All things May

I have been the worst blogger lately. I am not exactly sure why, its certainly not because the weather has been fabulous and I have found so many fun things to do. Just being a slacker. Anyway, here are some of the fun things we did in May. It was really filled with tons of stuff. Cambrees dance recital. She had to dance with her dad, it was pretty cute. We are a happy family... Cambree with Grandma and Grandpa Ericksen

I decided to bite the bullet and teach Cambree how to ride a bike. My great friend Kevin let me have his little girls Dora bike and I found it was much easier to teach her on this than on her bigger princess bike. I watched a Youtube video to see what to do since I dont have the first idea of teaching someone how to ride a bike. It gave me this great idea. I started her at our front porch, started running with her and then kept telling her to pedal. Because she ends up on our dirt filled front yard it teaches her to pedal harder and if she falls she doesnt get hurt. Thanks Youtube:)

It honestly took her about an hour and then she started to get the hang of it.

I put her on the road and off she went. I was so proud that I could say I taught her how to ride a bike. I even pulled out the oxygen to run with her. At one point going downhill I was running with her and I knew I could have let go, but was scared to. I realized I hadnt taught her very well how to stop. The next day her dad took her out and taught her the ins and outs of riding, turning around, stopping, slowing down etc... what a good dad. She is a pro now!

Cambree officially graduating from preschool. I cant believe she will be in Kindergarten this year.

Cambree with Grandma and Grandpa Cox

We are so proud:)

Girls night out. KC was so sweet, he took all the kids and let us go have a night out. We went and got pedicures and went to dinner. It was so much fun.

This is somewhat telling of their relationship. They dont always get along the best.

And then there are these two, I dont know maybe a romance will evolve:)

Crazy kids bowling

The day we had to leave, Braxton kept saying, "Don't leave me!" It was so cute.

Karole has the cutest boys. Cambree and I wanted to take Kole home with us.

We honestly had the best time.

Cambree missed her daddy so much. One night she said, "mom I miss daddy." I said, "I know honey, we will call him."

"I don't want to call him, I want to hold him." It was so cute.

My gorgeous daughter, so happy to be home.

The day after we got home Cambree was playing around and went to jump in a chair, the chair fell backward with her in it and she hit her head on our speaker. She ended up getting 3 staples. Oddly enough it didnt hardly bleed. I still cant believe it happened. I have never had stiches or staples other than in surgerys and my girl has had both. It healed great though and luckily it healed great and is in the back where you wont ever see it unless she gets some crazy idea to shave her head.

Cambree turns 5 and a whole lot of parties

We have had quite an exciting two weeks. We had 3 days of celebration for Cambrees birthday. Friday was her friend party and then party with Grandma and Grandpa Ericksen, Saturday was dinner with mom and dad and she got to take a friend with and Sunday was her actual birthday. We had dinner at the Grandma and Grandpa Cox's and all her cousins. The next week was her tumbling state competition and she did such a great job. Then my wonderful husband got me tickets to Wicked for mothers day. What an amazing show! I loved every minute of it and would go to it again in a heartbeat. It was fantastic. The present table Well its official, my baby is no longer a baby. I can't believe that she is 5 already. Time flies too quickly. She had a great birthday and of course the theme was High School Musical. If anyone has spent any time with us as of late this should not be a surprise. The girl is obsessed. I believe she received 7 presents all having something to do with High School Musical. She is such a spoiled girl. But hopefully not a spoiled brat:) Dont let the balloon touch the ground game Opening presents The party crew, yes I know that is way too many kids. They had a great time though.

Freeze dance. If you ever need a good laugh play freeze dance with a bunch of 5 year olds. Its a riot.

Every year Ben and I take Cambree to do something fun and out to dinner wherever she chooses. This year we let her choose a friend to bring. She chose her cousin Adam. These two are crazy.

Oh the wonderful free cake

We then went to jumpin jacks and the kids had so much fun

Her actual birthday, Sunday the 26th. Ben and I opted out of buying toys and got her a map of the United States to learn all of the capitols and other info. I told her her gift was interesting and when she opened it she said, "Wow, this is interesting."

We sure love our girl!

