Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Birthday MOM! She turns 60 today and I wanted to dedicate this post to her. So here are some messages from her 5 kids, 3 son-in-laws, and 13 grandkids! We are going to present it to her tonight at her b-day party, on the TV (if dad hooks it up for us!) Can't wait!

 

Connie Haddon, Rick Haddon

 

 

BROWN FAMILY

 

From Krystal:

Happy Birthday to my wonderful mother! I am so grateful to have been born into your home and been taught by your example. We were taught in the morning as children with things like Devotional that showed us the importance of scriptures and prayer and church songs. We were also taught by the things you didn't say out loud, but did everyday. Our home was clean and dinner was always a family event. I appreciate the structure you offered with chores and homework, and I even more enjoyed the unstructured time. When you would play Barbies with me, or do rock and sing on the rocking loveseat. I learned so many Hymns and primary songs, and I love them. We sang the fun songs, too and they made lasting memories. You made lunch for our Dad every morning and kissed him openly in front of us when he would come home. We knew how important your celestial marriage is to you. At Christmas you always had things made near the doorway to give away as reciprocal presents when gifts arrived to our family. I thought that was so great! Your hands are always busy in doing or making good things. As an adult you have become more than just my mother, who helps watch my children and offers wisdom when I need it, you are a beloved friend. I am glad you have learned so much about health, and hope it affords you many many healthy years with Daddy and with us and your grandchildren. I love you so much! I am proud to be your daughter and hope your Birthday and the coming year are incredible!!

love, Krystal

 

 

From Tyson:

Have a wonderful Birthday Grandma! I always have fun on Christmas Eve with all the traditions we do at your house. You are a good example of faith, I will try to be as faithful as you. I love you, and hope you have a great year!

love, Tyson

 

 

From Brayden:

Happy Birthday Grandma!! I hope you have a nice day today. Thanks for all you have done for me. I am always excited when I get to go to Grandma's house, because I love being with my extended family. I really love your cooking. I love you Grandma, Happy Birthday!!!

love, Brayden

 

 

From Alyssa:

Happy Birthday, Grandma!!! I love going to your house whenever I am able to. I think you are the most wonderful grandma in the world! I hope you have a really great birthday! I enjoy making things with you, and playing games with you. I love you!! I enjoy the times you babysit me. I think you are beautiful and I like all of your pretty things.

love, Alyssa

 

 

From Logan:

Happy Birthday Grandma! I like the days you watch me better than the days I go to Buddy Bins. I like playing with you Grandma. I like to hug you. I like taking naps at your house. Thank you for being a nice Grandma. I love you!!!

love, Logan :)

 

BISHOP FAMILY  

 

 

From Sheila:

Mom, Happy Birthday! I hope you have a great one. Thank you for being our rock. You've always been there for us with never ending support. You are a shinning example of what a faithful LDS woman should be, and have been always constant and never wavering. Thank you for your friendship & the understanding advice you've given us over the years. Thank you for everything.
Love Always, Sheila

 

 

From K.J:

Connie, Thank you for being such a good mother in law, for being good to your grand kids, and you've always been there when we needed your help.
Happy Birthday!
Love, KJ

From Kisha:

Grandma, I love to spend time with you! Im grateful for your cooking and for what a great example you are to me. I love our family traditions like pool parties and shares our testimonies on christmas eve. I love you grandma! Happy Birthday!
Love, Kisha

 

From Kyler & Gavin:

Grandma, I like it when you rock & sing with us and read us books. I love going to your pool to swim, to swing on the swings and slide down your slide. It was really fun to slide on the slip and slide this summer.
Happy Birthday!
Love, Kyler & Gavin

 

 

SCOTT

 

From Scott:

Reasons to love mom even more. She is very loving & kind mother. The great love for the gospel that mom has expressed and shown. A great woman to be around. Happy Birthday Mom!
Love, Scott

 

 

SEAL FAMILY

 

 

From Michelle:

Dear mom, you are one of my greatest friends! You are such a good person; I know that  you love each of your children and grandchildren so much! I appreciate that you invite all of us over on Wednesday's to spend the afternoon with you. I look up to you in many ways. You are such a good example in the gospel, you have a really fun personality, you love dad so much and plan such fun dates and trips, concerts, plays and festivals with him. You raised us each so well, and it's because you cared so much and worked so hard with us while we were children. Thank you for all of the times you have been there for me when I have needed you. And thank you for being such a giving person. I love you so incredibly much!

