same gender. That's not always the case. So please, when you see the mom with 4 boys in the supermarket, don't feel sorry for her. She loves her boys and would do anything for them. And when you see a mom with her 3 little girls, know that they will grow to be her best friends.

Addendum

The last two weeks have been pretty busy for us. Hayden finally got his cast off and we have been able to do lots of fun things. (See previous post for pictures).

Allen has been super busy with school & work and spends most weekday mornings studying, so it's my job to get the boys out of the house (or keep them busy and quiet). Last week we decided to check out the Treehouse Children's Museum. It is right across the street from the Ogden temple. The boys loved exploring and playing with all the different setups. Hayden even got to dress up as a firefighter, cowboy, and nurse. We have also done lots of "exploring" so I can get to know the area better. (We really need to get the AC fixed in the subaru, though).

Last weekend Allen took a thunder run to Boise to get his brother's Bronco. Danny was nice enough to donate it to Allen. (It will be so nice having a car while he's at work/school). We just have to get it licensed now. My sister-in-law, Kari, and her boys followed Allen home the next day, so my nephew could go to EFY in Provo. We were also surprised with a visit from Danny and his family. The boys LOVED having their cousins around this week, and it was nice to visit with everyone. We got to play in our new pool in the backyard (it's a blow-up one, but it's pretty good sized), hit a pinata for Tyler's birthday, have a bbq, swim at Robert & Courtney's, go to Antelope Island, see Pixar's UP in the theater, and just have fun with family.

Allen started his CNA Course this weekend, so that will take up his next few weekends. He's very busy and has to stick to a strict schedule, but he somehow manages to pull it all off without going crazy. I'm amazed at how well he handles all the stress.

In the midst of all the activity, Torrin has learned to talk. (Well, he's picked up a lot of new words anyway). He will try to repeat words when we ask him to now. I'm trying to get him to practice my family's names before the Williams family reunion next week. So far he only has Darci's down, but we're working on it.

Lots of fun the past couple weeks

Antelope Island

Swimming at Uncle Robert & Aunt Courtney's house.

(Like father, like son)

Park & cousin Tyler's Birthday party.

Treehouse Children's Museum

Pixar's UP

5 Years Down. Eternity to Go.

I Love You, Allen!

Thanks for a great 5 years.

The Red Cast

Hayden hurt his leg on the trampoline 2 1/2 weeks ago and I just now took him in to have it checked out. He didn't walk on it for a week, and then when he did he limped. But he kept hurting it easily, and every time I was ready to take him in, he would say he felt better. Well, I finally took him in for an X-Ray. The result is a fractured tibia. I feel like a terrible mom. I can't believe I waited so long. :(

Hayden was the perfect patient today, even though he was exausted and needed a nap. He didn't throw a single tantrum (especially once he knew he wasn't getting any shots), and he was perfectly still for the X-Rays and when they wrapped his leg. This makes me wonder, though, if he will beat his Dad's childhood record for injuries and hospital visits.

April

I know I haven't blogged in a while, so here's an update. April was pretty busy. Here are a few of the highlights (and a couple lowlights).

1. We moved to Utah.

2. We enjoyed watching General Conference with some of Allen's family.

3. I decided to dye my hair red. (I get bored sometimes, ok).

4. Allen started his new job at LDS Hospital.

5. We colored Easter Eggs with Allen's brother, Brandon.

6. We went to Stake Conference on Easter Sunday.

7. The Easter Bunny left eggs & candy for the boys.

8. Hayden hurt his knee on the trampoline and didn't walk for a week.

9. Allen's Grandpa Guiver passed away, and we attended his memorial service.

10. The boys did some fishing with Dad, Uncle Brandon, and Grandpa Wilcox.

11. Torrin started nursery at church, and does great!

12. We were able to enjoy our first two weeks of Sunday School and RS/EQ without wrestling a toddler! (Church goes much quicker when you can actually enjoy it).

13. I was called as a nursery worker. But I still get to attend Sunday School & R.S. every other week because they rotate the nursery workers.

14. We've also watched lots of movies and ate lots of good food (too much good food)!

Things we have to look forward to in May/June:

1. Brandon's 16th Birthday.

2. Our 5-year Wedding Anniversary.

3. Mothers' Day.

4. Finding out what Allen's calling will be (I'm guessing YM or teaching Youth Sunday School).

5. Allen starts school at Weber State.

6. Planting a garden with REAL fruits and veggies! (I can't wait to make strawberry jam and salsa).

7. The Williams Family Reunion. We live the closest this time, but I don't think Allen will be able to go :(

8. Allen's CNA Course.

9. Fathers' Day.

10. Allen's Birthday.

11. And I'm sure there is something I'm missing.

Here are some pictures from April:

**Why does adding pictures to my blog always mess up my text format? It drives me nuts.