Her birthday cake This year Cambree has been in a tumbling class. She also was on the competitive team and it has been a lot of fun for her. Due to a trip to cancun, and then a trip to the hospital this is the first meet I was able to go to. I was so proud of my baby.

3rd place on the trampoline. How adorable. Everybody gets a trophy, but it was fun to actually have her place 3rd.

Stretching with the older girls, they love her.

She also took 3rd on her floor routine.

Here is her routine on the double mini. She took 2nd in the routine.

A Humbling Moment

The Saturday before Easter Cambree was asking about dying and was upset that everybody dies. We tried to explain it as best we could and I think we put her mind at ease a little. Then came Easter and on Monday after Easter for Family home Evening we watched Faith in Christ which portrays the Crucifixion. Not as intensely as the Lamb of God movie but it does show things that make me want to cry. That night Cambree seemed fine and we asked her if she had any questions. She said she didn't. Then Tuesday night came and Ben was playing basketball late so I let Cambree lay by me and go to sleep until her dad came home to take her to her bed. This is our conversation: Mom: Honey are you okay? (she was acting sad) Cambree:(starting to cry) I just didn't want Jesus to die? Mom: Oh babe, its okay everybody dies and that isn't a bad thing. Cambree: But I just didn't want him to die (crying harder now) Mom: I know honey, but do you know what the coolest thing about his death is? He died because He loves us so much and He made it so we can live with Heavenly Father and Him again and that we can live together as a family forever even after we die. Cambree: But I just want Him here with us. Mom: He is here with us, we may not be able to see him but we can feel him and know that he is here. Cambree: I just want him to be alive. Mom: Honey he is alive. He lives. Remember what happened 3 days after he died. Cambree: He was resurrected Mom: Yes, and what does that mean? Cambree: That he is alive. Mom: Exactly, is something else bothering you? Cambree: I just didn't want them to put those nails in his hands. Mom: Oh I know honey, they were so mean to him. That is why we need to be nice to everyone and we need to make sure that when someone is being mean to someone else that we tell them to stop. Can you do that? Can you be my brave girl? Cambree: Yes, I will. Mom: You are the sweetest girl At this point I had tears in my eyes. This conversation went on for about 15 minutes. It was amazing to hear the love that my 4 nearly 5 year old daughter has for our Savior. It was such a testimony builder to me to see the Crucifixion through her eyes. If only everyone in the world could have this realization. I am sure there are adults that haven't put as much thought into it as she has. She is wise beyond her years and teaches us everyday. I am so thankful for her and to watch as her little testimony continues to grow and nourish. I just pray that I am doing what I need to be doing and teaching her in the way that is pleasing to our Heavenly Father.

In a Funk

Do you ever feel like you are in a funk? I have felt this way for quite sometime now. I am not quite sure why. I think it may have something to do with this being the month of all the craziness that occured 5 years ago. I always seem to remember day by day what occurred. I dont try to, I just do. I asked Ben if he does and he said no, maybe it is just a girl thing. Or maybe when your life is nearly taken you dont forget that very easily. This time of year just reminds me of all that I have been through. I am so grateful for where I am, but yet at this point I just thought maybe things would be a bit different. My baby is nearly 5 and I cant quite get a handle on that. I love watching her grow and see who she is becoming, but I hate that she is growing up. I can hardly find the motivation to exercise anymore. I was doing so well with P90X and now I just cant seem to have a desire. Granted I still exercise at least twice a week, but it used to be 4-5 and I know I need to get back to that. I guess since Feb. of last year when I decided to start doing a more extensive workout I felt like I would see changes in my CF. I have definitely seen changes physically, but not with my CF. I felt like I received so many answers from the Lord back in Feb. of 08 and yet none of those answers seem to be happening. I know I need to be patient. My time and His time are completely different, I just get frustrated and feel as if my faith must definitely be lacking. I dont question the Lord, I question myself. I know I am just rambling now, but I just have so many things going through my mind. I see so many around me having babies and/or being pregnant and I am so happy for them and I just want to be able to do that for myself again without risking my health or my life. Then I see others that arent even able to have their own and I feel so ungrateful that I am not just satisfied with my beautiful baby girl. I know that I am so blessed. Sometimes I look at my life, I look at Ben and Cambree and I think what on earth more do I need. I have a wonderful loving and caring husband and a beautiful daughter and my CF really hasnt progressed in quite sometime. I am truly a blessed person so why am I in a funk? I really wish I knew how to get out of it.

