Collin's 10th Birthday

In June, Collin turned TEN!

His latest interest is WWE.  He was a little broken hearted when I spilled the beans about the wrestling being fake.  I felt bad.  I totally thought Ryan explained all of that to him.  Ryan couldn't believe I told him the real deal.  Now, when they watch it together, they say, "Look... this part is real."

I hate that he loves watching it, but I'm glad he and Ryan have bonded over the hobby.  This month they actually have tickets to see it live in SLC next month.  I guess it is like Downton Abbey for Ryan.  He cringes when he sees it or hears about it.  Wrestling is the same for me.

 

 

 

 

These guys are two peas in a pod.  I love to see them together.

 

 

We try and do friend parties on "even" year birthdays.  Collin couldn't decide what to do for his party. He felt like he has "been there - done that".   He finally decided on the new Superman movie that was being released.  So, with our birthday budget, he invited just a few of his best little school buddies over for pizza and then the movie at Farmington Station.  He and Kobe share a birthday so that always make June 15th extra fun.  The movie was a little long, but I think the boys liked it.  They all really liked the wrestling toys from Dad. :) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know I'm his mom, but.... what a cutie!

 

Even though it was a small birthday, Collin had a great day.  Our sweet boy is growing up.  I'm proud of the young man he is becoming.  He is unique and I remind myself that each child is different - in a good way.  I love that I get to discover the identities of my children, the ways I can reach them and teach them, and the things in life that will bring them closer to me, our family, and the gospel.

 

We love you Collin - Bo - Bollin.  Thanks for making our lives so fun and entertaining.

2013 Last Day of School

When the last day of school hits, it is always astonishing to look back and see how quickly the year has passed.  The 2012-13 school year was no exception.  Here is a peek back at the kids on the last day of school.

Izzy and Collin had grown so much.  They would both beg to differ.  Most likely they will always be one of the smallest in their classes.  I often tell them being small is not always a bad thing.  After all, you usually get to sit on the front row on picture day.  That is a perk. :)  Then, when you are looking back at your class pictures ages from now, you'll be easy to spot. :) 

Izzy finished 1st grade, Collin finished 3rd.  Yes, Izzy's shorts are kinda short.  It was the last day.  What are they going to do, send her home.  Some days it is all about what clothes are clean.  Ya know? :)  I'm not sure why Col chose jeans.  Boy how things change.  Last year he wouldn't wear shorts.  This year I have to remind him it is snowing and that shorts aren't appropriate. :)  I sure love that boy.

 

 

 

 

This was a big day for Jackson.  He finished 6th grade and completed his time at Sam Morgan Elementary.  It was a bitter sweet.  Even though we are so grateful for his progress and success, we knew the end of elementary would bring a whole new element of challenges to his life.  Junior High can be brutal for any kid.  Add in disabilities, curriculum, anxiety, locker combinations, A / B Day schedules, gym, insane lunch rooms, etc., and you have one nervous mama.

 

 

After getting all the kids out the door and on the bus, I headed down to the Jr. High to watch Lexie.  It was her last day of 9th grade and her last day as a Fairfield Cheerleader.  The squad was performing in the final assembly and I didn't want to miss it.  They did a great job on their dance and their stunting.  The squad endured several challenges during the year.  As I watched them perform together this final time, I couldn't help but feel proud of them.  When they started, they were such a young, fresh team.  Many of the girls had never stunted before.  The final assemble was so fun to watch.  I hope the girls were proud of themselves for coming together to form a strong team.

 

 

 

Ryan picked up a little treat for the kids and left it for them on the dining table.  It was a fun surprise for them to find when they came home.  Ryan is a great dad.  He is always looking for ways to surprise and connect with the kids.  We are so lucky.

 

After stopping at the Jr. High, I headed back to the elementary for Jackson's 6th grade graduation program.  Ryan was already there as we had to divide and conquer to be able to hit all the kids' programs.  He recorded the first part of Jackson's program for me so I wouldn't miss a thing.

 

 

Jackson receiving his diploma from the principal and his teacher.

 

 

 

Jackson's teacher, Mrs. Chesley.

 

 

 

After his program, Ryan and I took J to our favorite local frozen yogurt shop to celebrate.  See that smile?  Those are kinda rare so when you see one, you know it is the real deal.  We are so proud of him for completing this milestone in his life.  Even though he has many challenges, he works hard every day to keep all the balls in the air and function as best he can.  Way to go.  You will always be our little J-Bird.