Love, Michelle

 

 

From Justin:

Happy Birthday Connie! I'm sorry that I had to work during your party. I hope you enjoy the chocolate cake that Caleb made you. Thanks for hosting so many wonderful family get togethers! And thank you for all of the ways you helped Michelle while she was so sick. I know it wasn't easy, but it was so nice to have some help. You've been a great mother-in-law.

Love, Justin

 

 

From Caleb:

I love that you invite me to your house and I get to play with the other grandkids. I am sad when I can't come on Wednesday's because of school. I remember when you would come to my house, sit me on your lap and sing songs that you made up about my favorite stuffed animals. I really love you Gromma!

Love, Caleb

 

 

KIEPER FAMILY

 

From Cindy:

"Mom has influenced my life in every way. Because of her, I am raising my children in the gospel. Because of her, I have a true testimony of the church, of our prophet, of the Book of Mormon, and of the atonement of Jesus Christ. I admire her relationship with the Savior, and don't know anyone else with such great gifts of inspiration and revelation. I also appreciate how much she cares about my family and my children. She is so sweet with my kids; I want to be a cute grandma just like her. Love you, Mom!"

Love, Cindy

 

 

From Joel:

"I love that Mom cares about all of us and wants to be involved in our lives. I enjoy seeing her and like knowing that she wants to see us."

Love, Joel

 

 

From Ethan: 

"I love Grandma because she tickles me and she makes me like a bell and she loves me. "

Love, Ethan

 

 

From Cassidy:

"I love grandma because she is so special. She loves to play the Castle with me. I love you so much, Grandma. Happy Birthday!"

Love, Cassidy

 

 

Alexa loves to give grandma kisses. 
"MWAAAAAH!"

 

HAPPY 60th Momma! We Love You!!!

A Few Simple Highlights

Caleb played his first season of soccer this year. I am sad to say (especially for Justin's sake) that he didn't like it much. For 4 weeks, he had two games and one practice per week. That's a lot for such little kids! There is a happy ending though.....after the last game, Caleb asked when the next soccer season starts! I think he finally started feeling more confident playing, and he decided he likes it afterall!

 

Needless to say, my soccer husband is happy now. 

And I was extremely happy when Caleb took 2nd palace at a kids race at the Woods Cross Track and XC alumni races yesterday. If Caleb chooses track as one of his sports, I will be elated. (Sorry, no pic. I took video only.)

 

 

This picture was taken on a fun hike/walk we took around mirror lake. We went with Alison (g-ma), Paulette & Doug (bro & sis in-law) and the kids. 

 

Oh yeah, this was another small hike we did before we got to mirror lake.
Such a fun time.

A couple other things I'm up to....

In September, I started watching a little boy that's almost 4 years old.  He's a really calm and sweet kid, and it has been really fun. He and Caleb have totally different personalities, but they get along well. Their size difference  and big blue eyes make them look they are brothers when we go out.

A blonde and a redhead. Cute!

 

I am helping out in Caleb's kindergarten class every other week, and spying on him to make sure he is being good. My favorite thing that I've seen so far is that he already has the pledge of allegiance memorized! Whattttttt? Little smartie.

Happy B.day Dad!

Happy Birthday to my dad tomorrow! He is turning 61, and I am taking Caleb to his birthday party tonight. (Justin is staying home because he pulled his back out yesterday and can't move too much yet).

These pictures were taken on my dad's 60th birthday last year.

They somehow never made it to the blog yet!
 

Some of the things I love most about my dad are that he is kind, soft-spoken, a good listener, a caring person, and consistently there when you need him. I try to sneak in a conversation with him when he answers the phone, even if I called to talk to my mom. And he doesn't get upset if I bug him with one of my problems when he's at work either!

 

 

A few of my favorite things I've done with my dad are:

 

 

"Dissy way, Daddy Way" when I was really, really small. Also walking on the ceiling and being a "big sack of sugar!!!" while flung over his shoulder.

 

Singing a duet with him in sacrament meeting when I was about 7 or 8.

So cute.
 

Having him come to my track meets in highschool to cheer for me. He had to take off work early, which he doesn't normally do.

 

 

The way he has bonded with my husband, over their commonalities with their careers.
 

 

The way he loves my mom, and is a good example for how to love.
 

All of the blessings, love, and support he has given me these last few years.

I love you dad, from the bottom of my heart!
 

 

Hope your birthday is great!

Kindergarten Caleb

Caleb's first day of Kindergarten was on Thursday, September 6. He is in the afternoon class of Mrs. Lougy, who won the Teacher of The Year Award last year. Sweet!

Did this monumental day seem like a bigger deal to me or Caleb?

Mmmmm, I'm going to go with me.

 

It hit when preschool got over in the beginning of the summer, the realization that my baby would be going to big boy school. I had some emotional moments, but as summer went on, the sad emotions turned to excited ones.