Oh Cambree

This post is totally dedicated to my beautiful daughter Cambree and the craziness that is her. Everyday is something new with her. Here are a few things that she has said and or done over the past little while. The cutting her hair incident. Ben and I just recently talked about how Cambree has never cut her hair and that she is probably past that point. We were sorely mistaken. The night before we were going to Cancun Cambree was making pictures and got the scissors out which she often does. Cambree: mom, my hair is getting long. Mom: yeah it is getting long (without looking) Cambree: Look mom Cambree is holding a big chunk of hair in her hands Mom: (trying not to laugh) oh that's good I didnt even raise my voice to her and she begins sobbing hysterically. I think she realized what she had done. I had Ben call his cousin to see if she could fix it before we left but she didnt have her scissors with her so my dad was going to take her the next day. Ben explained what we wanted done with it, but I think its hard to explain over the phone and not being there to tell someone. Needless to say there was miscommunication and Cambree's hair is now very short. When I talked to her on the phone she said "it looks like a boy" I think we have told her how cute it is that she is okay with it now, but I am pretty sure she will never be cutting her own hair again. I made her hold her hair for a pic, this was after all the tears were shed. Isnt she stinkin adorable? I look at these pics and really miss her beautiful hair. Here is another funny from her: while in the tub rubbing a loofa on her arm Cambree: "mom, this smooth away is amazing. I dont have any hair on my arms anymore." If any of you have seen the infomercial for smooth away you know what this is. I was shocked that she was so aware. I really need to be careful about commercials and everything with her. She is so observant. Just yesterday Cambree was with my mom and some lady asked her what her name was Cambree: "my name is Cambree, but I wish it were Gabriella." Cambree is obsessed with High School Musical these days. I refuse to ever call her Gabriella. A few months ago our friends Karole and KC were out here with their 2 little boys Braxton and Isaac. We went over to visit with them and let the kids play. When we left Cambree kissed Braxton on the cheek. I reminded her of our no kissing until 20 rule and she laughed. When we got out in the car I said, "Cambree you know you arent supposed to kiss, right?" Cambree: "Well mom you know when Braxton and I are 20 I am sure we will be kissing." Oh boy what do I have to look forward to with this one? And last but certainly not least while learning about the letter X teacher: the letter x doesnt start with very many words, x-ray, xylophone, but it is at the end of a lot of words like box and fox. Cambree turns to my cousins kids, "and the word sex, (turning to mrs. king) right? the word sex ends with x" teacher: yes Cambree that does end with x but we arent going to talk about that right now. When I heard this story I was horrified. I have no idea where she heard it although I am sure it came from tv, not that I let her watch what I watch but I am sure it has been said when I thought she wasnt around, who knows. I felt like the worst mom. Its one of those stories or jokes that you hear that you really never actually hear happen first hand.

I've seen better days...

I often think of that song when I am having a bad day or something, but in this case, I am currently in the hospital. There is a whole back story to it, but on a positive note I just wanted to share some pictures from my amazing vacation. Ben and I very last minute, within two weeks went to Cancun with my brother Spencer and his wife. I am so glad we did. It was such an amazing experience. I am actually counting this for my list of things to do before I am 30 I didnt get to Italy, but Cancun was the next best thing and I left the country which I have never done before. I got a Visa in 12 days, thank goodness. I was so nervous that it wouldnt be here in time but thankfully it was. We headed to Cancun on Friday Feb. 27th. We got a call at 5 that morning telling us our flight was delayed 1 1/2 hrs and that we would miss our connecting flight in Arizona but that they were working on figuring it out. This of course made me a bit nervous so I got on line and called the 800 number to the airline and sure enough all things said the same thing. We headed to the airport about 2 hrs later than we were going to and thought all was well. When we went to check in the man at the desk said "oh, your flight is delayed and you are going to miss your connecting flight" Us: " yes we had a call telling us our flight was delayed." Man: "you never listen to those things" Us: "then why do you even call?" Man: "well if you would have been here on time we could have got you on a different flight." this proceeded to go on for about 30 min with the man telling us we werent going to get to Cancun until Saturday, my husband was irrate to say the least. Fortunately after much searching they were able to get us on a contintental flight and then a connecting flight with Delta. We were only a few hours later than we should have been so that was good. It was a long day however. When we got to our hotel my awesome brother (spencer) and sis in law (abby) were there to greet us. It was so good to see familiar faces in a foreign land. You could tell you werent in America anymore as soon as you got off the plane. The smell is just different. I dont mean that in a rude way, its just different. Spencer had booked us a trip to chitzanitza for that next morning. At this point I was so exhausted I was a little nervous because we had to leave so early. We got up to our room and got to bed around 12:30 around 3:30 I woke up and was coughing up a little bit of blood. I couldnt believe it. I was a little nervous. I mean really, what do you do in Mexico when you cough up blood? Luckily, we were able to get our tour changed until Monday and I was still able to do everything that we wanted to do without any further complications. The Lord truly blessed me to be able to go and do what we wanted to do and I am grateful for that. Chitzanitza After dinner at Chitzanetza Ben modeling