 

 

After frozen yogurt, it was back to the Jr. High to pick up Lex and her friends.  The school descended upon K-town fast food establishments and eateries.  It was fun to drive her crew around and see all her friends one more time.  Sophomore year was going to bring big changes for these kids.  Sadly, they would be split between two local high schools.  Even though they are great friends now, life happens, and some of those friendships will fade.  As they exited the car one last time, they waved and said, "Thanks for the ride, Mama Dopp! (their fav nick name for me and my big, white Denali)".  I hope the kids' paths will continue to cross.  They all have such bright futures ahead of them.

 

Next up.... SUMMER!

Ryan's 40th Birthday

Yes, I'm over six months late in posting.  But, my motto better late than never still applies.  So, here goes.

In May of 2013 we celebrated Ryan's 40th Birthday!!!  Huge milestone!  We had to show him how much we loved him so we lined our driveway with orange (his fav color) balloons and I picked up his favorite donuts that morning.  He said he wanted donuts instead of a birthday cake.  Sadly, he couldn't take the day off of work.

Prior to his birthday, we had a week long celebration that started with a trip to St. George for Lex's dance competition.  Even though it was for dance, it was still a huge treat for us to have a little sneak away trip.  The last trip that he and I went on alone was in 2008 when we made it to Hawaii.  We've got to get a parents only trip on the calendar!!!

The weekend after his birthday was our 1/2 Marathon race in Ogden Canyon.  The race always seems to fall around his birthday and so we make a weekend out of it.  We stop and pick up our racing bibs, head to Rooster's for dinner on Historic 25th Street and then see the latest movie.  There is always a new summer blockbuster out.  This year we saw Star Trek.

At the end of the day on his actual birthday, we joined Ry to help him let all the balloons go from the driveway. 

 

 

 

Dance moves.... of course!

 

Lex even gave the old man a back rub! :)

 

From there, it went down hill.  We ended up imitating Lex and her fashion blog photo shoots.  I don't think I can nail it quite like she can. :)

 

As the sun was setting on his special day, Uncle Scott stopped by with more Bowman's donuts.  We had to make him blow out the candles one more time.  You can NEVER have too many Bowman's donuts. 

 

Ry, we love you.  We are ever grateful for how much you do for our family.  This year you made a huge switch by leaving American Express and starting with a new company.  No matter where you work, you always do your best and shine.  Your new position was not supposed to involve managing people.  What a relief!  But.... after only a short time, the company saw your tenacity, leadership skills, and interpersonal relationship abilities.  The next thing you know.... you are managing a team AND doing all the work you were hired to do. 

 

In addition to providing for our family, you have built strong relationships with our children.  They love to be around dad and spending time with you when you are home.  You have a way of making things fun and exciting.  Thanks for being our dad and our rock.  We love you and pray we have AT LEAST 40 more years with you.

19 Years in a Blink...

I've shared these pics before on our blog.  But.... I thought I'd share them again. :)  Just because.

 

Today it is bitter cold.  When I took Lex to drill this morning, the car's temperature indicator read -3 degrees.  Brrr.....

 

The morning of our wedding was cold as well.  Not as cold as this morning was, but I was COLD.  Ryan's brother, Jeff, let me borrow his suit jacket for in between wedding shots with the photographer.  My nose was red in almost every picture.  Whose big idea was it to get married in the dead of winter?  Oh yeah.  Ours!  Ryan had returned from his LDS mission in June of that year.  Our real anniversary of our first date was October 20th.  We should have picked that day.  But, since we were poor college students, we decided to wait until December in order to get married over the school break and to save money.  We let my sister, Julie, and BIL, Nate have our day instead. :)

 

We look crazy young in these pictures.  Don't we? 

 

 

Fast forward 19 years and here we are.  Still in love, but not feeling quite as young.  In fact, some days we wonder if we are falling apart.  One day, we'll be one of those old couples lying in bed, waiting for our joints to wake up each morning.  Oh wait.... that was this morning. :)  Let's just say we are not aging gracefully.  My body is determined to fight me each and every year.

 

 

For our anniversary, Ryan surprised me with flowers, a treat, and a thoughtful letter.  He wrote down 19 of the reasons why he loves me.  I share these not to be self serving, but to show how special my guy truly is.  He notices things and appreciates things about me I don't even acknowledge about myself.  It goes to show you that we are a lot harder on ourselves than we should be.

 

 

1.  On Saturday, in the dance recital, I looked over at you while the little girl with Down's Syndrome danced.  You were beaming from ear to ear and you were in love with a girl you had never met.  I love how you love and serve these special spirits.

