My Belated Father's Day Tribute

This post is dedicated to my father. Someone who has always loved and supported me. Someone who performed miracles such as making me smile while running an agonizing highschool cross country race. I would hear Go ROSIE.. you can do it.. and that's when I knew I could. My dad has always been very special to me... he can always make me smile and laugh. During a very difficult time in my life he brought me home an adorable, purple bunny that giggled to cheer me up. I love that bunny.. it continued to laugh until about 2 yrs ago when my neices and I ran it out of laughter. He has always spoiled me and continues to spoil me because I am his baby girl, however, his other daughter is just as spoiled because she is the oldest.. so as the only two girls in the family neither of us get the short end of the stick, we are both rather spoiled by my dad. Anyways even though I am married and on my own, my dad continues to be my hero.. he took care of my baby boy when I was bedridden and Dustin exhausted from caring for our other child, working full time and going to school. He was the one who woke up during the night and rocked or walked with Mason even fed him his night feedings. He was a wonderful grandfather and now has a best buddy because of it. My dad passed to me one of the greatest lessons in life.. to always make life interesting by being goofy and fun. He taught me to love dancing and socializing. One of my favorite memories that he shares with my sons now is reading GO DOGS GO.. that is the book that he taught me to read with. I will never forget our frustrating math sessions as he attempted to teach me math without turning red and becoming so frustrated he would eventually have to take a break. He always came back and never gave up on me until I learned it. My dad has always believed in me. Another one of my favorite memories is when he sings me DO YOU LOVE ME (hence the song choice on our favorite tunes.. it is a shout out to my DAD) Dad I love the way you answer the phone Buchkovich fun house, I love the way you dance all around, I love the way my boys adore you, I love that every morning when I was growing up when I came to say good bye you were either reading your scriptures or on your knees praying.. your example taught me how important those two things are in my life. I love that you are a health nut now and you read your scriptures while running on the eliptical, I love your enthusiasm for vacations and family time. You may be silly.. but you are my dad.. and I will always love you. Dad I just want you to know that I love you so much! You are the COOLEST DAD!

Recent Church History Discovery

All over the news ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2tPCgWfZnw

Phenomenal Book

Today I finished reading The Other Side of Heaven written by John H. Groberg. It was a terrific book, way better than the movie. I never read it because I saw the movie and figured I had no need to read it. I was wrong.. I have never been so wrong about a book.. it was incredible. There are so many lessons that are taught and can be learned from his story and the best part is they are scripturally based. They are based on true events so that makes it all the more touching. I reccommend this book to EVERYONE.. and it is an easy read with shorter chapters.. so it is a good book if you have a lot of cute, little interruptions. Also, it is easier to put down if you have seen the movie because you know what happens in the end so you are not busy trying to find out how the story ends, which also makes it easier to really read it and reap the benefits of the lessons taught. This is one of my favorite books and I cannot wait to obtain my own copy so I can mark it up. So if you are or aren't a reader borrow it or buy it and READ it because it is EXCELLENT.

Happy Birthday Austin!

Austin's birthday was on Friday, June 13th. It was a great day! Sorry we didn't post earlier we wanted to wait for the pictures but the computer is being funny again. Anyways we celebrated by doing everything that Austin wanted to do which was easy.. we watched Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles all day.. and a few other shows. Then for dinner we went to McDonalds Playland and ate cheese burgers. Then we walked around the mall (something Austin loves to do). We went birthday shopping at Walmart where he picked out his new train for going poo in the potty. We came home and passed out. The next day he performed in the primary talent show by showing his sign language. Right after the talent show his friends came over for some pizza and cake. Sunday he went and spent the day celebrating with his Mammaw and Pappaw and Daisy Ray (as he calls her), which was so much fun. He also really enjoyed singing along with Mima as she sang Happy Birthday to him and the smile on his face when the girls (his cousins) and Jacob called and sang was priceless. He loved talking to Poppop all about his special day too. (He looks forward to celebrating more in Ohio.) Thank you to everyone who helped make Austin's 3rd birthday so much fun!
We will post pictures as soon as my comp is done having its mood swing!

Check out my Slide Show!

One of the best birthday presents ever...

Austin has started peeing on the potty. It is only the third day and he goes to the bathroom by himself to pee. And he loves to try!!! We still have number 2 to work with but he is doing a FABULOUS job.. considering a month ago it was a fight and not even worth the struggle. Because of my personal experience I definately agree with Shelly... children will potty train when they are ready.. and it has been much more rewarding and exciting for the both of us because we waited. The whole fighting thing was just not fun! The best birthday present was when I had my little boy so this present dosen't really even come close but I have to tell you it wa a really great gift.. thank you Austie Jo!

Memorable Day

Yesterday was one of two special days we have this month as an immediate family. And it was a great day. It started out with Austin peeing in the potty, which was a great gift. And a phone call from my mom to wish me happy birthday. It was a day off from my walk (which is only good because I didn't have to suffer from the heat and humdity otherwise it was a bummer). At 11 some friends picked me up (and we met some more friends) and we went to the Olive Garden for their soup, salad, and breadsticks special. This tasted amazing.. there is something about their salad that is so good. Its the dressing but when you buy the dressing it still dosen't compare to the salad at the restaurant. It was so fun to sit and socialize with my friends.. even though we all had our children they were well behaved and we were able to enjoy ourselves. Anyways.. we came home and I received a phone call that melted my heart.. it was my 3 neices singing happy Birthday to me, with my sister in the background holding my nephew who was cooing the song to me. It did almost make me cry!! I miss those girls and that little guy. After the call we got a huge SURPRISE.. Dustin finished work early so he was home to spend the rest of the day with us. While I was preparing for the highlight of the night.. I got a phone call from my brother Martin wishing me a Happy Birthday (thank you for remembering). Then for the first time in I don't know how long Dustin and I got a real date.. without any kids... it was so nice!!! Our friends babysat for us so we could go out. It was an enjoyable evening just the two of us becoming acquainted again. And the best part was we could talk without being interrupted. It was wonderful! When we returned to our friends to get our boys they surprised me with a birthday cake, And they had had company so there were more of our friends there to help me celebrate my birthday. Too top it off when I checked my email I received a wonderful ecard wishing me a happy birthday from my brother's family. Thank you to everyone who remembered my birthday and helped me celebrate.. you all made it a truly wonderful and special day!!

A Tribute to Poppop

This movie won't make much sense to anyone who does not know my father well, however, it was important that we post it so that Poppop could see that his little buddy will never forget him. He misses poppop as much even more than poppop misses him. He can't nor can his brother wait to see poppop at the end of the month. We love you dad... Have a great Father's Day.