All of us on our sail boat, this could have been my most favorite thing. Cruising the ocean in a sail boat, what is better than that?

After snorkling

Ben and I on our way back from the island of women where we went snorkeling, that was quite an event in and of itself.

The Sunset

Not all its cracked up to be

Well I did it, I went skiing. Lets just say it may be the first and last time. Has anyone ever heard of a bunny hill? Yeah, well, that would have been nice to start off on. However, we go up some large ski lift, which by the way I am terrified of. I am scared of the skyride over lagoon. Let alone having five pound weights dangling off each foot. So during my terrified moments I am not even thinking that I have to ski down this long terrain that has taken at least 10 minutes to get to the top of. We get to the top and I start to go. I am doing pretty good. I then start to pick up speed and my mind goes completely crazy. I forget everything that Ben has told me. I lean back and start to go like a rocket. Then I fall on my back, which has a backpack filled with a 5 lb tank of 02 strapped to me. Not a great feeling. I ski some more doing pretty good and then we come to the point where the circles meet the squares. Those that are familiar with skiing will understand that circles mean beginner and squares mean intermediate. Are you kidding me? You want me to ski down that? Ben tells me to ski across the mountain, yeah easy for you to say you have been skiing more than one time. In my mind gravity and skiing sideways dont really mesh well. There came a point where I started going out of control and Ben literally tackled me to stop me. Needless to say almost 200 lbs landing right on your thigh doesnt feel too good. So after nearly 2 hours of this joyful run down the mountain, yes 2 hrs on one run, we made it back to a part that was nearly flat. I had one more ginormous spill where I thought I popped my hip out of socket and tore something in my knee. Luckily I did not. I then began to ski at a proper speed without any traumatic repercussions. Then came the tow rope. Oh the tow rope, what a fascinating device. Tell me how does one walk up to the tow rope with 3 foot slides on your feet. You cant really expect me to go upwards. I just continued to glide back and forth as if on the nordic track. So Bens cousins friend (Chip) who was thankfully there to help our daughter down this dreadful mountain pushed me up to the tow rope while others pulled. It was a hideous sight. Chip headed up and I was to follow close behind. They kept telling me to get on the red mark. I kept sliding down and was so worried about my positioning that I missed the first tow, so then I'm continuing to get situated whilst the second tow comes and scoops me up from behind taking my legs up over my head. I am sure it was a beautiful sight. It was definitely something Ben wishes he had the camera out for. Some generous guy then offered to hold my poles for me. They stopped the tow rope and let me grab hold. Wow, what a ride that was. So it nearly took 3 hrs to do one run, what a great day. Cambree and I were spent by this time so Ben went to go ski with the guys. All in all it was very eventful. I went home and by the end of the night had such severe arthritis that night and the next day that I am thinking maybe skiing isnt for me. Thanks Chip for all your help with Cambree and myself and thanks Shane and Kacey for the tickets. The good news is I did it and I could do it. This to me is such an amazing thing to be able to say that I was able to do. I would have never guessed that I could do this even a year ago so it is a major accomplishment in my eyes. So although skiing wasnt the greatest experience the lord has truly blessed me. Me at the end of the run What a trip that was. When we were all finished.