 

2.  I love your attention to detail and in the way you dress.  You have an amazing sense of style that adapts with the times but is also classic and beautiful.

 

3.  I love watching you interact with Lexie.  You have an ability to deal with drama and teenage girl hormones that at times, leave me in stunned silence.

 

4.  I love your dedication to me and the kids.  You rarely get to do things that are only for you.  But, you also rarely make us feel bad about how much we need you.

 

5.  I love how you love me (wink, wink)... :)

 

6.  I love how you continually develop new talents.  When we were first married, you didn't love to cook and now you regularly crank out unbelievably gourmet meals.

 

7.  I love how you continually encourage me in a way that makes me actually want to do what is needed.  You get me and my personality and you understand what motivates me to be a better man.

 

8.  I love the partnership we have created together over the past 19 years.  We are truly united and one in purpose (most times)... :)

 

9.  I love your depth of loyalty to your family and friends.  You are one of a kind and someone who can be depended upon to help at a moments notice.

 

10.  Even though you are prefect, I love that you will say you are sorry in a way that truly shows you mean it.  The huge box of nerds (I (Jennie) screwed up big time) brought an immediate feeling of affection and love in my heart towards you.

 

11.  I love seeing you smile.  It is not really your pretty, white teeth and soft beautiful lips.... It is really the way your whole face beams, in the way your eyes smile, and in the way your whole demeanor encourages others to share the joy you feel.

 

12.  I love the depth and strength of your testimony of the gospel.  You radiate your belief in God, His Son, and the gospel that has been restored on the earth.

 

13.  I love your ability to quickly build meaningful relationships with others.  I am excited to be able to serve a mission with you one day and see what we can do together to bring the gospel into others' lives.  You love others and you have genuine concern for them makes me marvel.  Sometimes, I just don't care about others, but you always do.

 

14.  I love the example of compassion you show towards others.  I find myself always departing with my change or a dollar when asked.  Since I have been working downtown, I want you to know it is because of your example at quickly departing with a dollar and actually knowing some of the names of the people you help, which encourages me to do the same.

 

15.  When I say I am smart and often feel like I am the smartest one in the room, I am lying when you are there.  You may not be great at math, but you have brilliance about you that I recognize and love.

 

16.  I love that you care about your health.  The way it makes you look is secondary (...and really great), but I love that you will try any remedy to stay healthy and have energy for me, our children, and for you.

 

17.  I love that you keep an open mind.  I referenced your witch doctor remedies, but there are so many other areas where you are open to others' opinions and thoughts.  It encourages conversation, builds relationships, and shows great depth of humility.

 

18.  I love your curly, thick hair.  I love the way you look in your tight jeans.  I love your curves, in your yellow and black Sunday dress.  I love you in any pair of jeans and boots.  I love your cold toes and cheeks (yeah... those ones).  I love your Christmas village, your decorated tree, and all your little touches in decorating our home.  I love your look that tells me you are with me now and for eternity.

 

19.  I will forever be grateful and love that you didn't quit asking me to go on a date with you when we were young and that you held my hand back when I reached out across the back seat of Josh Watkin's car.  Thank you for loving me even when it is hard.

 

I love you, Lady.  - Ry

 

We've had an amazing courtship.   I say courtship because marriage is a process and one that requires constant work and care.  We have been blessed over the years to have not only a romance but a friendship.  I'm grateful every day that you chose me.  I'm grateful you were the one that was persistent in the end and didn't give up on me.  You knew what we could become.  I'm grateful for the beautiful life we've created and look forward to many, many more years and years to come.  - Love, Jen

 



We Love our Dad!!!

ADVANCE WARNING - PICTURE OVERLOAD!!!

 

 

Today is Father's Day.  In honor of our family's father, I wanted to pay tribute to the amazing man in our lives.  Our Dad, Ryan.

 

First of all... what a hottie!  But, on to more important things. :)  Here are just a few of the reasons we love our dad. 

 

#1 He is always there for us.  Recently he posted a video about fathers.  There was a line in the video that really rang true for our family.  The video said, "He supports his family so he can support his family."  The man in the video was shown torn between all his responsibilities in the office compared to wanting to be available and involved in each family member's life.  I think Ryan can truly relate to that.  He spends SO much time and energy providing for our family.  But he also has a strong desire to be there for us in other ways.  We are grateful for his efforts and for his devotion to us.  We feel of his love and we feel of his desire.  Thank you for providing and protecting.  I joke that the way I am makes their (our family's) lives work.  But really, because of Ryan's efforts, our lives are possible.

