Memorial Day

Memorial Day was so wonderful this year. I realized how amazing my ancestors were and how amazing my life is to live in the blest country and have servicemen fight for my freedom. I watched some documentaries about D-Day and am amazed at the bravery. I recently re-found this photo of my paternal Grandfather, Robert Dee Jaynes. He served as a pilot in World War II. He flew a C-47 and DC-3 cargo plane. He took both soliders and dropped them off as well as needed supplies. The movie 'A Bridge too Far' is about one of the battles he fought in; the movie contains some real footage and it's very possible it's my Grandfather. Hill Air Force base had invited him multiple times to visit the museum and get into the cockpit of one models he flew. His health always prevented him. Finally we gathered together and visited. They made special efforts to unlock the plane and allow him to sit in the pilot seat. I always appreciated the times when he told about his experiences and how he overcame hard things. His funeral featured nine of his ten children bearing their testimonies about Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon and the Gospel. It's what he wanted; that if he had taught his children anything it would be about the gospel. I love this picture of him. 

He was always interested in History and worked so hard to do family history and prepare names for the Temple. I have fond memories of smelling the roses in his lovely garden, eating rhubarb, homemade strawberry ice cream, watching him complete countless puzzles and just listening to him speak.
Remembering the family I come from and the family I am surrounded with now was the perfect way to celebrate the holiday. We had a fun filled barbeque with the Finch's that included some water fighting and lots of giggles. 
Sunday we gathered at my parents house to christen the new smoker. My Dad made the most amazing pork and we had lovely food. It was a beautiful day for a Croquette tournament and Team Dad and Mom took home the prize bucket. The Mr. and I wanted to win so bad! Maybe next time!

 Happy Memorial Day to All!

Graduate!

I've got some amazing nieces and nephews! I love seeing them grow and accomplish milestones. They remind me what it means to be child-like and usually:) makes me excited to have kids someday. I love being and Aunt-I want to be an involved one. Recently, Milo, who melts me heart with his humor and sweetness graduated from Ms. Cathy's Moonbeam Preschool. Ms. Cathy's such a sweet lady, I grew up in her ward most of my childhood. She's amazing! All the kids told jokes they had written; Milo's: Why did the pickle run away? Why? Becuase he didn't want to get eaten by Milo! He does love pickles and cheese and could drink milk all day. He'll have some strong bones!

 

Mother's Day

I'm very lucky when it comes to the women in my life. My Mom is my North Star, she's my constant. She's always there for me and my family and constantly helps me focus on positive things and the importance of being Christlike. I love her and am so grateful for the blessing she is in my life. I've always been so proud that I carry my mother's name as my middle name. It reminds me how we're connected and my desire to be like her. 
My mother-in-law, Cindy raised my amazing husband and i'm grateful for her kindness and thoughtfulness she continues to express. I am so blessed to have wonderful women and examples of motherhood; My Mom-mother to seven, Cindy-mother of two, Stacy-mother to three sweet boys, Carrilyne-four amazing kiddos with one on the way, Adrienne-two fun boys, and Kate, Holly, and Shelley that will be amazing mothers. I'm grateful to feel supported by these amazing women. 
We had a lovely lunch with the Finch's and a dinner with my Mom. I love these women.
Colors were bright and feminine. At my mom's house I had to have hot pink napkins because she always has hot pink fingernails!

Weekend Whirlwind! Zoo,Soccer,Ole!

Mr. Finch and I had quite a fun-filled weekend! Saturday began with the sunrise and us in line at the Rio Tinto stadium to pick up tickets for the game later that night. We were first in line-Mr. Finch was a trooper to get out of bed so early when rest was needed. Next we enjoyed our afternoon with Brayden, our nephew who recently turned the big six! We treated him to a day at the Zoo for his gift. He was very curious where we were on the map and led the way to the next animal. He was looking forward to the Gorillas and we visited them a couple times. The bird show is a favorite for us and always fun to have birds flying so closely overhead. From the zoo we joined my family for the Real Salt Lake soccer game- Star Wars themed: May the 4th be with you! GOAL! We won and special thanks to Dad and Mom for treating us to dinner at the game. By the time we made it home we were worn out. 
Sunday is always a treat with our Sunbeam class. There are so many times the mister and I get to flash eachother a look and smile about their answers and quirky personalities. They make my day. We took a needed nap and then headed to a Cinco de Mayo party. My Dad's Chile Verde is so good it makes you smile while you savor it. We watched and quoted Nacho Libre as a family. Muchas Gracias por la buen tiempo! What an exciting weekend! We're lucky to have such great family and fun things to celebrate. 

 Lego Exhibit all around showcasing some fun animal creations. Brayden has a very impressive lego collection of his own and was excited to see them. Can't imagine how long they took! Fun day at the zoo!
Here's the gang at the game:

 

RN Shelley!

I'm so proud of the amazing people that surround me and are always striving to do good things. My Brother Matt's prepping for the LSAT, Sister-in-law Stacy ran her 1st half marathon, Brother Ryan graduated and Sister Shelley graduated from Nursing School, we've got an official Registered Nurse in the Fam! Very proud of everyone, the whole family's doing great things. 
Shelley had a Pinning Ceremony where a current Nurse pins and congratulates her. Her favorite instructor did the honors and we celebrated together after. Congrats Shelley and Everyone!

PRN Anyone? Rx: Daily dose of Love

ButterScotch Pudding Shots

 Eye Chart with Special Message for the Grad!

Thermometer Pretzel Rods

 Grab a plate and some Grub!