It was quite a fight to get Caleb to even get his pictures taken so a crooked smile and no eye contact will do.

(With his friend and classmate Spencer)

 

I felt totally fine until this point, when Mrs. Lougy told the kids to say "Bye Mommy and Daddy!" The way Caleb said it was so sweet, and unexpected tears sprung to my eyes. And off they went!

I told Justin as we walked back to the car that I was surprised I teared up.
He said he wasn't!

Guess he's a big boy now. (Sob!)

LATELY

Caleb just finished a course of 10 days of swimming lessons. We signed him up the day after we got home from Snowbird, where he sat on the steps at the pool the whole time. He really enjoys swimming as long as he can touch the bottom of the pool, which made this pool the perfect place for lessons. (Minus that it was indoor which bummed me out).

Caleb did great and absolutely loved it. And a class of all boys too!

On Monday afternoon, I went to get the mail and along with it I found the cutest card made by Caleb for Cindy, our mail lady (whom we adore!). It was colored, stapled and simply adorable! It even said "To Cindy, From Caleb" and had a large print "Thank You" message. The funny thing is, I had no clue about it! When I brought it in the house and asked Caleb about it, he yelled "That's for Cindy!" He grabbed it and ran it back out to the mailbox. Come to find out the kids made these cards in primary!  I also found out we had a mail sub that day  because Cindy's dog had died. So Caleb made her day when she was feeling sad the next day! Here is a note we found in our mailbox a few days later...

Cindy said she had to write "balloons" b/c her husband said they looked like little "spermies", lol.

Justin has been taking Caleb on early Saturday morning daddy outings, so cute. The last two weeks  included Ensign Peak and the South Jordan Hot Air Balloon fest.

 Last week when my neice Maddie was over, Caleb wanted to make a hat like the one he saw in his Curious George show. He tried to explain to us how to make it, and we were really confused because it was so detailed. After a failed attempt, we pulled up his show online so we could see it, and about an hour after we started, we had this (see below). Then Caleb decided he wanted to sell the first hat we made for 25 cents. So we wrote the price on it and he put it on our porch. Later, there was a knock on the door, a quarter on the porch and no hat! Caleb was elated!

(Great idea Maddie, thanks!)

On my baby sis's birthday, she invited us all to her house for Karaoke and cake. Look at my cute parents singing! But really I wanted to post this pic because I'm glad I got my older brother Scott in it. Just wanted to say what a nice guy he is and how much I love him. He is always the fun one with all of the kids, and baby Alexa (Cindy's) will go to him over anyone else. He is almost always holding her.

Seriously, just a sweet, sweet guy.

And a few more pics from Snowbird that I found on the camera that wasn't working for a bit. 

When we came out of the Canyon, we were dazzled by the most beautiful sunset.

Beeeautiful!

Last Weekend: Snowbird Family Reunion

Every year, Justin's moms side of the family goes up to Snowbird for a family reunion for the whole weekend. We usually only go up for a day or two, but we have a good time! I don't think our pictures going up the mountain on the tram stood a chance to turn out non-fuzzy with the speed we are moving, but I like them anyway so here they are.. (Thanks Aze and Chris for taking them).

Caleb with his cutie cousin Gus.

 Atop the mountain, it was beautiful!

Back at the lodge. We spend a lot of time visiting with family there too.

See you next year Snowbird!

SEALed with a Kiss

Our camera broke a few weeks ago, so I don't really have pictures to share this time (besides a couple of oldies). So I hope I can make this post interesting anyway.

First, a couple cute things Caleb has said lately...

"Mommy, what's more 'portant for us...Jesus or Water?" Wow, where does he come up with these things?

Caleb: "Why don't some people have any kids or babies?"
Me: "Well, who are you talking about?"
Caleb: "Like Teacher Joy??" (His preschool teacher who is a grandma)


Now, a few things we have going on...

Sealed with a Kiss: July 7, 2004

Justin and I recentlly celebrated our 8th Anniversary! We went to the Park City Marriott and had a great time shopping, eating out and just being together. I didn't get around to the awesome blog post I was planning to write about our marriage, but that's okay. True love doesn't have to be proved to anyone. I love sharing my life with my best friend!