 

 

#2  Being a worthy priesthood holder.  It is one sentence, but to me... it means the world.  We are on the path together.  We have the same desires, the same goals, the same direction in life.  Ryan's leadership and example in our home will impact generations to come.  Now, that.... is a tribute!

 

#3  Ryan has always been a child whisperer.  Whether it was a baby that needed calming, a toddler who missed their mom, or little boys who wanted to wrestle, Ryan is your guy!

 

#4 Mr. Outdoorsman.  Ryan is not much of a hunter, but if you put him in the mountains, with a fishing pole, a four wheeler, or a campfire... he is set.  Ryan enjoys a good video game, but he also enjoys getting out and doing "stuff".  You can always count on Ryan to help with the fire, make the fort, join in the volleyball game, etc.  He is your guy.

 

 

#5 Snuggles.... most of our kids love to cuddle with dad.  Izzy is always wanting to climb up on his lap and Col loves to snuggle and watch TV with dad.  I hear the same thing everyday.... "When is dad getting home?"  They all love their dad!

 

#6  Holidays.  This pic was snapped after a great Christmas holiday.  Ryan is such a kid at heart.  He LOVES to make Christmas memorable for the kids.  He even goes to talk to Santa the day after Christmas.  It is a long wait in the line and he usually stays up the whole night for his turn - wink, wink.  But... he says it is worth it.  Thank you for being such a great dad and making such efforts to ensure their childhoods are full of magic and wonder.

 

#7  His playful heart.  We all love it as long as we aren't tired or hungry. :)

 

 

#8 When Ryan thought of being a dad of sons, he imagined little league games and all the rest.  Well, sometimes life doesn't turn out exactly how you planned.  When life threw us a little curve ball, Ryan jumped into the action and has been involved every step of the way.  Because of our divided responsibilities, I may be on the front line when it comes to therapy and specialists, but Ryan is there with me in spirit.  I remember an especially tough day after a therapy session.  I dumped my feelings and Ryan was there to listen and talk me off the wall.  I also found flowers when I got home.  What a guy!

 

 

#9 Daddy's girls.  The girls love their dad.  He may not love watching dance recitals, but he loves it because his girls love it.  One special memory they have is "make up".  When Lexie was little, Ryan would put Lex to bed by doing "make up".  First the eye shadow, the lipstick, etc.... 

 

When Izzy came along, she started putting on dad's pretend "make up" in church. :)  Yes, they are ALL girl.  Now that the girls are getting big, Lex does her own make up and Izzy is usually drawing on the ipad at church.  But.... the bond was cemented and the memory holds true.  These girls will always love their dad.

 

#10  School.  Because Ryan's job is demanding and a bit of a drive from our home, he isn't always able to attend every school activity.  But, one thing that has been important to him are field trips.  He makes it a point to go with every child at least once during the year on a field trip.  The kids LOVE it.  In fact, this year, when Jackson had two field trips, Jackson told me that I wasn't allowed to come on the second trip.  It was Dad's turn!!! 

 

 

#11  Vacations.  Ryan treasures our family vacations.  I think our Disney and beach vacations are his favorites.  The time away from work and life pressures is priceless.

#12 I love that he loves me.  I've never doubted how Ryan feels about me as his wife.  His love is the real deal and that is quite an amazing gift.  I know not every woman has that in her life.  I'm lucky to have someone who accepts me for who I am, who honors me, who tries their best to live up to my high expectations :) and who has the desire to make all my dreams come true.  Once we remodel the kitchen, my list is complete. :)  (teasing - inside joke)

 

 

#13 A few years ago, Ryan and I made extra efforts to be healthy.  After quite an education, we knew that a healthy lifestyle was just that, a LIFEstyle.  Even though we are both not as stringent as we once were about food, we still make healthy eating and exercise a part of our life.  I'm so proud of Ryan for his efforts.  It isn't easy to wake up early every day and hit the gym.  But... I know his efforts are worth it.  I love that he has a desire to take care of himself.  One of my core values is security.  I feel a sense of that when I know Ryan is taking care of himself.  It is just one more way that he is looking out for me.

 #14 He is a family man.  Ryan is not only a great father to our children and an attentive husband to me, but he is also a fabulous brother, a kind and loving uncle, and a caring son.  I'm lucky to have him in my life.  I hope that is the case for many years to come. 

 

Happy Father's Day, Ry!  We love you!!!