John Smith AKA Cameron Stoddart

The 5th Grade classes do a "Wax Museum" every year. They get to choose a famous person from history (even modern day people can be used). They research about that person and write up and memorize a little speech about that person. Then they dress up like them, have a "button" that people can push that would activate them and they would give their speech. Cameron did John Smith. He did a great job with it too. I am so proud of him and all his hard work this year in school.

(FYI- he colored his beard by himself at school with a non-washable marker! Luckily after several make-up remover wipes we were able to get it off!)

Cemetery

I have always loved the cemetery. I know I get that from my Dad. It is just a peaceful place, full of history, full of so many different stories. Now that Mom is in one, it has a little bit different meaning and feeling to me. I know that Mom isn't just hanging out at the cemetery. She is busy doing missionary work, and trying to keep all of us on the right track. But with that being said I love to go there because when I am there all my thoughts are on her. Her life, her legacy, what she wants for me and my family.

We went to visit the cemetery the Saturday before Mother's Day to give her some flowers. We were hoping the headstone would be there, but it wasn't there yet.

We went back just after Memorial Day (to avoid all the crazy traffic there that weekend). It was bittersweet to see her headstone had been placed. It's kind of a strange feeling to see your name carved in stone- even if it wasn't my headstone. It is a beautiful headstone. I think Mom would like it.

There are times when I wish I lived closer to the cemetery, so I could come more often, but maybe it's a good thing that I can only come up every once in awhile.

Still love her, still miss her...

Dreams

For the last several months I have had a dream repeat itself over many times. It isn't always the exact same, but the story line is similar and the outcome is the same. Here is the gist of it:

I get the news that Mom has died. It is devastating and heart breaking all over again. We sit there next to her body. All of a sudden she will start to breath and then she wakes up. I get so excited that she is alive again. And then shortly after that I wake up.

I had just assumed that this is my subconscious mind wishing that she was still here with me. But this morning when I woke up from that dream I had another thought hit me like a ton of bricks. It was a message to me. That Mom is still alive and well. Her body may be in the ground, but her spirit is alive and well. I am guessing that I have had that dream so many times because I wasn't getting the message. I know her spirit still lives on, but I guess sometimes I forget, or I don't want to think about her death. Whatever the reason I am grateful for the knowledge that I have that I will be able to see Mom again. That she is still able to comfort me, to influence my life, to help me through life challenges. It still sucks. I see other Mother/Daughter things and I get jealous and sad and sometimes a little mad, but that's okay. It's part of my trial to go through. Luckily I have my two sisters who understand and can help me through.

I hope that when I need to get another message it doesn't take as long for me to understand- it probably will though. That just seems to be the way I go.

It has almost been a year.... Sometimes it doesn't seem like that long, other times it seems like forever since I last saw her, or talked to her. I look at her pictures and I can see her actions, hear her voice, know what she would say and do in certain situations. I miss her...

Easter Pictures

Easter pictures are always a MUST at my house. I have loved having a tripod to make taking them so much easier. This year we went with darker colors, instead of the customary pastels. I like the look of them! And of course it does help to have a cute subject to shoot!

Hope of America

Every year our 5th graders get to participate in a program called Hope of America. They spend all year learning songs and actions. Then at the end of the year thousands of 5ht graders assemble in the Marriott Center at BYU to put on an amazing performance with a message of hope, love for country and all servicemen. I have loved the two that I have been to with McKenzie and now Cameron. I always get a little teary eyed. I just LOVE America!

Cameron is somewhere in the top middle yellow section.

Spring Break in Bear Lake

For Spring Break we headed up to Bear Lake. Here are some pictures from our adventures.

Abby's 1st Grade Program

Abby had her 1st Grade Program in April. Their theme was dances around the world. Abby and her class were all from Ireland. They looked so cute looking like little Leprechauns.

Here is Abby looking cute in green.

Abby and her teacher Miss Ovard.

With one of her "BFF's"

Such cute kiddos!!