Justin:     Work and family, you know the usual. But have you seen his hair lately? I talked him in to growing it out a little and it looks awesome! Can I tell you how much I love his curls? I'll have to post a pic soon. My sister just gave me her old camera. :)


Me:         I am going to be starting a new therapy this week, in hopes to get the rest of my health back. Justin read an article about a month ago about a therapy that helps all types of autoimmune diseases, and he told me about it. This last month I have been reading a lot about it and getting excited because my husband supports me in trying it although it's quite expensive. The therapists that provide it are in the U.K. or Mexico! Anyway, the therapy is a probiotic patch I will put on my arm, which is supposed to provide the means to calm down my immune system so it doesn't overreact to everything. It Includes 3 years of follow up product and over the phone assistance. They have 80% success rate within 4-6 months with issues exactly like my own. It's near impossible to find stats that high with any medicine or therapy! Anyway, I am feeling hopeful and excited. Here's to hoping that I can eat my families delicious Christmas dinner this winter without getting sick???!!!

I am also excited about this upcoming new begninning...Kindergarten for Caleb, in just over a month!

Summer Fun

Justin's super-busy time of year at work is March- mid June. His hours are so long and his days so stressful that when things slow down in June, he wants to take days off to spend time with his family! He has taken several days off in the last few weeks, and we have all loved it. Here are a couple of the things we have done together. 

 We went on a short hike in the canyon to this cute little waterfall. Caleb loved it. And Justin took a bunch of pictures.

 He put this one on as his phones wallpaper.

 

Justin wanted to take a pic of me next to this danger sign. I used to be a thrill seeker, but this is as dangerous as I get anymore. Life is too precious, and I've realized that I'm not invincible!

The following weekend, we went to the Kennecott Copper Mine. I hadn't been since I was a kid, so I'm glad Justin talked me into it. Look how HUGE the tires on the mining trucks are! Can you even see Caleb next to it?

In case you were wondering what interesting animals have been hanging around our place THIS week, here they are. Newly hatched birdies, huddled in the space between our pillar and our roof, right where their mom built her nest. We get to hear the cutest little chirps all day long!

A Phenomenal Father

This is a typical scene in our home. These two are always bonding in one way or another. It probably wasn't the nicest of me to sneak in and snap a pic of Caleb and daddy while they were eating breakfast, but sometimes you've gotta get some candids! So minus the chewing faces (still cute in my opinion), look how sweet they look in their matching Father's Day attire! We gifted the ties to Justin last night, because it was killing Caleb not to tell him what we got for him. But let's be real, I'm probably the only one who got really excited about the ties. (Maybe too excited as you will see in the pic below where I matched their blue and black at church today too!)

ALL ABOUT MY DAD

By Caleb Seal

(Filled out in primary, where I was subbing in his class)

My dad is 34 years old.

Caleb was the only kid that knew the correct answer to this question. He could also tell you how old I am too.

My dad was born in our house.

Of  course he was, haha! We are always telling him that daddy has lived in this house since he was born.

My dad's favorite color is red.

That's a pretty good guess, since he's a big U fan, but I'm going to ask Justin b/c I don't think I know!

My dad always says "C'mon Bud!"

Very true, Justin takes Caleb pretty much everywhere he goes, even to his own dentist appointments!

My dad's job is working on the door.

Justin has been fixing a bunch of doors in our house lately, so since Caleb has no clue what daddy really does for work, he thought of the work he has been seeing daddy do this weekend.  

The first thing my dad does in the morning is get dressed.

That's silly! Why do you get dressed before you shower Justin??

My dad laughs when I make funny faces.

Yes, that, and all of the funny things that he says. Which I inevitably repeat in case Justin missed it.

My dads favorite food is sandwiches.

I was thinking he'd say pizza, but ham and cheese sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches, and the occasional PB&J all with a side of chips seem to be some favorites too.

I love my dad because he takes me places.

True, like when I woke up from an indulgent Sunday nap this afternoon to find they rode their bikes to the park, where they were hanging out and looking at bugs.

No kidding, Justin is an absolute PHENOMENAL father.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY!

Birds, Doctors, and Girlfriends! OH MY!

First, a few pics from Caleb's last day of preschool.

They had a field trip to Tracy Aviary.

I was in charge of these two cuties. Our neighbor Davis is one of Caleb's best friends, and they look like they could be brothers.
(Or on this day, ironically like twins!)

 A few of his besties...

 

Apparently "CHEESE" isn't the best word to say anymore.

 

Sadly, Caleb got extremely sick on his preschool graduation day, and he ended up with an IV instead of a diploma that day. But look what a good sport he was. (After he got some electrolites back!)

The other day, Caleb told me that Miranda (the girl next door) is his "girlfriend."

So yesterday, they were wearing twinner outfits (ironic!) and I asked him who his girlfriend is, because I felt she deserved to know.

 He exclaimed "Miranda!" and she grinned from ear to ear.

She obviously has no problems with that, so I called her

 mom so we could laugh about the news.